Wedding Invitations

Eloping (getting married without telling anyone first) appeals to some couples because it avoids financial, religious, or other conflicts or personal issues that may otherwise arise in the course of planning a wedding ceremony.

Couples getting married for a second or third time often elope because it cuts down on many potential complications. For example, a wedding ceremony that involves blended families and stepparents might become a family political battle, making elopement more inviting.

So if you two feel that eloping is for you, go for it: Get on a plane to Vegas or visit your justice of the peace or courthouse.

One long-engaged couple got married on the spur of the moment while on vacation in Hawaii, after discovering that their hotel had a wedding coordinator who could arrange it all for them.

Understand that if you do elope, however, some friends and family may be offended, or at least miffed, and may need a bit of time to accept or embrace your situation.

Expect that eloping may severely reduce the number of gifts you’ll receive. Some people may feel slighted because you did not include them in a ceremony or, at a minimum, a reception.

On that note, consider having a reception, no matter how informal, to publicly celebrate and have your union recognized by family and friends. This allows those close to you to offer you their personal congratulations and feel included in your marriage.

There is nothing wrong with heading to your local courthouse to so “I do” in a quick, clean, simple ceremony. In some ways, civil ceremonies are very old fashioned and uniquely romantic.

Some couples may want to do a civil ceremony to legalize their commitment, and then plan a more elaborate celebration at a later date.

If cost is an issue for you, civil ceremonies and eloping are your best options.