In our first blog on this topic we looked at the misconception that those couples who choose to elope are guilty of rushing into marriage. We noted that even if it seems spontaneous, there is a good chance that the couple have been together for some time. But that they are now choosing to go ahead with an elopement as an affordable or no fuss way to finally make thing official! In this article we are tackling a few of the other common misconceptions about elopement including what sort of person elopes and how they view marriage.
Elopements Are Not Just For The Second Time Around
Another common misconception is that those who decide to elope are individuals who have already been married before. It is true that many of couples embarking on a second or third marriage do decide to forgo the traditional big family wedding, but they do not necessarily elope. In fact, there are just as many first time marriages which begin with elopement as there are second marriages. It is possible for any couple to elope if they so choose.
Building A Strong Marriage With an Elopement
On a related note, it is often suggested that elopements are more likely to result in an unsuccessful marriage, something that no doubt stems from the belief that elopements are often rushed into. However, many of the couples who choose to elope have been together for some time and most have a very traditional view of marriage. In fact, many couples choose to elope because they just want to have an intimate ceremony to celebrate their union without all of the trappings of a traditional wedding. Think about a small wedding with just the couple and their closest family. This could be seen to be much more focused on what marriage is about, rather than a massive event with people you haven’t seen in years! As for elopements not creating successful unions – Bette Midler eloped in 1984 and she and her husband Martin Rochus Sebastien von Haselberg have been together ever since!
Romance and Elopement Can Go Hand in Hand
It is often thought that an elopement is unromantic and tacky. Once again, television has a lot to answer for as elopements are always depicted as trashy affairs in gaudy Las Vegas wedding chapels. However, most elopements are held on stunning beaches, or in intimate little inns and cabins. Even if you do opt for a ‘wedding chapel’ elopement, as shown above, you will find that many are very beautiful, elegant venues devoid of the stereotypical neon lights, plastic bouquets and Elvis impersonators! It is possible to personalize an elopement package to be as romantic or as basic as the couple prefers. So, whether you are envisioning a romantic unity ceremony complete with rose petals, candles and doves or just a quick legal marriage ceremony with an Officiant, elopement can fit both profiles.
In short, elopement is not really all that different from any other marriage. Couples still get married for the same reasons, they are just choosing to do it that little bit differently than what is considered the norm. Keep an open mind about elopement and you will see that the most common misconceptions are unfounded and there are actually a long list of excellent reasons for choosing an elopement over a traditional wedding.