Sep 9, 2024
Eloping has long been viewed as the rebellious alternative to a traditional wedding. While some imagine it as a whirlwind escape filled with romance, others see it as a practical decision to avoid the fuss of a big event. But the truth is, eloping is an emotional journey, and there’s so much more to it than meets the eye.
Here’s what I didn’t expect when I chose to elope—both the highs and the moments that tugged at my heart.
1. Relief from Wedding Pressure
One of the first emotions I felt was sheer relief. Deciding to skip the traditional wedding meant I no longer had to deal with the stress of guest lists, seating charts, and family drama. Eloping allowed my partner and me to focus entirely on what mattered most: us.
No awkward conversations about inviting distant relatives or debating over the wedding colours. It was just pure simplicity, and that freedom was incredibly liberating.
2. A Surge of Guilt
But alongside the relief came guilt. Choosing to elope meant some of the people closest to me wouldn’t be there to witness one of the most important days of my life. Telling my family was difficult, especially when I saw the disappointment in their eyes.
While they understood our decision, I couldn’t help but feel like I was letting them down. This guilt lingered longer than I anticipated and became one of the more challenging aspects of eloping.
3. Intensely Personal Moments
Without the distractions of a big wedding, our elopement became deeply intimate. Standing in front of my partner, exchanging vows with just the two of us (and maybe a celebrant) was raw and heartfelt.
The lack of an audience meant we didn’t feel pressure to perform. We laughed, cried, and truly soaked in every moment. It was a level of connection I didn’t realise I craved until that very moment.
4. A Different Kind of Celebration
There was no first dance, no grand toast, and no bouquet toss. At first, I thought I’d miss those traditional milestones. But instead, we created our own unique way of celebrating—whether it was a quiet dinner at a local restaurant or popping champagne in our hotel room.
It felt refreshingly us. No timelines or formalities, just joy in its simplest form.
5. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
While our elopement felt perfect for us, I occasionally found myself wondering what a traditional wedding might have been like. Would I have enjoyed dancing the night away with friends? Or hearing my dad’s heartfelt speech?
This nostalgia hit hardest when I saw wedding photos of friends who chose a more traditional route. It’s not regret, but rather a wistful curiosity about the road not taken.
6. A Lifetime of Storytelling
What I didn’t expect was how much people loved hearing about our elopement. Whether it was the spontaneity of it all or the unique choice of location, our story became a conversation starter.
Our friends and family often commented on how romantic and adventurous it sounded. It made me realise that even though we did things differently, it didn’t make our wedding any less meaningful or memorable.
Tips for Handling the Emotional Side of Eloping
If you’re considering eloping, here are some ways to navigate the emotions that come with it:
- Communicate Early: Be upfront with close family and friends about your decision. Their initial disappointment may soften with time.
- Celebrate Later: Consider hosting a small gathering or party after your elopement to include loved ones in your joy.
- Focus on Your Why: Keep reminding yourself why you chose to elope. It’s your day, and it’s okay to prioritise your happiness.
- Document the Day: Hire a photographer or videographer to capture the magic of your elopement. Sharing these photos can help loved ones feel included.
Final Thoughts
Eloping isn’t just an event—it’s an emotional journey. From the joy of intimacy to the occasional pang of guilt or nostalgia, every emotion is part of what makes it so special.
If you’re considering eloping, embrace the highs and the challenges. At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect your love story, in whatever form feels right for you.
