Your wedding is meant to be all about you and your partner, and a small wedding or intimate elopement can be a less stressful, more flexible way to celebrate your big day! But what are the pros and cons of eloping?
Large weddings can sometimes balloon out of control: awkward conversations with extended family about plus ones, more and more dietary restrictions to accommodate, higher costs, and more advanced planning required. Plus, planning a large wedding can be stressful (unless you select one of our all-inclusive weddings at Hightower Falls, of course!).
If you’re one of the many couples considering a elopement with a small group of close friends and family, here are some of the most important pros and cons of eloping in 2025:
What are the pros of eloping?
- Less stress: Smaller guest lists mean less planning and coordination, leading to a less stressful wedding experience overall.
- Less advanced planning: That wedding venue with the 2 year waitlist? The caterer who needs a 9 months heads up? Forget about it! If you’d like to get married on a faster timeline, eloping could be perfect for you!
- More personal connection: With fewer guests, you can spend more quality time with everyone.
- More affordable: Smaller venues and catering needs for a smaller guest list can significantly reduce wedding costs! In fact, elopements are typically 50–85% less expensive than traditional weddings.
- Greater flexibility: You have more freedom to choose a unique venue or customize the wedding details to suit your smaller group.
- Relaxed atmosphere: A smaller gathering often feels more relaxed and comfortable for both the couple and guests.
What are the cons of eloping:
- Difficult guest list decisions: Narrowing down your guest list to only a few close people can be challenging and could lead to potential hurt feelings. Whether you’re eloping or planning a large wedding, try these 6 practical tips for cutting your guest list down!
- Missing out on a “party” atmosphere: A smaller wedding may not have the same large-scale party feel as a bigger celebration, but not everyone wants that vibe! A stunning, intimate wedding can have just as beautiful an atmosphere as a larger one. It’s just personal preference!
- Potential family dynamics: Balancing family expectations with a small guest list can be difficult, but remember- it’s your wedding, and setting boundaries with family may be necessary for your dream day!
- May not include distant friends or acquaintances: Some people might feel left out if they’re not invited to a small wedding, but again- your wedding day is all about you and your partner. If an intimate wedding is what you want, stand your ground! The people who love you ultimately want to see you happy.
- Limited venue options: Depending on your location, finding a suitable venue for a very small wedding might be challenging.
How to know if eloping is right for you
At the end of the day, only you can decide if eloping is right for you.
Do you want to get married faster than average? Do you want a smaller, more intimate atmosphere? Are you on a tighter budget? Are you worried about the stress of planning a large wedding? Do you have more creative or expensive ideas for a wedding that you only want to offer to a small group of close friends and family?
These questions and more can help you decide! And if you need help, our experts at Hightower Falls in Georgia are here to answer your questions! We offer a variety of wedding packages, from intimate elopements to larger traditional weddings, all perfectly planned and executed to perfection with the same level of care an attention to detail. Our fairy tale backdrop, including an 80 foot spring fed waterfall and sweeping lawn, are the perfect venue for celebrations of all sizes.
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