Let me guess—you’re newly engaged and you’re really starting to wonder if a big wedding is for you? On one hand, you want alllll your family there, but on the other hand, this shouldn’t be a day full of cookie-cutter timelines. Maybe you’ve seen stunning photos of couples saying their vows on mountaintops or sharing a quiet first dance under the stars, and it got you thinking: Should we elope?

If that’s where your head (and heart) are at right now, you’re not alone. More and more couples are stepping away from the big production and choosing something more intentional: an elopement. But how do you know if eloping is right for you?

As someone who photographs intentional elopement experiences in the Canadian Rockies, I’ve had countless conversations with couples wondering this exact thing. Let’s walk through it together, because at the end of the day, your wedding should feel like you—not just something you’re checking off a list.

What is an elopement (and what it’s not)?

First, let’s clear something up: eloping doesn’t mean sneaking off to Vegas in the middle of the night (unless that’s your vibe, than hey—go for it!).

Elopements today are about stripping away the pressure and noise and focusing on what matters most: the two of you, your connection, and your story. It’s choosing to have an intentional day that reflects your relationship, whether that’s hiking to a mountaintop or sharing your vows lakeside in Banff.

So no, it’s not “less than” a traditional wedding—it’s just different. And sometimes, different is exactly what your heart is craving.

Picture this: you wake up slowly, sipping coffee in a cozy mountain Airbnb. You help each other get ready, maybe write your vows in a quiet moment. Then, with just the mountains as your witnesses, you say “I do” in a spot that takes your breath away.

Later, you toast champagne, eat your favourite meal, and cozy up under the stars. No timelines. No pressure. Just love.

Unlike traditional weddings—where it’s difficult to stay present and the day can feel like a blur of timelines, distractions, and emotions happening at lightning speed—elopements move differently. They're slower paced, deeply intentional, and emotionally rich. You have time to actually feel the weight and meaning of your vows, to soak in the moment, and to truly connect with your partner without being pulled in a dozen different directions. It’s not just about what happens—it’s about the way it feels.

Sound dreamy? That’s what I help couples plan and capture in the Canadian Rockies.

What’s the difference between a Wedding and an Elopement?

Weddings:

Revolves around guests—managing timelines, seating charts, toasts, and traditions
Unlimited number of guests (often 50–200+)
Pace is fast and structured—your day is scheduled to the minute
Can feel like a performance, with many eyes on you
Often involves formalities and expectations from family
More logistics, more vendors, and more moving parts
May feel like a blur when it’s all over

Elopements:

Revolves around the couple—focusing on what you want and how you want to feel
Typically limited to 20 guests or fewer (many couples elope just the two of them)
Pace is slower, more relaxed, and intentional
Feels more private and emotionally intimate
Freedom to choose activities that reflect your relationship (like hiking, canoeing, or stargazing)
Fewer logistics and more flexibility
Time to really soak in every moment and connect deeply with your partner

Signs you might be an elopement couple

Still unsure? Here are a few signs that you might be the kind of couple who would thrive with an elopement:

You value experiences over tradition. The idea of starting your marriage with an epic memory feels way more meaningful than sticking to outdated expectations. Think a helicopter tour, a canoe trip, or a picnic in the mountains!
You don’t love being the centre of attention. The thought of hundreds of eyes on you during a first dance gives you more nerves than butterflies.
You’re overwhelmed with wedding planning. Guest lists, centrepieces, seating charts... it’s just not your thing.
You want your wedding to be about you two—not everyone else. You crave a day that’s intimate, genuine, and completely stress-free.
You love nature and want your surroundings to be part of your story. (This is a big one for my couples who choose to elope in the Canadian Rockies!)

Questions to ask yourself

Before you start googling “how to plan an elopement,” take a quiet moment and ask:

What do we want to remember most from our wedding day?
Are we doing this for us—or to make other people happy?
What kind of memories do we want to look back on 20 years from now?
If we were to plan the most amazing day, what would that look like?

These questions are powerful because they shift the focus back to you—not Pinterest trends, not your aunt’s expectations, not even the photographer (even though I’d love to be there 😉).

Pros and cons of eloping

Just like any decision, there are pros and cons to eloping:

Pros

Intimacy: You’re truly present with each other—no distractions.
Freedom: Choose your dream location and make the day whatever you want.
Less stress: No endless vendor meetings or seating chart meltdowns.
Budget flexibility: Spend where it matters—like on a photographer who captures the real you.

Cons

Family feelings: Some loved ones might feel left out (there are ways to include them creatively!).
Less traditional: If you’ve dreamed of a grand ballroom reception, eloping might not fully scratch that itch.
Logistics: You’ll still need to do some planning (but with the right people by your side, it’s a breeze).

Common myths about elopements

Let’s bust a few myths, shall we?

“Elopements are selfish.” Nope. Prioritizing your relationship and values is never selfish.
“You can’t include your family.” You can—whether that’s a handful of guests, virtual streaming, or a celebration later.
“It won’t feel like a real wedding.” Trust me: when you’re standing on a cliff in the Rockies reading your vows through tears—it’s realer than anything.