In the past, elopers often chose to get married in secret so that they could avoid parental consent. These days, elopement behavior occurs for different reasons. Of course, there are still some elopers who simply want to get married in secret, perhaps at their dream vacation destination, but there are many practical reasons to choose this option for your special day. It’s a great way to avoid the obligations and money invested in a traditional wedding, and it also lets you keep the wedding ceremony as intimate as you want it to be.
While we may have seen lower rates of elopement before COVID-19, that’s expected to change throughout 2021. Safety issues and lockdown restrictions made it difficult to host traditional weddings last year, and virtual weddings and micro ceremonies have already surged in popularity. It’s expected that more couples will start to embrace the wandering lifestyle and choose to make elopement attempts. Here are just five things that you’ll need to have ready for the ideal elopement.
1. Your Marriage License
You can’t legally get married without your license and possibly other legal requirements, so it’s crucial to get this down before you make your escape. There are plenty of elopement risks, and you don’t want to make legal issues one of yours. Different states will have different marriage laws that you’ll need to follow to ensure that you’re truly tying the knot after your ceremony.
Generally speaking, at least one spouse must appear at a courthouse, town office, or city hall to fill out the marriage application and provide the required fee. You’ll need valid forms of identification, including proof of birth and an ID card, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Some states may require you to obtain your license in the town you intend to have the ceremony in. You may also have a waiting period after the application, so make sure this is all planned well in advance.
2. Your Vows
Wedding vows are one of the most important parts of the ceremony, especially if you’re the author of your own vows. It always looks better to have these printed on fine stationery, or even in a book, so you’ll need to arrange this before you slip away. Traditional weddings are often so hectic that it’s easy to forget the true meaning of the ceremony, but elopers get the advantage of focusing on their intimate vows and having their happiest day all to themselves.
3. The Rings
You can’t have a wedding without rings, so don’t forget to secure these well in advance as well. Since you won’t be dealing with the expectations of a traditional marriage, you’ll have a lot of freedom here. Want to get separate ring sets that show off each of your personalities? Do it. Would the bride prefer an emerald centerpiece instead of the traditional diamond? Go for it. If you’re environmentally conscious, you can even go for synthetic diamonds that don’t harm the environment.
4. Your Attire
Wouldn’t it be a disaster if the bride forgot to pack her wedding dress, or the groom forgot to bring his suit? Your attire is yet another thing you’ll want to get down ahead of the wedding so there are as few issues as possible when you’re actually eloping. Again, you’ll have a ton of freedom here, since the wedding is just for you. If you’ve always fantasized about a themed wedding or making unusual fashion choices, this is your chance.
5. Extra Flair
This is the one time that you and your spouse are going to get married, so you’ll want to bring as much style to the show as possible. Consider something like gel press on nails to make a big impression. These simply press over your own nails with no need for glue, so you can apply and remove them in seconds.
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