ELOPEMENT PLANNING: The top 5 reasons you should elope

Updated: 20th February 2025

Do you want to have an intimate wedding but worried it wont feel as special as a larger day?

In this handy guide, I’ll help you decide if an elopement is right for you.

Eloping is all about stripping back the stress and expectations of a traditional wedding and focusing on what truly matters—your love story. Whether you want to exchange vows on a dramatic clifftop, in a secluded woodland, or in the heart of a historic city, elopements give you the freedom to create a wedding day that feels authentic, personal, and entirely your own. No pressure, no big production—just the two of you (and maybe a few loved ones), celebrating in a way that feels right.

Beyond the romance and adventure, elopements allow you to invest in the moments that matter most. Without the constraints of a large-scale event, you can focus on meaningful details—whether that’s a handwritten vow exchange, an intimate dinner under the stars, or a wedding location that truly speaks to you. Plus, with fewer logistics to worry about, eloping is often far more relaxed, spontaneous, and budget-friendly. If the idea of a stress-free, deeply personal wedding appeals to you, eloping might just be the perfect choice.

Here’s the top 5 reasons for why you should elope

1. You can experience your day just the two of you

Elopements are deeply intimate, emotional, and meaningful—a true celebration of love without the distractions of a big wedding. At the heart of it all, marriage is about the connection between two people, and eloping allows you to focus entirely on each other. It’s an opportunity to craft a wedding day that reflects who you are as a couple, without the pressures of tradition or expectation. Whether it’s an epic adventure in the Scottish Highlands or a quiet exchange of vows in a secret garden, eloping lets you say “I do” in a way that feels authentic and true to you.

Many couples dream of having everyone they love in one place, but the reality of a traditional wedding is that the day moves fast, and finding time for meaningful moments with each guest can be challenging. Often, couples look back and realize they barely spent any time together amidst the whirlwind of the day. With an elopement, the focus stays on you and your partner—allowing you to be fully present, soak in every second, and start your married life with an incredible shared experience rather than a blur of obligations and expectations.

If you have a free spirit and a love for adventure, a wee wedding or elopement might be the perfect way to celebrate your love. Imagine standing hand in hand, completely lost in the moment, surrounded by breathtaking scenery—with no distractions, just pure connection.

edinburgh elopement photography 35mm film

2. Freedom to Marry Your Way in Scotland

Scotland has long been a destination for those seeking the freedom to marry on their own terms. In the 18th century, couples flocked to Gretna Green to take advantage of Scotland’s relaxed marriage laws, where a simple handfasting ceremony was all it took to declare themselves wed. That freedom still exists today.

Unlike many other places, Scotland allows you to get married almost anywhere—whether it’s your own back garden, atop a misty hill, beside a serene loch, or in a historic ruin. All you need is a registered celebrant, two witnesses, and at least 29 days’ notice of your intent to marry. With no legally defined vows, you can personalize your ceremony to reflect your unique relationship and the meaning of marriage in your own words.

So if a traditional wedding doesn’t feel like you, why not break the mold? Run away together, say your vows somewhere breathtaking, and start your marriage with an unforgettable adventure.

lofoten norway elopement photographer wedding

3. Eloping is Easier, Quicker, and More Flexible

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with an elopement, you can keep things simple and focus on what truly matters—your love and commitment to each other. While traditional weddings often take 12–18 months to plan, most of my elopement couples book me just 3–6 months in advance, meaning you don’t have to wait as long to say “I do.” Plus, eloping is often far more budget-friendly, giving you the freedom to spend on the things that bring you joy, whether that’s a dream destination, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or an incredible photographer to capture it all.

One of the biggest perks of eloping is the flexibility to create a day that feels right for you. Unlike traditional weddings, which often follow a rigid timeline, an elopement allows you to break the rules and have fun. You get to choose a location that speaks to your heart, decide exactly what you want to say to each other, and include the elements that matter most—whether that’s staying in a stunning hotel, hiking to an epic view, or celebrating with a cozy dinner for two. And because elopements are smaller and more intimate, they’re far easier to adjust if plans need to change. In an ever-evolving world, that peace of mind is priceless.

couple have their elopement ceremony in woodlands at glencoe lochan

4. Skip the Guest List & Say Goodbye to Family Drama

Does the idea of ditching the guest list fill you with relief? You’re not alone. Families can be complicated, and planning a wedding often comes with the added stress of seating plans, dietary requirements, and navigating family tensions—not to mention the pressure to invite distant relatives or plus-ones just to keep the peace. With an elopement, you don’t have to worry about any of that. Instead, you can focus entirely on what matters most—your love and your commitment to each other.

Not everyone has a close-knit family, and for some, the drama just isn’t worth it. Your wedding day should be a joyful, stress-free experience, surrounded only by those who fully support and uplift you. And if that means just the two of you? That’s more than enough. If eloping feels right, that’s all the reason you need—because your love story deserves to be celebrated on your terms.

5. Less Stress, More Joy

Many couples choose to elope because they want a wedding day that feels relaxed, stress-free, and truly about them. Planning a big wedding can quickly become overwhelming—not just in the lead-up, but also on the day itself. With so many moving parts, high costs, and the pressure to make everything perfect, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. A wedding should be about joy, love, and celebrating your relationship—not managing timelines, seating charts, and expectations.

Eloping allows you to slow down, be present, and soak in every moment without distraction. If the idea of being the centre of attention makes you anxious, an elopement gives you the freedom to express your emotions in your own way, without the pressure of an audience. You get to be yourself, focus on each other, and create a day that feels effortless, intimate, and completely true to you.

BONUS TIP: PrioritizE Experiences & being eco-friendly

Many couples choose to elope because they value experiences and meaningful moments over material things. While a big wedding can be wonderful, it often comes with huge expenses on details that may not truly matter to you—from elaborate centerpieces to extravagant décor. Eloping allows you to spend your budget more intentionally, investing in a day that feels personal, unforgettable, and deeply meaningful.

Eloping is also a more eco-friendly choice. Think of the carbon footprint of dozens (or even hundreds) of guests traveling, the single-use plastics, excess packaging, and wedding items that are used once and discarded—from favors to décor to outfits that might never be worn again. Instead, an elopement lets you focus on what truly matters: sharing an incredible experience together. Imagine watching the sun set over the mountains, hiking to a breathtaking ceremony spot, or celebrating with a quiet evening under the stars. These are the moments that last a lifetime—without the unnecessary extras.