“Why Did You Elope?”

By Dave Westfall

Something is definitely in the air; we here at WhereToElope.com have been discussing the question of, “Why do people elope?” We have heard many reasons to elope over the years especially in our annual Poll results. “Still, each couple has its own reasons for why they chose to elope.” Sazannah Weiss’ made these comments in her recent Glamour article,  “Why I Eloped”. The various elopement stories in her article follow along with our Poll findings of why couples elope; yet, with a surprising twist. Real people telling their elopement stories; it’s a must read.  Here’s our input on Sazannah’s comments.

Destination Elopement Packages

Spontaneity: the question is popped; the knot is tied within twenty-four hours while in a beautiful work trip spot; this is rare, even in the history of eloping. Yet, a growing trend for couples who elope is a destination wedding. You may be thinking of setting a date and choosing on of the elopement packages available from a dream destination wedding  vendor. WhereToElope lists over 1,400 places where you may find Elopement Vendors listed by location.  Destination elopements are two-fold; a couple can enjoy an intimate ceremony and honeymoon or what we call a minimoon all in one spot. Of course some of the savings from not having a big wedding can be used to for other things or to have extra adventures while you are in your own little paradise.

Reducing Stress

“So you’re engaged, when is the big day?” Not having an answer to the question can become irritating. Wanting to avoid obsessing over your own wedding, an observation you have made and determined not to do, has lead you to the conclusion of eloping. In fact you and your fiancé have decided to simply go down to the county court house and have the Judge or Justice of the Peace officiate. A college classmate of mine did this; that is, the local courthouse had a garden with a gazebo for this very purpose. Having been alerted by her fiancé, the family surprised her by showing up as they were about to elope and joined them. I enjoyed the joy on her face as she told me her story.

Romance and Insurance

Not the first time: I’ve heard this, actually my cousin is timing her marriage to her long-term “boyfriend” around insurance and retirement plans. Obamacare is not cheap and saving by getting on your spouse’s company insurance has become a reality for many. To the young and in love Elopers this may not sound very romantic, we agree; but it is practical.

Convictions

In our Why You Eloped poll here at WhereToElope.com we have discovered that the millennial  generation is the least religious generation, and we surmised that the increase in elopement nuptials has been due to this reduction in religious conviction. Perhaps convictions, that usually run higher in the religious sectors of society for remaining a virgin until married could actually play a part in the increase of elopements. Convictions of staying a virgin until the wedding night may hasten a couple to elope before a planned wedding date. Though antidotal; this does put a twist on my previous blog. I guess what I am saying is; no matter the situation many couples may want to consider the possibility of eloping.

Why did you elope? Do you have an elopement story to share? What are your reasons to elope? Please leave a comment below and let us know…

Photo courtesy of Elope to Fredericksburg TX