Your wedding is your chance for you and your partner to celebrate your union. How you do so is as unique as your love. While many couples dream of a traditional ceremony and extravagant reception, others prefer something more private and intimate. Elopements are becoming a more popular choice for couples, but you may have questions about eloping if you’ve never experienced one.
Eloping is often a first choice, not a last resort, especially if you appreciate sharing life’s most emotional moments only in the company of those you love. Here are answers to your top 10 questions about eloping.
1. Who Should We Tell?
One myth about eloping is that it must be completely private. It certainly can be, but that’s not usually the case anymore.
There’s no rule that says you can’t invite family or friends. After all, you’ll need a witness, and having your family and friends by your side can be a nonnegotiable for many. Elopements are no longer reserved for couples who don’t have their family’s approval. You can invite whoever you’d like to join in the momentous occasion.
2. Where Should We Go?
Your local courthouse immediately comes to mind, but it’s not your only option. The world is your oyster. Adventure elopements are an exciting way to tie the knot in a breathtaking location. You can choose a destination that’s meaningful to you and your partner, or a place you’ve always wanted to visit. It could be a national park, a mountain getaway or a tropical beach.
3. Can It Be Unique and Personalized?
You might picture eloping as lining up two-by-two at the courthouse with judges going through couples like an assembly line. However, the reality can be quite different.
You can make your celebration as unique as you like. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, you might not need to go all out with decorations, as the natural backdrop will be stunning enough. However, you can still include personalized elements like live music or a getaway car. Any element of a traditional wedding can work for an elopement, so don’t feel like you need to sacrifice your dreams.
4. Is There a Reception?
If you elope, you can still have a reception. If you have guests attending the ceremony, you can set up a simple party to celebrate afterward. It could be as big as renting a venue and serving a traditional reception meal, or as simple as picnic tables and a small cake at your destination.
For couples who choose a private elopement, you may consider holding a larger reception to invite family and friends at a later date.
5. Is There a Honeymoon?
Yes, couples who elope do still go on honeymoons! If you plan to have an adventure elopement, you may stay extend your stay in your destination to explore the area. However, nothing is stopping you from taking a trip somewhere else after your elopement. Celebrate your new life together anywhere in the world.
6. Can It Be Religious?
An elopement can have religious or spiritual elements. However, many couples who choose to elope want to write their own vows, rather than follow the traditional, religious vows. Elopements are all about the couple and their love for each other. You get to choose the words to express your love and commitment.
7. What Should I Wear?
Here’s another lovely part about eloping — you can wear whatever you like. If that’s a traditional gown and tux, fabulous! You might also go bolder with bright colors to let your personality shine. If you’re choosing an adventure elopement, you should also consider what will be comfortable for your destination, or bring a change of clothes. When you don’t have to worry about pleasing anyone but your future spouse, you can dress as comfortably as you like or go all out.
8. Should I Have a Bouquet?
You can certainly carry a bouquet if you want one! You can include any elements of a typical wedding when you elope.
9. What About Gifts?
Requesting gifts for an elopement can be a personal decision for couples. If you’re inviting friends and family, they might expect you to have a registry. They may also bring gifts even if you don’t ask for any.
While most elopements are not secret affairs anymore, some couples may feel guilty about sending a registry to people who were not invited. However, some friends and relatives will understand your wishes to have a more intimate ceremony, especially if travel is involved. Once they see your wedding announcement, they may send gifts or money unprompted. Use your best judgment about how to handle the situation.
10. How Do We Break the News to All?
While you may have close family and friends with you on your wedding day, there are likely people who were not invited. That’s OK! You don’t need to hide the fact that you eloped.
Treat it just like any other couple announcing that they got married. Go ahead and post those amazing photos on social media, or use them for holiday cards. Show your coworkers when you get back to the office. Throw a post-elopement party for anyone who was not able to attend. Don’t feel ashamed to flaunt it!
Everything You Need to Know About Eloping
Eloping is not what it used to be. It could mean going to the courthouse for a simple ceremony, or it could be a breathtaking celebration in a destination of your choice. Consider these top questions and answers to decide if an elopement is right for you!
Let’s Knot and Say We Did
You’re in love and you want to get married, but the thought of planning a destination elopement can be overwhelming. Let’s Knot and Say We Did offers all-inclusive wedding and elopement packages so that all you have to do is show up! We specialize in adventure elopements because we believe in the power of authentic love. Rather than have weddings be a production. We value marriage and the sacred union that takes place in a wedding ceremony.
Rich is a Master of Ceremony. He creates a grounding presence that allows people to feel safe to be fully themselves. He and Shelby (your elopement photographer) bring their joy + high vibes into your ceremony space with intention, love, and creativity. Whether you’re eloping or having a small wedding, we’ll take care of everything so that you can relax and enjoy your special day.
Rich and Shelby create a detailed timeline of your wedding day and coordinate with all vendors. They hand pick every vendor involved and only work with the best. They offer Ceremony Design + Floral Coordination, and provide everything you need to get married in an absolutely beautiful location.
Let’s Knot and Say We Did is based in Sedona, Arizona. Rich and Shelby travel world wide to create epic elopement and intimate wedding experiences for couples who are authentic, joyful, and madly in love.
