eloping

Eloping is a wedding ceremony in which a couple gets married in secret, or with very few witnesses. The decision to elope is often made by couples who wish to avoid the expense, stress, or family drama associated with a traditional wedding. It can also be a choice made by couples who want a more intimate and personal experience, or those who have a strong desire for spontaneity.

Traditionally, elopements involved a couple running away together to get married without their families' knowledge or consent. While this romanticized image persists, modern elopements can take many forms. Some couples still choose to keep their marriage private from most people, while others might inform their immediate families or a few close friends. The defining characteristic is the absence of a large, formal wedding celebration.

Elopements can occur anywhere. Popular choices include courthouses, picturesque natural settings like beaches or mountains, or even destinations that hold special meaning for the couple. The focus is typically on the legal and symbolic act of marriage rather than on a large social event. This often leads to significant cost savings compared to a traditional wedding, as expenses for venues, catering, guest entertainment, and elaborate decorations are minimized or eliminated.

The legal requirements for an elopement are the same as for any other wedding. Couples must obtain a marriage license and meet the residency and waiting period requirements of the location where they plan to marry. The ceremony itself can be as simple or as personalized as the couple desires, often involving only the couple and an officiant, and possibly one or two witnesses.