What to Consider Before having an Elopement Wedding

Whether you are repositioning your wedding plans to the COVID-19 pandemic or a big wedding just doesn’t suit you, the idea of an elopement might be looking better and better. In the past, eloping meant you would get legally married without the knowledge of your parents or family, and no receptions would take place. Now, many people get eloped with most or all of their loved ones knowing, just not in attendance. It all depends on what you want for yourself and your partner. 

Here are some things to consider when eloping: 

1.How much are you looking to spend?

Eloping is certainly more economical. The average wedding costs over $35,000. The average elopement is between $7,000-$15,000, but that all depends on what you want from your elopement. Do you want to keep it minimal and just get married? Are you planning to add some extra components and need to budget in things like outfits and a bouquet? Will you be hiring a wedding photographer? Will you get a small cake made? There are things related to weddings you may want to consider in your elopement on a smaller scale to keep the day special and personalized.

2. How quickly do you want this to be?

Most of the appeal with an elopement is that you can be married at a moment’s notice… right? But slow down, there are still some hoops you need to jump through. What’s your ideal date to get married on? Where do you want that to be? You don’t have to get married at your local county courthouse. You’ll want to do some research to figure these components out! Check out our blog on planning a backyard wedding and how to successfully live stream your wedding!

3. What do you want your ceremony to look like?

Here, you can steer away from tradition and make something all your own. You can write your own vows (or not!), you can wear that wedding dress you might have not wanted to wear in front of a crowd (or go for a chic streetwear look, or even a fun t-shirt if that’s more your speed), and you don’t even need to exchange rings. You can really take full control here without the pressures of many friends, family or tradition. 

4. You can still throw a party.

With everyone’s personal stipulations about social distancing, you may need to be careful here, but it could definitely be a safer option for many. This could even be as small as you and your partner putting up some lights and having a meal together or as big as you inviting whoever you decide to a game night or some food and spirits. Many couples also plan to offer an anniversary party as a celebration of their love, which might be better suited than today’s health climate. 

65 Prepare for some backlash. You may have friends and family who are very accepting and understanding of your decision to elope, but there can be others, particularly parents, grandparents, or close friends who may be bummed out that they did not get to have a part in this big moment. Keep in mind that they most likely do not have bad intentions and may have looked forward to playing a role as a bridesmaid or a groomsmen. But remember ultimately this is your marriage. You can tell them beforehand to minimize the hurt, but if you’re going for the element of surprise, an announcement over social media is probably not going to make anyone feel much better. Once your marriage is official, try sending them a personal card, photos, are something of that sort to let it seem more personal. You can’t please everyone all of the time. 

7. Get everything straight on the legal front. To be married in the United States, you need an officiant and a witness. Each state may have a different requirement to elope, and there is definitely research to be done when crossing international borders. Make sure you have the required paperwork and people around to make the process as smooth as possible. Congratulations, love birds! You did it!