Elopement Wedding

Determine a Budget

While elopements tend to be easier on the wallet than a big wedding, they aren't without their costs, so sit down with your partner and start talking numbers. How much of your savings or disposable income are you willing to allocate to this? Be realistic about your expectations and your funds, and don't forget to factor in a little wiggle room for unexpected costs. Your budget will guide the rest of the process and help you navigate any difficult decisions with its firm bottom line.

Another budgeting tip? If you're okay with letting your parents in on your plans, invite them to your elopement and ask if they're willing to contribute to your micro ceremony, especially if you and your partner have any financial concerns. "Inviting your parents to your elopement, if you're not set on it just being the two of you, is another way to involve them and lessen bruised emotions," adds wedding planner Lindsey Nickel, founder of Lovely Day Events.

Choose the Location

Today, courthouse elopements are very popular, with many eager partners choosing the straightforward option of obtaining a marriage license and getting married in the same vicinity. This choice is also relatively cheap, though it doesn't entirely lend itself to spontaneity as an appointment is usually required.

With that in mind, adventurous or jet-set couples may favor the destination elopement alternative. Perhaps there's a place that played a significant role in your relationship or holds special meaning for one of you. Or, maybe the visual appeal of a location just feels right for the occasion. Let these preferences guide you, keeping your budget in mind.

"When thinking about elopement, consider a place that will have significance for you both," shares Britt Cole and Francie Dorman, co-founders of Mavinhouse Events. "Consider Venetsanos Winery in Santorini Island, Greece; the Sanará in Tulum, Mexico; or the Round Hill in Jamaica." In general, destination elopements can be as extravagant as a far-flung getaway or as close to home as you'd like.

Book Your Travel Early

If you're eloping in a location that's not your hometown, ensure that you book your travel early to save money and relieve stress. While the destination of your elopement doesn't have to be an exotic faraway locale, it is something to keep in mind no matter where you plan to say "I do."

Find Local Vendors

Just because you're having an intimate wedding doesn't mean you're completely on your own. "While many elopements, by nature, tend to be last-minute decisions, I highly advise couples not just to wing it. Hiring a local wedding planner can take a lot of stress off the couple," Nickel explains. "Plus, a planner can suggest really special or under-the-radar places that you might not already know. Also, make sure you hire both a photographer and a videographer to document your day. This is especially important for elopements because it allows you to share the moment with friends and family who could not be there."

Due to the smaller scale and shorter time commitments, most vendors will offer special rates or à la carte pricing for elopements, Nickel adds. "Especially if you're getting married on an off-day—say a Tuesday at 11 a.m.—don't be afraid to negotiate." Oftentimes, you can also find bargain deals simply by failing to mention you're a bride or groom. Say the word "wedding" and many vendors reckon they can jack up the price for their services. So instead of requesting a "wedding" look, you may be able to save money by asking for a "special occasion" hairdo.

Choose Guests or Witnesses

Guests at an elopement? You bet! Whether your state requires witnesses or you just want a few close friends or family members to be part of the moment, you can definitely still bring some people along and call it an elopement. The rule of thumb is to keep the count under a dozen, however. Of course, if you’re inviting guests, you’ll want to make more formal plans and can’t simply pop into the courthouse on a whim.

Plan the Ceremony

What will you wear? Are rings your thing? How should the exchanging of vows go? Do you want a bouquet? While you may not be walking down the aisle, per se, you'll still want your highly anticipated elopement moment to be special. "Don't forget to indulge in the bridal aspects of your day," Nickel says. "Get a special dress and a bouquet and perhaps even set up a table, complete with your dream centerpiece, a bottle of champagne, and dinner for two."

The experts at Mavinhouse Events also add, "Elopements are a great opportunity to steer away from tradition and pick an outfit that may be more streetwear chic. Consider tea-length dresses rather than long gowns, bold colors, or patterns rather than white. Or, a bird's cage veil rather than a long and flowy one, menswear suiting instead of a dress...the options are limitless."