Elopement Wedding in Portugal
When you hear about an Elopement Wedding, what comes to mind?
A couple running away to get married in secret because they don’t have the approval of their family? Two people walking into the registry office to sign the papers, and that’s it?
I’m sure for some of you, that’s what came to mind, and don’t worry, you’re not alone.
For many, Elopements are still misunderstood and carry a lot of prejudices and misconceptions.
Some people think that Elopements are done at the last minute, or that couples who choose this type of wedding do it because they’re ashamed or judged.
Although, in the past, many Elopements were for those reasons, today the definition and the reasons that couples choose an Elopement have completely changed.
We decided to have our own version of what an Elopement Wedding is.
For us, an Elopement Wedding is, first and foremost, the authenticity of a couple. It’s the experience of an intimate wedding done purposefully, where the focus is truly on the two of you. It’s about giving you the absolute freedom to do the wedding the way and where you imagine.
Elopement Wedding couple on a cliff As Elopement Wedding photographers and guides, we are passionate about helping couples understand what an Elopement truly is.
Most people feel that, on the day they get engaged, they will be obligated to have a big wedding. And if a big wedding is something you want, that’s wonderful. You should definitely do that.
After having the opportunity to document so many Elopements, we want couples to know that it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. We believe that the wedding day and how it happens should be a choice that’s only yours. If that means a big wedding, that’s wonderful. But if it means something completely different, people should know that’s okay.
If all you dream of is a day full of authenticity, meaning, and intimacy, then you’ve probably already been looking for an Elopement Wedding, even if you didn’t know it or didn’t have the words to express it.
Elopement Wedding couple on a cliff Elopement Wedding couple on a cliff
Some myths about what an Elopement Wedding is We like to think of an Elopement Wedding as an intimate ceremony with 100% focus on the love that two people have for each other and want to experience that commitment in the purest way possible.
There are still many misconceptions about this type of wedding, which is why some couples still don’t understand the true definition of an Elopement.
So, let’s try to help and debunk some of these myths!
01. Couples choose an Elopement Wedding because they don’t want to spend a lot of money on the wedding day
As mentioned in this post, it’s true that you will save a bit of money by choosing an Elopement, but that is by no means the main reason behind it. You can have a huge wedding with hundreds of people on a low budget, and you can also have an Elopement with a really high budget.
The reality is that choosing an Elopement instead of a traditional wedding day is not purely about saving money or not investing in your beautiful day. It’s simply about choosing to invest in your day differently.
Many couples decide to have a wedding for two because they want a day that is entirely theirs and about what they’ve always dreamed of, and for many couples, that special moment doesn’t mean having a big party full of guests.
02. Elopements are for lonely couples who don’t like their family and friends
Unfortunately, due to a lack of information or preconceived ideas, some people believe that couples who choose an Elopement do so because they aren’t very close to their family or don’t have many friends. And I’m here to say that is definitely false.
Many couples we’ve worked with have strong family relationships but still opted to do something different.
An Elopement Wedding means choosing to prioritize the love you have for your partner over things that may not matter as much to you, like a big party where you’re the center of attention. Instead, you’re choosing to have a special and unique day just for the two of you, not a party that could be very stressful and come with many obligations.
An Elopement in no way means excluding people or telling your family and friends that you don’t care about them. It’s simply choosing to focus on the intention and priorities that matter most to you.
Couples who have all of their loved ones supporting them may still choose to do an Elopement because when they look back at their wedding photos years later, they want to remember a day that was purely for the two of them.
03. We’re doing an Elopement because our wedding wasn’t approved by the family
Some people may think that couples who choose an Elopement do so because they’re ashamed, embarrassed, or don’t have their family’s approval. This might have made sense in the past, but it has nothing to do with the Elopements of today.
Choosing an Elopement Wedding simply means you’re opting to let go of the pressure and expectations of a big wedding that doesn’t represent you.
When you choose an intimate wedding, you’re choosing not to commit to something that doesn’t make sense. You’re simply choosing meaningful, authentic, and intentional moments for the two of you. And honestly, we don’t think there’s anything shameful about that.
04. I can’t invite anyone to my Elopement Wedding
Due to misinformation or wrong definitions found on the internet, many couples believe that at an Elopement, it’s forbidden to invite anyone, and if they do, it wouldn’t be considered an Elopement anymore.
But guess what? There are no rules when it comes to an Elopement. As a couple, you can absolutely have a wedding with your closest family and friends or anyone you want to be there.
We’ve photographed beautiful Elopements that included family and close friends, others with only the parents, and even one with 15 guests.
One suggestion we give, if you don’t want to miss out on having that intimate, individual time together and still want to have some friends and family, is to have separate ceremonies or a 2-day Elopement. As mentioned earlier, the biggest advantage of an Elopement is that there are no rules.
What matters most, rather than the number of guests, is that your guests understand the true intention behind your choice of an Elopement.
05. Elopements are quick ceremonies with just a few photos of the day
Unfortunately, due to a lack of experience, some professionals see Elopements as an economical wedding option where the couple exchanges vows, signs the papers, takes a few photos, and that’s it.
In our experience, we’ve found that Elopements are filled with meaningful and intentional moments, full of love, that should be captured in their entirety. It’s impossible to do this in just one or two hours. We believe your wedding day deserves much more than that.
Elopements really don’t have rules! And this is one of the main reasons why we are so passionate and love doing them. A good question to imagine how your day would look like is: If we had a day without limits, what would it be like? What would be an absolutely amazing, enjoyable, and unforgettable day together?
Imagine the most authentic day for you, remembering it for the rest of your life with a smile on your face.
Can you picture it? If so, then this could absolutely be your wedding day, without a doubt. Because an Elopement is so much more than a rushed ceremony and just a few photos of the day.
06. I don’t need to plan my Elopement Wedding
You are completely wrong if you think that. In fact, many of the couples we work with plan their Elopements up to 1 year or more in advance.
In the past, Elopements were seen as last-minute weddings. However, nowadays, the philosophy around this type of wedding has completely changed. In other words, we believe that Elopements are pure and intentional moments that focus on the intentionality and meaning of the wedding experience, not just a shortcut to have any wedding.
Your Elopement Wedding can be planned or relaxed. As I mentioned earlier, an Elopement has no strict rules, and it’s exactly this feature that makes it unique. Therefore, you can choose various ceremony options or opt for a more relaxed approach if that’s what you want.
In Conclusion
An Elopement Wedding is for those who want nothing more than to spend intimate and meaningful moments together.
It’s for couples who look into each other’s eyes and know that this day is about them and no one else.
It’s for couples who want total freedom to say, do, think, and feel whatever they want.
Choosing an Elopement Wedding means stepping away from pressures, obligations, and traditions that don’t represent you. And honestly, it’s not just about a few photos, signing the papers, and leaving.
An Elopement is about holding each other’s hand and having a wedding exactly the way you want it.
Never stop doing what you truly feel. Moreover, if what you desire is an Elopement, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
Get in touch with us, and let me help you make this dream come true.