Elopements and intimate weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples seek more personal and meaningful ways to celebrate their love. If you’re reading this, it’s probably something you’ve also been thinking about. But what is the difference between an elopement VS an intimate wedding, and which is the best choice for you and your partner? 

What is an Elopement?

The definition of an elopement can vary slightly depending on who you ask. The intention of eloping remains the same; however, you might see different vendors and venues suggest a different number of guests allowed for your celebration.

By my definition, an elopement is a wedding with 15 or fewer guests, including you, the couple, and your vendors (including me, your photographer). Elopements typically take place on public lands, such as national parks or scenic outdoor locations. This setting requires a smaller group to ensure minimal impact on the environment and to adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Adhering to the Leave No Trace principles is one of my core beliefs as your PNW elopement photographer, and sometimes, even having 15 guests can make it more difficult to navigate. Your group size can still limit your location options, as designated wilderness areas often have more strict rules on group size. With fewer guests, we can also navigate these locations more easily without disturbing other visitors.

If you choose me as your elopement photographer, I will help you find the perfect location that ticks all your boxes!

Tips for a Successful Elopement Day

• Determine if you want to invite friends and family or keep it just the two of you. This decision will influence many other aspects of your elopement.
• Choose your location! Consider the type of views you’d like for your big day, what kind of weather you’d like to have (weather can still be tricky, though!), and also how important is accessibility.
• Plan your activities! Decide what activities you’d like to include, such as relaxing in a hammock, taking a helicopter ride, sailing, kayaking, skiing, wine tasting, or stargazing. This is also be an important thing to note when choosing your location, in order to ensure the timeline is easy to manage here.
• Select a location and activities that align with what you enjoy doing together. Don’t feel pressured to choose a popular spot if it doesn’t resonate with you.
• Make sure you have backup plans in case of adverse weather, road closures, or other things that may happen.
• Ensure you get all the necessary permits for your elopement!
• Respect the environment by following the Leave No Trace principles.
• If possible, arrive at your location a few days early to adjust to time changes and acclimate to the altitude if necessary. This will help you avoid stress and fatigue.
• While not required, hiring vendors like a hair & makeup artist, florist, officiant, chef, or videographer can enhance your experience and reduce stress.
• Wear appropriate footwear for your location and activities. Comfort (and safety) is key!
• Prepare for unpredictable weather by dressing in layers (or pack them with you!).
• In the days before your elopement, make sure to eat well, hydrate, relax, and get plenty of sleep. You’ll need energy for your big day.

Here’s What an Elopement Could Look Like!

Here’s What an Elopement With Guests Could Look Like!

What is an Intimate Wedding?

On the other hand, an intimate wedding is a smaller celebration with up to 50 guests. Unlike an elopement, an intimate wedding typically involves a dedicated venue, such as a vacation home, a park with a reservable space, or a small event space. Your own backyard works, too, of course! This allows you to have a more structured and organized celebration while still maintaining a personal and meaningful atmosphere. It’s also good if you or your guests would like easy access to amenities, such as, a bathroom.

The biggest benefit of an intimate wedding is the ability to have a reception and other traditional wedding elements while keeping the guest list manageable. This can be a great compromise for couples who want to celebrate with their closest friends and family without the overwhelming scale of a large, traditional wedding. 

Tips for a Successful Intimate Wedding

• Decide on the number of guests. Think about the people you truly want to share your day with!
• Choose a venue that offers the vibe you’d like for your intimate wedding. Remember that your venue sets the tone for your wedding and will be part of your photos, so make sure you like the place!
• Include elements that reflect your personalities and shared interests. This could be in the form of a unique guest book, custom playlists, or special decor items.
• Create a timeline that allows for a relaxed pace, giving you and your guests time to enjoy each moment without feeling rushed.
• Choose a menu that reflects your tastes and preferences. Make sure you check in with your guests about any allergies or dietary requirements!
• Work with vendors who understand and support your vision for an intimate wedding. These can include a photographer, florist, caterer, and musician. If that’s in your budget, consider hiring a planner to relieve some of the planning stress!
• Remember why you chose an intimate wedding and hold your boundaries. Don’t feel pressured to add things that don’t resonate with you.
• If you’re having an outdoor wedding, have a backup plan for bad weather, such as a tent or an indoor option.
• On the day of your wedding, focus on enjoying the moment. Trust that your planning and your vendors will take care of the details.

And Here’s Some Intimate Wedding Inspiration!

Pros and Cons: Elopement VS Intimate Wedding

Elopement vs intimate wedding – to help you decide, let’s explore the pros and cons of each!

Pros of an Elopement 

• A highly personal and intimate experience. Your day is totally and completely about you and your love story!
• Less stressful planning process.
• Often more cost-effective than a traditional wedding.
• More options for unique and scenic locations without the need for a large venue.
• You can still include your family and friends; you just need to be a bit more creative with it!

Cons of an Elopement

• You might have to make tough decisions about who to invite and have potentially difficult conversations about not wanting to invite anyone.
• The permit process and planning can be a bit challenging (unless you choose an amazing elopement photographer + planner, like me)
• Outdoor locations can be affected by weather conditions, so you should always have backup plans.

Pros of an Intimate Wedding

• Ability to include more of your loved ones in the celebration.
• If you’d like to have a more structured and organized event, this could be a better fit than an elopement.
• Potential for a more traditional wedding experience.
• A wider range of venue options to choose from if you’d like to bring guests.
• Access to facilities and amenities that can make your day run smoothly.

Cons of an Intimate Wedding

• Potential for higher costs compared to an elopement.
• Slightly more complicated planning process.
• Communicating with and managing more people can be stressful!

Choosing an Elopement VS Intimate Wedding For Your Day

After seeing the pros and cons of each, here are some questions to ask yourself while choosing the best option for you:

• How important is it to include your loved ones in your big day?
• How many people do you want to share your day with?
• What kind of setting do you envision?
• What is your budget?
• What kind of experience would you like to have on your big day?
• What is important for you and your partner?

If you’re drawn to a more intimate, adventurous, and minimalist approach, an elopement may be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you want to celebrate with a larger group of loved ones and have a more traditional wedding experience, an intimate wedding could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Erica Swantek Photography | PNW Elopement Photographer

So, elopement vs intimate wedding? I hope this blog has helped you choose the best fit for you and your partner.

Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon and PNW elopement photographer! And I freaking love working with couples like you that are foregoing tradition and choosing a day that is about you and your love! If you and your partner want to plan an epic elopement or an intimate wedding, I’m here to document a day you’ll never forget! You can check out my packages and contact me via my inquiry form here!