Same Sex Weddings can be Elopements Too
Free to Marry, Free to Elope
It has been a hot topic for quite some time now, but happily, an increasing number of same sex couples now have the right to get married if they wish with more than 30 states now allowing same sex marriage. Our friends over at Chase Court in Baltimore, MD have performed 26 same sex elopement ceremonies for couples from 11 different states in the past year alone! The future is also looking bright for same sex couples in the remaining states which are yet to pass laws recognizing same sex marriage. However, whether they live in a state where the law looks set to change or whether it looks like there is a way to go before that happens, if they do not wish to wait around for the state in which they live to update its rulings, those couples may decide that their best option is to elope to another state in order to tie the knot with as little fuss or delay as possible. This was a topic which was recently covered by our good friend and family law specialist Vivian Holley in her article titled ‘What Happens if You Are a Same-Sex Married Couple in a State That Does Not Recognize Your Marriage?
Clearly, for same sex couples the decision on where to elope will be heavily influenced by the laws in any given state, however; thank goodness, legal considerations are not the only factor when choosing the perfect elopement destination. While they may wish to consider eloping to some other part of the world, for same sex couples who are seriously considering elopement as an option, the states which already recognize same sex marriage offer a dazzling variety of locations around the country to suit every romantic’s dream for the perfect wedding day.
Destinations to Suit Every Romantic
From the sunshine and mellow atmosphere of California to the excitement and cultural stimulation of New York, there is a wide variety of possible destinations which same sex couples might choose for their elopement. For those with a love of the great outdoors, the deserts of New Mexico or the lakes of Minnesota may offer the perfect romantic destination. Others may be drawn to the charm and elegance of the states of New England, or perhaps to the waterfalls and mysterious forests of Oregon. Those with a yearning to spend some time visiting further flung shores or celebrating their wedding by taking a cruise vacation may even decide to elope to one of the islands of Hawaii. The decision is as individual as the couple. Indeed, if they cannot agree on a single destination, they may even decide that the best option would be to extend the romantic adventure of their elopement by taking in a few other states on the way. They could even choose to marry several times over. In the end, their choice depends on their personal tastes and interests and, to some extent, of course, on their budget.
Planning to Elope
Traditionally, couples would choose to elope out of necessity because of opposition from the family or because of some other obstacle to their love. This often meant that there was little time for much in the way of advance planning as elopements have historically been something that is embarked on quite hastily as a spur of the moment decision. While this may still be the case for some couples, today many eloping couples have the luxury of planning the perfect elopement and spending some time discussing the destination, travel arrangements and even selecting their elopement wardrobe and planning nights out to enjoy during their stay. While some couples may prefer the spontaneity of heading off to their elopement destination with no plans other than to get married, others may find that the planning itself is all part of the fun and excitement of eloping together – especially when it is not on the scale of a large and complicated wedding which can be very stressful.
More Than One Reason to Elope
Of course, as is the case for any couple considering the possibility of eloping there may be many different reasons for them to choose an elopement. In states which present no barrier to same sex marriage, couples may still decide that elopement is the option that best suits them. The couple in question may simply decide to elope for the traditional reason of keeping the wedding a secret, either to avoid family conflicts or to enjoy a quiet, stress-free ceremony without any drama or pressure—not to mention the need to invite hundreds of guests! They may have a particular destination which they have long dreamed of as the place where they wish to have their special day. Or perhaps they may choose to elope just for the sheer romance and adventure of running away together. Dave Westfall touched on some of the reasons behind the recent rise in popularity for elopements and the societal trends including same sex marriage and remarriage in his blog about the paradigm shift in the wedding industry as a whole. Whatever the reason, the excitement and fun of elopement is just the start of the great adventure for the rest of their lives together.