Are you planning to elope? If you want to escape the stress of wedding preparations, forget worrying about guests, and guest spend time with your partner in this special moment, eloping is a great idea.

However, although it’s easier than planning an actual wedding, it’s still not as simple as it seems since there are many things to consider that may affect your relationship with others, like family and friends. In this article, we’ll list all the things you should consider if you choose to elope with your soon-to-be spouse.

1. Legal Requirements

One of the most important things you shouldn’t forget when planning to elope is the legal requirements. Usually, the local governments have different lists of requirements, so you should know where you’ll elope first before arranging the requirements.

Meanwhile, take note that once you have the papers for the marriage licence, you’re not supposed to sign it yet. If you do, you’re already married at the place where you signed it. But since you still want to say your vows, and do the formal thing, wait after the ceremony’s done, and sign the papers.

2. Family and Friends

As mentioned, eloping can hurt your family and friends’ feelings, so it’s essential to have a plan on how it can hurt less for them. For instance, you can have a small gathering after you elope, so there’s still a celebration where they can be part of the next step of your life.

On the other hand, you can also tell your closest family member or best friend about your plans, so that they understand your decision.

3. Budget

Of course, having a traditional wedding can cost a lot, so eloping is a great option if you don’t want to spend too much, yet would still want to have a romantic day together. Although you’re going to need the budget for accommodation, travelling, and attire, it’s a lot less compared to planning a traditional wedding.

If you’re not planning to go somewhere far away, maybe you’ll just spend a quarter of what you might spend on a traditional one.

4. Destination

When it comes to the destination, it should be meaningful for both of you. Although it will be once you get married there, pick a place where you can both enjoy, and cherish. For instance, if you’re planning to elope on a mountain, during sunset, both of you should enjoy watching sunset, and love mountains. So, before anything else, you should discuss the destination of your elopement.

5. Personal Preferences

When eloping, there are only two opinions at the table—yours and your partner’s. It’s perfect if you think everyone will insist on their ideas instead of acknowledging yours. At the same time, when it’s just the two of you, you can compromise, and decide quickly since you know each other very well.

However, if you don’t often talk about your ideal wedding, this is the right time to sit and talk about it. For instance, if you want a pink diamond wedding ring, you can tell it to your partner. If they want a specific theme for your attire, you should also consider it.

6. Timing

Timing is everything. If it’s urgent, and you have all things figured out, then you may elope right away. However, if you’re still thinking about the right time, or you prefer a specific date, give yourself some time to accomplish things, and think about the right date.

7. Ceremony Details

Details are everything for your special day. For instance, you can wear your pink diamond engagement ring and match it with your other jewellery. Meanwhile, your partner can also wear something with a shade of pink to match your attire.

Additionally, don’t forget other essentials, such as hiring who’s going to officiate, your vows, the things needed for the symbolic rituals, and other things you’re planning to include in the ceremony.

8. Documentation

Although it’s a simple ceremony, you should still have tons of photos and videos that can help you look back on your special day. You can hire local a videographer or photographer to document your special day.

Meanwhile, if you don’t have enough money to hire a professional, you can ask one of your friends to tag along and take the photos and videos. Besides, the retro vibe on photos and videos is on trend, so you should be fine.

9. Future Plans

What are your plans for the future? Did you choose to elope today, and would still want to have a bigger celebration in the future? Do you think both of you won’t regret eloping instead of having a traditional wedding? These things should be discussed between you and your partner since they may significantly impact your lives together.

10. Communication

Who decided to elope? If only one of you prefers it, then the other one might not enjoy it. So, before deciding to elope, every bit of detail should be fully discussed. It’s essential to have clear and effective communication between the two of you since this is a huge deal you’re about to embark on.

Final Thoughts

Eloping is a great way to celebrate the union of two people in love. It may not be as grand as the traditional weddings, but it’s still a memorable experience that only you and your partner will cherish.