Why do most couples choose elopement?

I discovered elopement-style weddings when I got married myself. Stéphane and I were planning our wedding, and between finding a venue, creating the guest list (not to mention the headache of seating plans), it was stressful, exhausting, and not fun at all! We quickly realized that a large, elaborate wedding was not for us—even though we are both a wedding photo and video duo.

The idea of being the center of attention made me feel sick. Stéphane and I wanted to do things differently. I told him, “I imagine a beautiful wild valley, greenery, fields, and mountains for our big day.” We wanted an escape—a day that would be an experience we could remember forever. So we looked for that perfect valley where we could unite, just the two of us, with a few family members and our closest friends.

Eloping was a life-changing experience, and I want the same for you! Still not convinced to take the leap on your wedding day? Here are the main reasons why you should choose an intimate wedding.

Elopements are less stressful

Do you know what drove me crazy? Deciding who to invite and worrying about what our families would think. Planning a traditional wedding involves many people—and unfortunately, many unsolicited opinions. It quickly becomes stressful and overwhelming. And who wants that on the most important day of their life?

Having a very small wedding removes that stress and allows you to begin your life together with an epic adventure—because you deserve it.

Planning your elopement

Eloping is easier than planning a traditional wedding in many ways… simply because there are no limits! The venue, the location, the vows, even what you wear—everything is fully personalized to your wishes. This type of wedding is perfect for couples who value the experience over a big event or who prefer to invest their money in something more meaningful.

A unique experience

Most couples who choose to elope are looking for a day that truly reflects their relationship. They want a genuine experience they will remember forever. They know that memories don’t come from what they had on their wedding day, but from the experience of being together and focusing on each other in a way that represents their love.

In the end, there are no rules for your wedding day. The most important thing is to honor yourselves as a couple.

A private beach in Corsica? You can choose it for your elopement. The top of a mountain in the Alps? I’d love to help you plan it! Or why not your family home in Lozère? The options are endless, and it all starts with choosing the perfect place for an intimate wedding.

You can also combine your intimate wedding with your honeymoon and go on an incredible trip together. It’s a beautiful way to begin your journey as a married couple.

Elopement is a moment of intimacy

No matter how present you plan to be during a traditional wedding, it’s almost impossible to focus only on each other. You’ll be busy with schedules, to-do lists, guests, and logistics. A big wedding is complex, and it’s hard to make space for one another when so many people need your attention.

Elopement is private, intimate, and unforgettable. Imagine exchanging vows with a mountain behind you. Turning a forest path into your aisle. Sharing your first kiss in a wildflower field in the Alps or the Pyrenees. Everything is possible when you elope! You can live a true adventure and have the time to be fully present with your partner.

Exploring a new destination together

If you’re planning a small wedding, chances are you’re considering eloping somewhere more exciting than your hometown. What do you love doing together? Where do you want to begin your married life? Combine all of that with your elopement and turn your wedding into an extended honeymoon.

I would say that 95% of couples who want to elope choose to travel. Getting married in a new destination gives you the chance to explore an exciting place on your wedding day—discover new landscapes, taste local wines, experience a new culture, and stay in unique, incredible accommodations.

Your elopement photos will be epic!

One of the main reasons Stéphane and I chose an intimate wedding was because we knew we would have epic photos.

Now, when we look at them, we can relive all those intimate and special moments as if we were back in that beautiful valley.

Elopement photos are meant to capture your love in a way that is uniquely yours. They are candid moments—a tangible record of your memories. This is something more and more couples value. Pinterest has reported a 128% increase in searches for elopement photography ideas! Video also allows you to relive these memories intensely, capturing sounds, speeches, and emotions so you can feel your wedding day all over again.

Elopements are more eco-friendly

According to Wikipedia, an average wedding hosts over 150 guests and produces between 180 and 270 kg of waste. Yes, you read that right—trash bags, food waste, napkins, plates, and hundreds of euros’ worth of flowers. The lavish weddings you see in magazines never show the aftermath.

But this isn’t the case with elopements! Simply reducing your guest list and choosing an intimate celebration saves an enormous amount of waste—no single-use decorations, no catering for 200 people. As committed photographers and videographers, we’re thrilled to see this option becoming more popular.

You haven’t found your wedding venue

Let’s be honest: wedding venues are expensive and often fully booked, especially after Covid. Some venues don’t have availability for up to two years! If you don’t want to wait that long for your dream venue, elopement might be the perfect solution. You’ll save money and still get married during your favorite season.