Elopement Wedding vs. Destination Wedding: Which One Is Right for You?
Nowadays, weddings are no longer a “one size fits all” type of event. In fact, more and more couples are deciding each year to step away from the traditions and instead get married in a more adventurous way with many couples drawn to the idea of celebrating somewhere far from home. In fact, according to Statista, the destination wedding industry is expected to increase by a staggering 243% in just 10 years.
Whether you're dreaming of an elopement in Santorini, Greece, or a destination wedding in Costa Brava, Spain, the diversity and beauty of Europe offers endless possibilities. But with all these endless options you might be wondering: What’s the difference between an elopement wedding and a destination wedding? And which one is right for you? Let’s explore!
What is an Elopement?
An elopement wedding is an intimate, no-fuss ceremony, usually organized just for the couple. It’s about personalized ceremonies that reflect your unique relationship. Picture exchanging vows on the shores of Lake Como, in the heart of Rome’s historic ruins, or atop the Swiss Alps with only the sound of the wind and your love filling the air.
Elopements have become popular for couples seeking something out of the ordinary—away from the stress of large weddings. They’re about fun, freedom, and creating core memories. Italy, Greece, Portugal, and even hidden gems like Slovenia, are just a few elopement destinations we offer. With Somewhere Crazy, you can have a ceremony tailored to your exact vision, whether it’s a serene lakeside moment or a mountain-top vow exchange.
What is a Destination Wedding?
In contrast to an elopement wedding, a destination wedding involves friends and family joining you in a beautiful foreign location. Think of larger celebrations in places like Portugal’s Algarve or the French Provence, with all your loved ones by your side. While the wedding ceremony can be just as breathtaking, destination weddings often include more logistics—rehearsal dinners, group activities, and the coordination of travel and accommodation for guests.
While destination weddings offer a good balance between an elopement and a traditional wedding, they tend to be bigger in scope, with multiple events over several days. And while you’re celebrating in stunning places, like the glaciers of Iceland or the vineyards of Italy, the planning process is way more complex. While destination weddings enable you to bring all your loved ones with you on your wedding day, they also involve taking care of your guests' needs instead of having the day focused on just the two of you.
Key differences between an elopement and a destination wedding
Size
Elopements tend to be small, intimate affairs for just two. Destination weddings on the other hand are grander, often with a full guest list. The latter involves more complicated logistics, including flights, accommodation, reception, dinner, and other variables.
Cost
Wedding elopements are typically way more budget-friendly. Destination weddings come with additional costs including guests’ travel arrangements and accommodation.
Flexibility
Elopements offer more flexibility in terms of location and timing (ie. if it rains, we can simply push your ceremony by a few hours) while destination weddings involve more structured and rigid plans.
Personalization
Eloping, especially with Somewhere Crazy, focuses on personalized ceremonies, making your day uniquely yours. Destination weddings are more about creating an experience for everyone, but can still be tailored to your vision.
Activities
When it's just the two of you, organizing additional activities on your wedding day is relatively simple. We can add private transportation, a boat ride, or even a helicopter ride to the top of the mountains to your elopement. Organizing such activities for bigger groups tends to be more challenging.
Honeymoon
When deciding whether to organize an elopement wedding or a destination wedding, it's important to also consider your honeymoon. While it sounds lovely to celebrate your wedding with your family and friends, honeymoons are more special when it's just the two of you. So, if you do decide that a destination wedding is the right thing for you, make sure to make some travel plans for just the two of you to also have the chance to celebrate your love intimately.
Why Choose Somewhere Crazy for Your Elopement?
At Somewhere Crazy, we offer over 50 elopement destinations in Europe and beyond, with our specialized wedding planners who know each of their designated destinations like the back of their hand. We’ll work closely with you to make sure your ceremony is personal, meaningful, and unforgettable. We handle all the details: location scouting, accommodation recommendations, an array of photographers to choose from, flowers, and more, so you can focus on what truly matters: each other.
At Somewhere Crazy, we specialize in intimate wedding elopements that are focused on the couple. However, we can welcome up to 10 wedding guests for those of you who would like to have your closest friends and family with you on your special day. Please note that our weddings focus on the couple and so does our organization, meaning the guest logistics, ie. reception dinner, accommodation, etc. will be your responsibility.
We’ve assembled a dream team in each of our elopement destinations, so when you choose us, you’re getting local knowledge, expertise, and a team that is dedicated to making your wedding day truly unforgettable. From the romantic streets of Barcelona to the dramatic coastlines of Greece, we have a team on the ground who understands the best locations, vendors, and logistics.
Check our Standard Elopement Package here and our Premium Elopement Experience right here.
Which Type of Wedding Is Right for You?
If you're craving a small, intimate ceremony in a stunning European destination, an elopement wedding is the way to go. If you instead, want to combine your celebration with a trip with your friends and family and your time and budget allow it, a destination wedding could be the perfect choice. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that your special day should be about celebrating love in a way that’s right for the two of you.
Let Somewhere Crazy help you plan an unforgettable experience. Contact us and start planning your elopement in Europe today!
