Is Eloping Right for Me? 6 Questions to Help You Decide
So you’re thinking about eloping—but you’re not sure if it’s the right choice for you.
Waterfall elopment in Colorado
You’re not alone! Over the years, I’ve seen couples bounce between “should we elope?” and “maybe not,” until something clicks. To help you figure it out, here are six questions worth asking yourselves.
1. Does the idea of a big wedding feel overwhelming—even exhausting?
Couples often tell me planning a traditional wedding wore them out from the start. One of my brides once told me, “I’ve been overwhelmed every day since we started planning”—and that’s pretty common. If the thought of seating charts, centerpieces, and RSVPs makes you cringe, eloping could be the liberating choice you didn’t know you needed. Many of my couples admit planning a big wedding felt mind-boggling—and that’s how this elopement journey began for them.
2. Is saving money a big priority—or at least a concern?
Eloping isn’t just about fewer guests—it often means fewer financial headaches. All-inclusive elopement packages don’t necessarily always offer rock-bottom pricing (for that, you’d want a simple courthouse wedding without any frills). But if you prioritize what matters most—for example a breathtaking location, topnotch photos, and intimacy—you can skip the fluff (and the hefty price tag). The average cost of a traditional wedding in the US in 2025 is a staggering $36,000. Blue Sky Elopements packages start at under $3,500 and our average cost (excluding travel and lodging) is under $5,000. Even a pull-out-all-the-stops elopement would be a fraction of the cost of a full scale wed-a-palooza.
Winter elopement in Colorado
3. Do you want to avoid family drama—or painful social logistics?
Let’s be honest: weddings bring opinions. And it’s amazing how many people feel entitled in voicing their opinions of how you should marry outloud. And to the two of you! Nothing squelches the joy of getting married more than comments like: “Where’s my invitation?” or “You’re not wearing a veil?????” along with the ever-popular, “That’s not how it’s usually done!” Then you have your divorced parents who refuse to be in the same room together. If avoiding that awkwardness matters more than everyone feeling included, eloping could be your stress-free path forward. If you want to hear some real doozies, check out my blog post on Things People Say That Make Couples Want To Elope.
4. Do you want the day to be about the 2 of you, or your guests?
Big weddings often fixate on venue availability and guest convenience. Elopements offer freedom. Want a sunrise ceremony at a Colorado mountain overlook or a sunset vow exchange on the beach in Carmel? If you and your partner are open to unconventional timing and venues, elopements unlock possibilities that big weddings simply can’t.
Sunset elopement on the beach in California
5. Do you care more about an intimate experience over a big party?
There’s nothing wrong with either approach; this is your day. But if you’re thinking that your wedding day shouldn’t be about creating performance or an opportunity for a viral Instagram moment, then I’d definitely suggest an considering an elopement. When intimacy and authenticity win over spectacle, eloping lets you focus on your connection—not seating charts or selfies. Couples often regret skipping the meaningful, memorable parts—and in eloping, everything is meaningful. Besides, you can always throw a big party later and have the best of both worlds.
6. Are you comfortable planning something small, or do you want experts to handle the details?
Even intimate weddings deserve thoughtful planning—licenses, backup plans for weather, photography, site permits. If that feels overwhelming, working with a pro like Blue Sky Elopements can ease the load. I’ve worked with many couples that began planning their California or Colorado elopement by themselves, then discovered how tricky outdoor ceremonies can be—permits, weather, backup indoor options, etc. and were ultimately relieved to turn the planning process over to us. But if you’re happy to DIY and want something very simple and potentially close to home (and you like doing research), you could potentially plan everything on your own.
✅ So… Is eloping right for you?
Count your yes answers:
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5–6: It sounds like eloping could be an amazing fit—intimate, authentic, and aligned with your priorities.
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2–4: You might want to explore a micro-wedding—a small ceremony (20–50 guests) that gives a taste of intimacy without going fully solo.
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0–1: A traditional wedding might still be what you’re after—and that’s great too!
Final Thoughts
Eloping isn’t impulsive, irresponsible, or a backup plan—it’s a thoughtful choice rooted in your values. Most of all, eloping is indeed a “real wedding.” What matters most to you and your partner? If it’s intimacy, flexibility, reduced stress and conscientious spending—and maybe a bit more room for adventure—eloping might be the way you want to go.
Want help navigating the details or creating your perfect elopement experience? Shoot me a message and let’s chat!