In the current generation, elopements have skyrocketed in popularity. Elopements have evolved a great deal, as we have previously documented, from a social taboo to a culturally accepted and celebrated event. However, in that documentation, I feel as though I neglected to explain why elopement has risen to such heights of popularity in recent years. So today, I will attempt to answer the question of “why are elopements so popular?”, in this article.
Generational Divide
Doing research for this article, I found one article claiming that the trend was predominantly millennials who have begun this trend. While I don’t agree with the stronger language that the article presents, such as the implications that millennials are ruining the institution of traditional marriage, it certainly forced me to think (Grimm, 2017). It is undoubtedly millennials who made the entire concept a trend. The rising popularity certainly appears to be in line with the younger end of the millennial generation and the older members of Generation Z. While there were outliers in prior generations, there are at least two other factors that align with the trends of millennials and Gen Z.
Convenience
Admittedly, when it comes to the topic of elopements, there is still a veneer of a drunken weekend in Las Vegas that ends in a surprise marriage. However, in this conversation, we will be excluding that type of elopement. In our day and age, convenience plays a big part in our society and of the rising popularity of elopements. It’s no secret that weddings take a great deal of planning, time, and effort. Meanwhile, there is a far more convenient approach in elopements. In elopements, there are less factors to consider. Guests are optional, the venues are smaller, and a reception can be planned at another time if you so desire.
Affordability
Economically, I can’t make the claim that millennials and Gen Z are known for their saving habits. However, I can say that most are aware that certain things are far more difficult to obtain in our current market. A traditional wedding is not completely out of reach, of course, however, there is a certain level of practicality that usually comes with a couple choosing an elopement over a traditional wedding. An average elopement in 2020 only cost $1200, compared to an average wedding cost of $19,000 in the same year (Norian, 2020) (Forrest, 2020). Most of these costs went into vendors, which included photographers, videographers, officiants, florists, and hair and makeup artists (Norian, 2020). Only four years later, in 2024, those prices rose quite a bit, ranging anywhere between $5,000-$16,000. However, the average wedding is over double of the latter number at the time of this entry. Needless to say, there is absolutely some validity to this reason.
Privacy
It sounds odd to say privacy is a reason for elopement’s popularity. However, numerous people have made that claim. In fact one quote I stumbled across said this: “As terrible as it sounds, we didn’t miss having our friends and family with us,” (Alexander, 2019). For context, you may consider reading the full article, but the gist of it is they enjoyed the relaxing nature of the event without the pressures of all eyes on them. To some degree, I have to assume this plays a part in the growth of popularity. There is something reassuring about sharing the day with only your spouse and potentially your parents and in-laws, alleviating the pressures of a large ceremony.
At the end of the day, elopements have grown exponentially in popularity, seemingly for the better. Of course, the decision for an elopement ultimately comes down to a couple’s choice in the matter. I hope that I presented the evidence for why I believe elopements have grown in popularity well and that I have added something of value to your day!
Warmest regards,
Logan Clark
Works Cited
Alexander, Ella. “Elopements are on the rise: why modern couples are running away from lavish weddings.” Harper's BAZAAR, 5 April 2019, https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/bazaar-brides/a27054966/elopements-are-on-the-rise/. Accessed 3 May 2024.
Forrest, Kim. “How Much Does a Wedding Cost? The Answer & Details to Know.” Wedding Wire, 19 March 2021, https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-cost. Accessed 3 May 2024.
Grimm, Beca. “For Millennials, Eloping Is the New Lavish Wedding.” Glamour, 18 August 2017, https://www.glamour.com/story/why-more-millennials-are-eloping. Accessed 3 May 2024.
Norian, Karen. “Elopement Stats: The 2020 Elopement and Microwedding report.” Simply Eloped, 15 June 2020, https://simplyeloped.com/blog/2020-elopement-and-microwedding-report/. Accessed 3 May 2024.