Is Elopement Right For You?

Planning An Elopement

"Un-traditional Wedding"

Choosing to elope is a very personal decision. Eloping means that you and your fiancé decide to get married alone with no traditional wedding ceremony or reception. It is usually done in secret. Deciding to elope is often a very spontaneous decision, and something that a couple doesn’t plan very far ahead of time. Some people also consider a destination wedding to be an elopement, but this is not a true interpretation of the term. Since a destination wedding or even a small at-home wedding still involves guests, invitations, and a reception, these are not “real” elopements in the traditional way.

The Upside of Elopement
One of the biggest pros to eloping is the money that you will save. Many couples prefer to skip the expensive ceremony and reception and opt for an elopement that may be a few hundred dollars at most. Another reason that couples chose to elope is to forgo lengthy legal requirements in their home state. Some locations require a blood test or other waiting period before the wedding, so a couple may decide to elope in another state where they can get married immediately (think Las Vegas). Many couples who elope will also take their honeymoon in the same locale where they got married. Instead of spending their money on a big ceremony, they may opt to spend it on their dream vacation together.

The Downside of Elopement
If you elope on the spur of the moment, the biggest problem you will probably run into will be the reactions of family and friends. Close family may be especially insulted that they were not there at your wedding. If this is your first marriage, you should take time to consider if you really want to give up the once in a lifetime chance for a wedding. If you are simply looking to avoid a big event, consider opting for a small wedding instead of an elopement.

There are a few more modern options for eloping that do allow the couple to plan ahead. Many cruise lines offer private beach weddings, with only the bride and groom. These packages usually include a special suite for the bride and groom after the ceremony, champagne and strawberries in the room, photos of the event, and a special wedding certificate. The marriage is usually performed at the first stop of the cruise so that the couple can enjoy the rest of the trip as their honeymoon. Though this is technically considered an elopement, because only the bride and groom are present, this is an option that allows for a little more planning and advance notice.

However you choose to elope, you should note that wedding gifts are usually forfeit. If you elope, it is considered rude to still register for gifts. In most cases, you won’t even need to send announcements, unless you feel that your friends and relatives would like to know about your recent marriage. Word of mouth should suffice for the occasion. Some close friends and family may choose to send a card or small gift, but you shouldn’t expect the kind of windfall that many couples receive when they hold a traditional wedding.

Is Elopement Right For You?
In the end, choosing to elope is a decision that can only be made by the bride and groom. This special, private ceremony will be an intimate memory for you and your fiancé and may be just the thing for a spontaneous couple. However, it is important to consider your family, especially parents, when making this decision, and choose the type of marriage that will be the best for everyone.

Photo Credits:  Elope Today Beverly Hills, Los Angeles