Elopements are evolving, and 2025 elopement trends are redefining what it means to get married. More couples are ditching traditional venues in favour of intimate, adventurous, and deeply personal experiences.

From multi-day adventures to artistic photography styles, elopements are becoming more intentional and immersive than ever before. Based on what we’ve been seeing with our own couples, here are the biggest trends shaping elopements in 2025.

1. Experience-Focused Elopements

In 2025, elopements aren’t just about the ceremony, they’re about the entire experience. More couples are opting for adventure-filled days that reflect their personalities, passions, and relationship stories. Instead of a simple vow exchange, they’re creating unforgettable experiences, whether that means hiking at sunrise, kayaking in fjords, or having a private chef prepare a gourmet meal under the stars.

📍 Examples of Experience-Based Elopements:

• Ice-caving under glowing blue glaciers in Iceland.
• A private sailboat picnic at sunset in Santorini.
• Exploring fjords in Norway before saying vows under the Northern Lights.
• Horseback riding through Patagonia and exchanging vows on a remote mountain ridge.

Want some inspiration? Check out our blog post on Elopement Activity Ideas for unique ways to make your day even more memorable!

2. Adventure Elopements in Remote Locations

Destination elopements are becoming more and more popular in 2025 with couples wanting a truly unique experience. Instead of booking a traditional venue, or eloping close to home, couples are heading deep into nature, hiking to mountaintops, riding horseback across rugged landscapes, or taking helicopters to glaciers and secluded cliff sides.

🌍 Some of the best remote locations for adventure elopements:

• The dramatic cliffs of the Faroe Islands
• Patagonia’s wild landscapes
• Hidden waterfalls in Fiji
• Iceland’s untouched highlands

The best part? There are no rules. You can spend your morning hiking through an alpine forest, exchange vows at a breathtaking lookout, and then celebrate with a campfire under the stars. One of our favourite adventure elopements was M & L’s in the Great Barrier Reef, where they snorkelled off a private catamaran and had the entire island to themselves! Their day is an incredible example of how we can tailor an experience to you. Check out their elopement video below for inspiration!

3. Drone Photography

Drone photography is becoming a must-have for eloping couples in 2025, taking elopement galleries to the next level. These aerial shots capture the stunning landscapes in a way that traditional photography can’t, showing the full scale and beauty of the elopement location. Whether it’s a couple standing on a dramatic cliffside, hiking along a glacier, or exchanging vows in the middle of a vast desert, drone footage adds a breathtaking perspective that makes the day feel even more cinematic.

🎥 Cinematic storytelling techniques that are trending:

• Voiceovers & Interviews: Couples narrating their love story over film footage.
• Slow-motion shots: Adding a dreamy, emotional effect.
• Aerial time-lapses: Capturing the changing light and atmosphere of the day.

If this is something you’re interested in, check out our elopement video packages!

Tip: If drone footage is a must-have for your elopement, make sure to check the location’s regulations in advance, as some areas have restrictions.

4. Intimate, Emotional Storytelling in Photography

While traditional wedding photography is shifting toward editorial-style images, elopements remain focused on storytelling and emotion. Couples are moving away from stiff, posed shots and embracing documentary-style photography that captures raw, unscripted moments.

📷 What this means for elopement photography:

• More movement-based, candid shots instead of stiff poses.
• Natural light and minimal editing for an authentic feel.
• Emphasis on the environment to show scale and intimacy.

Think of stolen glances, happy tears, and laughter-filled adventures. The goal is to preserve the genuine connection between partners and let the natural beauty of their location shine.

5. Minimalist, Meaningful Details

Elopements in 2025 are all about stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters. Couples are moving toward minimalist details, letting nature and their connection take center stage. Instead of elaborate décor, they’re opting for simple florals, understated attire, and sentimental details that hold deep meaning.

💡 Popular minimalist elopement ideas:

• A single wildflower bouquet.
• Handwritten vows exchanged in a quiet, scenic spot.
• A private picnic instead of a formal reception.

Rather than spending their budget on decorations, couples are investing in experiences, like private chefs, multi-day excursions, or custom adventure guides that create lasting memories rather than temporary aesthetics.

6. Two-Day (or Multi-Day) Elopements

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing in 2025 is the rise of two-day elopements. Some couples want a day with family and another day just for themselves, allowing them to have the best of both worlds.

Others are using the extra time to explore multiple locations, incorporate various activities, or simply soak in the experience without feeling rushed.

🌍 Why choose a multi-day elopement?

• More time to visit multiple locations.
• A relaxed schedule without feeling rushed.
• The ability to celebrate privately AND with loved ones.

We’re even seeing an increase in two-day, two-country elopements! With Europe’s close borders, couples are taking full advantage of traveling between stunning locations. Imagine saying your vows in the Dolomites one day and then heading to Santorini for a private catamaran experience the next!

7. The Rise of Art in Elopement Photography

Wedding photography is evolving beyond simple documentation, it’s becoming art. More couples are seeking unique, artistic transformations of their wedding images, moving beyond traditional photos into the realm of fine art.

🎨 Artistic photography trends in elopements:

• Double exposures: Blending landscapes with intimate portraits.
• Cinematic storytelling: Film-like colour tones & compositions.
• Painterly edits: Soft-focus images that feel like classic works of art.

If you love the idea of your elopement photos being more than just images but true works of art, we’d love to bring that vision to life! You can check out our elopement photography package to see how we can create something truly unique for your day.

Here is what one of our couples had to say:

“We want photos to look like art, something that features the grandeur of the landscape we chose that would be fitting for a gallery – a not your typical wedding photo wedding photo.” – Lori & Matthew

FAQs

1. How far in advance should we start planning our elopement?

We recommend starting at least 6-12 months in advance, especially if you’re eloping in a high-demand location/date. However, we’ve planned elopements in just a few weeks, so don’t stress if you’re on a shorter timeline!

2. Can we invite guests to our elopement?

Absolutely! Many couples bring a small group of loved ones to witness their vows while still keeping the intimacy of an elopement. We class 15 people an under an elopement!

3. How do we choose the best location?

Choosing the perfect elopement location is all about what excites and inspires you as a couple. Think about the kind of scenery that resonates with you.

Do you envision exchanging vows on a dramatic mountain peak, a serene beach, or in the heart of a lush forest? The possibilities are endless, and we’re here to help guide you in finding the spot that aligns with your vision for the day!

From hidden gems to iconic destinations, we’ll work with you to make sure the location feels as unique as your love story. For more tips on how to choose the ideal elopement location, check out my blog here.

Final Thoughts

Eloping is all about breaking the rules and doing things your way. These trends reflect what we’ve been seeing in our own elopements, couples choosing adventure, intimacy, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re ready to plan your elopement without any myths holding you back, we’d love to help make your vision come to life!