Thinking of Eloping? Here Are 4 Things to Remember

I’ve said it before, and it is likely I will say it a couple of hundred more times! Planning a wedding is probably one of the most stressful things you will ever do in your lifetime! As I have outlined in my latest book, BIG Weddings SUCK! having a big traditional wedding is not only a massive financial outlay, but it will also drain you of time and energy! That’s why so many couples are saying no to a big wedding and thinking of eloping instead! Eloping is not only romantic and exciting, but it also has the added benefit of helping to reduce the time, stress and cost invested into your wedding!

Of course, like everything in life – although eloping is a less stressful choice, it is not entirely without its hurdles! If you are thinking of eloping, it is important to fully research your options. I came across a blog post by Rebecca Strong of Elite Daily this week outlining some of the things that she thinks couples need to know when they are thinking of eloping. I wanted to share some of my own insights regarding the things she discussed in her article.

1 – It’s Your Day

Rebecca writes that one of the biggest benefits couples will be able to enjoy if they are thinking of eloping is that it is all about them! I couldn’t agree more. In fact, escaping family drama is one of the main reasons couples give me for wanting to elope. It often seems like everyone has an opinion on your wedding – whether you ask them for it or not! When you elope you can eliminate that completely. Forget pleasing everyone else and plan the wedding you want!

2 – Research the Requirements when you are Thinking of Eloping

The next point Rebecca makes is that it is necessary to research requirements ahead of time if you are thinking of eloping. Often, people think that eloping means just turning up at a Las Vegas Wedding Chapel on a whim! Sure – you can do that and Nevada is one of the states who grant same-day licenses. However, it is not always that simple, so you will need to do some research into the legal requirement for your destination – especially if you are thinking of eloping abroad. We have lots of information available on our Where to Elope Listings pages throughout the website that can help.

3 – Hire a Photographer

Rebecca makes a good point about making sure you are able to capture memories of the day to share with your friends and family who were not able to attend the elopement. I don’t necessarily agree with her suggestion that you need to hire a professional, but having pictures taken is certainly a good idea. Many of our vendors actually include photography sessions in their elopement packages.

4 – How to Announce That You Are Thinking of Eloping

One of the trickier aspects of choosing to elope comes in the form of breaking the news to friends and family! It is important to decide how you want to approach it and how to deal with the inevitable upset from some of your loved ones. Will you tell people ahead of time? Or are you going to keep it a secret until after the fact? Rebecca suggests that either way works as long as you have a plan mapped out! I share some of my tips for announcing your elopement in Chapter 39 of BIG Weddings SUCK!

By Dave Westfall, the Alternative Wedding Planner