For some, a non-traditional marriage offers freedom and authenticity. For others, a classic celebration with friends and family still holds deep meaning.
So how do you know if an intimate wedding or a bold elopement is right for you?
This guide breaks down the key differences, pros and cons, and everything else you need to consider to plan a wedding that truly reflects you.
What is a Traditional Wedding?
A traditional wedding is typically a full-scale celebration that includes a formal ceremony followed by a reception. These events are usually larger in size, with guest lists ranging from 75 to 200 people or more. The day is designed not just for the couple, but for their families and friends to witness, celebrate, and be part of the moment.
Traditional weddings often follow time-honored customs such as walking down the aisle, exchanging vows in front of guests, a first dance, speeches, cutting the cake, and a grand exit. The format may vary across cultures and religions, but the core idea remains the same: a shared, ceremonial celebration.
From a planning perspective, traditional weddings involve multiple vendors and moving parts. Typical elements include:
- Venue rental for ceremony and reception (often the same location or two nearby spaces)
- Full-service catering and bar packages
- A formal timeline, often with professional coordination
- Decor, including floral arrangements, signage, and tablescapes
- Photography and videography teams capturing the day from start to finish
- Entertainment, like a DJ or live band
- Printed materials, such as invitations, place cards, and programs
- Larger guest counts, requiring accommodations for parking, seating, and restrooms
Modern Variations: Small Weddings and Micro Weddings
Not every couple wants (or needs) a 150-person guest list. In recent years, more modern takes on the traditional wedding have gained popularity, particularly small weddings and micro weddings.
- Small weddings: usually include around 30–75 guests. They still follow a similar format to traditional weddings (ceremony, reception, dinner, dancing), but on a more intimate scale. With fewer guests, couples can focus more on meaningful details, upgraded experiences, and quality time with each attendee.
- Micro weddings: even more scaled down, often under 30 guests. These are typically highly personal, sometimes non-traditional events that still include core wedding elements like vows, a dinner, and celebration. They’re ideal for couples who want the sentimentality and symbolism of a wedding day, without the stress and scale of a larger event.
If you’re planning a small or micro wedding and want a space that blends beauty, flexibility, and thoughtful design, Westwood is built with you in mind. Our venue offers a stunning, nature-inspired backdrop with indoor and outdoor spaces designed for intimate celebrations that still feel unforgettable.
Thinking about a smaller wedding? Tour our venue and see how intimate can still feel unforgettable.
What is an Elopement?
Elopement is a wedding that puts the couple(and only the couple)at the center. It’s stripped of the big guest list, the formal schedule, and the pressure to perform. Instead, it’s focused entirely on the experience, emotions, and connection between two people choosing to marry in a way that feels authentic to them.
Elopements are typically small, sometimes just the couple and an officiant, or maybe a few close loved ones. There’s no set rule, but the idea is simplicity and intention. It’s about saying “I do” in a way that feels right, without the production of a traditional wedding.
What used to mean “running away to get married in secret” has evolved into something much more powerful and personal. Today, elopements are often planned thoughtfully and deliberately.
Key characteristics of modern elopements include:
- Minimal guest count often 0–10 people
- Non-traditional locations, such as mountaintops, forests, courthouses, or even a couple’s backyard
- Flexible structure without strict timelines or seating charts
- Lower cost, though many couples still invest in great photography, outfits, and meaningful details
- Personalization like writing private vows to choosing a place with emotional significance
Variations of Elopement
As elopements have become more popular, two standout variations have emerged:
- Intimate Weddings: These are often confused with elopements but typically include a small group of guests (10–30 people). There’s a bit more structure such as a ceremony, dinner, and light celebration. However, there’s still a strong focus on intimacy, personalization, and experience over spectacle.
- Adventure Elopements: These are for couples who want their elopement to be an experience not just a ceremony. It could mean hiking to a remote vista, saying vows at sunrise, or traveling to a dream destination. Adventure elopements combine travel, nature, and spontaneity with the meaning of the wedding day.
Looking for a wedding space that feels as unique as your love story? Book a tour of Westwood and discover new possibilities!
Key Differences Between Eloping and Traditional Weddings
When deciding between eloping and having a traditional wedding, it helps to understand how the two experiences truly differ. From the size of the guest list to the amount of planning involved, each option offers something unique.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you figure out which one feels more like you.
Guest List and Scale
- Weddings: Traditional weddings usually have large guest lists, often including extended family, friends, and coworkers. The event is centered around hosting and entertaining a crowd.
- Elopements: Elopements are intentionally small, often just the couple or a handful of close guests. The focus is on privacy and intimacy.
Cost and Budget Considerations
- Weddings: Full weddings often cost between $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on location, guest count, and vendor choices. For example, venue pricing varies widely, so careful budgeting is essential to balance priorities and expectations.
