Elopements aren’t what they used to be—and that’s a good thing if you ask us! Forget the old-school idea of sneaking off in secret (I mean, you can do that too!); eloping has evolved into an intentional, adventurous way for couples to tie the knot without all the fuss of a big traditional wedding. For LGBTQ+ couples, eloping has become the perfect way to ditch expectations and celebrate love in a way that feels 100% true to who you are. Read on to find out why eloping is the perfect choice for LGBTQ+ couples!
Whether it’s hiking to a mountaintop, exchanging vows on a beach, or saying “I do” in a cozy city spot, more and more LGBTQ+ couples are choosing elopements for the freedom and authenticity they offer. It’s about focusing on what matters—your connection, your love story, and having an unforgettable day, your way.
In this blog, we’re diving into why eloping is the ideal choice for many LGBTQ+ couples. From breaking away from outdated traditions to creating a one-of-a-kind adventure, we’ll show you why this path to marriage is as bold and beautiful as the couples who choose it!
Table of Contents: “Why Eloping is the Perfect Choice for LGBTQ+ Couples”
- Introduction
- Freedom from Traditional Expectations
- Privacy & Intimacy
- Inclusive and LGBTQ+ Friendly Vendors
- Flexibility to Create a Unique Ceremony
- Embracing Adventure and Non-Traditional Venues
- Cost-Effective and Budget-Friendly Option
- Prioritizing What Matters Most
- Avoiding Family and Social Pressure
- Conclusion
Freedom from Traditional Expectations
Let’s be real—traditional weddings can come with a lot of pressure. From rigid gender roles to outdated customs, the “typical” wedding doesn’t always fit the vision or values of many LGBTQ+ couples. Trying to mold yourselves into these norms can feel, well, inauthentic. But that’s where eloping totally flips the script.
Eloping gives you the freedom to do things your way, without the pressure to conform to anyone else’s expectations. Want to wear a cape? Go for it. Prefer to skip the whole “who walks down the aisle first” thing? Absolutely! Whether you want to ditch the big white dress, walk down the aisle together, or write your own unconventional vows, eloping is your blank canvas. It’s all about designing a day that feels true to you and your partner—no rules, no limits, just love.
For LGBTQ+ couples, that freedom can be everything. You can create a ceremony that reflects your unique identities and relationship. Maybe you’ll swap rings on a mountaintop, incorporate a cultural tradition that feels meaningful, or even have your dog be the officiant (yes, it’s been done!). The beauty of eloping is that every choice is up to you. It’s all about crafting an experience that lets you and your partner shine, however you define it!
Privacy & Intimacy
One of the best things about eloping? It’s all about you two. No pressure, no huge guest list, just the two of you (or a handful of your closest people) soaking in every moment together. For LGBTQ+ couples, an elopement can create a safe, private space to celebrate your love without worrying about being the center of attention in front of a big crowd or navigating uncomfortable situations.
Eloping gives you the freedom to keep things intimate—whether it’s just you and your partner or a small circle of chosen family and friends. You get to share your day with the people who matter most, in a way that feels authentic and comfortable. These moments can feel so much more personal when it’s just you and your favorite people.
If privacy and intimacy are top priorities for you, the options are endless! You could elope at a secret waterfall, a remote mountain spot, or a tucked-away Airbnb with jaw-dropping views. Want something urban but still low-key? Think hidden gardens or a quiet, artsy corner of the city. Whatever location you choose, eloping lets you create a deeply personal, unforgettable experience.
Inclusive and LGBTQ+ Friendly Vendors
One of the best parts about eloping is that you don’t necessarily have to deal with a massive vendor list if you don’t want to—just a handful of key people who get you and your vision. This also makes it so much easier to find vendors who are LGBTQ+ friendly and totally in sync with your values. Whether it’s a photographer who celebrates queer love (OH HEY, that’s us!), an officiant who knows how to make your ceremony feel uniquely you, or a florist who’s all about creating a one-of-a-kind, non-traditional bouquet, you can curate a dream team that truly gets you.
So, how do you find those vendors who are both talented and inclusive? Start by looking for businesses that specifically market themselves as LGBTQ+ friendly, or check out reviews and testimonials from other queer couples. Instagram and social media can also be goldmines for finding vendors who are vocal about their support for the community.
