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Let's Elope! Couples Choose The Allure of Elopement At A Southern Arizona Wedding Venue Near Tucson
Eloping in Arizona: Weddings With A Modern Twist Take on a Timeless Tradition
Is there anything more romantic than eloping?
In the "old days", eloping meant running away to marry in secret, often without the blessing of family or friends. Couples sought out chapels or courthouses, keeping the ceremony simple and intimate. While this definition still holds for some, the concept of eloping has evolved. Now, it’s less about secrecy and more about crafting a unique, meaningful celebration for two.
Eloping has transformed from a secretive, spur-of-the-moment decision into a popular trend in weddings today.
According to a recent study by Wedding Wire, 20% of couples now consider an elopement, and Pinterest searches for “elopement ideas” have increased by 128% in recent years. But what exactly does eloping mean in today’s world, and why is it an appealing option for so many Tucson area couples?
My Own Elopement
My husband and I never set out to elope.
Our wedding was planned for 75 guests at our ranch near Tucson in Arizona, (which we later began to offer as a wedding venue). Our officiant was Stewart’s cousin, “Big” Stewart. A renowned writer—best known for writing the screenplay for Rebel Without a Cause!—Big Stewart had become ordained years earlier to perform a wedding for one of Paul Newman’s daughters, and he was the perfect choice for us.
After months of collaboration and countless writing assignments that Big Stewart gave us to help shape our ceremony, he called us in a panic a week before the wedding. He was worried the marriage might not be legal in Arizona due to some jurisdictional nuances. To ensure everything was official, I called the courthouse in Nogales and secured the only available slot that week which happened to be on Valentine’s Day (a complete coincidence, I swear!), and Stewart and I were married in a simple courthouse ceremony.
Our intimate elopement was magical and limited to just 3 other attendees; Stewart’s brother, my best friend (who picked a bouquet of wild grasses on her way to the courthouse!), and Big Stewart stood alongside us and acted as our witnesses. After the ceremony, we walked across the border to La Roca—my second favorite place on earth—where we celebrated with mochomos and margaritas. It was perfect.
A few days later, we went ahead with our planned wedding ceremony and reception, and it was everything we dreamed of—joyful and unforgettable.
I Will always cherish the quiet intimacy of our elopement and I am grateful for the last minute change in our plans!
Modern Takes on Elopements
Modern elopements come in many forms. Some opt for a guest list of zero while others include a small gathering with a few family members and friends. The courthouse is still an option, but choosing a special spot for your elopement sets the tone for the entire experience. Natural settings such as national parks, beaches, forests, farms and mountaintops offer stunning backdrops that are both romantic and memorable. Urban landscapes can also create dramatic and unique photos, with city rooftops or iconic landmarks adding an edgy or glamorous touch. For couples who prefer to select a venue that provides a little assistance, intimate venues like small chapels, boutique hotels, or private estates are excellent choices. Additionally, family properties, such as a ranch or backyard, can provide a sentimental and personal touch to the celebration. Some wedding venues, like ours, allow for elopements on off-peek dates at affordable rates.
Elopement weddings prioritize intimacy over extravagance. Couples who choose to elope focus on what truly matters: their commitment to each other. .
For those looking for a venue with privacy, natural beauty, and breathtaking views, our ranch offers an ideal setting for small, intimate weddings.
Why Eloping Is a Great Option
Eloping offers several advantages that make it an appealing choice for many couples. For those who wish to avoid the stress and expense of planning a large traditional wedding, eloping provides a simpler and often more affordable alternative. Many couples also find the intimacy of an elopement more meaningful, as it allows them to focus solely on their commitment to each other without the distractions of a large event. For those who love to travel, an elopement can double as a wedding and honeymoon, providing a unique way to celebrate their love. Additionally, the financial savings are significant, as the average wedding in the U.S. costs $30,000, while an elopement can be done for a fraction of that amount.
With on-site support to help bring your vision to life, Agua Linda Farm is a perfect spot to create a truly unforgettable experience.
