Three Elopement Pro Tips
Pro Tips
For Your Elopement
Eloping isn’t for everyone, just as planning a wedding with guests isn’t for everyone. For those who ARE inclined to do the damn thing by eloping, I’ve got a few pro tips for ya. Like the Farmer’s commercials, “I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.”
1. Follow your intuition
There’s a reason you’re being called intuitively to celebrate the way YOU want. Remember, this is a celebration for *the two of you* and at the end of the day, you’ll always be grateful that you planned your I Do’s true to you.
If you force yourselves to celebrate in a way that doesn’t align with your hearts desires (a big fat wedding), you’ll inevitably create stress for a day that is meant to be blissful. So if your intuitions are screaming one thing, follow it!
2. Don’t take people’s opinions or reactions to heart
Again, getting married isn’t for anyone but yourselves. Friends and family *may* be disappointed that they won’t be there with you to celebrate. But apologies to mommy dearest, this day (YOUR day) isn’t for her. When people realize that eloping is what will make you two the happiest, they will come around to understand.
Sidebar: you can always plan a party later with your people to revel in your newly wedded love. Many couples who elope opt for a reception at a later time. You can plan something small, like a backyard party with a pizza food truck. Or you can go a little more lavish with an intimate reception at your favorite snazzy restaurant; picture a private party room for you and your closest people. Orrrr you can bowl the night away at the lanes and toast with french fries. The opportunities are endless when you step outside of the traditional wedding box.
3. Make a vacation out of it
Eloping isn’t just for quick courthouse ceremonies or a rendezvous in a little white chapel in Vegas (although both can be fucking fantastic with the right execution). To heighten the experience, plan your elopement in a location you both cherish or have always wanted to visit. You’ll add so much sentiment by spending more than a day soaking up your bliss, just the two of you. Even better, you can roll right into a mini-moon.
If you’re a nature couple eloping outdoors, plan hikes or picnics nearby to soak in your chosen location. If you’re vowing to forever at an indoor space like courthouse, hotel, chapel, or more bustling area—extend your stay and hunt out activities nearby to create additional memories. Head to a bar in your wedding attire and pull that newlywed card! My bet is, you’ll get a handful of free drinks and well wishes.
And as a rule of thumb, take anything anyone says with a grain of salt, including myself. You two know what’s best for you in your celebration of marriage. So refer to number 1 and always follow your intuition!