The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Elope In Australia or New Zealand
Welcome! You might be here because you’re curious about eloping or want to learn more? Let’s get straight to it, I’m here to give you 5 quick and easy reasons why eloping might be for you. Maybe the idea of having a large bridal party is just not your thing? Perhaps you and your partner are adventure seekers looking to trek to new lands and commit to one another. Looking to have a longer honeymoon or place a deposit on your dream home? Whatever your reason, eloping is exciting, involves less planning and who doesn’t like to visit an exotic destination with no one else but the person you can’t wait to spend the rest of your life with.
What Is Eloping?
'Elope' has historically meant "to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent." But it has also meant—and still means—"to escape."
Eloping is a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends. However, some couples who choose to elope will inform their families before their ceremony (though not always invite them to attend). Typically, those who elope only have a ceremony and do not host a reception or celebration.
1) Pick your adventure.
Go wherever your heart desires. Make it a week long experience where you spend some quality time with your family or wrap it up in a couple of hours. Hike a mountain, visit a tropical island, road-trip to the fjord in Milford Sound, or find a romantic spot in the middle of a rainforest. Turn your wedding into an experience you’ll never forget. There are no boundaries.
Did somebody say New Zealand? Here is my email address!
2) Stress and anxiety… no thanks.
Do you get sweaty palms and a stomach knot thinking about saying your intimate vows in front of 100 people? Elopement are intimate affairs with a handful of guests. Only invite the special people in your life that matter or make it just you and your partner, two witnesses (this can be your photographer and videographer) and an officiant.
Let’s be real. Weddings come with their own sets of pressures – mostly from family – so it’s important to think about what you would really like your big day to be. Family dramas are common and it can be extra stressful trying to please everyone. You’re choosing to elope because you want to marry your lover and not worry what anyone else thinks.
3) Save your dollars.
A longer honeymoon? Down payment on your dream house? Buying a caravan to travel around the country? These are some of the reasons couples have decided to elope. According to moneysmart, the average Australian wedding costs $36,000. When you choose to elope, you’re going to be saving money by cutting out non-essential expenses that others deem necessary. You don’t require a venue (the highest cost), food, alcohol and clothing for the bridal party. These are up there on the list of costly items. Decide what you can comfortably afford to spend and stick to it.
4) Do it YOUR way.
Maybe a big wedding just doesn’t feel like YOU or you don’t have the ‘planning’ gene. An elopement is about you and your partner making a commitment in a way that’s genuine and honest. Ignore the peer pressure and don’t overwhelm yourself with all the things you might want (but don’t really need) while scrolling through Pinterest. Create a marriage that reflects your relationship and personality.
5) Zero waste.
Be an eco-warrior.
If you wish to be environmentally responsible, eloping is an amazing option. You’re reducing the amount of plastic waste and when you start to consider the amount of travelling your guests have to do, whether by car or plane… the carbon emissions for traditional weddings can start to add up. Although, if this is your only worry, traditional weddings can be green too! If you want more information, Pinterest is a great way to source ideas.
“Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints”
Eloping isn’t for everyone. So here is one reason NOT to elope.
You only get one shot at this whole getting married thing (hopefully!) so make sure you’re doing it your way and not caving from peer pressure. If you’ve always dreamt of a massive wedding, please, HAVE ONE! Some of my most favourite memories are hitting the dance floor with 100 guests or taking tequila shots with the bridal party.
Your wedding is one rare occasion that you have for both families to meet, celebrate and capture photos together. If you make your choice based on you and your partner’s intensions, you can’t go wrong!
IF YOU BELIEVE AN ELOPEMENT IS THE WEDDING EXPERIENCE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS AND VISION - I’D LOVE TO HELP!
You already know how important photography is for documenting your elopement adventure, now it’s time to talk planning! Where would you want to elope?