Here are a few questions to ask when you’re vetting potential vendors:
- “Have you worked with LGBTQ+ couples before?” (This can give you a sense of their experience and comfort level.)
- “How do you create an inclusive experience for all couples?” (This shows they’re intentional about their approach.)
- “What’s your take on gender roles or traditional wedding customs?” (You want someone who’s flexible and open to breaking the mold!)
By choosing vendors who are supportive and inclusive, you’ll ensure that every part of your elopement feels safe, welcoming, and affirming. Plus, it’ll help create an overall vibe where you can relax and just focus on celebrating your love—because that’s what your day is really all about!
Flexibility to Create a Unique Ceremony
The beauty of eloping is that you get to throw the rulebook out the window and create a ceremony that’s 100% you. No stuffy traditions or awkward formalities—just the freedom to design a day that truly reflects your relationship, your story, and your love. Eloping gives LGBTQ+ couples the ultimate flexibility to craft a ceremony that feels deeply personal and meaningful, from writing your own vows to incorporating rituals that speak to who you are as individuals and as a couple.
Want to skip the whole “giving away” part of the ceremony? Do it! Prefer to walk down the aisle together or not at all? Absolutely. Maybe you’d rather kick off your vows by telling your favorite adventure story, or end the ceremony with a champagne toast on a mountaintop. When you elope, every moment can be tailored to your relationship and what matters most to you.
There are also plenty of ways to infuse your elopement with meaningful, inclusive symbolism. You could incorporate a unity ritual like handfasting (where your hands are tied together with ribbons, symbolizing your bond) or a tree-planting ceremony to represent growth and the future you’re building together. If you want to mix things up, you could even do a commitment ceremony that reflects your shared values or pay homage to your heritage or culture.
At the end of the day, eloping lets you be as creative and unconventional as you want. Whether it’s saying your vows at sunrise, sharing a first dance by a campfire, or exchanging rings on a boat ride, the flexibility to create a one-of-a-kind ceremony is all yours. It’s your day, your love, and your story—so why not make it as unique as you are?
Embracing Adventure and Non-Traditional Venues
One of the best parts about eloping? You can have your ceremony anywhere. Literally. Eloping gives LGBTQ+ couples the freedom to choose epic, unconventional locations that speak to your adventurous spirit and where you feel totally at ease. Want to say your vows on the beach, at the top of a mountain, or deep in the forest? You can do all that—and more.
Elopements aren’t just about the ceremony; they can be full-blown experiences. The location isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the adventure that makes your elopement unforgettable. And the bonus? No venue rules, vendor restrictions, or time constraints—just you, your partner, and the adventure that awaits!
There are tons of LGBTQ+ friendly spots that make perfect elopement destinations. Consider places like the Colorado mountains (CO is SO queer friendly!), or the Oregon coast, with a quaint little beach town. Want something tropical? Head to the USVI, where we eloped! These destinations offer the kind of natural beauty that turns your elopement into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
When you embrace the freedom and adventure of eloping, the whole world becomes your wedding venue—wherever you feel most connected and alive. It’s all about creating a magical experience that you’ll never forget! Clearly this one of the reasons why we think eloping is the perfect choice for LGBTQ+ couples!
Why Eloping is the Perfect Choice for LGBTQ+ Couples Continued…
Cost-Effective and Budget-Friendly Option
Let’s face it—weddings can get crazy expensive. But the great thing about eloping? You get all the magic of your big day without the massive price tag that comes with a traditional wedding. Eloping allows LGBTQ+ couples to ditch the financial stress and invest in what really matters: a meaningful experience that’s all about you, not a long guest list or Uncle Bob who doesn’t support your marriage anyways!
Instead of shelling out for a venue, hundreds of meals, and all the little extras, elopements let you focus your budget on things that will make your day unforgettable. Want to hire on an epic photographer to capture every moment of your intimate adventure? Sign us up! What about putting that money toward an incredible week long trip?
To give you an idea of the cost difference, The Knot states that the average traditional wedding in 2023 was $35,000 or more. Meanwhile, an elopement typically costs a fraction of that—think anywhere between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on your location and what you want to include. Here’s how your budget could break down:
- Travel and Accommodations: $1,000 to $5,000 (depending on the destination)
- Photographer/Videographer: $3,000 to $6,000 (for a pro who will capture every beautiful moment, that’s us!)
