Back in the day, elopements were seen as quick fixes for getting married. Aspiring couples would run off to marry in secrecy without informing friends or family. However, the wedding industry has evolved drastically, and the concept of elopement has never been trendier than it is today.

How It All Began

Elopement dates back to the fourteenth century. Its origin came from the word ‘aloper’ meaning ‘to leap.’ With time, around the seventeenth century, the concept of the word changed, and following the Great Depression, elopements became very popular. Couples could marry in a timely and straightforward manner despite the scarcity and lack of resources. Elopements have since taken on a completely new meaning and have become a common trend in the United States and, lately, also in Europe.

The Beauty of Eloping

By eloping, couples can now enjoy a more personal, passionate, intimate, and adventurous experience. They can focus more on their love and commitment to one another instead of trying to impress guests.

Unlike traditional weddings, elopements allow couples the luxury of celebrating their wedding just the way they want. There's no pressure to act a certain way or observe tradition. Everything can be planned out just the way you and your partner want. So, if your dream is to take your vows at the top of a mountain at night or in the middle of the desert, an elopement is going to be the answer.

Additionally, elopement helps couples cut down on wedding expenses while having twice as much fun! An elopement can easily become one of your greatest life adventures, but it’s not for everyone. As wedding planners, our first interest is to meet our couples’ expectations, and here we have collected some pros and cons you might want to consider if you're contemplating an elopement in Europe.

PRO: Your day will focus 100% on you and your partner

Your elopement in Europe will be your opportunity to make it 100% about you and your relationship. You can share a range of experiences that both of you will cherish forever. Your day will be unique and free of distractions. It’s the one special day of your life and we intend to make every bit of it a fantastic experience!

CON: No gifts to open on your wedding night

You'll have a whole lot of fun on your elopement adventure in Europe, so much so that you might forget what planet you're on. However, you may not be receiving any gifts on your wedding night (especially if you did not invite any close friends or family, or at least inform them).

PRO: You won't break the bank

There’ll be expenses to cater for, but compared to a traditional wedding, you'll be looking at a quarter of the budget or half at most. In 2021, the average cost for a standard wedding was around $40,000 (that includes the engagement ring, the reception, and the actual ceremony).

Imagine budgeting that amount when organizing your elopement package in Europe. Think of all the crazy, wild, and intimate adventures you can go on with your soon-to-be wife or husband and still save money!

CON: Your dress might get dirty

Well, you can get dirty... really dirty! If you're planning an adventure elopement in Europe, even if it's on marbled ice, just prepare a part of your heart for getting dirty because chances are it’s going to happen! But if you're in it for the adventure, this shouldn’t be a problem as it all comes with the package and will look great in the pictures… Just make sure to take some clean shots before stepping into the wild!

Elopement in Scotland - Firefly & Embers Photography

PRO: You can turn your elopement into an adventurous honeymoon

You can step your elopement in Europe up a notch to make it the best trip of your life. You can plan a beautiful honeymoon alongside your elopement package in Europe. Don’t be in a hurry to run back home; stay around a while, enjoy your chosen destination, explore, and celebrate your newly married life with the love of your life.

CON: Some individuals might judge you (that includes family and friends)

Not everyone might take your idea well. They might be quick to pass judgment on you and your spouse. You need to develop thick skin! Some of your friends and family with more old-school values and traditions might find the whole idea of eloping disrespectful (especially if you don’t plan on bringing anybody along).

You might get your fair share of side-eye.

Elopement in Italy - Margherita Calati Photography

PRO: Reduce wedding planning

You will save yourself a lot of the time, energy, and resources that are often accompanied with traditional wedding planning if you choose to elope in Europe. In fact, with the help of an experienced planner, you can even skip all the brain work completely while you rest and pamper each other enough in preparation for your big day.

CON: You might miss and wish some of your loved ones on your elopement day

This might be what you will miss the most if you elope. But you can also plan your elopement with your close friends and family. Some elopement ceremonies take as many as fifteen to twenty guests.

Elopement in Spain - Emily Kidd Photography

Conclusion

Whatever decision you end up making, whether a big bash or an intimate ceremony in the middle of the desert, make sure it's what you, as a couple, really want. Your wedding is about celebrating the love and commitment between you and your partner. That’s the only experience that matters.

As wedding planners, we know traditional weddings don’t work for all couples, and that’s okay. That’s why we have created Somewhere Crazy, and we offer elopement packages all over Europe. And if you’re budget-conscious, we recommend reading also our article on the cheapest places to elope in Europe. Have a look at all our destinations and get in touch with us! We can’t wait to hear from you and start organizing the biggest adventure of your life!