An elopement in Colorado and traditional weddings offer incredible experiences for the engaged couple. It all depends on what type of experience you want! When planning your upcoming wedding, the biggest thing to consider is your day’s overall style and vibe. The main differences between these events are the style, scale, and focus. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I work with hundreds of couples annually, capturing their most important moments together. I’ve attended countless weddings and elopements and think they are beautiful and memorable. There’s not one that is better than the other! Throughout the blog, we’ll discuss the differences between eloping and planning a traditional wedding.

How Big Are We Talking?

Traditional Wedding

When comparing these types of events, the main differences are the number of guests in attendance and the scale of the overall event. Often, when couples plan a traditional wedding, more people attend, making the day more prominent in scale and planning. With more guests, it requires a bigger venue, more food – just more logistics. A traditional wedding usually includes more extended family and guests, whereas an elopement is more intimate.

An Elopement in Colorado

An intimate elopement in Colorado typically includes just the couple or a handful of loved ones. With fewer guests, the couple can truly focus on the meaningful ceremony while enjoying a personal experience. When couples choose to elope, one of the main reasons for the choice is to skip the party and celebrate their love and journey together. A smaller-scale elopement is a great way to celebrate their special bond.

Location + Setting

An Elopement in Colorado

The most incredible perk of eloping? These ceremonies can take place anywhere! From the traditional courthouse setting to a national park or small family cabin. An elopement is the perfect time to embrace the beauty of Colorado and elope anywhere you choose. Colorado also allows for self-solemnization, allowing you and your partner to have a private legal wedding ceremony. If you don’t want an officiant, you can skip it!

Traditional Wedding

Depending on the size of your wedding and time of year, weddings are typically held in some venue, whether a banquet hall, hotel, or another otherwise sanctioned event space. A traditional wedding can be held outdoors, similar to an elopement. However, national parks limit the number of guests at weddings within the park. If you’re considering a traditional wedding, take a look at the incredible venues throughout Colorado that will be able to accommodate a larger-scale wedding.

Flexibility in Scheduling + Timing

Traditional Wedding

While planning your wedding, you’ll quickly realize there are a lot of events that take place during the day! It’s a lot, from the first look to ceremonies, portraits, reception, and reception events. A timeline or schedule is created with a traditional wedding to fit it all in. Venues only have specific availabilities, so scheduling with them and other vendors is also important.

A Colorado Elopement

However, opting for an elopement offers much more flexibility! An elopement allows for flexibility throughout the event as fewer guests are involved and fewer traditional events are planned, whether it’s a simple morning hike to a private location or a sunset dinner together after exchanging vows. The day revolves entirely around you and your partner’s preferences and desires.

Cost

Traditional Wedding

As you can probably assume, a larger-scale event will involve higher expenses. A traditional wedding has added expenses that an elopement wouldn’t. For example, when planning a big wedding, you’ll have a venue, catering, decor, and entertainment to pay for. With an elopement, a lot of those costs are eliminated.

An Elopement in Colorado

Typically more budget-friendly, an elopement allows couples to save on extravagant, unnecessary items while splurging on what’s important to them. Perhaps you and your partner want to plan a destination elopement; you could splurge on travel and a nice hotel. Or experiences like being a private chef or taking incredible photographs. Elopements are much simpler to plan, leading to less money spent.

If you’re considering an elopement in Colorado and looking for more inspiration, visit my Pinterest or the blog!

Already dreaming of an incredible Colorado elopement photography experience with me? Reach out today.