Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now comes time to stress for the next year and a half before the big day rolls around. Alternatively, you could also hop on the recent bandwagon of opting for a more low-key approach; an elopement. 

More and more couples are looking at all the reasons why you should elope and seeing the ultimate benefit above organizing a large-scale and stressful wedding day. 

And, as a West-Philly-based photographer who adores capturing all things ‘love’, I wanted to share 10 reasons why so many people are eloping in Philadelphia:

1.You Can Save Thousands of Dollars

This one might be the biggest bonus for many newly engaged couples. In the US, you can save an average of $22,000. Most people eloping in Philadelphia will spend around $15,000 while a wedding can easily set you back $33,000. You’re going to have a blast splashing out on your honeymoon(once we can travel again)!

2. The Day is Far More Intimate

The day you say ‘I do’ is the ultimate exclamation of love between you and your partner. Yet, guests can often come between you on the day. So, just by taking you, your partner and a few close people as guests, you’ll be truly dedicating yourself to them.

3. Your Choice for Locations is Endless

Weddings can be very restrictive on location. However, when eloping, there’s no need to consider travel, tradition, or compromise for others. The choice is yours to explore! This couple chose their favorite neighborhood park which was just a few blocks away from their new home.

4. There’s No Family Drama

Big weddings are the source of all drama. Whether it’s finding out about a distanced cousin’s controversial decision or your in-law’s great grandmother complaining about a lack of wine. If there’s any reason why you should elope, it’s escaping the fate of family drama.

5. You’ll Be Relieved of Many Stress-Inducing Factors

According to the American Institute of Stress, getting married is the seventh most stressful life event. With organizing attendance, catering to all guests, ensuring the tailoring is top notch and matching the dates for locations and vendors, there’s no surprise. So, cut the middleman by eloping in Philadelphia.

6. Planning for the Big Day is Far Simpler

Instead of putting the deposit down on a big venue and considering all other aspects to a big wedding day, try a minimalist approach to planning an elopement. Find a stunning location, find an outfit, find an officiant, find your witness, find your spouse and you’re done.

7. You Are Not Confined by Time Constraints from Venues or Vendors

Planning a wedding comes with compromises. If you have a date and a venue but the two don’t align, you’ll have to re-think your approach. The same goes with guests and vendors on the day. Yet, eloping in Philadelphia with fewer commitments gives time liberty.

8. There’s More Freedom to Spend the Day as You’d Like

If you’re still wondering why you should elope, think about the time you get to spend doing the things you love with your new spouse on your big day. No need to visit every table at the reception, stick to the one venue, or find tradition taking over; explore!

9. You Can Forget About Traditional Dress Codes

Traditional weddings (and traditional families) often demand a traditional dress code. Yet, eloping provides a greater platform for expression. For example: alternative, fairytale, vintage, modern, rustic, bohemian, eco-friendly, art deco, tropical, and more. There’s simply no need to please or face judgment by being you. I absolutely love the BLHDN jumpsuit that the bride chose and the groom’s whole look!

10. Your Photography will Be Natural and Uplifted

One of the most popular reasons why you should elope in a 2021 world is being able to have your photographer exploring your big day with you. You have freedom to roam, time to relax and space to create the most natural memories of just you and your partner without hunting down family for the group snaps or smiling to hide the stress.

Eloping in Philadelphia couldn’t be a more beneficial prospect; reducing costs, taking new stress-free strides into marriage, and making sure the day remains a happy memory for the rest of your life. 

Luckily, eloping doesn’t just have to be you, your partner, and the (legally required) two witnesses. It’s flexible to include a circle of those you love most. However, if you’re struggling for ways to break the news to family, have a look at my 5 Essential Tips to Help you Downsize into a Micro-Wedding for inspiration!