May 7, 2023

Elopement vs. Traditional Weddings: Which is Right for You?

Hey there, fellow adventure-seekers! If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering tying the knot and wondering whether eloping or having a traditional wedding is the right choice for you. We have seen both sides of the coin and want to share our insights with you.

So come along as we explore the pros and cons of eloping vs. having a traditional wedding, and help you make an informed decision about which is right for you.

What is Eloping, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics: what is eloping? Contrary to what you might have heard, eloping doesn’t necessarily mean running away to a courthouse and getting hitched without telling a soul. It simply means having an intimate wedding ceremony with just you, your partner, and a few close family and friends (if you so choose). The location can be anywhere from a stunning mountain vista to a secluded beach (we like the mountains but hey, we’re a little biased as we see the beauty of the blue ridge on the daily and think it can’t be beat).

One of the biggest benefits of eloping is the flexibility it offers. You can marry anywhere, at any time, without worrying about catering to a big guest list. Plus, elopements tend to be less stressful than traditional weddings, since you’re not dealing with the pressure of entertaining hundreds of your closest family and friends (plus your Aunt’s cousin who somehow ends up on the list). Instead, you can focus on each other and the experience of committing to a lifetime of love – and that in itself is a beautiful thing!

Pros and Cons of Eloping

Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of eloping:

Pros:

Flexibility: You can choose to get married anywhere, at any time, without worrying about catering to a big guest list.
Affordability: Elopements tend to be less expensive than traditional weddings, since you’re not paying for a big venue, catering, and other wedding-related expenses.
Intimacy: Eloping allows you to focus on your love for each other, without the distractions of a big guest list and lots of wedding -related activities.
Adventure: Eloping often involves traveling to a new location, which can be an adventure in itself and lots of fun!
Stress-Free: Since you’re not dealing with the pressure of entertaining hundreds of guests, elopements tend to be less stressful than traditional weddings.

Cons:

Limited Guest List: If you want all of your family and friends to be present on your wedding day, eloping might not be the best choice for you.
Lack of Tradition: If you’re someone who values tradition and wants to have a traditional wedding, eloping might not feel like a good fit. You can certainly pull in a ton of traditions that make sense – even a first dance but you might miss out on some of the reception events such as a grand exit with a big line of people waving you off.
Less Formal: Since elopements tend to be more casual and intimate, they might not be the right choice if you’re looking for a formal, black-tie affair. But honestly, you can really wear whatever the heck you want to your elopement – we’ve had tons of couples get super fancy – but not everyone wants to do that on a trail or nature location.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Weddings

Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of traditional weddings:

Pros:

Celebration: Traditional weddings are a great way to celebrate your love with all of your family and friends. It can feel great to look out into the crowd and see a mix of all the people who have supported you and your partner all in one room.
Formality: If you’re looking for a formal, traditional wedding, a big celebration might be the way to go.
Family Involvement: Traditional weddings often involve a lot of family involvement, which can be a great way to bring everyone together.

Cons:

Cost: Traditional weddings can be very expensive, since you’re paying for a big venue, catering, decorations, and other wedding-related expenses. It truly adds up and can make you pick and choose between things you really care about and things you absolutely need. It’s filled with a lot of tough calls as you typically have a budget of some kind to stay within.
Stress: Planning a big wedding can be stressful, since you’re dealing with a lot of moving parts and trying to please a lot of people.
Time-Consuming: Traditional weddings often take a lot of time to plan and execute, which can be overwhelming if you’re already busy with work and other responsibilities. It’s A LOT and many brides report that they wish they had known how hard it would be to fit all the planning in with all the other life things they have on their plate.

Why Elope in Asheville, NC

Clearly we think eloping is the absolute best and intimate way to marry, which is why we passionately make that a reality for couples each and every year.

If you’re considering eloping, there’s no better place to do it than in Asheville, NC. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country. From mountain vistas to rushing waterfalls, there’s no shortage of breathtaking backdrops for your elopement ceremony and we know ALL the best spots!

As an elopement company specializing in creating personalized, all-inclusive Asheville elopements, we’ve had the pleasure of capturing some truly magical moments. We can help you with everything from finding the perfect location to linking you with the perfect officiants, photographers, cake bakers, florists, and videographers who make up our team. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the moment.

Right now, we’re offering a summer elopement special package – an amazing deal for anyone looking to elope in July or August of 2023.

Check it out!

So if you’re looking for a way to celebrate your love in a meaningful, unforgettable way, consider an Asheville, NC elopement. Whether you want a simple, intimate ceremony or an adventurous mountain hike, there’s no better place to say “I do” than in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.