Wedding elopement: a solution for those who want to spend little

For many couples, the dream of getting married includes a beautiful religious ceremony and a lively party with family and friends. For others, it can mean something far more intimate – just as an elopement wedding suggests.

Maybe the name doesn’t sound familiar to you, but elopement marriage is nothing more than “a marriage for two”. The ceremonialist Maritsa Augusto explains that, originally, the term was used to define the act of a woman leaving her spouse to run away with her lover (elope = run away). Over time, the term came to be used for the act of a couple “escape to get married”, in a more intimate and romantic way.

This type of marriage is quite common in Europe and the United States. In Brazil, according to Maritsa, it is still a shy trend, but it gains strength in larger centers, among alternative couples and/or who seek more intimacy for their ceremony. It is still a much more economical option. “I don’t believe it will gain large proportions, but it’s here to stay and become one more option in the ‘wedding market’”, comments the ceremonial.

However, the fact that it is an intimate celebration does not mean that the elopement wedding necessarily needs to be simple or that it requires some good preparations. Learn more about this type of wedding and be inspired by beautiful photos.

How does elopement marriage work?

Maritsa explains that the main characteristic of elopement weddings is intimacy. “So, in addition to the bride and groom, the celebrant, the photography team (a team often reduced to just two professionals) and, perhaps, a few family members will be present,” she says.

Another interesting feature, according to the ceremony, concerns the places chosen for the celebration: mountains, isolated beaches, fields, farms, tourist and/or historic cities. “Even, the wedding can be held at the intended location for the honeymoon. Anyway, in this type of ceremony, the location is not a supporting role!”, she highlights.

The advantages of this type of ceremony

Numerous reasons can lead a couple to opt for an elopement marriage, some of them:

• Innovation: opting for this type of wedding is an escape from the traditional and allows the bride and groom to do something that really suits them. There are no rules, it is not necessary, for example, to choose godparents, to get married in white, or in long or formal clothes. That is, everything can be done exactly as the couple dream!
• Simplicity: an elopement wedding can have the simplicity that a couple seeks… It doesn’t require formal attire (although they can be used perfectly), a neat menu and not even music. It can be carried out, for example, during a picnic or in a small garden at home.
• Endless location possibilities: this type of ceremony allows a thousand and one possibilities for the bride and groom, who can get married in their own city or in another city they like, and even outside the country. It can be done, for example, at home, on the beach, on the mountain, in a park, in a garden, on a boat or speedboat, in a restaurant, in a tourist or historic spot, etc.
• Romanticism and intimacy: in this type of wedding, you will undoubtedly “enjoy your love a lot”, unlike what happens in some large parties – where the tendency is for the bride and groom to enjoy the event and pay more attention to the guests, instead of staying together .
• Wedding and honeymoon: having a celebration of this type in another city or country, you can already combine it with your honeymoon. This is a way to save money while making a very special trip.
• Reduced expenses: as “elaborate” as an elopement wedding can be, it provides for much less expense than a traditional party. Just stop to think about how much you save by not having to hire a buffet, a party hall, among so many other services. And, as much as the couple spends going to another country, for example, he will be sure that he is “spending on himself”, having the opportunity to travel and live unique moments.
• No obligation to invite: Many couples feel they have an “obligation” to invite certain people to their wedding party, which can lead to a huge guest list. But, in the case of elopement, this concern is greatly reduced, as no one or, therefore, very limited family members/friends will be invited.
• Pet friend: the couple has a pet that is part of the family?! In this type of wedding, he can be perfectly included (which probably wouldn’t happen in a traditional party)! This even helps to render beautiful photos!
• Less preparations and worries: those who perform a traditional wedding often comment that it took months and even years to prepare everything. There are many services to hire and infinite details to leave everything the way the couple dreamed. In the case of elopement, all this is significantly reduced. Although there are important points to think about, everything tends to be solved faster, simpler and with less expense.

Anyway, it all depends on the style and wishes of the couple, but, in many cases, the elopement wedding can be a great option: whether for couples who don’t have the time or money to organize a big party; for those who consider traditional parties incompatible with their style; or for those who want to live this unique moment, which is marriage, with more intensity and intimacy.

6 things you need to know before planning a wedding for two

As simple as it may be (if that is the will of the bride and groom), there are important issues in planning this type of ceremony. Check out some points:

1. The idea may not please your family and friends

Of course, the center of everything is the couple, but you have to know that some family members and friends will probably not like the idea of ​​not being able to attend the wedding.

“Annoyances are inevitable at this stage, especially on the part of parents, since in Brazil families are nuclear, we are used to always being together with family and friends”, comments Maritsa. “But an early and frank conversation about the desire to perform this type of marriage, pointing out the reasons, helps a lot in acceptance”, she guides.

2. You will need to hire (good) professionals

As much as the proposal of an “intimate wedding” is simplicity and economy, it is very important to hire some professionals who will allow this day to be really special for the couple.

“Having advisory services is essential. Because this is the professional who will outline the profile of the bride and groom and direct the occasion punctually as planned”, guides Maritsa.

Usually, the place chosen for an elopement wedding is not the place of origin of the bride and groom. “Therefore, it is interesting to look for professionals in the region where the ceremony is intended to be held, both for the reduction of costs (not having to pay for transport, displacements, meals), as well as because they are already set up for the indication of other professionals and services (celebrant , photography, hotel)”, highlights the ceremony.

Hiring a celebrant and photographer is essential. “The celebrant can be a ‘professional in the field’ (a justice of the peace, a religious) or a close friend of the couple. As for photography/filming, I recommend investing in an excellent professional, with experience in this type of event…. After all, photos and filming are ‘what’s left for later’”, comments Maritsa.

3. It might not be that simple

An elopement wedding also entails some bureaucracy, especially if you are getting married in another country or even on a beach (where you need permission to do so). So remember to check all the necessary paperwork, find out about the number of witnesses required, among other points.

4. It may not be as economical

Depending on what you plan, your elopement wedding expenses can exceed the couple’s budget. Therefore, put everything on paper: how much will be spent on transport, food and accommodation (if the celebration is not in the city of origin); with services and professionals; with the costumes and all the other details.

5. Celebration can be very elegant

Intimacy is a keyword when it comes to elopement marriage, however, that does not mean that the celebration has to be totally simple.

What matters, of course, is the will of the couple. However, in general, it is worth investing in details that will make this day really special and unforgettable: a wedding dress, for example, is an indisputable representation of the big day and can make all the difference (as simple as it may be) ; a bouquet, a beautiful hairstyle and a neat makeup will make the records much more beautiful; good food and drink can enhance this occasion… Anyway, preferences aside, the important thing is that this day is really special and allows for great memories!

6. You need to be sure to opt for this type of wedding

The couple should opt for this type of ceremony only if they are sure that it suits their style and way of seeing life. After all, “trends come and go”, especially in the event business, but they should only be followed if they “make sense” for the bride and groom. Otherwise, they can generate regret in the future, considering that marriage is a unique occasion in the lives of a man and a woman.

It is worth reflecting on some questions: “does it really matter to me that my family and friends do not participate in the celebration?”; “Will I look at the photos in a while and think that I wish I had shared this unique moment with more people I love?”

Anyway, these are general points that must be considered so that, in fact, the marriage can meet the couple’s wishes.

30 wedding photos for two to inspire you

An elopement wedding should leave amazing memories! Get inspired by the photos below and, if applicable, remember to hire a good professional to register yours!

Is elopement marriage for you?! Evaluate what your priorities are for the big day and, if you really decide for it, remember to talk frankly with family and closest friends, and to seek (even if few) good professionals to make this dream come true!