Countless couples worldwide are pivoting from big weddings & destination soirees to more intimate local events in 2021 – and maybe that's you? Well, we want to let you know there's a silver lining: elopements & intimate weddings can be just as gorgeous & wonderful!

It may be hard to accept at first – especially if this is the opposite of what you planned – but there are a myriad of reasons why to love small weddings. As an intimate bride myself (we had forty guests at our Mexico beach wedding), I loved that I had ample quality time with all my besties AND my husband without feeling overwhelmed by greeting guests I've never met. Not to mention, we were able to upgrade our wedding catering to a seriously fine dining menu & cocktail bar thanks to a smaller guest list.

There's also the adventure factor. If you're heartbroken over many older family members not being able to attend, make lemonade out of lemons and elope on that dream mountaintop that wouldn't have been accessible by your former guestlist.

Eloping doesn't mean you have to keep things secret or cut your loved ones out entirely, though. Find out how to easily live stream your wedding here (with full-service platforms & DIY options!) & peruse 14 clever ways to incorporate your guests from far away.

I could go on and on with reasons why elopements & small weddings are so wonderful, but why not let the real brides & grooms (besides myself) speak to it? We've rounded up 10 gorgeous real elopements & intimate weddings to inspire & provide comfort that your wedding day will be wonderful no matter what & once you're ready you can tell your friends & fam the new plans (or perhaps that you eloped!) with these gorgeous change the date cards.

1. Intimate Southern Wedding

You don't have to have a big wedding to go big with your florals! Elizabeth & Duston's gorgeous & intimate Southern wedding photographed by Lydia Ruth has proven to us just that.

See the full wedding feature here.

2. Lavish Jazz-Era Tuscany Wedding

Borgo Stomennano sets the scene for this opulent & luxurious destination wedding featuring lavish vintage decor & four breathtaking wedding dresses photographed by Stefano Santucci.

See the full wedding feature here.

3. Intimate Charleston Boho Beach Wedding

Photo by Ava Moore Photography via Bridal Musings

This Charleston beach wedding proves that boho beach vibes are not reserved for West Coast brides, as shown by Ava Moore Photography.

See the full wedding feature here.

4. Tropical Maui Luau Wedding

This Maui wedding photographed by Marlayna Photography encompasses so much of what we love about destination weddings, thanks to a jet-set couple ready to embrace the local Hawaiian culture.

See the full wedding feature here.

5. Adventurous Namibia Safari Wedding

This daring couple gifted their international crew of guest not just a stunning wedding and beautiful photos, but an adventure to remember forever photographed by Nifty Studio.

See the full wedding feature here.

6. Sophisticated & Chic NYC City Hall Wedding

Jodie & Jonathan (& their pup Alfie!) celebrated their nuptials at New York City Hall in the chicest fashion – featuring a bridal pantsuit & DIY florals photographed by Mist of Morning.

See the full wedding feature here.

7. Breathtaking Balinese Waterfall Elopement

You'll be booking the next flight to Bali when you see this stunning tropical waterfall elopement planned & styled by Wedbali & photographed by Vladimir Borodenok.

See the full wedding feature here.

8. Wildflower Elopement in the Middle of a Lake

On a private lake in Upstate New York, Savanna and Joe rowed their canoe to marry on a dock surrounded by wildflowers photographed by White Poppy Weddings – and it was stunning!

See the full wedding feature here.

9. Wild Winter Ice Cave Elopement in Iceland

Ashley and David trekked 60km/hr winds, hail, rain, sleet, snow, and black quicksand to a majestic ice cave in Iceland for their epic elopement photographed by Your Adventure Wedding.

See the full wedding feature here.

10. A Fashion Blogger's Stylish & Intimate Yacht Wedding

Amidst cool blue tones, seaside ruins, and lavish fashion, this style blogger's Southern California wedding is not only glamorous but incredibly touching photographed by Kenzie Victory.

See the full wedding feature here.

Need more inspiration? Find everything you need from real small weddings, elopements & styled shoots here. If your wedding plans have been affected by Coronavirus, consult all of our COVID-related coverage & expert tips for help changing plans.