20 Things No One Tells You About Wedding Elopements (But Should)
Eloping isn’t just about running away to get married—it’s about creating a deeply personal, often unconventional celebration that reflects who you are as a couple. But as romantic and spontaneous as it sounds, elopements still come with surprises, logistics, and emotions that no one really talks about. Here are 20 things no one tells you about wedding elopements (but should).
1. You Still Need to Plan (A Lot More Than You Think) An elopement may sound like a stress-free alternative to a big wedding, but it still requires planning. From permits and travel to attire and vendors, details matter—especially if you're eloping in a remote or public location.
2. You Can (and Should) Wear a Veil Just because you're not having a traditional wedding doesn't mean you can't have the full bridal look. A flowing veil adds drama to mountain vistas, city rooftops, and beaches alike—and the photos are breathtaking.
3. Elopements Aren’t Always Cheaper Many couples assume eloping is the budget-friendly route. But costs can add up quickly—travel, luxury accommodations, photography, private dinners, and custom outfits often mean you’re investing differently, not necessarily less.
4. Weather Can Make or Break the Moment When you're eloping outdoors, you're at the mercy of the elements. Wind, rain, heat, and even snow can affect your plans—and your comfort. Always have a plan B, and embrace the adventure if nature decides to crash your wedding.
5. You May Still Want a Photographer (or Videographer) Even if it’s just the two of you, hiring a photographer (and videographer) is a must. These moments are intimate and powerful—you’ll want to relive them, and share them with loved ones later.
6. You’ll Want to Tell the World—Eventually While the elopement is private, many couples choose to announce their marriage with styled photos, announcement cards, or post-elopement celebrations. Think about how you'll share your news and keep loved ones in the loop.
7. A Ceremony Script Still Matters Even without an audience, your vows and ceremony script are important. Writing meaningful vows makes the experience feel real and deeply emotional. Practice reading them aloud to stay grounded in the moment.
8. Permits Are Often Required Many scenic or public locations (think national parks or iconic landmarks) require a permit to hold a ceremony. Skip this, and you might be interrupted or fined. Always do your research in advance.
9. You Might Miss the Crowd More Than Expected Some couples feel a pang of sadness that family and friends aren’t there. That’s totally normal. Consider FaceTiming a loved one before or after, or recording a video message to share later.
10. Your Attire Still Deserves Thought From flowing gowns to tailored suits, what you wear matters. You want to feel like the best version of yourself, and your attire should suit the setting—and pack well if you're traveling.
11. Getting Ready Is Still a Big Deal Even if you’re in a cabin or hotel room instead of a bridal suite, getting ready should feel special. Pop champagne, play music, and soak up those quiet moments before saying "I do."
12. You'll Need Witnesses (Sometimes) Depending on your destination, you may be legally required to have witnesses. Research local laws and arrange in advance—some photographers or officiants can step in if needed.
13. Travel Logistics Can Get Complicated From lost luggage to delayed flights, travel can introduce unexpected stress. Pack key items (like your rings, veil, or vows) in your carry-on, and arrive a day or two early when possible.
14. It Still Feels Like a Wedding Despite the absence of guests, seating charts, or grand receptions, the moment you exchange vows is just as profound. Many couples describe elopements as even more emotional than they expected.
15. You Might Get Emotional Anyway Don't underestimate the feelings. Saying vows in a secluded forest or on a cliff at sunrise can be incredibly moving. Bring tissues. Write vows with intention. Soak in every second.
16. Flexibility Is Your Best Friend Elopements rarely go exactly as planned, and that’s part of their charm. Be open to last-minute changes—whether it’s a new photo spot or a ceremony delay due to weather.
17. A Planner or Coordinator Is Still Helpful Even for two people, a local elopement planner can help handle logistics, permits, timing, and styling. It’s one less thing to worry about, so you can focus on each other.
18. You Might Still Want a Bouquet Fresh flowers add beauty, texture, and personality to your elopement photos. A bouquet or floral hairpiece can transform your look and make you feel more bridal.
19. You Can Celebrate Later—Your Way Many couples follow up their elopement with a post-wedding celebration. It could be a backyard BBQ, formal dinner, or even a destination party months later. There’s no wrong way to do it.
20. You'll Remember Every Second Without the chaos of a big wedding, your elopement is likely to feel slower, quieter, and more intentional. Every laugh, vow, and kiss becomes a vivid memory—one you’ll treasure forever.
Final Thoughts Elopements are beautiful, but they aren't effortless. They take thought, planning, and heart. But for couples seeking intimacy, freedom, and authenticity, there’s nothing quite like exchanging vows in a place that feels like your own secret world.
At Calily Bridal, we believe every bride deserves to feel radiant—whether walking down an aisle or a mountaintop. Explore our handcrafted veils and accessories for your perfect elopement look.
https://calilybridal.com/pages/about-us
