Eloping is a term used to describe a marriage that is conducted in a sudden and secretive fashion, sometimes involving a hurried flight away from ones place of residence together with ones beloved with the intention of getting married without parental approval. It is contrasted with an abduction (e.g., a bride kidnapping), in which either the bride or groom has not consented, or a shotgun wedding in which the parents of one (prototypically the brides) coerce both into marriage. However, the term "elopement" is sometimes used in its original, more general sense of escape or flight, e.g. an escape from a psychiatric institution.

In modern times, elopement is sometimes applied to any small, inexpensive wedding, even when it is performed with parental foreknowledge. Eloping means that you forego a formal wedding and instead, choose to elope for the ceremony. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you secretly run away with your partner without telling anyone. Unlike traditional weddings which primarily focused on the guest experience, and everything was done to ensure the guests enjoyed themselves, elopement focuses on celebrating the eloping couple.

An elopement wedding is typically thought of as running away without telling friends or family, but that definition has changed over time. Now, an elopement wedding means that you are tying the knot and celebrating with just yourselves or a small gathering in a minimal, more casual fashion. Eloping has often been portrayed as spur-of-the-moment, courthouse affairs, so how does that marry (pun intended) with the traditions of a conventional wedding? Below are four key elements of an elopement ceremony:

• An elopement wedding is typically thought of as running away without telling friends or family, but that definition has changed over time. Now, an elopement wedding means that you are tying the knot and celebrating with just yourselves or a small gathering in a minimal, more casual fashion.
• Elopement weddings offer couples full command of their day. With less people in attendance, you don’t have to make concessions to please everyone. Attire can vary; ceremonies can be religious or secular; you can choose to have a reception or to skip it. They can be spur-of-the-moment, or you can plan them out a year in advance. This day is about your commitment to each other, so, why not take the reins?
• Elopement weddings don’t need a proper venue. You can get married anywhere you want, whether it’s in your backyard, on a mountaintop, or in a foreign country. The world is your oyster!
• Elopement weddings are all about the couple. You can make your day as unique and personal as you want it to be. You can write your own vows, incorporate meaningful traditions, or do something completely out of the box. The possibilities are endless.

In summary, eloping is a term used to describe a marriage that is conducted in a sudden and secretive fashion, sometimes involving a hurried flight away from ones place of residence together with ones beloved with the intention of getting married without parental approval. However, the term has evolved over time and can now refer to any small, intimate, meaningful, and authentic wedding experience that is a true reflection of the couples relationship.