How to Elope

How to have a smooth elopement wedding!

While eloping is much easier than planning a larger, more traditional wedding, there are still some steps you have to go through. 

1. Decide if You'd Rather Elope Than Have a Traditional Wedding

To be honest, this step might actually be the hardest step of all. It's important for both parties to be totally honest with each other about eloping. Sometimes one half of the couple may secretly long for a larger wedding with all the trappings. You don't want there to be any resentments later that the couple eloped rather than shared the day with a larger group of people.  Also, you have to be prepared for the reactions of family members, who may feel upset that they're not included. But, remember, after all is said and done, your wedding day is yours. You should have the type of ceremony that you want, not what family or friends want.

2. Decide a Date for Your Elopement

Yes, many people do elope on the spur of the moment. And, that's great. But, if you are able to pick a date at least several weeks in the future, that can help when it comes to purchasing cheaper airline tickets, if you are eloping away from your home base. It also helps you to have time to research marriage laws in the state or country you've chosen to elope to, as laws vary from place to place. Do give yourself time to get your marriage license in whatever location you've decided upon.

3. Decide on Your Location and Venue

Before you are able to obtain a marriage license, you have to at least know where you're going to be married. If you have secured an elopement package from your venue with an officiant included you don't have to worry about hiring an officiant. If you need to secure a wedding officiant, be sure to do that well ahead of time.

4. Obtain a Marriage License

Though marriage license laws vary state-by-state and country-by-country, you should at least follow some basic guidelines. Try to obtain your marriage license at least two weeks in advance of your wedding date, if you are having your wedding locally. Some locations require you to apply in person, while other places allow you to apply online. If the location you're eloping to requires you to appear in person, do plan on arriving to your destination a few days before your wedding so you are able to obtain the license in person.

5. Gather All Your Documents Together

Before leaving for your destination, be sure to have all your papers in order. Depending on the marriage laws of your wedding  destination, you may be required to show a passport, birth certificate, divorce papers (if you have been previously married), etc.

Synonyms:  elpoe, eloppe, elpoing are typos for "elope" and "eloping."