What is Elopement? Things to Consider before Eloping
Hello there! If you’re reading this article, chances are, you just got engaged and are considering an elopement. The intimacy of involved in this kind of union strips down weddings to its most basic form. Simple and heartfelt, it’s a celebration of your love without the grandiose setting.
Here we’ll be talking about what eloping is and what you should consider before deciding to have one. You may have so many thoughts and questions. Hopefully, this short article will help you in your decision. Sit back and read on.
What is Elopement?
Strictly speaking, eloping means “to run away.” Before, couples that elope simply go away and get married without telling anyone. These days, elopements are more common occurrences and are becoming more accepted in family circles. Now, choosing a more intimate and private ceremony can be called an elopement, too. You are entirely in control of who you want to invite, should you want to invite anyone. However, if you want a legal marriage, two witnesses are required by law.
Things to Consider before Eloping
Aside from being the more economical choice, many couples are now taking control of their weddings and are steering away from societal standards. Just to be clear, eloping doesn’t mean going to the city hall and being done with it. You can most definitely still have a beautiful wedding. Aside from the typical wedding planning concerns, there are some things you need to consider before fully committing to an elopement. Think about these things before you decide. Are you the type that is close to all their family members? Do you want to invite all your family and friends? Maybe eloping is not the best choice for you. Here are some things to think about before you make up your mind:
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How many guests will I be inviting?
Elopements are very intimate and private. You won’t need to invite that snooty aunt or your dad’s boss’s wife. Choose a few important people, it’s entirely up to you and your partner. Actually, you can forego guests and stick to an officiant and two witnesses. Go with your heart.
There are no rules for elopements but it surely won’t have hundreds of guests. You need to have a specific list and persist. Keep your wedding sacred and invite the people that are closest to you and your partner. This way, it can be a true celebration of your love for each other.
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Research on Wedding Requirements
Be it a big or small wedding, the legal requirements remain the same. Check your city’s laws on marriage so you can prepare for it properly. A marriage license is a must and you need to apply for this in advance. In Toronto, it is required to have at least two witnesses and a professional officiant or church leader to officiate your wedding.
If you’re eloping abroad, do your due diligence in studying that country’s laws on marriage for non-residents. You wouldn’t want to go home and realize you’re not legally wed. Research and preparation are key to any event, especially one as special as this.
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Decide on the type of Elopement you want
Do you want a ceremony only? Would you rather have a ceremony and a simple reception after? These are some things to think about because the rest of the planning hinges on the type of elopement you decide on.
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Setting a budget and choosing vendors accordingly
Elopements don’t cost nearly as much as grand weddings but there are still things you may need to spend on. Set a budget and stick to it. It will dictate the vendors you can hire for your event. Do you want photographers and videographers? What location do you want to get married in? All of these will need to adjust to the budget you set to avoid overspending.
These are some vendors that can help make your elopement unforgettable:
- Beautiful venue
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Wedding dress/suit
- Makeup and Hairstylist
- Venue decor / styling
- Flowers/bouquet
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Informing those important to you
Say you want a very intimate elopement and you’ve decided to invite your immediate families only, this is perfectly fine. It would help to inform the rest of your family members and friends of your decision so as to avoid the need to explain to them once the wedding is over. You don’t need to provide a reason. Simply state that you’re getting married and have decided to keep it simple and intimate. Don’t feel guilt-tripped about this. It is an elopement. It is a celebration of your love for each other and no one should dictate what you should and shouldn’t do.
Once again, congratulations on your decision to spend the rest of your lives together. Set aside time with your partner to talk about what is important for both of you and base your decisions on those things. Think with your heart, it is your elopement after all. Whether you decide to get married in a field full of flowers or in your favorite bar, make memories that you will love to look back on as the two of you grow old together.
If you’re looking to elope in Toronto:
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