Cyrille Magdeleine
What Is an Elopement? The 2026 Guide
Back to blogWedding

What Is an Elopement? The 2026 Guide

July 10, 20265 min read

Elopement, intimate wedding, just-the-two-of-you: these words come up more and more. Definition, how it differs from a classic wedding, and how to choose the right package for yours.

Wedding couple out in nature, intimate atmosphere
Definition

A wedding for two, without staging

An elopement is a wedding celebrated by the couple alone — sometimes with a few witnesses — far from the traditional format with its hundreds of guests. The word comes from the English "to elope" (to run away to marry), but today it mostly describes a deliberate choice: prioritising the intimacy and authenticity of the moment over the logistics of a large event.

  • Just the two of you, or with a very small circle of loved ones.
  • A setting chosen for itself — nature, mountains, a beach — rather than a reception hall.
  • No heavy organisation — no seating chart, no logistics for 100 guests.
Couple photo session in wedding attire
The difference

Elopement, intimate wedding, classic wedding: where is the line?

There's no strict line, more of a gradient. A **small wedding** or **intimate wedding** still brings together a few loved ones, often in a classic setting (town hall, garden). An **elopement** goes further: the setting itself becomes the subject, sometimes far from everything, sometimes abroad.

Photographer’s tip

Thinking more of a small Paris wedding than a true elopement? Small wedding in Paris: how to photograph it covers that option, closer to home and simpler to organise.

Outdoor photo session in natural light
Which package

All 4 packages are eligible for an elopement

Contrary to a common assumption, an elopement isn't limited to the shortest package: all four packages (Essentiel, Prestige, Luxe, Destination) are open to this type of project, from the simplest to the most complete.

  • Essentiel (€850, 3h) — for a short ceremony, just the essentials.
  • Prestige (€1,500, 6h) — to take your time, with a short video included.
  • Luxe (€2,800, 12h) — for a full day, even just the two of you.
  • Destination (from €8,000) — for an elopement abroad, travel included.
Seaside wedding in a tropical setting
Where and how

Organising your elopement

An elopement is photographed both in France and internationally. A wedding, for instance, has already been covered in Martinique — the [portfolio](/portfolio) shows this kind of coverage in real conditions, in a tropical setting.

Photographer’s tip

Want to talk it through? Build your quote or book a discovery call.

An elopement is, above all, a wedding designed at your scale rather than that of a big event. Discover the elopement package, build your quote, or browse the portfolio to see this kind of coverage in real conditions.

Your questions, my answers

What's the difference between an elopement and a small wedding?

A small wedding still brings together a few loved ones, often in a classic setting. An elopement goes further: the couple alone (or almost), with the setting itself as the central subject — see small wedding in Paris for the closest option.

Which package should you choose for an elopement?

All four packages (Essentiel €850, Prestige €1,500, Luxe €2,800, Destination from €8,000) are eligible — the choice depends on the desired duration and location (France or abroad).

Is an elopement abroad possible?

Yes, via the Destination package (from €8,000, travel included). A wedding, for instance, has already been photographed in Martinique.

When should you book your photographer for an elopement?

The same general rule applies as for any wedding: about 2 months before the date, see when to book your wedding photographer.

Have a project in mind?

Contact me to discuss your wedding and create unforgettable memories together.

Contact me