A Titillating History of Eloping

Greetings and salutations from the other side of the wedding coin — the side where you take back control of your wedding and ELOPE. But what does the word elope even mean?

The word elopement is being redefined every single day, and we are all part of that movement. It’s a very exciting time. So let’s break it down: What is eloping? Past, present, and future. Keep reading to find out

A Brief but Bold History of Eloping: From Scandal to Signature Style

Today, eloping is celebrated as an intentional, meaningful way to get married—often in breathtaking destinations, with only the essentials: you, your partner, and a whole lot of heart. But the modern elopement has a long, colorful history rooted in rebellion, romance, and the pursuit of autonomy.

Let’s explore how eloping evolved—from social taboo to sought-after wedding experience.

The Origins of Eloping: Love Against the Odds

The word elope originally meant “to run away,” and by the 17th century, it specifically referred to a woman leaving her husband to run away with a lover. Over time, the meaning softened into what we now recognize: couples marrying in secret, often without family approval.

In medieval Europe, marriage laws and customs varied wildly by region. In many places, a marriage was considered legally binding simply through mutual consent—no priest, ceremony, or witnesses required. This led to the rise of “clandestine marriages,” many of which could be seen as early forms of elopement. Unsurprisingly, the Church and state were less than thrilled.

Gretna Green: A Haven for Runaway Lovers

By the 18th century, England cracked down on secret unions with the Marriage Act of 1753 (also known as Lord Hardwicke’s Act), which required parental consent for anyone under 21 and imposed strict formalities on weddings. In response, young couples seeking to marry without permission began fleeing to Scotland—where marriage laws were far more lenient.

Just over the border, the village of Gretna Green became a haven for eloping couples. There, a couple could legally wed without parental approval at just 16, and all that was required was a declaration before two witnesses. Blacksmiths became famous for performing “anvil weddings,” a tradition that still draws couples to the village today.

Elopement in the 19th and 20th Centuries: Scandal Meets Style

Throughout the 19th century, eloping was often associated with scandal, secrecy, and social defiance. In Victorian England and the United States, elopements were whispered about, dramatized in novels, and occasionally splashed across newspapers.

But by the 20th century, the narrative began to shift—especially in the United States. As marriage laws liberalized and transportation improved, couples increasingly chose to elope not out of desperation, but convenience and personal preference. Las Vegas, for instance, became a global elopement hub in the 1930s, thanks to Nevada’s minimal residency requirements and around-the-clock chapels. Celebrities and non-celebrities alike flocked to the desert for quick, drama-free weddings.

Yes, Elvis did actually elope👆

Modern Elopement: Redefining the Wedding Experience

Today, elopement has been fully reimagined. What was once seen as impulsive or even shameful is now recognized as intentional, empowering, and deeply personal.

Modern elopements often involve meticulous planning, thoughtful details, and stunning destinations—from national parks to remote islands. Couples who elope today are not running away from their families or obligations; they’re choosing a wedding experience that prioritizes intimacy, authenticity, and emotional connection over tradition and expectation.

This shift reflects broader cultural values—toward personalization, freedom, and experiences that truly reflect who we are. In many ways, eloping has come full circle: from unsanctioned love to a bold expression of commitment on your own terms.

Eloping in 2025: The Present 

So what does it mean to elope today?

At its core, eloping in 2025 means getting married in a way that is right for YOU.

Not your mom, not your 2nd cousins, not your childhood friend who expects an open bar and a dance floor.

Just you and your partner making the choice that feels best for you. That’s it.

But let’s get even more specific because elopements today come in so many different flavors.

1. City Elopements

NYC and Paris take the cake, although you cannot legally get married in Paris unless you live there…..so sorry, France…..WE WIN!

2. Destination Elopements

Colorado, Hawaii, Utah, Yosemite, Italy, Greece MEXICO (wink wink….we are rooting for mexico, more to come on that topic)

3. Micro-Weddings (But Make It an Elopement)

Some couples want to elope but also want a little bit of a crowd. Enter the micro-wedding/elopement hybrid — an intimate affair with maybe 10-20 people max. Just your absolute favorite humans, a simple ceremony, and a dinner that doesn’t involve a seating chart.

4. “Fuck It, Let’s Just Do This”’ Elopements

You have been engaged long enough, and it’s just TIME, or maybe you already have a big wedding and want to have something just for the two of you. This is a special kinda elopement that we at Eloping is Fun LOVE pulling off!

5. Elevated Elopements

For the couple who wants it all — a once in a lifetime experience, a day of luxury and pampering, the style, the drama, the excess (where it matters, like shoes and hotel suites)— with none of the restraints of a traditional wedding. These elopements are refined and detailed but still keep the whole wedding experience personal and stress-free. 

Eloping in the Future: 2025 and Beyond

The future of elopements? It’s only getting better. More and more couples are ditching the idea of what they’re supposed to do and instead asking, what do we actually want? And in 2025, here’s where things are headed:

1. Elope now party later

More couples are blending the best of both worlds — eloping first, celebrating later. Getting married in a small, private moment, then throwing a rager later on down the road where they can actually enjoy themselves without worrying about vows or timelines.

2. Breaking More Traditions

Eloping couples in 2025 are rewriting literally ALL the “rules”

This new wave of elopements is about what actually feels right rather than following a template of what a wedding “should” be.

3. A Bigger Emphasis on Experience 

While some couples still want the dream venue with Pinterest-perfect decor, more elopements are focusing on the experience itself. The freedom and joy of being together and crafting a day that reflects their values, style and interests.

4. Eloping as a Statement

Eloping in 2025 isn’t just about avoiding a big wedding; it’s a conscious decision to reclaim what marriage means. It’s a stand against the wedding industry’s pressure to spend an obscene amount of money. It’s an intentional choice to celebrate love in a way that actually makes sense for you. 

Your Wedding, Your Rules

So, what does it mean to elope in 2025?

It means freedom.

It means choosing your own adventure.

It means getting married for the right reasons — your reasons.

It’s not about running away. It’s about stepping into something that feels true to you and your partner. So whether you’re saying “I do” in front of a city skyline, on a mountaintop, in your backyard, or barefoot in the sand; it’s your day, your way.

Want to learn more about our elopement packages and pricing? Click here to get all the details and start dreaming up your perfect NYC elopement.