Ten years ago if you asked someone to define “elopement,” they’d probably rattle off something about runaway brides, Las Vegas drive-thru chapels or forbidden romances.

A bride and groom hold hands together with her bouquet as they stand on small boulders in a field of snow. Snowy mountains and pine trees are in the background.

For older generations, the question “What is eloping?” might still bring to mind images of shotgun weddings and twist-tie wedding bands. But for modern couples who prefer to forgo the costs and stress of large traditional ceremonies, the definition of “elope” is a little more nuanced.

So what is the definition of elopement in the modern day?

Colorado elopement photographer Andrea Enger photographs a young couple about to elope, first sitting in a meadow of small white flowers in their wedding attire and holding hands.

What Is an Elopement Wedding?

If it’s not the clandestine ceremony of your grandparent’s era, what is an elopement wedding? Back in the day, “elopement” referred to a hasty wedding that was secretive and sometimes shameful. But even leading dictionary Merriam-Webster recently acknowledged that elopement’s definition is something else entirely these days.

A groom leads his bride by the hand as they run across a field of yellow fall foliage, with mountains in the background.

So what is the definition of elopement and what is an elopement wedding? Elopement is any intentionally intimate wedding that ditches the preconceived notion of what your big day should be in favor of what you want it to be. It’s about crafting an authentic, stress-free experience that happens exactly when, where, and how you both want it to.

Your elopement can be just the two of you or a small group of family and friends—either way, it’s about designing a unique experience you’ll enjoy and remember for the rest of your lives.

Thinking about Eloping?

Colorado elopement photographer Andrea Enger captures young newlyweds embracing, about to kiss, during their mountaintop elopement ceremony

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Myths: What Does It Mean to Elope?

Even if you’re up to date on the modern elopement definition, it’s still pretty likely that you’re carrying around some misconceptions. Here are just a few of the common myths that fall through the cracks in most elopement definitions.

Myth: Elopements only happen in scenic outdoor destinations

Elopement means having the freedom to say “I do” pretty much anywhere. Outdoor destinations like vast wildflower meadows and snow-capped mountains are a wildly popular choice for obvious reasons (I mean, can you imagine a better backdrop?). But elopement itself is about having it 100% your way, so you’re not limited to outdoor locations!

If you’re wanting a unique elopement in a small indoor venue, you might want to consider a rustic lodge, a luxurious resort, a chic brewery, a glitzy rooftop, a historic mansion, an antique barn, a small-town chapel, a city landmark, a museum, or even your own backyard.

A bride and groom stare into each other’s eyes and smile during their elopement at Denver City Park. The bride’s hand is wrapped around her groom’s neck.

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Myth: Elopements are only for couples who like nature and hiking

Elopements are definitely popular among outdoorsy-types who spend their weekends trekking mountain trails and backcountry skiing. But they’re also a beautiful, carefree option for couples who would rather spend their Saturdays indoors.

Here’s the bottom line: Elopements are for anyone who wants a stress-free, intimate ceremony that authentically celebrates their commitment without any of the chaos or stress. At the end of the day, unique touches are what truly define elopement—and those personalized elements definitely don’t have to involve wearing hiking boots or scaling a mountain.

A lesbian couple kisses after their elopement. They’re standing on a deck overlooking a snowy mountain pass. One bride wears a white dress and veil and has tattoos, and the other bride is wearing a blue suit and bowtie.

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Myth: Elopements are rushed weddings that require no planning

Elopements can be as simplistic or extravagant as you’d like. That said, these days they’re usually not spur-of-the-moment ceremonies that can be conceived in the morning and executed by the late afternoon—at least, not if you’re wanting an experience that’s truly tailor-made.

In fact, elopements aren’t necessarily less work than traditional weddings. They still require at least 9 months of advance planning. This is especially true for destination weddings, which will likely require booking airline flights, a rental car, and accommodation. You’ll also want to plan in advance so you’re able to secure the location of your dreams and book an elopement photographer like myself to help you commemorate your big day.

Colorado elopement photographer Andrea Enger captures a couple standing on the edge of a mountain vista in wedding attire, with the sunlight illuminating the bride’s dress, just before eloping

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Myth: One or two hours is plenty for elopement photos

Elopements aren’t just about the moment you say “I do,” they’re about crafting an entire day that you’ll both cherish for the rest of your lives. Most couples want an elopement photographer who will be there with them through the whole experience, not just one or two hours. My coverage starts at four hours and extends up to ten, so you can cherish and remember your wedding day—the whole day, not just a few hours—for the rest of your lives.

Colorado elopement photographer Andrea Enger captures a young newlywed couple kissing after sunset, illuminated by their headlamps, at their mountaintop elopement

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Myth: Elopement photos should be priced like a regular photoshoot

The photographer’s role in an elopement is more complex and involved than it is for standard portrait photography—that’s why I love it so much! Generally speaking, elopements are priced higher than regular photoshoots, but that’s because they include so much more.

When it comes to elopements, I’m not just your photographer; I’m also your planning guru, logistics fairy, and friend. I’ll take care of the details from start to finish. Your only responsibility is to enjoy yourself and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A bride and groom stand on a wood and metal bridge arching across a river as the groom kisses his new bride on her forehead.

If you need convincing that eloping is right for you, then check out the Top 8 Reasons to Elope. Or, if you’ve already decided to elope, but need help telling the fam, then click here!

Still have questions about elopements or how to pull one off?

Let me help!

If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer (slash wedding planner!) that’s great!

You can do that by contacting me through my website, emailing me directly at andreaenger.photography@gmail.com, or by calling or texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!

If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!