what does elope mean?

I get asked this quite a bit, what does elope mean? What’s the difference between and elopement and a wedding? Can we elope anywhere?

Eloping traditionally means getting married without telling anyone, especially family and friends. This often involves a sudden and secretive departure to avoid any objections or complications from loved ones. In contemporary contexts, eloping can also refer to a more private, intimate wedding ceremony that doesn't include a large number of guests, even if the couple doesn't keep it a secret.