So, you have settled on elopement as your choice of wedding – what next? Many couples know they want to elope, but as unsure about exactly how to elope! One of the first things that you will need to do is create an elopement checklist. We appreciate that this might be difficult if you don’t know where to begin, so why not take a look at our Ultimate Elopement Checklist for some inspiration? We also have a few tips to get you started. All of this is why WhereToElope.com is the easiest way to ‘Just Married’!
Get Ready To Elope
There are a few things that need to be considered very early on as these are going to shape how your elopement actually turns out. The first one is perhaps the biggest consideration – budget! You can have a very low cost elopement for just a couple of hundred bucks, or you can push the boat out and have something more extravagant. It all comes down to the budget as this will make the difference between a basic courthouse affair in your home town and a more elaborate destination wedding. Think carefully about how much you have available to spend. It might be worth looking at our Elopement Budget.
The next thing to do is choose a date. If you are having an intimate elopement with just the two of you then you only need to think about when you are both able to take time away from work and other commitments. However, if you plan on taking a handful of guests, choosing a date might pose more of a problem. Elopements can be planned in advance, you don’t have to run off at the last minute. In fact – some of the most popular elopement venues have lengthy waiting lists!
Once the date and the budget are settled it will become far easier to choose your location and venue. Take some time to browse the destinations we have discussed in the WHERE section of WhereToElope.com for inspiration.
Don’t Forget The Legal Side!
Once you have a location in mind it is essential that you find out what the legal requirements are for marrying in that location. Some states may require waiting periods or blood tests and the required documentation may also vary from one place to another. Make sure that you have everything you need in order to get your marriage license in plenty of time to avoid hiccups on the big day!
These are the basic steps you need to take in order to elope, but you will also need to flesh out the smaller details such as what to wear and other details listed in our checklist.
Are you planning an elopement? What is the one tip you would offer other couples?