An Elopement to Remember
All brides remember their wedding day. Eloping brides just remember it a bit differently. Without the stress and worry, all the planning, the dress, hair and makeup, without the fuss and all the guests, what's left? No matter the age, eloping couples share a sense of adventure, an almost rebellious giddiness, at running away to get married. They recall the rush and excitement with all senses, sometimes humorously, sometimes romantically, and almost always with a sparkle in their eye and a Mona Lisa like smile that says they are reminiscing about more than they're actually saying.
It's a different kind of bonding experience that elopers have and it can last a lifetime. As I remember my own it feels like a you and me against the world commitment, all though now I would phrase it as a you and me are gonna rock this commitment. When you are young, I was 25, you do feel like your up against the whole world, or at least your whole life ahead. Together we listened to a stranger, a justice of the peace, who recited what seemed like foreign words, but somehow our hearts translated it into "I love you and I got your back baby, now and always.
It doesn't so much matter what adventure you have, or where you go, just that it is between the two of you. Together you will have created something through the shared experience and memories that is a ceremonial passage into your partnership and unique to you and yours alone.
Now for those who are on the fence, here are 5 reasons to rethink eloping.
1. Expense - You can elope and have a week/weekend vacation for a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding.
2. Anything Goes - You can go anywhere (times square, hike to a waterfall ), wear anything from casual dress to elaborate costumes, and planning an elopement only requires a minimum of a few weeks of scheduling and arrangements compared to bigger weddings that are planned for on average beginning a year ahead.
3. Delayed Reception - Not wanting to exclude friends and family, have a reception only party. You can still receive gifts and share your runaway wedding story, Actually the guests like the reception part more than the ceremony anyway.
4. No Stress - It can be physically and emotionally exhausting to plan and execute a larger wedding, especially if you are a perfectionist or have control issues. Plus you are also not forcing yourselves to be put on display and don't have to be at your absolute best.
5. Privacy is Romantic - If not down right sexy, getting away alone is what the honeymoon part is about so just plan to get married where you are going. Like everything I said earlier it is exciting and creates a special union between you. Life is an adventure, why not start your marriage with one.