To understand what is elopement wedding, you must know what it means to elope traditionally and how it’s defined differently nowadays. You might be interested in this type of wedding, but you’re put off with how it’s interpreted, so continue reading below to know more about elopements and if it’s even legal.
We also recommend these alternatives on what to do instead of a wedding. Some couples prefer a non-traditional approach to wedding ceremonies, which is why we listed some fun things to do instead.
What Is Elopement Wedding And How Is Elopement Different From Traditional Weddings?
Before: elopement means running away
Traditionally, eloping has a negative connotation because it means you’ll marry your partner in secret without your family and friends knowing. Because of this, elopement weddings are thought to be synonymous with running away, especially if the marriage has no approval, usually from one partner’s parents.
Now: elopement means quick wedding
But nowadays, an elopement wedding doesn’t have to mean getting married quickly and without anybody knowing. Instead, couples now elope to avoid the time and expenses needed when preparing for a traditional wedding ceremony.
Elopement is now synonymous with a quick wedding where you’ll marry your partner anywhere and quickly without many guests; sometimes, you’ll only have the officiant and the witnesses if required. However, it can also be a spur-of-the-moment decision, especially in couples who’ve always been planning but putting off marriage.
Depending on the location and number of guests, you can make your elopement wedding as grandiose or straightforward as you want. Just make sure to accomplish the legal marriage requirements, so your union will be valid.
What Is The Difference Between Wedding And Elopement?
The difference between wedding and elopement is that the former is often bigger, planned for longer, and has many guests. The wedding ceremony may also be more formal because it has all the traditional elements like the procession to recessional.
On the other hand, an elopement is quicker and typically doesn’t need planning. You may also consider reading how to plan a micro wedding since eloping won’t have many guests.
And while elopement traditionally meant getting married in secret, nowadays, couples elope to save time and money. Therefore, elopement is more similar to an intimate wedding because of the few guests and fewer elements needed.
What Is The Difference Between Elopement And Micro Wedding?
An elopement wedding and micro wedding can be considered synonymous since both have very few guests, and a short planning period is needed. However, a micro wedding can still be traditional, which means you can have all the elements for the ceremony, which will make its duration as long as any other wedding.
How do you structure an elopement ceremony?
On the contrary, an elopement is short, typically without the procession and recessional. An elopement ceremony can go as follows:
- Quick introduction
- Vow exchange
- I dos
- Ring exchange and kiss
- Presentation
What about a micro wedding or other weddings with few guests, such as small and intimate wedding ceremonies? Here is the breakdown of a standard wedding ceremony order:
- Processional
- Welcoming
- Introduction
- Readings
- Addressing the couple
- Vow and ring exchange
- Unity ceremony and other potential rituals according to the specific type of wedding
- Closing remarks
- Recessional
What Is Considered An Elopement Wedding?
A wedding is considered an elopement if it’s a quick and spur-of-the-moment union. Because of this pace, eloping usually happens at the courthouse or places like Las Vegas, where it’s easy to get married.
However, elopement can also be considered an intimate wedding or micro wedding because some couples still want traditional elements and might still have planned their elopement. Eloping can also happen quickly in your hometown or when you’re on vacation, like a destination wedding, especially if you have the marriage requirements ready for some time.
How do I plan my own elopement?
- Set a wedding budget
- Be prepared to explain to friends and family regarding your decision of elopement
- Check the law and requirements for marriage and weddings on where you’ll elope
- Secure the location, time, and date for the elopement
- Book the wedding vendors if you’ll have any
- Plan the ceremony and talk to the officiant for guidance if needed
- Discuss and finalize the guest list with your partner; if you’re not having a wedding party, check how to have a wedding without bridesmaids and groomsmen
Is Elopement Legal?
Elopement is legal as long as you accomplish the requirements and follow the state’s rules you’re choosing to get married in. For example, some states may require a witness, while others don’t.
Your officiant should also be ordained and is authorized for the wedding ceremony.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Eloping?
- Some relatives and friends might interpret eloping as a way of disobeying them
- You may want a more extended wedding ceremony
- Some officiants won’t marry you anywhere
- Your culture, beliefs, and religion may require you to have specific wedding elements
Conclusion
And that’s it! You just learned what is elopement wedding, which is a spur-of-the-moment type of wedding.
Traditionally, it means running away to get married typically because of parents’ disapproval. But today, eloping can be considered an intimate or micro wedding.