The words “Let’s elope!” evoke excitement and visions of throwing caution to the wind, grabbing your partner’s hand, and riding off into the sunset together…Is it that easy? Well, kinda…let’s break it down, here are a few things you might not have thought of or considered first.
While Eloping has fewer moving parts than a large wedding there are still some planning that needs to be done first. Especially if you are going to “Adventure Elope” -which is all the rage, right now.
- Logistics to plan for:
- Budget, yep you need a budget.
- Date
- Location, will you adventure elope, courthouse or backyard?
- Will you have guests?
- What vendors might you need to hire first?
- Location:
- If destination plan your travel well in advance, if a more local destination spot is your thought be sure to go there first and map out your plan.
- If Courthouse -do your research and visit your local city county clerks office for specifics on how to get married at the courthouse -each county is different. You can’t just walk in and get married! Know that oftentimes Courthouses will not let you read your own vows…also some city halls’ put a limit on guest count so be aware of their policy before you arrive.
- Turnkey -is super popular option right now, consider hiring a pro planner to take care of everything for you. Many venues and planners are offering elopement packages now due to COVID.
- Marriage License:
- Legal requirements for a marriage differ depending on the city, state, and country. They can include everything from a premarital blood test to a waiting period, so it’s important to do your research to make sure your knot is legally tied!
- Is there a waiting period?
- Do you need a witness beyond your partner?
- Even if eloping abroad you still need to your license beforehand.
- Vendors: Yep, you still need a few…
- Officiant
- Photo and or video (your smart phone is fine too!)
- Bouquet?
- Other vendors to consider: Wedding Planner, Caterer or Dj for after party
- Post Elopement:
- What to do after? Although your elopement may have lacked much of the pomp and circumstance of a large wedding, it’s still a huge deal! Celebrate accordingly. This could mean a quick trip to the wine bar, an intimate dinner with your closest family and friends, or even a just-the-two-of-you tropical getaway courtesy of all that cash you saved.
- Consider sending announcements, spare the hurt feelings of telling your family and friends first and send them an elopement announcement to share your new relationship status.
