Elopement VS Wedding, Wedding VS Elopement | Las Vegas Elopement Photographer

Elopements vs wedding? What’s the difference? Who am I to talk? Oh, just your friendly neighborhood elopement photographer in Las Vegas — the wedding capital of the world! I get tons of inquiries looking for an “elopement/mini-wedding” from couples without a clear idea of what they should call their event.

While in my humble opinion you can call your big day a wedding or elopement or wedlopement or Let’s Get Hitched Day or, truly, whatever the hell you want, here are my thoughts on what makes an elopement an elopement and a wedding a wedding:

  • The biggest and most widely understood difference is the number of guests. Weddings are typically larger ordeals with 50+ guests and need the venue space, catering, etc. to accommodate that. Elopements have way fewer guests — or, if the numbers are still around the fifties, it’s a way more casual affair.

  • Next up is the complicated-ness of planning. Elopements can be a quick in-and-out while on a family trip or a more intentional event, but they typically involve WAYYY less shi—*ahem* things to coordinate. Think venue, entertainment, catering, florals, linens, stationery, drinks, and on and on and on. If you’re a Type A planner and this all sounds heavenly, freaking go for it! But not everyone’s about that life and elopements might just be the way to go.

  • One that lots of couples don’t consider but end up finding they really vibe with is the structure and focus of the day. Weddings tend to follow traditions and schedules, and allow guests to interact and celebrate together. Elopements are more free-flowing and focus only on the couple, regardless of party size — it’s super common to do a quick ceremony then grab a bite to eat instead of a formal procession followed by an organized reception.

  • Cost is also a HUGE difference-maker. Weddings these days can run well above $30K, while most eloping couples spend around $5-10,000. The simpler, the cheaper! Especially in a post-Covid world where we’re all just making the most of what life gives you, this is a reallllyyyyy important consideration. The money you save by eloping could make a real dent in a down payment!

Samantha and Gage’s elopement was a great example of finding a blend of the two that fits you. After breaking tradition and getting ready together (including a quick mustache trim), they hopped in a classic car to head to their small elopement ceremony at the Neon Museum, joined by all the friends and family who could join them all the way from Missouri. They’ll throw a reception celebration back home in MO for everyone who wasn’t able to make it so they still get to celebrate with everyone they love!

At the end of the day, it’s about doing what feels right to you. If you’ve always wanted a wedding but hate the idea of the stress, take some ideas from eloping and mix them in with wedding planning! Or, if you’d rather throw it all to the wind, you go right ahead friend.

Amber is a Las Vegas Elopement Photographer who is available for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.

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