When you think about the timing of a wedding or elopement, weekends are probably the first thing that comes to mind. There are many reasons why couples choose to get married on the weekend, but I want to provide an alternative suggestion for those who are in the elopement planning process: Try eloping on a weekday—it’s a better option in a lot of cases! In this article, I’ll go over why the best day to elope is on a weekday.

Benefits of Eloping On A Weekday

Eloping on a weekday might seem like a bit of an unconventional choice—but it’s a good one, I promise! If you’re still deep in the elopement planning process and are wondering when to elope, here are some reasons you should include saying “I do” on a Tuesday (or Monday to Friday) instead of a Saturday or Sunday.

Read More: How to Elope: The Ultimate Guide

Location, Location, Location

As some of you may know, I’m from the Midwest, and while there are some hidden gems in the area where you’re pretty much guaranteed never to have to elbow tourists out of the way for a good shot on any given day, the reality is that many of the most beautiful elopement spots can get pretty crowded. And if you’re eyeing a gorgeous location like a state park, a secluded beach, or a stunning lookout point, weekdays are your best bet for a bit of peace and quiet.

Weekends often turn even the calmest spots into a busy swirl of hikers, families, and parties. Eloping during the week allows you to soak in those beautiful moments without sharing them with a hundred strangers or worrying about photobombers in your wedding photos. It’s just you, your partner, and the views that made you fall in love with the spot in the first place. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Read More: How to Find LGBTQ+-Friendly Elopement Locations

Permits Are Easier to Get

If you’re thinking about eloping in a national park or any public space, you’ll likely need a permit. And here’s the catch: some parks have limited permits, especially for weekends. In some cases, the park might not even allow weekend elopements because of how busy things get.

Choosing a weekday can simplify this process. Fewer couples get married during the week, so you’re less likely to get caught in a permit lottery or miss out entirely. You’ll have more options for your date, and the paperwork will feel less stressful when you aren’t racing against everyone else. 

Read More: How to Elope in a National Park

Your Dream Vendor Team is More Likely Available

When you’ve got your heart set on a specific photographer, florist, or hair and makeup artist, nothing’s worse than hearing, “Sorry, I’m already booked.” Since weekends are prime real estate for weddings and elopements, it’s super common for vendors to be tied up on Saturdays and Sundays.

But elope on a Tuesday or Thursday? Suddenly, you’ve got the pick of the best vendors! Not only does this mean you get the dream team you’ve been wanting, but if something unexpected happens, like bad weather, some vendors may even have more flexibility during the week to adjust the schedule. This can give you some peace of mind, knowing you won’t be scrambling to find backups if your original plans need to change.

Read More: Elopement Vendors: Do You Need Them and Things to Look For

Cost Savings

It’s no secret that peak days like Saturdays come with a higher cost, and that’s especially true for venues. If you’re planning to stay somewhere special or rent out a spot, weekday rates are often lower. Lodging, activities, and even flights might be more affordable mid-week.

You’ll be surprised at how much you can save simply by moving your elopement to a weekday. And who wouldn’t want to spend those extra dollars on a post-elopement adventure or maybe a few more nights on your honeymoon? Personally, I’m a fan of making the most of a budget without compromising on the experience.

Read More: How to Create an Elopement Budget

It’s Unique

Here’s the thing: getting married on a weekend is what everyone does. But imagine the conversation when you tell people you tied the knot on a random Thursday. There’s something low-key magical about eloping in the middle of the week when most people are busy with their day-to-day lives. It adds a personal twist to your story and sets you apart from those typical weekend weddings. 

Extra Time Off Work for You and Your Guests

Need I say more? If you’re inviting a handful of loved ones to your elopement, you might feel nervous about asking them to take time off from work. But let’s be honest—most people love the excuse to take a few extra days off, especially if it means they get to celebrate someone they care about.

For you, eloping on a weekday also means extending that time off to relax before and after the big day. No rushing back to work or squeezing in celebrations on a tight weekend schedule. You and your partner can take full advantage of the slower pace and maybe even turn your elopement into a mini vacation!

A More Intimate Experience

One of the biggest perks of a weekday elopement is the sense of intimacy it brings. Since fewer people are out and about, your ceremony feels more private and personal. It’s easier to focus on the moment without the distractions of crowds or interruptions from other events going on at the same time. Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall or exchanging vows on a cliffside, a weekday elopement helps make the day all about the two of you. 

Less Stress, More Flexibility

Weekends can come with a lot of pressure—venues and locations are often on tight schedules, and you might feel rushed knowing there’s another event lined up right after yours. Weekdays are generally more relaxed, which means you can take your time with your ceremony, photo session, and any post-elopement adventures without worrying about deadlines.

Avoid Peak Season Crowds

Even if you’re eloping in the middle of summer or during another busy season, opting for a weekday can help you avoid peak crowds. Many popular elopement destinations see heavy weekend traffic during these times, but weekdays tend to be significantly quieter.

