If you’ve been dreaming of an intimate, low-key wedding, then eloping might be a good option for you to create an intimate experience that goes beyond tradition.
Eloping has always been seen as going against the grain, but the financial costs of a wedding, the pressure to please everyone, and all the planning can often take the spark out of the moment.
It’s a romantic journey that will take you away from the stress and worry of a wedding, allowing you to focus wholly on celebrating your relationship.
With a special location as the backdrop, you can exchange your vows in an intimate setting, dressed in whatever makes you feel comfortable.
A ceremony customized to reflect your values and beliefs, and a marriage license will make your union legally binding, with an officiant presiding over the exchange of vows.
And, of course, you can always celebrate with friends and family after the elopement.
Despite its simplicity compared to larger weddings, eloping still takes work and organization – but when done right it can result in one of the most beautiful days of your lives!
If all this sounds like something you’d like to do, then congratulations! With a little bit of careful planning and some fun ideas, your elopement will be everything you want it to be. So let’s take a look at how you can get eloped stress-free.
How Does Eloping Work
Eloping is like a secret getaway, an escape from the everyday wedding to-dos. It’s a nontraditional way of uniting two people in marriage and saying ‘I do’.
When you elope, there are no parties or presents; it’s just you and your partner making one of the most important decisions of your life together without anyone else in the moment. You can make things as formal or informal as you want – whether that means booking an appointment at the courthouse or finding a local officiant for an intimate ceremony on top of a mountain.
No matter what kind of elopement you choose, it will be something unique to you and your partner. You have unlimited options when it comes to choosing where and how to celebrate your union – which makes planning your special day all the more exciting!
With each step forward into this new chapter in life, anticipation builds until finally being able to say those sacred words “I do”. But before taking such a monumental leap it is important to think about how to make the most out of the occasion.
Here are some steps that in my experience, are some things everyone planning to get eloped should at least consider before taking the leap.
Step 1: Decide on a Location
Choosing the perfect location for your and your partner’s elopement is one of the most important parts in putting together your memorable day.
When choosing the right location for your elopement ceremony, the key is to consider where both parties feel most at ease and happy.
And remember, you can do whatever you want; you don’t have to worry about pleasing anyone except yourselves.
When you sit back and think about it, you don’t have to settle for an altar and a church, you have myriad opportunities to wed in unique and intimate settings that are special to you.
Here are just a few incredible elopement locations I’ve seen over the years to give you a little inspiration for your big day:
1. An antique Victorian estate – Let old-world charm be part of your day as you take advantage of this timeless classic’s grandeur and ornamentation fit for royalty.
2. A Castle – The grandeur of a castle creates a unique atmosphere for your special day, with plenty of unique photo opportunities with the castle as a backdrop. Getting married in a historic building will add a sense of romance and magic to your wedding. You can also take advantage of the beautiful grounds and gardens surrounding the castle for a romantic stroll. An elopement in a castle will be an unforgettable experience that you and your partner will cherish for years to come.
3. A National Park – Surrounded by mountain peaks and valleys, lakes, and forests, national parks are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The privacy and serenity of a national park would be the perfect setting to celebrate your special day. And the birds can be your wedding band.
4. A mountain valley – Connect with nature as you exchange vows amidst breathtaking views with a serene atmosphere. This really does make for the perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate moment.
5. A beach – Getting eloped on a beach would lead to unforgettable memories due to the beautiful and romantic atmosphere of the beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the feel of the warm sand between your toes, and the gorgeous sunset over the horizon will provide an incredibly romantic setting for your special day.
Step 2: Choose a Date.
Here’s the part that everyone needs to think about. Whether a traditional wedding or elopement, mother nature will treat it all the same.
If you’re thinking of an outdoor location, then the weather is going to be a key factor, so you’re probably aiming for the summer months.
However, if you want to travel or head somewhere special, going in the shoulder season or off-season can lead to a really cheap trip, and could give you access to some amazing locations with no tourists or crowds to take away from the moment.
If you’re eloping on a budget, off-season might be a great choice for you. But if you’re absolutely set on an outdoor location or a beach wedding then it’s summer or bust.
You should also think about a date that holds some sentimental value to you both, such as an anniversary, or a significant day in your relationship.
Step 3: Choose The Right Attire.
It’s your love story, so you can make it whatever you need to be. And that includes dressing in a way you both feel comfortable, or in a way that reflects who you both are individually.
Did you know that according to a survey by The Knot, the average wedding dress costs over $1,800?
Whether you decide to go traditional with a white gown and tuxedo or something more casual like jeans and a nice blouse, picking out your clothes should be fun! Take into consideration things like venue, season, and weather when deciding on an outfit for your elopement — these factors will play a big role in how formal (or informal) you want to look.
Do some research online for ideas of what other couples have worn for their own elopements and find inspiration from there. Don’t forget about accessories either — jewelry and shoes can add the perfect touch of glamour or rustic charm. And remember: this is your moment so don’t let anyone else dictate how you should dress!
Step 4: Plan The Ceremony
Planning the ceremony is an exciting part of getting eloped. It’s important to consider your options, as there are numerous ceremonies available for couples looking to get married. Civil Ceremonies are popular for those who want a straightforward and legal wedding without any religious affiliations or customs.
