Top Elopement Trends for 2026

Last updated on January 27th, 2026

As a photographer in the elopement space, I’ve seen elopements grow in popularity over the years. More couples are skipping the big wedding expectations and choosing something that actually feels right for them. As someone who eloped myself, this is something I’m a big advocate for! 

In this blog, I rounded up some of the best elopement trends I anticipate for 2026. But remember, while these are great to get inspiration from, the best part about eloping is that you don’t actually have to follow any rules. You can take what fits, leave the rest, and just make it yours!

Adventure Elopements

First off, I’ve found that more couples are embracing adventure (whatever that means to them). Elopements have always been about doing things your way, and adventure elopements are no exception.

To be clear, an adventure doesn’t have to mean a three-day backpacking trip into the wilderness (unless that’s your thing, of course). It can mean so many different things, and I personally love seeing all the diverse experiences couples come up with!

Why Adventure Elopements Are Popular 

I think once people started realizing that traditional weddings aren’t the only option for marriage, they started getting creative. And a fun adventure is just one way to fill your soul and be present with each other.

What Do They Look Like?

One of the biggest draws about adventure elopements? They’re completely flexible. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker or an adrenaline seeker to have an adventurous day. Adventure can be as simple as:

• Saying your vows on a scenic overlook after a short, easy walk.
• Renting a cozy A-frame cabin in the woods and eloping by the fireplace.
• Taking a peaceful paddle in a canoe at sunset.
• Exploring a national park and celebrating with a picnic.
• Running along a beach and toasting with your favorite local beer afterward.

No matter who you are, where you come from, what you look like, how your brain works, or what your abilities are, the point of these types of elopements is to have an adventure that meets you where you’re at. 

Read more: Adventure Elopement Activity Ideas

Eco-Friendly Elopements

More couples are being more intentional about how they celebrate their love, and in 2026, that means thinking about the impact their elopement has on the planet. To be clear, eco-friendliness isn’t just a trend. In any scenario, including elopements, being sustainable is a way to honor the beautiful places we visit and ensure they stay beautiful for generations to come.

Why Eco-Friendly Elopements Are Growing 

With climate change and environmental concerns becoming more pressing, you might want to look for ways to make your big day more sustainable. And since elopements already ditch a lot of waste that comes with traditional weddings (i.e., single-use decor, excessive travel, and catering waste), they’re naturally a great option if you’re an eco-conscious couple. 

What Do They Look Like?

The beauty of an eco-friendly elopement is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can make small, intentional choices that align with your values while still creating a magical experience. Here are some ways you can make your elopement more sustainable in 2026:

• Practice Leave No Trace principles
• Follow the guidelines for responsible use at your chosen elopement location 
• Wear secondhand or ethically-made attire
• Support local businesses, whether it’s for florals, food, or accommodations

I try to emphasize Leave No Trace with my couples, and honestly, it doesn’t matter where you are—you can make sustainable choices wherever you go!

Read More: Sustainable Elopement Ideas (+ Leave No Trace Guide)

Nature Elopements

I personally think there’s nothing more peaceful than being in nature. Over the years, more couples have been turning to the outdoors to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And I don’t see that stopping in 2026!

Why Nature Elopements Are Popular 

For many couples, traditional wedding venues can feel limiting, expensive, or just not personal enough. Nature offers a beautiful, open space where love can be celebrated without many of the constraints associated with weddings, such as rigid timelines and guest counts. Beyond that, spending time in nature is grounding. It brings a sense of peace, presence, and connection. I think those feelings alone can be enough to sway anyone to get married in nature, don’t you?

What Do They Look Like?

The nice thing about a nature elopement is that it can be anything you want it to be. Some couples want the drama of mountain peaks and coastlines, while others simply want the quiet of a forest or lake. It’s about choosing a place that speaks to you and makes you feel comfy. Here are some ideas:

• Forest elopements
• Beach elopements
• Desert elopements
• Lakeside or waterfall elopements

The other thing I like about nature elopements is that, in most cases, you don’t just choose it for the scenery. They often combine elements of the previous two elopement types we already talked about: adventure and eco-friendliness. You can experience adventure at varying levels, all while being conscious of the natural environment around you.

Read More: Nature Elopement Guide

Destination Elopements

For couples who love to travel, dream of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or just want to escape everyday monotony, destination elopements are a great way to celebrate love.

Why Destination Elopements Are Popular

A lot of couples choose destination elopements because they combine two of the best things: Getting to marry the love of your life and traveling. Traditional weddings often come with high costs, rigid expectations, and the pressure to accommodate a long guest list. But with a destination elopement, you can create an intimate, meaningful experience while also exploring a place that excites you.

Additionally, for some LGBTQIA+ couples, destination elopements also offer a chance to celebrate in a location where you feel truly safe, welcomed, and free to be themselves. Picking an LGBTQ+-friendly destination can be a huge factor in making sure the elopement experience is full of joy and not stress.