- Elopements: Elopements typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on travel, photography, and special details. Couples can spend less overall or invest more in just a few meaningful elements.
Planning Time and Logistics
- Weddings: Planning a wedding can take several months to over a year, with many moving parts to coordinate. It often involves multiple vendors, timelines, and detailed logistics.
- Elopements: Elopements can be planned quickly and with far fewer decisions. There’s more freedom to go with the flow and avoid traditional timelines.
Focus and Experience
- Weddings: Weddings are shared experiences that celebrate not just the couple, but also their families and community. The day includes a mix of tradition, hosting, and performance.
- Elopements: Elopements are centered on the couple’s connection and experience. The day is more private, emotional, and relaxed.
Flexibility and Personalization
- Weddings: Weddings often follow familiar traditions and set formats, though couples can still add personal touches. There’s less room for spontaneity once the day is in motion.
- Elopements: Elopements offer maximum flexibility, from location and timing to the format of the vows. Everything can be shaped entirely around the couple’s vision.
READ MORE: Interesting tips for finding the perfect venue for your wedding
Pros and Cons of Eloping
Pros
- You can focus entirely on your connection without the stress of managing a big event.
- It’s typically more affordable, allowing you to save or splurge on what matters most.
- Planning is faster and simpler, with fewer logistics and decisions to juggle.
- You have the freedom to choose any location that feels meaningful or adventurous.
- The day can be deeply personal, emotional, and authentically true to you.
Cons
- Some family and friends may feel hurt or left out of the celebration.
- You miss out on traditional moments like walking down the aisle or a full reception.
- There’s less opportunity for shared memories with your wider community.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Weddings
Pros
- You get to celebrate with all your loved ones in one place, creating lasting memories together.
- The event can include meaningful traditions, rituals, and family involvement.
- There are more opportunities for formal photos, speeches, dances, and other milestone moments.
Cons
- Planning can be time-consuming and stressful with many moving parts.
- The cost can add up quickly, especially with a large guest list and full-service vendors.
- The day can feel less personal or rushed due to a tight schedule and crowd management.
What Should You Consider?
Whether you’re leaning toward eloping or planning a traditional wedding, the right choice comes down to what feels most true to you. Both paths can be meaningful, beautiful, and intentional as long as they align with your values, relationship, and circumstances. Here are a few key factors to help you make a confident decision.
Self Reflection and Priorities
Think about what you want your wedding day to feel like. Are you more drawn to privacy and spontaneity or celebration and community? Your personal values should guide the tone and scale of your day.
Relationship Dynamics
Consider how you and your partner make decisions and experience big moments. Are you energized by hosting others, or do you feel most connected one-on-one? Make sure both of your voices are heard equally in the process.
Budget and Financial Planning
Know your numbers and be honest about what you’re willing and able to spend. Traditional weddings often come with a higher price tag, while elopements can offer more control and flexibility. No matter the path, create a budget that matches your priorities, not just expectations.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Marriage laws vary by state and country, so be sure to research licenses and requirements early. If you’re eloping abroad or in a remote location, factor in travel, timing, and logistics. Whether big or small, your day still needs to be legally recognized.
FAQs About Eloping vs. Weddings
Is an elopement legally binding?
Yes, as long as you meet the legal requirements for a marriage license and have an officiant (and witnesses, if required), your elopement is fully legal. The location doesn’t affect the legality, just make sure to follow the rules of the state or country where you’re getting married.
Can we include guests in an elopement?
Absolutely. Many couples choose to include just a few close friends or family members. As long as the focus stays on intimacy and intention, it still counts as an elopement.
What is the average cost of an elopement?
Most elopements range from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on travel, photography, outfits, and any special extras. While it’s usually less than a traditional wedding, the cost can vary widely based on your choices.
How can we avoid family disappointment when eloping?
Be honest, early, and respectful in your communication. Explain why this choice feels right for you, and consider including family in other ways like a post-elopement celebration or sharing photos and video. Most loved ones come around when they understand your “why.”
Can we still have a celebration after eloping?
Yes! Many couples choose to host a party, dinner, or casual reception after the elopement. It’s a great way to celebrate with a wider group without the pressure of a full wedding day. This can happen days, weeks, or even months after you officially tie the knot.
Verdict: Which is Better for You?
Eloping and traditional weddings both offer meaningful ways to say “I do”, they just come with different vibes, priorities, and price tags. If you dream of a big celebration with your community, a wedding might be right for you. If you want something quiet, personal, or adventurous, eloping could be the perfect fit. Either way, there’s no wrong answer, just the one that feels most true to you.
In the end, your wedding should reflect your love, not anyone else’s expectations. Prioritize connection, authenticity, and what matters most to you both. That’s where the magic is.
Not sure where to begin? Connect with us, we’ll help you figure out what’s right for you, no pressure.
