Tell anyone you’re thinking of eloping and you can be asked anything from, “Why?” to, “Are you sure?”. And while that ranges from nosy to offensive, it’s what we should be asking ourselves before committing to any big wedding decision. Are you looking for a romantic adventure or an escape from family drama? Is it driven by personal circumstances, preferences or feelings you haven’t yet named?
Here are the best and worst reasons to elope, so you can find your why!
Eloping might seem less complicated than hosting a traditional wedding, but there’s still a surprising number of questions that need to be answered to plan this special experience. How to Plan Your Epic Elopement will help you work through every detail step-by-step to realise your dream of a private and personal celebration that’s big on love and small on stress.
Worst Reasons to Elope
To be spontaneous
An elopement can be a crazy romantic adventure you get to share with your partner, and exchanging your vows in Vegas can be just as meaningful as getting hitched in front of friends and family. But getting married isn’t something to do as a spur of the moment declaration of love if you haven’t really thought about a long term future with each other. The experience is just as exciting when you know you’re ready to commit to a lifetime.
To please your partner
If you feel like you’re going to miss out on special wedding experiences, it’s time to chat with your partner about what matters to each of you. It’s important that you’re both happy with your wedding plans and can look back without any regrets.
To hurt someone
Are you eloping to exclude or punish someone? The way you choose to get married shouldn’t be a middle finger to a person outside of your relationship. Using your elopement as a weapon won’t get things off to a great start in what is meant to be a happy time in your life, so check in with yourself if there’s any underlying negativity affecting your decision.
To avoid conflict
Eloping was historically about running away from problems or any objections, and that’s something we should probably leave in the past! It’s tempting to avoid that difficult conversation or awkward situation, but the issues you left in the rear view mirror of your getaway car may still be there when you get back.
We would never want you to put your physical or emotional health at risk. You are in the best position to assess your personal circumstances and make the right decision for you and your partner.
To keep your marriage a secret
Your elopement may be a cloak-and-dagger operation, but if you don’t plan on telling anyone after you’ve tied the knot, you may need to ask yourselves why. A slip of the tongue and your marital status can go from being a source of joy to a source of drama.
To save money
It’s true that an elopement is often less expensive than a wedding, but this shouldn’t be the only reason you decide to elope. You may regret skipping a bigger celebration for purely financial reasons, and there are a lot of other ways to wed before you hit the grand ballroom!
Best Reasons to Elope
To start married life as soon as possible
If you just want to be married already, you’re not going to enjoy fussing over the details of a big wedding for an extended amount of time. Most couples are engaged for at least a year before they tie the knot, and that may feel like an agonisingly long countdown for anyone wanting to skip straight to wedded bliss!
To stay true to yourselves
Maybe you feel like a traditional wedding isn’t reflective of your values. Maybe there are other things you’d prefer to spend your time and money on. However you choose to make your union official, it should feel authentic to your personal priorities.
To skip the wedding stress
Family drama, social expectations and cultural obligations can be the makings of a stressful wedding planning experience that puts a dampener on what should be the happiest of occasions! Eloping can offer some relief from these external pressures so you can focus on creating positive memories with the one you love.
To mark the occasion privately
You know in your heart of hearts that your ideal wedding doesn’t involve an audience. The more you think about it, the more you love the idea of an intimate ceremony for two. While it might sound impossible to plan a celebration that’s focused on you without being the centre of attention, an elopement can make this dream come true.
To suit your personal circumstances
Family plans, health concerns, visa requirements, military deployment…there isn’t always a good time to tie the knot. Sometimes circumstances make the choice for you! Eloping may be the ideal option for you to make the best of this chapter of your story together.
As they say, if you can’t find the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.
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