What is an Elopement? What does it mean to elope?

What is an elopement? What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of an elopement?


Are you envisioning a couple running away to Las Vegas and secretly getting married in a drive-thru chapel? Maybe a couple running to get married in secrecy because their marriage isn’t approved of by family members? Or maybe it’s just a trip down to the courthouse and bam, you’re done?

I promise that if you thought one of those things, that you are not alone!!! But I am here to tell you that, that’s not what the meaning of an elopement wedding is anymore!! An elopement wedding is sooooo much more than just running away and getting married.. so let’s grab that dry eraser and scrub that definition out of your brain together! 🥰

What Is An Elopement?

An elopement is an intimate wedding experience with your partner, where your wedding day is all about your love story. The pressure of making sure every little detail is gone, there is no spotlight, and you get to share this intimate moment with your soulmate. ⁣There’s no expectations or limitations to what your wedding day can entail.

It literally doesn’t matter where you elope, what you wear, or who is there. ⁣What matters is that you creat an elopement experience that makes you and your partner happy and that focuses on the two of you. It can be as big and grand as you wish, or it can be as small and low-key as you wish. There’s no rules when it comes to planning your experience.


The only that matters is that you and your soulmate are making a promise to love each other and that your wedding day is all about the two of you.⁣ There’s no getting caught up in the latest wedding trends you saw in a bridal magazine, or focusing on what your family members want you to do.

You deserve to celebrate your love story in any way that you desire.

I believe with all my heart that couples should have the freedom to express and celebrate their love story, exactly the way they want!! It doesn’t matter if that means you want to take a trip to Italy and elope in Positano or if you want to take a weekend trip to Madeline Island and elope there with your closest friends and family members then kayak at sunset!

The beautiful thing about eloping is that you and your partner are the only ones that can decide what your day will look like. Are you going to get ready together or will you do a first look? What kind of activities do you both love to do together? What scenery speaks to your soul?

5 Reasons Why You Should Elope in 2023

  1. You want your wedding day to mean more than just a party for other people.
  2. You want only your closest family + friends to be present.
  3. Planning a big wedding is stressful AF, especially when you’re not excited about it.
  4. Eloping is more intentional, unique, and personal to the couple.
  5. You want to avoid family drama + chaos.

Related Blog Posts Just For You!

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How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park

Lyndale Park Minneapolis Elopement || Abby + Chris

Superior Wisconsin Elopement || Lexy + Kaine

Oahu Hawaii Beach Elopement || Sara & Brandon

Samantha Burke is a Minnesota-based traveling adventurous elopement photographer for the passionate and daring lovers! She’s also an educator for fellow photographers that are wanting to grow their business! Samantha is also a traveling addict that’s always looking for somewhere to travel too! Sam is also obsessed with Star Wars, Marvel, and Chai Tea! Please contact Sam if you would like to have her be your elopement photographer or if you have any questions!

If you're ready to go on a wild adventure with me and get freaking married in a way that calls to your heart - let's start planning! Use the contact form here to start the process of making your dream elopement come to life! 

P.S. I cannot WAIT to hear from you!!!

are you ready to say yes to the elopement you deserve?

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