THE MOST IMPORTANT REASONS YOU SHOULD ELOPE
Blog - Elopement advice
I’ve come to find countless reasons to elope, and my hope is that by sharing them here, you’ll discover how avoiding a traditional wedding can let you focus on what really matters.
When I first came across a “reasons to elope” blog post, I felt a bit annoyed. The reasons listed were almost entirely about external factors—like cost or convenience—without really touching on what truly matters: the meaning and intimacy behind an elopement.
At that time, I realized so many wedding traditions are designed for a traditional wedding day focused on entertaining family members, but few guides highlighted genuine reasons to elope—like avoiding unnecessary family drama and crafting a more romantic wedding that reflects your true connection.
That’s why I decided to write this post. I believe couples deserve to know the real reasons why an elopement can be so profound and transformative. But before we dive into the deeper stuff—like connection, intentionality, and making the day your own—let’s clear up one important question: What is an elopement wedding?
Why This “Reasons to Elope” Post Is Different
Updated February 14th, 2025.
read more
Traditionally, eloping meant running away to get married in secret. Over the years, the definition has evolved. Today, an elopement wedding is seen as a more relaxed, simple, and genuine way of tying the knot, often just the couple or a small group of their closest friends and family. Gone are the days of large crowds, high stress, and strict traditions. Instead, an elopement focuses on celebrating love and commitment in a deeply personal way.
This focus on simplicity and togetherness is one of the best reasons to elope, especially if a big wedding sounds overwhelming.
Compared to a traditional big wedding, elopements put the spotlight on the two of you—and that’s what makes them so meaningful. The end result is still a marriage, but the journey and experience are entirely different.
On your wedding day, you deserve to feel free of expectations—just imagine skipping a huge bridal party and instead having an elopement photographer capture intimate, meaningful moments.
That sense of closeness is why so many couples choose these destination weddings, whether they want amazing photos in nature or simply the tranquility that comes with fewer family members.
But first, What is an elopement wedding?
Making your own traditions
why you should elope
Elopements are intentionally small, intimate, and meaningful wedding experiences that truly reflect your relationship and where the day's focus is about you two.
Focus on what’s most important to you and how you would like to mark the commitment you are about to make.
It’s true that eloping often cuts out a lot of traditional wedding stress—like giant guest lists, seating charts, and elaborate décor. But that doesn’t mean you should treat your elopement like a drive-through wedding. What makes eloping special is intentionality: choosing a meaningful location, planning activities that truly reflect your personalities, and crafting a day that allows you to soak in every emotion without distraction.
If you rush through the process just because you want to “keep things simple,” you might miss out on the deeper connection and sense of purpose that an elopement can provide. Putting thought into your day—from the vows you write to the setting you select—transforms an ordinary ceremony into a life-changing experience. In other words, an elopement can be straightforward without feeling shallow. The fewer moving parts just give you space to focus on what really matters: the bond you share and the memories you’ll create together.
Why Eloping Shouldn’t Be Too Easy or Simple
Why You Should Elope: 7 Deeply Personal Reasons
After creating images for 200+ couples:
Best reasons to elope
Even with a smaller ceremony, you can still exchange personal vows, incorporate rituals, or choose a breathtaking location. Eloping gives you the space to slow down and truly celebrate your connection without being rushed along by a tightly packed schedule. It’s about creating memories that resonate deeply with who you are as a couple.
3. You want to Experience a more meaningful way to marry
With big traditional weddings, there's a risk that the whole wedding feels more like a show or party than a meaningful commitment between the you two. With eloping though, you'll make a statement that there's nothing more important your love and commitment. It's the perfect way of saying, hey love, I value our relationship so much that I want you to be my centre of attention on our wedding day.
2. Your Love and Commitment Deserve Center Stage
Being fully present is really difficult but also highly rewarding for your relationship. It is one of the most apparent reasons to elope, but it's often overlooked. By eloping, you don't have the external pressure to do things "their way," which leads to being more in the moment for your loved one. And in the end, it will give you a better and more meaningful experience of getting married.
1. You want to truly present and in the moment on your wedding day
7. You’re Drawn to the Magic of the rural locations
Sometimes, the easiest option—getting married in your hometown—simply doesn’t feel like you. If you’re craving wide-open landscapes, Northern Lights, majestic fjords, or snow-covered forests, consider taking your vows in the remote, mystical corners of the North. For nature lovers, there’s no better backdrop than these pristine settings to make your commitment feel both personal and profound. It this feels like you, check out Norway.
6. You know that time spent well is the most precious thing we have
Why spend a fortune on a massive venue and hundreds of meals when you could invest in an unforgettable adventure? Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, exploring glacier lagoons in Iceland, or hiking scenic fjords in Norway, an elopement can double as a honeymoon. You get to focus your resources on creating priceless memories in a location you both love.
5. You’d Rather Have a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip
Maybe saying your own vows in front of a lot of guests doesn't feel very genuine for you. Maybe you don't want to think about if everyone else wants to hike a few miles to your perfect elopement spot. Or maybe you just don't want to share the intimacy of your ceremony moment with everyone, because you know that it won't be the same that way.
4. You feel that to truly experience your commitment the right way
Life can be very uncertain and fragile. At the end, the most important thing we have is time well spent. The time spent together doing something meaningful and extraordinary will never feel insignificant.
fun facts & deep thoughts
how i shoot
my work
get to know me
Hey, I’m Jaakko. A few years ago, my wife and I had a pretty traditional wedding. At the time, it felt like the right choice—but we had no idea how emotional (and overwhelming) the day would be. We often found ourselves worrying about everyone else, and we were too self-conscious to fully enjoy the moment.
If I had known more about the reasons to elope, I might have sought an elopement photographer to capture a smaller, more meaningful wedding day—a celebration without any distractions.
In hindsight, we realize that because we value experiences more than formalities, we might have loved an elopement. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping couples understand they can create a day entirely about their love. You don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules if they don’t align with who you are.
Whether you prefer an intimate wedding with a select few family members or a peaceful ceremony for just you two, contact me and let's start planning your elopement.
A Personal Note from your photographer
by submitting this contact form you confirm that you have read and agree to my privacy policy.
submit
Filling this form takes only 1 minute! I'm so excited to hear about your ideas and help you plan everything!
Your unique elopement experience starts here!
WHY DREAMING BIG IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT?
The most important reasons you should elope
MY GUIDE TO PLANNING AN UNFORGETTABLE AND SUPER-PERSONAL ELOPEMENT IN EUROPE
Browse my other elopement advice
Things I wished I had known
your name
your email
SIGN
ME UP
Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to know my upcoming elopement destinations. You can also follow me on Instagram for updates or, if you have any questions, click "send a message" above to get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you.
Start exploring your perfect elopement destinations
Thank you for your message!
I will get back to you within x days. If you don't hear from me, get in touch via email or hit me up on Instagram.
Talk soon,
Jaakko
