- People often have preconceived notions about elopements, thinking they're rushed or somehow less valid than a traditional wedding.
- But eloping can be just as meaningful as a larger wedding, as the small ceremony can be catered to a couple's interests.
- Photos of elopements help capture why they're such special events.
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Eloping gives couples the opportunity to celebrate their love exactly the way they want to.
This couple, photographed by Anni Style, looked triumphant on their wedding day. The bride sat on the groom's shoulders in a two-piece outfit, raising her hands in the air in glee.
Destination weddings and elopements go hand-in-hand.
A bride and groom embraced on a dock with a picturesque lake and mountains behind them. Vows and Peaks Photography captured the moment.
Many couples look free on the days they say "I do," as they only have to focus on each other.
A couple danced on a hillside on their wedding day in Cappy Phalen's photo. The bride laughed as the groom spun her around.
Elopements offer couples the chance to celebrate privately, which is difficult at a traditional wedding.
Sweet kisses, like the one this couple shared in a photo taken by Eve Rox Photography, are harder to share at a big wedding, as brides and grooms have to worry about their guests.
Elopements don't have to take place in Vegas or Niagara Falls either, as is commonly assumed.
Photographed by Carla Mitchell, this couple celebrated their marriage in a mountain range with a champagne toast.
Eloping also gives couples a chance to play when they get married.
A couple jumped on the street while sporting their wedding attire in this photo captured by Clayton Made. The bride wore sneakers under her dress.
Creative locations are easier — and cheaper — to come by for couples that elope.
De la Fontaine Photography snapped a shot of a newlywed couple walking through a desert on their wedding day.
Newlyweds can bring their personality to their wedding days when they elope.
These brides, captured by Jen Dz Photography, wore colorful dresses to their nuptials instead of traditional white.
Honeymoons and weddings can be a two-for-one deal if you elope.
Asha Bailey photographed a bride and groom who got married in front of Italy's Trevi Fountain. Tourists watched the moment they said their vows, according to Bailey.
Eloping takes the pressure off of a wedding day.
This couple appeared to be in their own world as they embraced on their wedding day. Erica Miller took the sweet photo.
Some of the most creative wedding photos come from elopements.
A bride and groom celebrated their marriage in a motorcycle and side-car in this picture taken by David Griso. The bride held up a blue smoke bomb for the shot.
Wedding photos can become much more memorable for couples who elope, too.
Captured by ENV Photography, a bride and groom posed in front of an ice castle on their wedding day, creating their own winter wonderland.
Some couples turn elopements into family affairs.
Elopements have a reputation for being last-minute, solo events, but this bride and groom — photographed by Ha Nguyen Photography — shared their wedding day with their daughter.
Elopements also offer spontaneity in a way traditional weddings often can't.
Newlyweds stumbled upon a sign that spelled out "where the grass is green and the girls are pretty" on their wedding day, which turned out to be the perfect spot for a photo shoot. Jamie Y Photography captured the shot.
Photographers can capture more meaningful moments between couples since wedding parties aren't involved.
This couple looked totally at ease as they walked hand-in-hand in this wedding photo taken by Justin Jay.
Eloping doesn't rob couples of any special moments.
In this photo taken by Kathleen Elizabeth Photography, a couple grinned at each other as they embraced on a mountain range on their wedding day.
A couple stood on a cliff on their wedding day in this elopement shot.
The bride's dress flowed during the shoot. The Pinckards captured the moment.
But the most important aspect of elopements is that they put emphasis on the marriage rather than the wedding.
In this photo by Catseye Productions, the love between this couple was the focus as they leaned in to kiss one another.
Personalities shine through in elopements.
A bride sported a fluffy jacket and hat over her wedding dress at this elopement, which was documented by Jessica Leigh.
Nature can become an integral part of elopements for many couples.
A bride and groom climbed a rocky hill near a beach in this photo taken by León Villagómez Photography.
Some couples use elopements as a chance to have an adventure.
A bride and groom toted hiking packs and muddy clothes as they trekked up a mountain on their wedding day. This photo was taken by Adventure Instead.
The photos alone might make an elopement worth it for some people.
Megan Miller Imagery and Kelli Anne Photo snapped this shot of a bride and groom perched on the edge of a cliff in their wedding attire. Few couples can say they have wedding photos like this one.
Cliffs make for popular backdrops for elopement photos.
This couple stood on a rock overlooking the water for one of their wedding day shots. ENV Photography took the picture.
But at the end of the day, all that matters is the love between couples who elope.
A couple jumped for joy at their elopement in this photo taken by Nicole Daacke Photography.
- Read more:
- A man has been taking stunning pictures of his wife in her wedding dress for 12 years, and they've had photo shoots in 50 countries so far
- 15 breathtaking wedding photos that were taken underwater
- 48 of the most beautiful wedding photos taken in the last decade
- My husband and I eloped, and it was one of the best decisions we ever made
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