What Is the Difference Between Elopement and Destination Wedding?

By Alice Nichols

Elopement and destination weddings are two different types of nuptials that come with their own distinct advantages and drawbacks. Elopements, or runaway weddings, are typically private ceremonies between two people, usually done on a whim. Destination weddings, on the other hand, are planned in advance and involve family and friends who travel to a specific location to celebrate the union.

Advantages of an Elopement

An elopement is generally more affordable than a destination wedding. Couples often choose to elope if they are short on time or don’t want the hassle of planning a big wedding.

With an elopement, couples can travel to any location they want – whether it’s a beach in Hawaii or a mountaintop in Colorado – for a romantic setting for their special day. The private nature of an elopement also allows couples to share intimate vows without the eyes of others.

Advantages of a Destination Wedding

Destination weddings allow couples to have the best of both worlds: they can have their ceremony in an exotic locale while still having family and friends nearby. Depending on the destination chosen, destination weddings can be as large or small as you like; some couples opt for intimate gatherings while others prefer grand affairs with hundreds of guests.

The Difference

The primary difference between eloping and having a destination wedding is that eloping is often spontaneous (or semi-spontaneous) while destination weddings require advanced planning. Eloping also gives couples more freedom when it comes to choosing their location whereas destination weddings are typically held at one specific place chosen by the couple.

Conclusion

In essence, the difference between eloping and having a destination wedding comes down to spontaneity versus planning ahead. Both options offer unique advantages that will appeal to different couples depending on their individual needs and desires.