The Legalities of Eloping
To ensure your marriage is official, there are several legal steps you’ll need to take. First, obtaining a marriage license is essential, and requirements for this vary by state. It’s important to research the specific regulations in your area or where you plan to elope. Next, you’ll need to hire an officiant to perform the ceremony, which could be a professional or someone ordained online. Most states also require two witnesses to sign the marriage license, so plan accordingly. Finally, ensure that the paperwork is filed correctly with the county to avoid any legal complications. (If your are a Tucson or Arizona couple, follow the link below to plan your wedding.)
Adding Special Touches
Eloping doesn’t mean sacrificing memorable moments. Many couples hire a photographer or videographer to capture the magic of the day, ensuring they have beautiful keepsakes to remember the occasion. If you like, hire professional hair and make-up artist and, though your could pick some wild grasses on the side of the road, there is no need to forego a professional bouquet! Some couples include a champagne toast to celebrate their union, whether it’s just the two of them or a small group of loved ones. Sharing an intimate meal, such as a picnic or private dinner, can also add a special touch to the day. For couples who want to include a small group of guests, a short ceremony followed by a simple celebration can strike the perfect balance between intimacy and inclusivity.
At a previous elopement at my farm, the bride’s young daughter was quietly gathering dandelion heads before the ceremony. Just before the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, she ran over and handed them the dandelions, saying, “To make a wish for your wedding.” The three of them each made a wish and blew the fluffy seed heads together. It was the sweetest, most natural moment—a beautiful reminder of the intimate magic that elopements can bring.
Is Elopement For You?
My Family Would KILL Me If We Eloped!
Eloping doesn’t necessarily mean forgoing a larger celebration entirely. Many couples choose to elope and then plan a more traditional reception or party at a later date. This allows them to share their joy with a wider circle of family and friends while still enjoying the intimacy and simplicity of an elopement. These post-elopement celebrations can range from casual backyard gatherings to more formal events, giving couples the flexibility to celebrate their way without the pressure of a full-scale wedding on the day they say their vows.
If eloping isn’t for you, a beautiful trend I’ve been seeing is couples taking a private moment together before their ceremony to share vows they have written. It’s just the two of them, and perhaps their photographer, in a quiet, private spot on the ranch. I absolutely love this idea and highly recommend it because it creates a meaningful, quiet moment for couples to connect and express their love without the distraction of an audience.
Options
At Agua Linda Farm, we have 3 elopements options. See the details below.
Petal
For just the two of you or up to 10
Two hours total use of venue for ceremony and photographs
Chairs for guests, if applicable
Wrought iron arch
Water dispenser with Agua Linda well water and goblets
Blossom
For just the two of you or up to 10
Two hours total use of venue for ceremony and photographs or just some time together
Officiant (or, your are welcome to bring yours)
Professional photographer for 2 hours
Fresh flower bouquet, boutonnière
Water dispenser with Agua Linda well water and glassware
Bloom
For just the two of you or up to 10
5 hours total use of venue
Officiant (or bring your own)
Professional photographer for 2 hours
Fresh flower bouquet, boutonnière
Garden bridal dressing room
Wrought iron arch with draped fabric and fresh, farm grown English ivy
Delectable Italian countryside inspired charcuterie, cheese and fresh fruit display
Choice of lounge, table or picnic style seating
Fresh flower centerpiece
Table settings and linens
Chilled Perrier or Topo Chico
Ice bucket, if needed
Wine chilling carafe, if needed
Petite wedding cake baked fresh
Bosse speaker with wireless battery to play music on your device
Need More?
At Agua Linda Farm, we also offer a Micro-Wedding package for couples who want the intimacy of a small event but still want all the trappings of a traditional wedding. If a true elopement is not the right fit, this could be just the right choice for you. Our package is for groups of 20 and the option to have up to 50.
Learn more about our Micro-Wedding offering here.
Final Thoughts
Eloping is no longer a one-size-fits-all option. Whether you dream of a private mountaintop ceremony or a small, elegant event with your closest family and friends, elopements are a chance to focus on what truly matters: your love and commitment. With proper planning and creativity, your elopement can be just as special and memorable as any grand affair.
Are you interested in learning more? Contact me - let's chat!
My venue, Agua Linda Farm is a 63 acre ranch in Southern Arizona near Tucson. My husband and I have been hosting weddings, harvest festivals and other events on our property for more than 15 years. I write my blog posts with my clients in mind but also hope to provide a little inspiration applicable to any wedding.
Happy Planning!. - Laurel Loew
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