Should we elope?
An Honest, Emotional Guide for Couples Wondering If a Big Wedding Is Really for Them
You’re sitting on the couch.
Wedding Pinterest board open.
Budget spreadsheet half-filled out.
You just got a catering quote back… and your stomach dropped a little.
You look at each other and say it out loud for the first time:
“Should we just elope?”
And suddenly the idea feels… relieving.
Not rebellious. Not dramatic.
Just peaceful.
If that’s where you are right now — this is for you.
What Eloping Actually Looks Like Today
Eloping isn’t running away anymore.
It’s choosing:
Intention over production
Presence over performance
Experience over expectation
Eloping today usually means:
0–30 guests
An intentional, intimate ceremony
A beautiful outdoor or meaningful location
A focus on experience over production
It’s less about “sneaking away” and more about being present.
For many of our couples, it’s 2–20 of their closest people standing in the mountains. Or sometimes just the two of them at sunrise, on a mountaintop in the heart of the blue ridge mountains, reading vows they actually had the time to write.
It’s quiet.
It’s emotional.
It’s real.
The Moment It Clicks for Most Couples
We’ve watched this happen over and over.
A couple starts planning a traditional wedding. They’re excited at first. Then:
The guest list grows out of control (who knew mom would want to invite every one of her cousins?)
The budget doubles.
Everyone suddenly has an opinion on what the wedding should look like
The day starts to feel less like them, and more like everyone else.
And somewhere in the middle of all of it, they realize:
“We just want to be married.”
When couples choose to elope, it’s rarely impulsive.
It’s thoughtful. It’s intentional. It’s a shift toward something that feels lighter.
What an Elopement Feels Like
It feels like:
Having time to breathe before you walk into your ceremony.
Hearing every word of your partner’s vows.
Watching the sunset instead of watching the clock.
Actually eating your cake.
It feels like you weren’t hosting. You weren’t catering to everyone else’s needs.
You were experiencing.
One of our couples told us afterward,
“It felt like we got to actually be there for it.”
That’s the difference.
“But What About Family?”
This is usually the hardest part.
Here’s what we gently remind couples:
Eloping doesn’t mean excluding everyone.
You can:
Invite immediate family (we specialize in weddings with 30 guests or fewer)
Have a private vow exchange and a small family ceremony
Host a reception later at home or at your favorite restaurant or brewery
Throw a backyard party
Some families need time to understand it. But most come around when they see how intentional and meaningful it is.
And sometimes? Choosing what’s healthiest for your relationship means choosing something different.
When Eloping Might Not Be Right
We’ll be honest with you.
If you’ve always dreamed of:
A packed dance floor
A big reception
The energy of a 150-person celebration
A formal ballroom wedding
Then that’s beautiful. And you should absolutely do that.
Eloping isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing what fits your vision.
So… Should You Elope?
Ask yourselves:
If no one else had an opinion, what would we choose?
Do we want a wedding day that feels calm or one that feels high-energy?
Are we excited about planning a big event — or quietly overwhelmed?
If the word relief keeps coming up, pay attention to that.
Your wedding day should feel like stepping into your marriage — not surviving an event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping
How many guests can we bring?
We specialize in intimate weddings and elopements with 30 guests or fewer. Many of our couples invite immediate family (10–20 people), but we also plan ceremonies for just the two of you. If you need witnesses, we will be happy to provide them for you.
Is eloping cheaper than a traditional wedding?
Almost always, yes.
Because elopements are smaller and more streamlined, couples typically spend significantly less than the national average for traditional weddings. And many of our packages bundle photography, officiating, florals, and guidance into one simple plan — which keeps things stress-free and transparent. The average cost of a traditional wedding in the United States is over $30,000. That’s more than most people can put down for a house payment! Our most expensive package is only $1900, and includes four hours of photography coverage, a wedding officiant to perform your ceremony, a bouquet and boutonnière of fresh flowers, and a small cake. You can still have a full wedding experience for less than 10% of the price other couples are paying for a big production of a wedding. Check out our sister company, Smoky Mountain Elopement Company and see if that is the right fit for you!
How you can spend your wedding budget more efficiently if you elope
Instead of spending $5,000 on catering or having an open bar for your guests, you can have a top tier elopement day full of adventures and activities! Some examples of fun ways to spend your wedding budget are-
Have a destination elopement in the place you dream of
Renting a luxury vehicle for the weekend
Hire a private chef to cook your meals
Book a private guide to take you on some epic hikes
Rent out a winery or brewery for the evening to celebrate with your favorite people (we did this for our rehearsal dinner, and everyone loved it!)
Take a pontoon out on the lake and enjoy the sunshine and each others company
Can we still make it feel special?
Absolutely.
Eloping doesn’t mean casual (unless you want it to). You can still:
Wear the dress.
Have professional florals.
Cut a cake.
Exchange personal vows.
Plan a beautiful dinner afterward.
The scale is smaller. The meaning is bigger.
What if our family is disappointed?
That’s a real concern — and we talk through it with couples often.
Clear communication helps. So does explaining that this choice is about creating a meaningful start to your marriage. Many couples choose to celebrate again later so loved ones feel included.
You are allowed to design a day that reflects your relationship.
Do we need permits to elope in the Smoky Mountains?
If you’re planning to marry inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or in Pisgah National Forest, yes — a special use permit is required for ceremonies. We guide our couples through that entire process so nothing feels overwhelming.
What do we actually do on an elopement day?
That’s the fun part — we build it around you. The possibilities are truly endless - so plan a date night where the two of you just brainstorm ideas that sound fun, thrilling, exciting, and very “you”, even if you don’t think it might be possible. Just get the creative juices flowing!
Your day might include:
A sunrise first look
A mountaintop ceremony with private, hand written vows
Exploring cascading waterfalls
A luxury picnic or cake cutting
Playing games at a barcade
Going on a private Jeep tour through the Smokies
Kayaking or canoeing on one of beautiful lakes in North Carolina
Brewery hopping in Asheville
A nice dinner at a fancy restaurant
Private chef preparing a meal at your airbnb
Sunset portraits
It’s less of a timeline and more of an experience.
If You’re Still Unsure…
That’s okay.
You don’t have to decide today.
But if your heart feels lighter when you picture something simple, intentional, and surrounded by the mountains — that’s worth exploring.
We’re a team of officiants and photographers who specialize in low-key, stress-free elopements in the Smokies. We help couples design wedding days that feel calm, meaningful, and true to them.
If you want to talk it through, we’re here.
Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t a perfect production.
It’s a strong beginning. 💛