Should You Keep Your Elopement a Secret?

The Benefits and Downsides of Having a Secret Elopement

secret sunset elopement in the mountains

How To Figure Out If You Should Elope In Secret

When it comes to adventure elopements, there’s a bit of an ongoing debate on whether it’s a good idea to keep your elopement a secret or to tell your friends and family about it. Some couples love the idea of a secret elopement, where they can send out little postcards after they’re married, letting people know they eloped. Others can’t really imagine keeping their loved ones out of the loop until after the fact.

The decision to keep your elopement a secret is a very personal one, though. And it’s not one you should feel pressured into making. Honestly, for some couples it makes complete and total sense to be secretive, and for others it’s not the best idea. I’ll break down a few benefits and downsides to help you figure out which direction might be best for you.

The Benefits of A Secret Elopement

You Don’t Have to Worry About Anyone Objecting To Your Decision to Elope

The number one reason I see couples choose to have larger weddings when they actually want to elope is that they’re worried about disapproval from friends and family. What’s unfortunate is that for many of these couples, they can’t imagine themselves getting married any other way; an adventure elopement just feels like the natural choice for them.

But the moment they let their loved ones know about their intention to elope, they’re met with an onslaught of probing questions and disappointed comments. For the couples who understand that their wedding day is about celebrating and being authentic to their relationship, choosing to have an adventure elopement in secret can be the ideal solution. It allows them to have the wedding they want, without everyone’s pressure an unsolicited opinions.

There’s Excitement in Keeping People Guessing About Your Elopement

Just picture it: sneaking away on a random week to go to your favorite national park and tie the knot, all the while everyone at home has no idea. No doubt, it’s a romantic idea, and the rush that comes from saying “I do” without anyone having a clue can definitely add to the excitement of your adventure elopement. Many couples love this idea, and it’s a great way to keep everyone’s thoughts and opinions about your decision from getting in the way of your secret elopement plans.

The Downsides of Keeping Your Adventure Elopement A Secret

Keeping Your Adventure Elopement a Secret Can Potentially Hurt The People Close to You

It’s one thing to have a secret adventure elopement if you don’t have a great relationship with your family. It can be a whole different ballgame if there are people near and dear to your heart who would likely be offended by you keeping them out of the loop.

Not all family and friends will necessarily disapprove of your plans to elope. Some of them just want to know that you’re planning to do so and would feel hurt if you kept it from them. It’s worth weighing your options and figuring out who in your circle of loved ones might be deeply hurt if you’re not up front with your adventure elopement plans. Plenty of loved ones are fine with couples eloping; they simply want to know when it’s happening. If your friends and family fall into this camp, it may be worth letting them know.

You Can’t Share Your Adventure Elopement Planning Journey With The People Close to You

Even if you’re planning an adventure elopement, it can still be fun to have your friends and family involved in the process (whether or not they’re attending). They can be there to help you scout out which trails you may want to elope on. They can attend any dress or suit fittings you may have. They can be there to help you plan out your elopement travels and accommodations. And they can attend a reception or party you have once you’ve returned from your adventure elopement. Sure, your adventure elopement may be far from traditional, but it can still be fun to have your friends and family get involved in planning and celebrating.

P.S. Whether you decide to keep your adventure elopement a secret or not, you’ll likely want an adventure elopement photographer who can help guide you through the elopement planning process. Your elopement photographer should be someone who has advice on all the things to bring with you on your elopement day, from epic locations to permits to snacks. As an adventure elopement photographer, I love helping our couples sort through these things so they can have the elopement of their dreams, whether that’s in secret or not.

Planning Your Adventure Wedding Or National Park Elopement?

Check out some of our favorite elopement and adventure wedding planning resources:

Sheena Shahangian Photography LLC

Empowering You To Have Your Adventure Elopement, Your Way

Colorado Elopement Photographers + Adventure Wedding Photographers

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved. Sheena Shahangian Photography LLC.