Ditching the Guest List: Why an Elopement Might be Right for You
Weddings are often thought of as grand events with hundreds of guests, elaborate decorations, and detailed timelines. While this isn’t a bad way to celebrate, for many couples, the idea of an intimate, deeply personal experience holds far more appeal. That’s where elopements come in. Choosing to elope isn’t about skipping the significance of your wedding—it’s about stripping away expectations and focusing on what truly matters: your love, your vows, and the experience of committing to each other in a way that feels authentic.
Why Elope?
One of the biggest reasons couples choose to elope is to remove the pressure of a large guest list. Traditional weddings often involve navigating family expectations, accommodating a wide range of personalities, and balancing budgets to fit the needs of hundreds of guests. An elopement, on the other hand, frees you from those obligations. Without the need to entertain or cater to a crowd, you can fully immerse yourself in the moment, creating a day that reflects your relationship rather than societal norms. This is also a great option for those who are more introverted and struggle with expressing emotions publicly (in my experience, this describes about 75% of my clientele).
Elopements also open the door to breathtaking, adventurous locations that wouldn’t be possible with a full-scale wedding. Imagine saying your vows on a secluded beach at sunset, atop a rugged mountaintop, or in a quiet forest with only the sounds of nature around you. The flexibility of an elopement allows you to prioritize experiences over logistics.
Real Elopement Experience
I want to share an elopement I photographed that inspired this blog post! A couple from the East Coast had never visited the red desert of southern Utah. As many of you know, I am incredibly passionate about and deeply connected to Moab—it’s my second home, and I’m always honored to share it with travelers. This couple initially planned a traditional wedding but quickly realized they were becoming overwhelmed and, quite frankly, stressed by all the logistics—especially the idea of sharing their vows in front of a group of people.
We talked about the romantic feeling of "running away" to get married and what emotions that brought up for them. They felt more excited than ever! Although their family members were not thrilled with their decision, they knew this was the right choice for them as a couple.
We planned their adventurous elopement, starting with their stay at The Domes of Moab, followed by a drive to Dead Horse Point for their ceremony and portraits, and ending with a casual session capturing them enjoying Main Street. The landscape was breathtaking as they shared their vows above the canyons of Dead Horse Point, Utah, with hues of purple, red, and pink decorating the background.
My husband, Jace, is a registered officiant and read their custom-written ceremony script as they held hands beneath the vast blue sky. We even asked hikers to sign as witnesses (hikers are always so excited for this!). It was quiet—just the four of us. It was full of joy and love—just the two of them. We spent the rest of the day wandering the red rocks, exploring Moab’s Main Street, and ending back at The Domes of Moab for a quick flash photography session.
The Intentionality of Eloping
Ultimately, eloping is about intentionality. It’s about choosing a wedding day that aligns with your values, brings you peace, and allows you to be fully present with your partner. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your closest loved ones, an elopement creates space for raw emotion, meaningful connection, and a truly unforgettable start to your marriage. If a traditional wedding doesn’t feel like the right fit, perhaps it’s time to ditch the guest list and embrace a celebration that’s entirely your own.
