Is an Elopement Right for You? MILL POND’S Guide to Saying “I Do” Your Way

At Mill Pond Estate, we’ve welcomed couples for celebrations of every shape and size - from grand receptions that span acres of florals to sweet, quiet ceremonies where the loudest sound is the rustle of our bottlebrush trees. And while we adore every kind of love story, there’s something uniquely magical about an elopement.

Elopements aren’t about “running away” anymore (though we support a dramatic exit as much as anyone). They’re about choosing a wedding day that puts meaning, connection, and experience above everything else. So the big question is: is an elopement right for you? Let’s explore - with a little estate insight and a look at our newly elevated elopement offerings.

1. You’re Craving Beauty Without the Busy

If the idea of battling a 150-person seating chart makes you break out in hives, an elopement may be your perfect match. At Mill Pond Estate, your ceremony can take place in one of four signature settings - each offering natural beauty without the bustle:

• The Lily Pond: Graceful, serene, and framed by swaying bottlebrush trees and water lilies.

• The Broken Oak: A centuries-old oak perfect for whimsical vows and deeply romantic photos.

• The Ever After Carriage: A fairytale space for couples who love a touch of magic.

• The Flower Garden: Colorful, lush pathways surrounded by annuals and perennials in full bloom.

Your day becomes less about logistics and more about presence - being in the moment, breathing easier, and soaking in the beauty around you.

2. You Want Intimacy, Not an Audience

If you’ve imagined exchanging vows where the only witnesses are your closest loved ones and the occasional curious dragonfly, eloping might be calling your name. All of our elopement packages welcome small guest counts—from 10 guests in our Ceremony-Only Exclusive Elopement to 25 guests in our Elevated Elopement.

And yes, your guest count includes the two of you. We love you, but we do have to count you.

3. You Love the Idea of a Wedding Day That Flows

Elopements offer flexibility that traditional weddings rarely can. Want to linger a little longer at the Lily Pond because the light is perfect? Want your ceremony under the Broken Oak but dinner in the Flower Garden? Want to savor your charcuterie board with your nearest and dearest without feeling like you’re sprinting through a timeline? Done, done, and done.

Each elopement package at Mill Pond Estate is designed to give you space to enjoy—not rush.

• Package 1: Exclusive Elopement – 1.5 hours
  Perfect if you want beautiful vows, stunning photos, and a meaningful moment before heading off to your private celebration.

• Package 2: Enchanted Elopement – 3 hours
  Includes a large charcuterie board, refreshing beverages, ceremony arch, cocktail tables, and time to mingle and explore.

• Package 3: Elevated Elopement – 5 hours
  Our most luxurious option: seated family-style mini reception, 40 edited photos, hair + makeup for one person, bouquet + boutonnière, mini cake, table décor, and more. It’s the full experience - just in a smaller, more intentional format.

4. You Appreciate Meaningful Touches

Elopements aren’t “less than” - they’re simply focused on the details that genuinely matter.

With the Elevated Elopement, for example, you’ll enjoy:

• A professional photographer delivering 40 fully edited images

• Hair and makeup services to ensure you look and feel your best

• A stunning bouquet and boutonnière

• A seated mini reception with thoughtfully curated small bites

• Elegant table décor, candles, greenery, and florals

• A non-alcoholic champagne toast to celebrate

• A mini cake (because no one should skip dessert on their wedding day)

It’s the kind of experience that feels refined, personal, and effortless - without the need to coordinate multiple vendors.

5. You Want Flexibility to Customize

Maybe you’re dreaming of a champagne toast, or perhaps a wine and cider bar would add the perfect touch. Maybe you want to add animals to your photos (yes, we read your mind).

Our add-ons are designed to personalize your day even more:

• Beer + Wine Service (Elevated package only)

• Champagne Toast

• Animal Photo Opp (unforgettable and adorable)

• Additional time if you want to linger

• Additional guests if your “just us” circle is slightly larger

Because your elopement shouldn’t feel limited - it should feel like the perfect expression of your story.

6. You Want a Wedding Day That Feels Like You

At its core, eloping is about authenticity. It’s about choosing intention over expectation, connection over comparison, and experience over extravagance.

Whether you imagine exchanging vows under sweeping oak branches, celebrating with charcuterie in the garden, or savoring a family-style dinner beneath the soft glow of umbrellas and candlelight, Mill Pond Estate is here to make your day memorable, meaningful, and beautifully simple.

So… Is an Elopement Right for You?

If reading this made you exhale - or smile - then yes, an elopement might be everything you didn’t realize you were dreaming of. At Mill Pond Estate, we’re honored to offer elevated elopement experiences that bring together natural beauty, thoughtful details, and the ease every couple deserves.

Big love doesn’t always require a big crowd. Sometimes, all you need is the right place, the right person, and the right moment.

And we’d love to be part of yours.