By choosing a weekday, you’ll be able to enjoy popular locations at their best—without the stress of navigating through tourists or waiting in line for the perfect photo spot. 

But Can I Still Get Married on a Weekend?

Of course, you can still get married on a weekend! At the end of the day, the best day to get married comes down to what you vibe with the most. Weekends are the most traditional time to tie the knot, and for good reason—many couples, friends, and families find weekends convenient. But while getting married on a Saturday or Sunday might seem like the easy, convenient choice, it’s important to also keep the potential drawbacks in mind.

The Drawbacks of Weekend Weddings and Elopements

One of the biggest drawbacks of getting married on a weekend is availability. Weekends, particularly Saturdays, are the most sought-after days for couples tying the knot, meaning vendors, venues, and even accommodations can book up months (or years!) in advance. If you’ve fallen in love with a specific photographer, hairstylist, or venue, it can be tough (but not impossible) to secure them for a weekend elopement.

Another downside is crowds. Weekends are when everyone is out and about, whether it’s families heading to the park or other couples getting married at the same location. If you want a quiet ceremony in nature or at a scenic spot, the hustle and bustle of weekend crowds might make it harder to have that private, intimate experience. You might find yourself sharing your wedding day with other events, parties, and a lot of people with selfie sticks.

Weekend rates for venues, vendors, and even accommodations are often higher than midweek rates. This is especially true during peak wedding season. If you have a strict budget, booking on a weekend could drive up your costs. You might find yourself paying more for the same experience you could have had for less on a Thursday or Tuesday.

Weighing Your Options

At the end of the day, the decision to get married on a weekend or a weekday is totally personal. If the convenience of a weekend wedding outweighs the potential drawbacks, then go for it! Just know that a weekend elopement might come with some extra costs, competition for vendors, and less privacy.

What About a Long Weekend Elopement?

If you’re on the fence about a weekday elopement, why not split the difference and elope on a Friday? You’ll still enjoy the quieter vibe and availability of a weekday (although it may be a bit busier since it’s closer to the weekend), but you’ll have the whole weekend to celebrate. This is a great option if you want an intimate ceremony but still want to include close friends and family in the post-ceremony fun.

After you exchange your vows on Friday, you can turn the next two days into an extended celebration. Think cozy brunch with your friends and family, an outdoor adventure with just the two of you, or a mini-honeymoon. Plus, your guests will likely appreciate not having to rush back to work the next day!

Is There an Ideal Weekday to Elope?

While any weekday can be perfect for your elopement, some days have unique things to keep in mind:

• Mondays and Fridays are great for long weekend vibes, giving you extra time to celebrate or relax post-ceremony. The drawback here is that you might still get some of the weekend crowds. 
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the quietest, offering more privacy at popular locations and easier vendor availability. 
• Thursdays usually offer the best of both worlds—close to the weekend, but still early enough in the week to avoid the weekend rush. 

In my opinion? Monday to Wednesday are the best options if you’re eloping with just the two of you, but Thursdays tend to be best if you’re bringing guests along!

Overcoming Guest Concerns About a Weekday Elopement

One common concern couples face when planning a weekday elopement is whether their guests will be able to attend. Remember, if you don’t want guests at your wedding, that’s totally okay! But, if you do want to invite a small handful of people, it can seem like a big ask to get them to take time off work or rearrange their schedules.

First, give your guests plenty of notice. The more time they have to plan, the more likely they’ll be able to take a day off work or adjust their schedules. You can also propose the idea of taking their own mini-vacation after the ceremony is done—especially if the location is somewhere scenic or fun.

Additionally, try your best to be understanding if some guests can’t make it. Weekday elopements tend to be more intimate, and not everyone may be able to attend. But for those who can, it’s likely they’ll be excited to have an excuse to take time off work and be part of your special day. For those who can’t make it, consider recording your ceremony or planning a casual post-elopement celebration later on to include everyone!

On a personal note, I’m eloping on a Thursday myself. So, I get it—it can feel a little strange to elope midweek, especially thinking about the logistics for guests. But, at the end of the day, with such a small and intimate celebration, it’s likely that the people you choose to invite wouldn’t miss it for the world and would love to go the extra mile to have more time to celebrate you!

Read More: Do You Have to Invite Guests to Your Elopement?

Ready to Elope on a Weekday (Or Weekend)? 

Eloping on a weekday gives you the chance to enjoy a more intimate and relaxed experience. Whether it’s finding the perfect location, booking your dream vendors, or avoiding the weekend crowds, weekdays offer that pop of uniqueness that weekends often can’t match. 

If you’re ready to plan your unforgettable elopement, I’d love to be a part of your adventure! Reach out to me to start planning and let’s capture your special day together—your big (week)day is waiting!