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Writer's pictureBeth Boelter

helpful tips about Elopement Weddings!

Updated: May 11, 2021

Your Wedding Day, A Different Way!



Bride and Groom share a kiss outdoors in urban Elgin, IL Loft wedding.

Tiny, elopement weddings in our light-filled vintage venue located in suburban Elgin, IL, are one of our favorite events to host. If you’ve had to change your wedding plans this Spring, we’re encourage you to take a breath, take time to consider rescheduling your wedding rather than canceling, and consider even a tiny wedding if you really want to keep a specific wedding date, while continuing your plans for a larger celebration a year or more away.

Bride and Groom post for Boho-styled intimate wedding at The Loft of Elements Preserved, Elgin, IL

You might wonder what the difference is between an elopement and a traditional wedding. There are a few differences, and many similarities. Ultimately, what is most important is that you consider your wedding-day dreams. We want to break it down a little for you.

So, what’s the difference between a traditional wedding, and an elopement?

Possibly the most critical factor is your guest count. Traditional weddings often have several hundred guests attending, where an elopement may have a handful, usually no more than 50, but sometimes it's just a couple and their celebrant.

The second factor making the difference is your venue. Large, traditional weddings are often held at venues that book one, two or even more years out! You may choose your church, or one of many large venues that can accommodate several hundred people.

The exciting option with an elopement wedding is that your “venue” could be anywhere! You may choose a mountainside wedding, a beach wedding, a wedding at the courthouse, or find a venue that caters to the tiny wedding! You may choose your parents’ living room, or a library or museum. The options are open and many. The choice is up to you!

The third factor that makes a difference is the amount of planning involved.

Yes, every event involves planning, but there is far less planning involved in a tiny wedding; if you find a wedding business that caters to tiny weddings, they may actually provide all the planning, styling, and all the details in their package. This is where we come in! Keep reading to find out more!

Lastly, one of the largest differences is in cost! When your wishes go traditional, we completely support you! But, if you’re OK with a smaller, more intimate wedding, with your closest friends and family, we’re here to tell you it’s possible to create for much less, without sacrificing details!

And what are the similarities in traditional weddings vs. elopements?

First and foremost, there will be some planning involved. From the style of your dress, whether relaxed or formal, you’ll have decisions to make. You’ll have to obtain your marriage license in the county you’re planning to be married in, and you’ll need to write vows that speak to your hearts, and yourselves as a couple.

Secondly, you’ll want to be sure your family and friends know about your wedding day! Whether you choose to have a guest list of several hundred or a handful of your closest and dearest friends and family, they’ll all be excited to witness this special moment in your lives when you marry your best friend.

The biggest similarity, though, will be the love that you share with your forever friend. It’s about your promise to be there, to support them emotionally, spiritually. It’s about finding someone you can’t live without. In the words of Nicholas Sparks, “You are the answer to every prayer I’ve offered.” Your love on your wedding day is the most important factor, and how you decide to create that day is up to you, as long as it’s with the one that makes you happy!


Light-filled Loft venue set for intimate tiny elopement wedding in Elgin, IL

Bride and Groom pose in front of mural painted in urban Elgin, IL.


And, with that, we want to be sure you realize that we offer many options for your intimate wedding day, at The Loft of Elements Preserved. Whether you choose a tiny elopement, a group elopement with up to 25 friends and family, our micro-wedding package of 6 hours, or a full day wedding package. With the advantage of our nearby showroom filled with decor, we offer design and coordination options as well, to make your day stress free! Give us your vision, and we'll show you what we can do.

Bride and groom pose for photos following elopement ceremony at urban, Elgin IL venue

Couple share a kiss outside their reception venue in Elgin, IL after tiny wedding

If you’ve chosen a site away from our intimate venue, and would still like to incorporate specialty rentals and design, we’re happy to accommodate those needs. Let us set up your ceremony area, bring the backdrop, and a few special décor pieces that carry the theme of the day!


It’s your wedding day, a different way! Elopement Wedding Packages through Elements Preserved may be found on our Venue Page.


Please feel free to call us or inquire through email with any questions you may have. We're happy to customize our packages to your needs. We look forward to making your wedding day all you have dreamed it would be! Maybe that looks a little different today, but just remember, there's no right or wrong way to celebrate and we're here to help you do just that!


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