Read more: How to Find LGBTQIA+-Friendly Elopement Destinations

What Do They Look Like?

It’s really all up to you and your personal vibes. A destination elopement can be as adventurous, laid-back, or luxurious as you want it to be. Some ideas may include:

• A cozy mountain retreat with a cabin and breathtaking views
• A historic city elopement, like in Paris or Edinburgh, while surrounded by beautiful architecture
• A tropical escape by the ocean
• A national park adventure
• A big city elopement, like New York or London

Read More: Destination Elopement Guide

Elope Alone + Big Afterparty Combo

Another thing I’ve seen become increasingly popular is a “best of both worlds” approach—eloping just the two of you (or with a tiny group) and throwing a big celebration later.

Why This Trend is Popular

Couples are rethinking what weddings have to look like, and more people are realizing they don’t need to squeeze everything into one event. A private elopement allows couples to focus on their vows, their experience, and the commitment they’re making. But for those who still want to celebrate with family and friends, a big afterparty gives them the chance to do just that on their own terms.

What Does it Look Like?

The elopement + afterparty combo can take so many forms. Here are some ideas:

• Eloping in nature and coming back to party in the city.
• An intimate destination elopement, followed by a backyard party a few days after you get back.
• Eloping now and having a party for an anniversary. Who says the afterparty has to happen right away? This is what I did for my own elopement!

Handfasting

Handfasting is an ancient wedding tradition that I’ve seen quite a few couples practicing in recent years, especially those looking for a meaningful and symbolic way to celebrate their love. It’s a ritual where your hands are bound together with cords or ribbons to symbolize your union.

The ritual dates back centuries, originally practiced in Celtic cultures as a way to bind a couple in marriage. In some cases, it was used as a temporary engagement or trial marriage before the couple decided whether to make it official.

The process itself is simple but deeply symbolic. During the ceremony:

1. You and your partner join hands, often right hand to right hand and left to left, forming an infinity symbol.
2. A cord, ribbon, or fabric (sometimes multiple) is wrapped around your hands and tied into a knot, symbolizing your connection and commitment.
3. Depending on your preferences, vows may be exchanged while your hands are bound, or the binding itself may represent your commitment.
4. The knot can be physically tied or symbolically acknowledged before your hands are released, signifying that the bond of love remains even without the physical ties.

You can even choose colors and materials for the cords that hold special meaning. This can include using fabric from a loved one’s clothing, a piece of a wedding dress, or colors that represent your relationship. 

Why is it Popular?

Handfasting breaks away from mainstream wedding traditions and can be a great way to create a ceremony that feels intentional, spiritual (but necessarily religious), and unique.

Camcorder/Super 8 Videography

A lot of folks are naturally leaning toward camcorder and Super 8 vibes. This is a filming style that gives a nostalgic, warm, and vintage aesthetic to visuals, often marked by grainy, soft-focus imagery. Another thing that can add to this experience is using disposable film cameras for you or your small handful of guests to use and capture important still moments.

Why This Trend is Popular

You and I experience it every day: A digital world that is sharp, ultra-HD, and overall trying to be “perfect.” Don’t get me wrong, this quality is awesome, but it can feel overproduced, overstimulating, and uninviting at times. The imperfect, textured, and warm vibe of Super 8 film and camcorders feels like a hug. It’s just you and the screen, free to reminisce on the memory and feel all the emotions that came with it.

P.S. My wife, Angie, and I now offer Super 8 and camcorder videography as an option for your elopement package. We use film cameras and vintage camcorders to capture your special day with that warm and “big nostalgic hug” energy you might be looking for.

Separating Paper Signing from the Elopement Day

This one is less “trendy” and more practical, as I see more and more couples doing this. For logistical reasons, you may choose to have a symbolic elopement before you sign the papers or sign the papers first and have a symbolic elopement later.

Why More People Are Doing This

Sometimes, the stress of dealing with legal papers is not something you want intertwined with your special day. And that’s a great reason to sign the papers and make it official before or after. In other cases, making it legal on paper first might be a necessity for residency or security reasons. It’s often faster to grab your marriage license and go to the courthouse instead of waiting for all your elopement plans to fall into place. Regardless, your elopement shouldn’t be rushed anyway! You deserve to take your time planning something special.

Eloping in 2026

Some trends come and go, while others stick around for a while, but what really matters is creating an experience that feels right for you. Whether one of these elopement trends stands out for you or you want to go your own route, the most important thing is that your day reflects your love, whether or not it’s a “trendy” practice.

I also want to take the time to acknowledge that the state of our world is scary right now, and I’m acutely aware that many queer and trans folks are shifting to elopements out of fear and necessity. I see you, and I want you to know that no matter how you approach your elopement, it can still feel really special despite all the uncertainty around us. 

Whether you have questions about eloping or are looking for a photographer who can be a part of your journey, reach out to me, and we can chat about your options and how we can make your celebration as special as your love.