To ensure that you have the perfect ceremony, it’s best to plan ahead:
– Research local officiants: Find someone experienced in performing Civil Ceremonies so they can provide guidance on what needs to be done.
– Decide where you’d like to hold the ceremony: Whether it’s at home, outdoors, or at a special venue, make sure you check if there are regulations regarding holding weddings in that area.
– Choose witnesses if needed: Depending on your state laws, some require two witnesses present during the marriage ceremony.
– Make arrangements for music/photography: If desired, arrange for any additional enhancements such as music playing or photography services, prior to the event day.
– Obtain necessary documents: You will need valid identification and proof of age from both parties involved in order to receive a marriage license.
It’s essential that all details of planning the ceremony are taken care of beforehand so when the big day comes, everything runs smoothly and stress-free! With proper preparation, couples can experience an unforgettable union through their personalized Civil Ceremony – transitioning into officially being married when obtaining a marriage license afterwards.
Step 5: Obtain a Marriage License
The first step is typically researching local laws on getting married, as each state has different requirements.
Requirements may include proof of identity for both parties (usually valid driver’s licenses or birth certificates), payment of fees in certain states, an application form that must be completed and signed by both parties, two witnesses over the age of eighteen (sometimes required) at the ceremony if needed; however this depends on individual states regulations on elopement weddings versus traditional weddings.
Additionally, you may need ordained officiants who are legally able to perform marriages by your particular state’s laws e.g some require legal ordinations and others do not making it possible for friends or family members acting as unlicensed ministers in order to issue the marriage certificate valid with documentation attached through official channels if necessary.
Once everything is verified, there is generally a waiting period before receiving the license.
Step 6: Hire an Officiant
Planning the perfect elopement can be like assembling a puzzle: each piece must fit into place for it to come together. Hiring an officiant is one of those pieces and should not be overlooked, as it is paramount in ensuring that your secret or private wedding will go off without a hitch. Here are four tips to remember when hiring an officiant for your special day:
1) Determine what type of ceremony you would like – religious, secular, non-denominational, etc. This will make finding someone who meets your requirements easier.
2) Ensure they have experience with performing weddings and check their references if necessary; this will help ensure a smooth transition throughout the process.
3) Ask about any additional services they may offer such as premarital counseling or custom vows; these can add unique touches to your ceremony.
4) Make sure they understand that your wedding is confidential and discuss any extra steps needed to keep everything under wraps.
Finding the right person to preside over your nuptials is essential in making sure that every detail goes according to plan on your big day.
Step 7: Hire a Photographer
Hiring a photographer to document your elopement journey is key for preserving the moment. As you and your partner escape traditional norms, it’s important to capture the memories that come with this special day. A professional can ensure that each moment is captured in its full beauty, from all of the little details before walking down the aisle to finishing off with your first kiss as husband and wife.
In addition to making sure every second of your ceremony is documented, a skilled photographer will be able to provide insight on what poses work best as well as which locations make for memorable shots. You’ll have photos that you can look back on fondly and share with family and friends who weren’t present at your elopement.
When searching for photographers, consider those who specialize in intimate wedding ceremonies such as elopements.
When choosing a photographer, don’t forget about asking what their specialization is either – do not be shy when inquiring about individual rates as well if budgeting is tight.
Ask if they’ve worked in similar settings before so that you know exactly what kind of experience they bring to the table.
❣ Pro Tip:
Put together an inspiration board featuring looks or styles you’d like included in your photoshoot- this will help convey the atmosphere you want portrayed!
Your elopement photography should reflect your unique story – one of love, adventure, and commitment – so make sure you find someone whose aesthetic resonates with yours!
Step 8: Plan A Post-Elopement Celebration
Planning a post-elopement celebration is an important part of the eloping process. After all, you and your partner have just declared your love for each other in front of family and friends! To ensure that everyone has fun at this special occasion, there are some factors to consider when planning the event.
Firstly, it’s best to think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create for the party. Do you want something simple and intimate, or do you want to recreate traditional weddings? Many couples who choose to elope opt for more relaxed celebrations afterward, as eloping itself can involve less stress and fuss than a normal wedding ceremony. However, if you still fancy having elements from a traditional wedding on the day, then don’t hesitate to include them – go ahead and book a live band or hire caterers!
One great way to make sure your post-elopement bash is memorable is by providing personalized gifts for guests. This could be anything from customized mugs with their names printed on them, bottles of champagne with pictures of yourselves printed onto the labels, or even small potted plants which they can take home after the festivities have ended. Whatever you decide upon, these little tokens will show how much thought went into making every guest feel appreciated and included in your big day.
So why not make sure that your post-elopement celebration reflects everything that makes your relationship unique? With careful consideration given towards creating a meaningful atmosphere and thoughtful gifts provided for guests, everyone will remember this once-in-a-lifetime event fondly!
Happily Ever After
Eloping can be a great way to get married without the hassle of planning and hosting a large wedding. It’s important to research the legal implications before you decide on where and how to elope in order to make sure your nuptials are legally binding. You will also want to understand any special requirements for getting married abroad or across state lines. While it may not feel as romantic as some other forms of marriage, there is something beautiful about two people committing their lives together away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Elopements give couples an opportunity to focus solely on each other and create memories that last a lifetime. So go forth into the world armed with knowledge and appreciation for what this unique experience has to offer!