Elope and let your love shine
As a wedding officiant, who’s passionate about her craft, there’s one thing I tell couples who feel pressured about how to do their wedding day – Do it your way. Be authentic to yourselves and to your relationship.
For some engaged couples, that means a lavish affair that takes two years to plan. For others, an elopement with an intimate vow exchange speaks to their souls. In the latter, your relationship takes center stage, without any distractions. What’s more, couples that have contacted me to elope have all said the same thing: “We just want to be married.”
Weddings are wonderful, no matter how you do them. If you’re considering eloping, here’s five reasons why elopements rock.
(Above photo: Sarah K. Photography ~ location: Watson House and Gardens)
1. Elopements let you focus on your love.
Eloping let’s you enjoy the connection that you share as a couple on your wedding day, by eliminating the typical wedding day distractions and worries. Without the latter, your mind is free to be fully present in the moment, as you celebrate each other. One of the top reasons couples elope is to share a truly intimate experience. What’s more, elopements are just romantic.
2. elopements are less stressful.
When you pare down your wedding day, there’s fewer people, opinions and hassles to worry about …..like, the groomsman who hasn’t shown up yet, or discovering that the caterer prepared the wrong hors d’oeuvres – and forgot you were allergic to kumquats. Plus, there’s no rushing through timelines, as you dash from the ceremony, through the photos, to the reception. In other words, your wedding day won’t be a blur. Not to mention there’s no headache over the guest list, invitations, or seating charts when you choose to elope. Wedding planning isn’t for everyone, and that’s O.K.
3. Elopements are less Expensive.
Skip the $50,000-$100,000-plus traditional wedding and put the money to a different use. Put a down payment on a house, fund your dream business, or save for a bucket-list trip and travel. You don’t have to start your forever-after saddled with liability and overspending regrets. Besides, debt doesn’t look good on anyone.
4. elopements are unique.
Whether you decide to tie-the-knot atop a mountain, at your favorite beach (here in NC we’re lucky to have both destinations!), in a field of flowers, or at a kitschy road-side attraction, the location possibilities for elopements are limited only to your imagination. Say your vows to each other with the ocean breeze blowing, seal your commitment on a whimsy forest path, or exchange wedding rings beside a bucolic barn. It’s a chance to create meaningful memories from an immersive experience, one that truly reflects you and your relationship. And when you choose a scenic or naturally beautiful site, no wedding decorations are even needed.
5. elopements let you skip the wedding drama.
