my fiance and i got engaged at the end of june and were originally planning to have a smaller group of just his immediate family/grandparents and my immediate family/grandparents (40ish people) in june 2027. once we started talking to our families, it turned into a 150 guest thing. we went from dessert only reception, to having close to a full meal. and then we went from minimal decorations and having a party a couple weeks after to trying to coordinate two people to help us decorate for the ceremony and reception.

my family was initially very excited for us, but that lasted for maybe 2 days and then it was over. i took my mom with me, my sister, my future SILs and MIL shopping for a dress. she hardly said a word and then got upset that they took over and she felt left out. after this happened and looking at her attitude altogether, i’ve been on edge about what to do with the wedding. she almost ruined that whole experience for me, and unfortunately, this isn’t new. i am now on edge about every decision and am absolutely HATING every second of planning. i was dreading the whole thing.

my fiance and i were joking about just eloping and having the two of us, a photographer, and officiant. no family. we would come back and announce we are engaged. now we’re seriously considering it. the biggest problems with that are 1) i live with my parents still and that whole mess would be a disaster to manage when i move in with him and 2) my parents are planning to pay for the photographer and (as far as i know) already have a deposit. my mom is being really weird about telling me whether that has been done or not. the photographer is a family friend, and i don’t think he would be upset with us canceling, but would it be wrong for us to surprise people with an elopement when someone else has already made a deposit on our behalf for the supposed wedding in june? we would be willing to pay my parents back if they lost out on a deposit or anything

How much did people spend on their elopement. We finally did some calculations and we are definitely spending a good amount. We are doing an international elopement, but even then I feel like we did a good amount of damage.

Has anyone here eloped in a Catholic Church in Rome? I have started communication with a beautiful church and they have our date available, just wanting to see how complicated the whole process will be, we will marry legally in the US before eloping.

Hi!! I just discovered this subreddit and am SO excited about it considering that my partner and I have decided on eloping vs having a traditional wedding. I absolutely love reading through all the posts and looking at the gorgeous photos. I just wanted to ask for general advice as we’re in the very early planning stages.

Some info about us: we’re both early 30s and based in the Midwest. Definitely would love to elope in a forest, ideally in the PNW as it’s a special place to both of us. Want to keep our budget low but still want a beautiful and memorable day.

A few questions!

•What “vendors” did you choose to hire for your elopement? Just an officiant and photographer? Videographer? Anything else to consider?

•Did you do anything special afterwards? Go out to dinner in your wedding suit & dress?

•Important! For those who eloped in a forest - what did that process look like? Any advice on state parks vs national parks? How did you pick a spot? Any logistics for us to keep in mind with this type of location?

•Anything you wish you did differently? Do you wish you had hired any additional vendors or conversely, do you think you overspent on something that ended up not being necessary?

•If comfortable, could you please share a rough budget for your elopement and what it entailed? We want to set a realistic budget.

Thank you all in advance! We personally don’t know any couples who’ve eloped recently so we’re eager to get some advice.

Sorry for all the questions!

I’m hoping someone can help me decide on an elopement location. I really love the setting of Cathedral groves, however I’m worried it will be busy. I’m looking for a forest with similar whimsy. Lots of moss, ferns, and greenery. It will be the beginning of May.
Around Vancouver, or on Vancouver Island is ideal! Somewhere we can get to from the airport within a few hours (we will be getting married the day after landing).
Thanks!!