Information About Elopements

By Ella Hemmings


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.

Sometimes it's fun to consider a destination elopement in a favorite getaway spot. Obviously, Las Vegas is famous for its quick nuptials, but you can choose to get married just about anywhere as long as you have a license, an officiant and witnesses present. While it does cost extra money to fly or drive to a destination, usually the total cost is still far less than a wedding and reception, and you have the added fun of being able to combine your elopement and honeymoon.

A tropical location, such as Maui, is also a great idea for your elopement and the honeymoon. Imagine being surrounded by the beauty and serenity of Maui as you exchange your vows; there are few places in the world more conducive to romance. To make it easy, contact a company that focuses on helping couples elope in Maui. These companies can help you nail down every last detail, from scouting an idyllic location for the ceremony to finding someone who can officiate the ceremony and much more.

One Maui wedding planning firm offers a variety of packages that are particularly suitable for couples who wish to elope. One example is the inexpensive "Simply in Love" option that includes an intimate wedding on a Maui beach for less than $600. In addition to securing your special beach site, the wedding planners will obtain the services of a minister or officiate, help you secure a license and have beautiful flower leis prepared for the ceremony as well as providing a copy of your vows and a keepsake wedding certificate.

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.




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