Thursday 24 October 2013

Information About Elopements

By Ella Hemmings


There are many good reasons why couples choose to elope. For one thing, it's almost always less expensive and easier to plan an elopement than a wedding. It's also a popular option for people with prior marriages who already have had the experience of a big wedding. Of course, sometimes difficult family situations make an elopement look like a very attractive idea, keeping the focus on love and romance rather than drama and disagreements. Whatever reason why you wish to elope, the following suggestions can help you plan out your special moment.

The first step in an elopement should be to decide where and when to have the ceremony. This is important because marriage license requirements vary by state and even by county. These days, most states do not require a waiting period between applying for a wedding license and getting married, but some still do, so be sure you know the laws at the place where you intend to be married.

Whether or not you have to wait, you can't get married for free, so even though elopements aren't expensive, there are still some fees. You have to pay for the license and you have to pay someone to officiate the ceremony. Usually the fees are not expensive, but they vary widely by area. You also need to have two witnesses to sign off on the ceremony, and these people must be legal adults. You can certainly ask family or friends to stand up with you, but at some wedding chapels, witnesses are made available to couples who do not have anyone. Sometimes even the staff at a county courthouse can act as witnesses.

One cool thing about elopements is that they cost less, so you might be able to afford getting married someplace other than your hometown. For instance, a Vegas wedding is certainly an option and they make it very easy for couples to tie the knot. But truly you can be married almost anywhere as long as the legal requirements for your marriage are met. While it can be pricey to pay for airplane tickets and hotel rooms, it still can be far less pricey than paying for wedding clothes, wedding cakes, a reception and the millions of other expenses included in a full-scale wedding. If you pick a favorite destination, you can even honeymoon right there, which is yet another advantage.

Hawaii is definitely a top spot for couples looking to elope. The spectacular scenery, particularly on an island such as Maui, is the perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate ceremony for two. You can even find a local Maui wedding planner to take care of the legal details and other details. Your planner can find an officiate and select a venue for the ceremony, as well as arranging for flowers and a photographer.

LoveMauiWeddings.com, for instance, offers a special "Simply in Love" package for less than $600 that is especially suited for elopements or very small weddings with 10 guests or fewer. You can get married right on the beach, and the cost includes two freshly made leis, the services of a minister, assistance with obtaining the marriage license, keepsake wedding certificate and beautifully printed copy of your vows.

A slightly grander package, the "So This Is Love," runs only $1,250 and is suitable for both small weddings and elopements. In addition to the keepsake certificate, printed vows, leis, beach location and other amenities of the aforementioned package, this option also includes 30 4x6 professional photographs, engraved champagne flutes, sparkling cider and a boutonniere for the groom and bouquet for the bride.




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