If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the word elopement everywhere. And at this point, it feels like it means something different depending on who you ask.
Eloping isn’t new but the way couples are choosing to elope right now has shifted in a big way. As a Washington and Alaska elopement photographer, I talk with couples all the time who say the same thing:
“We love the idea of eloping… but we’re not totally sure what that actually looks like anymore.”
And honestly? That confusion makes sense.
Some people still think eloping means running away in secret. Others assume it’s just a small wedding with fewer guests. Somewhere along the way, the meaning blurred and couples were left trying to plan a day without a clear definition to guide them.
So let’s clear that up.
In this post, I’m breaking down what a modern elopement really is, how it looks today, and why so many couples are choosing this path intentionally, not because it’s trendy, but because it gives them the freedom to slow down and do things their own way.
What Is an Elopement, Really?
Traditionally, eloping was defined as running away secretly to get married. And for a long time, that image stuck, a quick ceremony, no guests, no planning, no fuss. But modern elopements have evolved far beyond that.
Today, an elopement is less about secrecy and more about intention.
A modern elopement is a wedding experience built around what matters most to the couple, not expectations, not traditions they don’t resonate with, and not a checklist designed for someone else.
For some couples, that still means just the two of them.
For others, it might include a handful of loved ones.
For many, it means choosing an experience over a production.
At its core, a modern elopement is about:
- slowing down
- being present
- and celebrating your relationship in a way that feels honest and meaningful
There’s something incredibly powerful about couples choosing themselves — not because they’re avoiding something, but because they’re intentionally creating something.
I’ve written a blog, ‘Should I Elope? 5 Reasons to Elope’ to help you with tips on if you should elope or have a big wedding.
The Modern-Day Elopement Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
You’ll often hear elopements described as a “trend,” especially online. And while elopements are definitely more visible than they used to be, that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone. And that’s important to say out loud.
Eloping isn’t about following a trend, it’s about choosing what feels aligned with your relationship. If eloping doesn’t fit your vision, that’s okay. A modern elopement should never feel like another box to check.
That said, one reason elopements have resonated with so many couples is the freedom they offer.
Some couples dream of an adventurous experience, hiking to a remote viewpoint, exchanging vows in the mountains, or exploring somewhere wild together. Others are drawn to quieter moments, a slow morning, ocean air, forest paths, or a calm shoreline where the day unfolds gently. Neither approach is more “right” than the other.
A modern elopement can be:
- adventurous or low-key
- quiet or bold
- minimal or thoughtfully planned
What matters most is that it reflects you.
Defining Your Elopement on Your Own Terms
One of the most important parts of planning a modern elopement is letting go of the idea that there’s a correct way to do it. An elopement doesn’t need to fit a dictionary definition. It doesn’t need to look like what you see online. And it definitely doesn’t need to meet anyone else’s expectations.
Your elopement can be whatever you want it to be.
That might mean:
- exchanging vows beneath towering evergreens
- standing along a rugged coastline with the wind in your hair
- planning a multi-day experience that allows space to explore and rest
- or keeping things simple and intentional with just the two of you
The modern elopement is defined by choice — not limitation.
Pacific Northwest Elopement Photographer
At the end of the day, eloping isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing what matters.
Modern elopements give couples the opportunity to slow down, be present, and create an experience that feels grounded and real without the pressure to perform or rush through the day.
If you’re drawn to the idea of an elopement, trust that instinct. Take the time to define what it means for you, and give yourself permission to plan a day that truly reflects your relationship.
And if you’re looking for more guidance, inspiration, and honest planning advice, you’re in the right place. Contact me to start planning your dream elopement.
