While many girls dream about big weddings, others dream of a simple, romantic ceremony with just a bride and a groom. Sometimes couples prefer to use their money for something other than a lavish event, and sometimes there simply isn't a lot of money available for a wedding and reception. There are many reasons why couples opt for elopement over a traditional wedding ceremony, and while the reasons vary, the desire for a special and romantic moment is the same. If you are planning to elope, here are a few tips that might prove helpful.
As with just about any type of wedding, the first decisions you make include when to get married and where. When it comes to elopements, this is a fairly simple process, but you do need to know about the marriage license laws and requirements where you intend to be married. Many states have no waiting period between filling out a marriage license and getting hitched, but some do, so it is wise to do a little research about the local laws.
Whether or not you have to wait, you can't get married for free, so even though elopements aren't expensive, there are still some fees. You have to pay for the license and you have to pay someone to officiate the ceremony. Usually the fees are not expensive, but they vary widely by area. You also need to have two witnesses to sign off on the ceremony, and these people must be legal adults. You can certainly ask family or friends to stand up with you, but at some wedding chapels, witnesses are made available to couples who do not have anyone. Sometimes even the staff at a county courthouse can act as witnesses.
One cool thing about elopements is that they cost less, so you might be able to afford getting married someplace other than your hometown. For instance, a Vegas wedding is certainly an option and they make it very easy for couples to tie the knot. But truly you can be married almost anywhere as long as the legal requirements for your marriage are met. While it can be pricey to pay for airplane tickets and hotel rooms, it still can be far less pricey than paying for wedding clothes, wedding cakes, a reception and the millions of other expenses included in a full-scale wedding. If you pick a favorite destination, you can even honeymoon right there, which is yet another advantage.
Hawaii is definitely a top spot for couples looking to elope. The spectacular scenery, particularly on an island such as Maui, is the perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate ceremony for two. You can even find a local Maui wedding planner to take care of the legal details and other details. Your planner can find an officiate and select a venue for the ceremony, as well as arranging for flowers and a photographer.
LoveMauiWeddings.com, for instance, offers a special "Simply in Love" package for less than $600 that is especially suited for elopements or very small weddings with 10 guests or fewer. You can get married right on the beach, and the cost includes two freshly made leis, the services of a minister, assistance with obtaining the marriage license, keepsake wedding certificate and beautifully printed copy of your vows.
A slightly grander package, the "So This Is Love," runs only $1,250 and is suitable for both small weddings and elopements. In addition to the keepsake certificate, printed vows, leis, beach location and other amenities of the aforementioned package, this option also includes 30 4x6 professional photographs, engraved champagne flutes, sparkling cider and a boutonniere for the groom and bouquet for the bride.
As with just about any type of wedding, the first decisions you make include when to get married and where. When it comes to elopements, this is a fairly simple process, but you do need to know about the marriage license laws and requirements where you intend to be married. Many states have no waiting period between filling out a marriage license and getting hitched, but some do, so it is wise to do a little research about the local laws.
Whether or not you have to wait, you can't get married for free, so even though elopements aren't expensive, there are still some fees. You have to pay for the license and you have to pay someone to officiate the ceremony. Usually the fees are not expensive, but they vary widely by area. You also need to have two witnesses to sign off on the ceremony, and these people must be legal adults. You can certainly ask family or friends to stand up with you, but at some wedding chapels, witnesses are made available to couples who do not have anyone. Sometimes even the staff at a county courthouse can act as witnesses.
One cool thing about elopements is that they cost less, so you might be able to afford getting married someplace other than your hometown. For instance, a Vegas wedding is certainly an option and they make it very easy for couples to tie the knot. But truly you can be married almost anywhere as long as the legal requirements for your marriage are met. While it can be pricey to pay for airplane tickets and hotel rooms, it still can be far less pricey than paying for wedding clothes, wedding cakes, a reception and the millions of other expenses included in a full-scale wedding. If you pick a favorite destination, you can even honeymoon right there, which is yet another advantage.
Hawaii is definitely a top spot for couples looking to elope. The spectacular scenery, particularly on an island such as Maui, is the perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate ceremony for two. You can even find a local Maui wedding planner to take care of the legal details and other details. Your planner can find an officiate and select a venue for the ceremony, as well as arranging for flowers and a photographer.
LoveMauiWeddings.com, for instance, offers a special "Simply in Love" package for less than $600 that is especially suited for elopements or very small weddings with 10 guests or fewer. You can get married right on the beach, and the cost includes two freshly made leis, the services of a minister, assistance with obtaining the marriage license, keepsake wedding certificate and beautifully printed copy of your vows.
A slightly grander package, the "So This Is Love," runs only $1,250 and is suitable for both small weddings and elopements. In addition to the keepsake certificate, printed vows, leis, beach location and other amenities of the aforementioned package, this option also includes 30 4x6 professional photographs, engraved champagne flutes, sparkling cider and a boutonniere for the groom and bouquet for the bride.
About the Author:
Ella Hemmings enjoys reading wedding blogs. To get more details regarding Maui wedding reception packages or to find out further about the best wedding coordinators Maui, please visit the LoveMauiWeddings site now.
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