Thinking of Eloping? Here’s What a Wedding Videographer Wants You to Know

Jul 11

(Spoiler: It doesn’t have to be a courthouse wedding. But it definitely can be.)

Here’s the scoop on Eloping in 2025 and beyond…

There’s this quiet shift happening — a movement.
Couples are realizing they don’t have to do things the “traditional” way.
They’re skipping the ballroom. Opting out of the pressure.
And instead, they’re choosing something smaller. Simpler. More “them”.

They’re announcing, “We are eloping!” Or maybe planning a micro wedding. Or an intimate ceremony tucked into their backyard garden with just their parents and siblings.
And honestly? It’s beautiful.

Not just visually (though, yes, the fog-draped cliffs and candlelit Airbnb vows are stunning). But emotionally. Personally. Spiritually.

As a wedding videographer who’s been in this space for years, I’ve had the honor of filming “elopements” of all kinds. And I want to tell you this:

There is no wrong way to get married.
But there is a right way for you.

First: What even is an elopement?

Let’s clarify, because “eloping” doesn’t just mean sneaking off to Vegas at 2 am anymore.
(Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’ve done it before, and honestly, I’d film it again in a heartbeat.)

There are so many beautiful shades of elopement now, like:

Traditional Elopement
Simple, quick, and civil. You sign the papers, maybe wear a white dress or a suit that you already have in the closet, and say “I do” in front of a judge or officiant. Sometimes followed by brunch. Sometimes followed by ice cream.
(10/10 recommend both.)
Adventure Elopement
Think mountains, beaches, and forests. Just the two of you (and maybe a videographer and photographer duo with snacks and safety pins). These are about being surrounded by nature, doing something unforgettable, and making the world your venue.
Micro Wedding / Intimate Wedding
Fewer than 50ish guests. Often hosted in a backyard, garden, a restaurant, or Airbnb. Think slow mornings, meaningful toasts, less rush, and more connection. These still feel like weddings, just… quieter. Lusher. Warmer.

Why so many couples are choosing to elope (or go small)

Budget flexibility
It’s not just about saving money (though it can be). It’s about choosing where your money goes.
Maybe you’d rather splurge on an epic honeymoon than feed 150 people.
Maybe you want fewer people but higher-end vendors.
Maybe you want to say yes to the dress and the cottagecore picnic under string lights.

More time to actually be together
One of the biggest regrets I hear from couples who had large weddings?
“We barely saw each other.”
With a small guest list, or none at all, you can slow down.
Share a first look and a first hike or a first coffee. Read your vows by the ocean. Drink a bottle of wine and dance under the stars with no schedule to keep.

You get to skip the wedding industry noise
Let’s be honest: there’s a lot of pressure out there.
So many things that people say you have to do. Traditions that don’t mean anything to you, vendors who overcharge, expectations that don’t feel right.
Eloping gives you permission to clear the noise and come back to the point of it all: you and your partner, making a promise.

Space for creativity
With fewer logistics, you gain more flexibility.
Want to get married in the middle of the desert? Or on the cliffs of Ireland? Or barefoot in your backyard with your dog as the flower girl?
Yes, yes, and yes.

These smaller celebrations open the door for playfulness and personal expression. You get to create something that feels like you, not a copy-paste Pinterest wedding.

What I’ve seen behind the lens

Here’s what I’ll tell you, from the perspective of someone who has filmed big weddings, tiny elopements, and everything in between:

Couples who elope or go intimate?
They glow differently.

They’re grounded.
Present.
Sometimes spend the whole day carefree and barefoot.
They laugh a lot. They cry freely. They hug for a long time. They have enormous space to breathe.
They really remember the day. They cherish every minute.

There’s a peace that hangs in the air when you’re not trying to impress or please anyone, but instead are just trying to connect.

Tips if you’re considering an elopement or micro wedding:

Decide what kind of day you want before anything else. Not just how it should look, but how you want it to feel.
Be intentional with your guest list and don’t apologize for keeping it small. You don’t have to invite everyone who expects a seat. Invite people who feel like home to you. Feelings can be sensitive on this one, but if they truly love and support you, they will be happy for you regardless of whether they get an invite or not. (Pro tip: you can do another, casual celebration with them later!)
Consider the location carefully. Do you want it to be familiar? Or an adventure? Local or faraway? Think about logistics, but also about soul.
Hire vendors who get your vibe. Especially for small weddings, it matters so much who you let into your inner circle. Choose people who make you feel safe, seen, and hyped.
Build in time for just the two of you. Eloping doesn’t automatically mean less chaos. Be intentional about slowing down. There isn’t as much pressure to conform to typical wedding day timelines, so enjoy the freedom of planning your most perfect day.

So… should you elope?

Maybe. Maybe not.

But if your gut is whispering, “smaller would feel better,” listen.
Not everyone dreams of a big dance floor and 200 eyes on them.
Some people want quiet vows. Ocean wind. Arranging a bouquet of garden flowers with grandma. A moment that feels sacred because it’s small.

And if that’s you?
You’re not missing out on anything.
You’re making space for everything that matters.

Considering eloping or planning something intimate?
Let’s talk about how to tell your story quietly, honestly, beautifully.

See some examples of elopement films →