Elope And Wed: Official Ways To Say 'I Do

Eloping is a very personal, intimate, and romantic experience for couples. While there is no set rulebook for elopements, couples must decide whether they want to include guests or witnesses. If you're wondering whether you can elope and still have wedding officials present, the answer is yes. Eloping can be as simple as a commitment ceremony or a civil ceremony at city hall, where an officiant, such as a notary public, county clerk, or justice of the peace, can preside over the ceremony. You may also need to bring witnesses, usually at least two people over the age of 18, depending on the legal requirements of your location.

Eloping can be more affordable than a traditional wedding

Eloping can be a more affordable option than a traditional wedding. The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2021 was $28,000, whereas the average cost of an elopement ranges from $200 to $16,000.

The cost of a wedding venue in the US is, on average, $10,700, and that's before you've considered the cost of food, drinks, table and chair rentals, and entertainment for 200+ guests.

When you elope, you can decide to have fewer than 20 guests or no guests at all. This means you can get married in a variety of locations without needing to hire a venue, chairs, or entertainment. You can get married in a beautiful mountain meadow, on a beach, or in a local park.

If you're trying to decide between eloping and a traditional wedding, it's worth considering the cost. With eloping, you have more freedom to choose how and where you get married, and you can save a significant amount of money.

You can elope and have a wedding later

Eloping is an increasingly popular option for couples who want to celebrate their relationship in an authentic, intimate way. But what if you want the best of both worlds—the adventure of an elopement and the celebration of a traditional wedding? The good news is, you can absolutely elope and then have a wedding later!

The Benefits of Eloping First

There are several advantages to eloping before holding a larger wedding ceremony or reception. Firstly, eloping allows you and your partner to focus on each other during the ceremony without the external pressure of planning a big event for a sea of guests. This means you can have a pressure-free, authentic ceremony that truly represents your unique love story, followed by a bigger celebration with all your loved ones.

Another benefit is that eloping takes much less time and effort to plan and execute than a traditional wedding. This means you can leap into married life sooner and save money by staggering the expenses of your nuptials and celebration. Eloping first also gives you more flexibility with your wedding venue, as you may be able to book more non-traditional locations for your post-elopement party.

Planning a Post-Elopement Wedding Celebration

After eloping, you can start planning your wedding celebration. Here are some key details to consider:

• Guest list: Finalize your guest list to understand the space you'll need, the amount of food to serve, and other details for your celebration.
• Venue: Book an event venue that suits your vision for the celebration. Since you've already eloped, you may have more options for non-traditional locations.
• Combining elopement and traditional wedding elements: You can incorporate cultural or family traditions into your post-elopement celebration to honour your heritage or pay homage to your loved ones.

You Don't Have to Choose

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to elopement planning! You can absolutely have both an intimate elopement and a larger wedding celebration, whether that's a month or a year later. This way, you get to have a meaningful, authentic day with your partner, followed by a festive reception with all your friends and family. So, if you're dreaming of an elopement but also want the traditional wedding experience, go for it!

There are no rules for eloping

Eloping is an appealing option for many couples who want to celebrate their relationship in an authentic, intentional, and unique way. The best part? There are no rules for eloping!

Elopements are typically more relaxed, low-stress, and focused on the couple's relationship and commitment to each other. They offer flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to make the day truly yours. You can choose to elope and still plan a larger wedding or reception later, combining elopement and traditional wedding elements.

The Vibe and Location

Decide on the look and feel of your wedding day. Do you want to get married somewhere meaningful to you and your partner, or simply a beautiful place? Consider whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor setting, the time of day and day of the week, decorations, and the number of guests.

Budget

Determine your budget and prioritize expenses. Discuss with your partner how much you want to spend and research the costs of different elements, such as the venue, clothing, hair and makeup, rings, marriage license, officiant, photography, food and drink, and travel.

Vendors

Figure out which vendors you need and choose them carefully. You'll likely want a photographer and/or videographer, an officiant, and perhaps a professional for hair and makeup, flowers, or other services.

Marriage License

Ensure you can obtain your marriage license, especially if you're getting married in a different state or country. Research the legal requirements and necessary documents, as obtaining a license in a foreign country can be more challenging.

Attire

Choose your wedding attire, considering how it fits with the location and ease of transportation. If you're travelling, think about how you'll transport your clothes to your destination.

Family and Friends

Decide whether you want to include family and friends in your elopement or keep it private. If you choose to involve others, you can send a "Save the Date" announcement or invite a small group of loved ones. If you decide to elope privately, you can always host a post-elopement celebration or send a marriage announcement to share your happy news.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to eloping. You have the freedom to customize your special day and make it a memorable, authentic celebration of your love.

Eloping can be more spontaneous

Eloping can be a more spontaneous and adventurous way to get married. It is a great option for couples who want to focus on their relationship and celebrate their love without the stress and expense of a traditional wedding.

Eloping allows couples to be more flexible and intentional with their wedding plans. They can choose to get married anywhere, from an exotic destination to a local courthouse, and can decide how much time and money they want to spend on the ceremony. This makes eloping a cost-effective option, as couples can allocate their resources as they wish. For example, they might prefer to spend their money on a luxurious honeymoon or put it towards a first home.

While eloping can be spontaneous, it does require some planning. Couples will need to research the legal requirements for their chosen location, such as whether they need a license or witnesses. They may also want to hire a wedding planner, photographer, and videographer to ensure their day goes smoothly and can be shared with friends and family.

Eloping is a good option for couples who want a private and intimate wedding that focuses on their relationship. It allows them to create a unique and authentic experience that reflects their personalities and preferences. Whether it's a last-minute decision or a carefully planned event, eloping gives couples the freedom to celebrate their love in a way that feels right for them.

You can wear whatever you want

Eloping is a great way to have a wedding that is truly unique and tailored to you and your partner. It can be a relief for couples who are stressed out by the planning and costs of a traditional wedding. With eloping, you can make the calls and do what you want.

When it comes to what to wear, the good news is that you can wear whatever you want! You can wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and makes the moment feel special. Whether that’s an ivory ball gown or jeans and a t-shirt is entirely up to you.

Of course, if you want to follow some general guidelines for wedding attire, there are a few things to keep in mind. The dress code is usually the most important factor, and this will depend on the style of the event and the time of year. For example, a black-tie wedding in the winter will call for a very different outfit than a casual summer wedding.

Additionally, the venue and location of the wedding can also give you clues about what to wear. For instance, a beach wedding will be more casual than a formal event at an upscale ballroom. You should also consider the season and choose fabrics and colours that are appropriate for the weather.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you wear. So, whether you choose to go with a traditional wedding dress or something more unique, make sure it reflects your personal style and makes you feel amazing!

Frequently asked questions