Elopements have come a long way from the simple courthouse ceremonies of the past. Today’s couples are getting creative with their intimate weddings, and I’m here for all of it.
As someone who’s seen countless elopements over the years, I can tell you that couples are breaking all the traditional wedding rules. And honestly? Their celebrations are more beautiful and personal because of it.
Let me share the trends that have me completely obsessed right now.
Vibrant Colors Are Having a Moment
Gone are the days when elopements meant all-white everything. Couples are adding pops of color in the most beautiful ways.
Colorful Wedding Dresses
Blush pink, sage green, and dusty blue wedding dresses are showing up everywhere. These soft colors photograph amazingly and feel fresh and modern.
I recently worked with a bride who wore a stunning orange floral dress for her beach elopement. It looked incredible against the blues of the sky and ocean, and added such a personal touch to her day.
Some brides are going even bolder with jewel tones like emerald or burgundy. These colors look especially amazing for fall elopements.
Statement Bouquets
Forget the basic white rose bouquet. Today’s elopement bouquets are bursting with personality.
Bright orange marigolds, hot pink peonies, and deep purple dahlias are making appearances. These colorful blooms create stunning contrast in photos and show off the couple’s style.
Wild, organic-looking bouquets with lots of texture are also trending. Think eucalyptus, dried grasses, and unconventional flowers mixed together.
Colorful Veils and Accessories
Colored veils are my new favorite thing. A soft pink or blue veil adds such a romantic touch without being too bold, or an embroidered veil with tons of color.
Some brides are adding colorful ribbon edges to traditional veils. Others are choosing colorful flower crowns instead of veils entirely.
Bold Groom Style
Grooms aren’t being left out of the color trend. Colored suits in navy, forest green, or even burgundy are becoming more popular.
Colorful bow ties, pocket squares, and boutonnieres let grooms add personality to their look. I love seeing grooms in fun socks that match their partner’s bouquet colors.
Unique Experiences Over Traditional Elements
Couples are ditching cookie-cutter ceremonies for experiences that actually mean something to them.
Adventure Elopements
Rock climbing, kayaking, or hiking to a remote waterfall for your ceremony? Yes, please. These adventure elopements create incredible memories and amazing photos.
Skill-Based Ceremonies
Some couples are incorporating their hobbies into their elopement day. Musicians might write and perform songs for each other. Artists might paint together after their ceremony.
One couple I know had their ceremony at a pottery studio and made matching mugs afterward (and I happen to be friends with some people at that studio, if pottery is your thing). Now they drink their morning coffee from cups they made on their wedding day.
Food Experiences
Private chef dinners, wine tastings, and cooking classes are becoming popular elopement activities. Food brings people together, and these experiences feel intimate and special.
Couples are choosing restaurants that hold meaning for their relationship or trying cuisines they’ve never had before.
Meaningful Locations Tell Your Story
The best elopement locations aren’t just pretty. They mean something to the couple getting married.
Where You Met
Coffee shops, bookstores, hiking trails, or even the grocery store where you first talked. If it’s meaningful to your relationship, it can be a wedding venue.
I’ve photographed ceremonies in the most unexpected places because they held special meaning for the couple.
Family Property
Using grandparents’ farms, childhood homes, or family cabins adds so much heart to an elopement. These locations come with built-in emotional significance.
The stories and history of these places become part of your wedding story too.
Travel Destinations
Destination elopements let couples combine their wedding with an amazing trip. Whether it’s a beach in Hawaii or a castle in Scotland, these locations create once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Some couples choose places they’ve always wanted to visit together. Others pick locations that represent their shared interests or dreams.
Animals Are Joining the Party
Pet-friendly elopements are becoming more common, and I love seeing furry family members included in these special days.
Dogs as Wedding Party Members
Dogs wearing flower collars or bow ties make the cutest wedding party members. They add joy and personality to photos, plus they’re already part of your family.
Some couples have their dogs walk down the aisle or act as ring bearers. Others just want their pets nearby for this important moment.
Unique Animal Encounters
Adventure-loving couples are incorporating animal encounters into their elopement experiences. Swimming with dolphins, horseback riding ceremonies, or visiting animal sanctuaries create unique memories.
These experiences are unforgettable and make for amazing photos.
Farm and Ranch Settings
Venues with friendly farm animals add charm and whimsy to elopement photos. Horses, goats, and chickens make surprisingly good wedding guests.
These rustic settings feel relaxed and fun, perfect for couples who want a laid-back celebration.
Why These Trends Work So Well
All of these trends have something in common. They’re personal, meaningful, and true to each couple’s personality.
Traditional weddings can feel like they’re following someone else’s script. These elopement trends let couples write their own story and celebrate in ways that actually matter to them.
The best part? These personalized touches make for better photos and memories. When couples are doing things they love with people and pets they care about, their joy shows.
Making These Trends Work for You
Not every trend will fit every couple, and that’s okay. The key is picking elements that feel right for your relationship and your vision.
Start with what matters most to you as a couple. Do you love adventure? Are you pet parents? Do you have a special place that means everything to your relationship?
Build your elopement around those meaningful elements, and add trendy touches that feel right for your style.
Remember, your elopement should feel like the most “you” day possible. These trends are just inspiration to help you create something uniquely yours.
The Bottom Line
Elopements are becoming more creative, personal, and fun. Couples are choosing vibrant colors, meaningful experiences, special locations, and including their beloved pets.
These trends work because they’re about authenticity and joy. They let couples focus on what really matters while creating beautiful, memorable celebrations.
Your elopement should tell your love story in the most genuine way possible. Whether that includes a colorful dress, a mountain adventure, or your dog as the ring bearer is entirely up to you.
If you’re ready to start planning your unique elopement, let’s talk!
