Getting engaged is exciting.
The photos. The phone calls. The realization that you’re actually getting married.
And almost immediately, another conversation begins.
Eloping. Big celebrations. Micro-weddings. Backyard vows. Destination weekends. Everyone seems to have advice, especially people who have already done it.
And eventually, it comes down to this.
Do we elope, or do we have a traditional wedding? How do we choose without regretting it later?
For many couples, it’s about wanting to choose a wedding day that feels right, not just in the moment, but years from now when they look back on it.
At Sandpiper, we work with couples across the entire spectrum, from intimate elopements to full wedding celebrations. What we’ve learned is simple. There is no single right way to get married. There is only the way that feels most like you.
Eloping: An Intimate Way to Get Married
Couples who choose to elope often say the same things afterward:
- “The day was actually about us.”
- “It felt intimate, calm, and intentional.”
- “We were fully present.”
For some couples, eloping feels like a natural fit.
Elopements are quieter and more personal. There’s less focus on hosting and more space to be fully present with each other. Without a long guest list or a packed timeline, the day often feels slower and more intentional.
Many couples who elope describe feeling deeply connected to the moment. Vows feel personal. The experience feels unhurried. Some couples choose to celebrate later with friends and family in a relaxed, informal way.
Of course, eloping is inherently intimate. There isn’t a room full of loved ones witnessing the moment. For couples who have always imagined sharing their wedding day with family and friends, that can feel like something is missing.
For those drawn to simplicity, privacy, and intention, an elopement can be incredibly meaningful, especially when it takes place in a setting designed for intimate weddings.
Traditional Weddings: Celebrating with Family and Friends
Traditional weddings still exist for a reason.
For many couples, gathering their favourite people in one place to celebrate their marriage feels irreplaceable. Walking down the aisle. Seeing loved ones’ reactions. Sharing dinner, speeches, laughter, and memories, all in one day.
But couples are also being honest about the challenges:
- Planning can feel overwhelming.
- The day moves fast, sometimes too fast.
- You may spend more time hosting than being together.
For couples who envision a larger wedding, choosing a venue that balances thoughtful planning with a calm, well-organized experience can make it easier to stay present and truly enjoy the day.
That’s why more people are asking not “Should we have a wedding?” but rather
“What parts of a wedding actually matter to us?”
The Middle Ground: Micro-Weddings and Smaller Celebrations
More and more couples find themselves somewhere in between.
Micro-weddings, small ceremonies, and immediate-family-only celebrations offer the emotion of a traditional wedding with a more manageable scale. Guest lists feel intentional. The pace feels calmer. And many couples say they remember more of the day because they aren’t pulled in so many directions.
This approach allows couples to share their wedding day with loved ones while keeping the experience personal and meaningful.
How to Choose Between Eloping and a Wedding
InInstead of asking what you should do, it can help to ask a few simpler questions.
Do you feel energized by being surrounded by people, or more grounded in quiet moments together?
Are you most excited about sharing vows privately, or celebrating with loved ones in real time?
When you imagine the day years from now, what moments stand out most?
There’s no right or wrong answer. Just the one that reflects your relationship.
However You Choose to Get Married
Marriage isn’t defined by the size of the guest list.
It’s defined by intention.
Some couples want quiet, breathtaking moments shared with no one else.
Some want laughter-filled rooms and long toasts.
Some want something beautifully in between.
However you imagine your wedding day, it should feel like you.
And when you’re ready to explore what that could look like, we’re always here to help guide the conversation.
