Wedding vs Elopement: What Would You Choose?

If you’re reading this article, congratulations on your engagement! I am so excited for you, and I hope you’ve been able to take time out and celebrate. Now, you and your partner are about to enter the world of wedding planning. It’s a vast world, but before you start, there’s a serious decision that you need to make, most couples will have already decided, but if you’re reading this then there’s a chance that you haven’t yet.

Do you want a full wedding or will you be eloping? Both options have their significant advantages so just try to go with the one that makes you and your partner the happiest. To aid you in making your choice, here are some benefits of both.

Reasons to Choose an Elopement

Very Intimate

An elopement is a lot more intimate than a regular wedding. This remains true whether you choose to go by yourselves, along with a few friends or just close family. You’ll get to spend every moment of your wedding together and can give everyone your undivided attention.

Huge Savings

With elopements, the only person you’ll have to focus on is yourself and your partner. Even when you choose to elope to a destination away from home, you still won’t be spending as much. Due to the shorter event length, most suppliers will have an elopement package which will bring considerable savings over their regular all-day pricing. Some couples even combine their elopement with their honeymoon leading to even more savings.

Minimal Drama

Your wedding is supposed to be a special day for you and your partner. However, it can quickly become more about what your bridal party and guests want than what you and your fiance have been dreaming of. As a Cornish Wedding Photographer, I’ve noticed that it can sometimes turn into a juggling act. The couple spends the whole day trying to make sure everyone is happy sometimes forgetting to enjoy the day themselves. With elopements, however, you can escape all that.

No Guest List

Deciding who gets to come to your wedding and who doesn’t can be trying. You won’t be able to have everyone who you know come, so who will get the cut? Are you already feeling knots in your stomach? When you choose an elopement, you can escape all this. Yourself and your partner are all you need. 

No Venue Limits

Your venue options are limitless when you choose to elope. You could select a cornish beach, a Mediterranian biome in the worlds largest greenhouse, a Cornish tin mine, the edge of a cliff, a dreamy castle or any number of other incredible venues Cornwall has to offer. It is entirely up to you. 

Reasons to Choose a Full Wedding

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it can be a great lesson in cooperation and teamwork for you and your partner. Listening to each other’s dreams for your wedding day will bring you closer together and help you even better understand one another. Marriage is not all romance and laughter though planning will help you learn how to work together and create something you are both proud of. If you ask me, that’s a great way to start your marriage.

Strengthens Familial Ties

A wedding is a chance for both your families to work together to help you plan and deliver the wedding you have worked so hard for. They’ll also bond on your wedding day, often meeting other members of each of your families for the first time. This interaction is indispensable as they’ll most likely be seeing a lot more of each other in the future.

A Chance to Party

Partying does not mean you’ll be throwing the biggest party, social distancing might not even allow that. A wedding, however, gives those you care about an opportunity to celebrate with you. Your loved ones can participate in your planning, making it all the more fun. This will lead to more happiness and joy for everyone involved.

Feels More Like A Milestone For Everyone

On your wedding day, you’ll be the centre of attention. Your guests will be there to celebrate you and the love of your life. Being able to share this special milestone with those you care about emphasizes its importance. You can revel in the success of the day and toast to your new beginning.


Whether you eventually decide to go with a wedding or an elopement, you’ll need someone to capture the unforgettable memories at your event. If you’re looking for a Cornish wedding photographer who can do that, go ahead and let me know. I am a full-time wedding photographer based in Cornwall, photographing all weddings long or short, big or small. If you are planning a big wedding with the whole family and all the trimmings I’m available to photograph every aspect of the day. From the intimate moments at the altar to the group celebrations in the evening, you can be assured those moments are captured for decades to come. On the other hand, if you are planning to elope to Cornwall and want an unobtrusive photographer that understands the importance of your intimate affair, I’m able to document those treasured moments you and your fiance spend together without making you feel like you are being watched. (I am even happy to be a witness for you if required)

Whichever option you have chosen I would love to hear what you have planned.

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Professional, Fun and Relaxed Wedding Photography

My name is Steven! I'm a full-time documentary wedding photographer from Cornwall. I specialise in relaxed and unposed photography, capturing the moments of your day as they happen.

I love what I do, and I always have fun doing it. If you are looking for someone to capture every moment, create beautiful lasting memories, someone who will laugh with your guests, talk to the kids, pet all the dogs and get stuck into almost any task on the day, then I am the person for you!

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