To Elope or Not To Elope

Eloping used to be reserved for star-crossed lovers lacking proper parental approval or history’s most scandalous love affairs.  And while the historical stigma of eloping has long since faded, couples may still be hesitant to celebrate sans their closest friends and loved ones.  But what’s more romantic than slipping away (preferably in the dead of night) to a location as exotic (or not) as you can imagine?

Eloping is not always the most popular option, but it is yours and your soon-to-be’s to make.  Before your mom starts going through a “let me count the ways” laundry list of reasons why Grandpa or Grandma will not approve, here are some reasons why it might be the perfect way to celebrate your upcoming union.

Enjoy One Another

You hear from so many couples that their wedding day seemed to “fly by.”  That they wish they had had more time to enjoy the moments that made their day the wonderful occasion it was.  Between having to say hello to every guest—including ones you may not know/may not know why you invited, like your sister’s boss’s cousin—and trying to make sure the videographer is queued up for your brother’s best man speech, it can be hard to find some quiet time with your new spouse to rejoice in the moments leading up to your new life together.

Eloping gives you a chance to relish every second of the day that solidified your union.  It can relieve the stresses of making sure that everything is just perfect, because, no matter what, you’re in it together, with no one else to please.  Whether it’s a little bit of rain, a late vendor, or a delayed flight to your choice location, take it in stride knowing that your happiness rests on only four shoulders.

The Freedom

The freedom of eloping alone is worth the consideration.  You can get married practically anywhere you want—as long as you find an officiant and the appropriate witnesses ready to “take the plunge” with you.  Whether you want to overlook the beautiful bounty of nature from the top of Half Dome as you pledge your love to one another, skydive your way to wedded bliss, or say your I do’s at the top of the Empire State Building, one of the beauties of eloping is the small guest list, opening up a variety of venues that may not be available to larger groups.

You’ll also be able to enjoy your first meal as a couple without having to worry about the myriad of food restrictions that can turn your carefully crafted reception menu into something different entirely.  Enjoy a cozy dinner for two at your favorite Japanese restaurant, have it catered by an in-home chef, or pick up each of your individual favorites from nearby restaurants so that you’re each sure to get exactly what you want without having to worry about satisfying the masses.

The Budget

If the idea of feeding 150 people at a sit-down, three-course meal makes you a little queasy, eloping can be a great way to stretch a tight budget.  If times have been a little tough on you and yours, a guest list of two makes for a far more wallet-friendly affair.  Don’t let the traditional idea of marriage (and its associated costs) make you think you have to wait to pledge your lives to one another.  With only you and your hubby to worry about, feel free to order a little surf and turf or take a grander honeymoon than you may have been able to with the price tag of a larger wedding.

Telling Your Family and Friends

If you’re feeling a little guilty about not including your closest friends and family in your celebration, consider a hybrid event by getting married solo and throwing a party or hosting a dinner to break the news to the rest of the world.  This will allow you to embrace the celebration-side of your nuptials while making your loved ones feel included. 

The event can be as formal or as casual as you’d like.  If you’d like to appease your more traditional in-laws, consider hosting a small black tie affair, complete with passed hors d’ouevres; or a backyard BBQ for a more laid-back crowd.  Chances are, if you’re inviting only the nearest and dearest, your announcement shouldn’t come as too much of a shock, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be met with resistance.  Ensure any overly startled guests of your confidence in your decision and they’re sure to support your choice. If all else fails, set the tone by celebrating fully and your guests are sure to follow suit.

Whether you’re pondering a guest list of two or two hundred, keep in mind that the perfect wedding will be the one spent as you envisioned it.  Make your decision with confidence and prepare yourself for a future started off in a way that represents your union perfectly.