- Officiant and Permits: $200 to $500
- Attire and Details: $500 to $3,000
- Extras (like a celebratory dinner, bouquet, etc.): $500 to $2,000
With fewer vendors and a smaller guest list, you can really focus on creating an experience that feels special without breaking the bank. You get to decide what’s important to you, the perfect location, an amazing photographer, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Eloping gives you the freedom to build your dream day and keep your finances in check, so you can start your married life with memories—not debt.
Prioritizing What Matters Most
At the end of the day, a wedding is really about one thing: celebrating the love and commitment between you and your partner. Eloping lets you strip away all the fluff—the seating charts, the centerpieces, the endless details—and focus entirely on what truly matters: the two of you. It’s a day where you can be fully present, where every moment feels meaningful, and where the spotlight is on your connection, not the event.
Elopements allow LGBTQ+ couples to celebrate their love in a way that feels authentic and deeply personal. No worrying about impressing a crowd, following traditional scripts, or navigating family dynamics. Instead, it’s all about crafting a day that feels right for you.
Here’s what some LGBTQ+ couples who eloped had to say about their experience:
“I’ve always wanted to elope. I see the huge value in keeping the wedding private and personal. I wanted just a happy day for ourselves without the responsibility of hosting a big party or the need to entertain everyone else. A wedding is for the guests, and an elopement is for the couple.” — Bess & Keeva
For couples who want to prioritize their experience and their love story, eloping is the perfect way to do that. It’s not about pleasing others or meeting expectations—it’s about focusing on each other, creating unforgettable memories, and starting your married life on a foundation of love, authenticity, and adventure. Are you starting to see why eloping is the perfect choice for LGBTQ+ couples?
Avoiding Family and Social Pressure
Let’s be honest—family dynamics and societal expectations can be tricky, especially for LGBTQ+ couples. Navigating traditional weddings can sometimes mean dealing with difficult conversations, uncomfortable situations, or even outright conflict. That’s where eloping comes to the rescue. By choosing to elope, you get to celebrate your love on your terms, free from any family drama or societal judgments. It’s just you and your partner making the day exactly what you want it to be.
Eloping offers a sense of liberation. No need to worry about pleasing extended family members, awkward seating arrangements, or explaining your choices to people who just don’t get it. Instead, you can focus on what matters—your connection and your celebration of love, without the pressure to conform to anyone else’s expectations.
If you do decide to tell family and friends about your elopement, there are ways to do it with love and grace. Here are some tips:
- Be upfront and honest: Let them know why you’ve chosen to elope and how important it is for you to have a day that reflects your relationship and values.
- Include them in some way: If it feels right, share the details of your elopement after the fact, or invite them to a small post-elopement celebration where you can all celebrate together.
- Frame it positively: Focus on the excitement of starting your married life with an adventure or an intimate ceremony, and let them know this was the best way for you to celebrate your love.
By eloping, you create space for a wedding day that’s free of outside pressures—just you and your partner celebrating your love in a way that feels truly you. It’s a liberating choice that allows you to leave the stress behind and focus on the joy of starting your life together!
Conclusion
As you can see it isn’t too hard to convince you why eloping is the perfect choice for LGBTQ+ couples! Eloping offers so many incredible benefits—from the freedom to design a day that’s truly authentic, to the privacy and intimacy of celebrating in a space where you can be completely yourselves. It’s about inclusivity, breaking free from traditional expectations, and focusing on what really matters: your love and commitment. With fewer distractions and more flexibility, eloping allows you to craft an unforgettable experience that reflects your relationship in all its beauty and uniqueness.
If you’re feeling drawn to the idea of eloping, it might just be the perfect choice for you. Whether it’s an epic adventure in nature, a quiet city ceremony, or something totally outside the box, eloping gives you the chance to say “I do” in a way that feels right for you and your partner.
Ready to start planning your dream LGBTQ+ elopement? Reach out to us for more information on LGBTQ+ elopement photography or to book a consultation. We’d love to help you capture your day, your way! We hope you enjoyed our blog, “Why Eloping is The Perfect Choice for LGBTQ+ couples!”
And if you are interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ elopement topics, head on over to THIS blog where we dive into how to find your wedding outfits & attire!
XOXO,
Sam & Bryt
