![\"Elopement](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/couple-happily-dancing-1.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re ready to marry the one you love and don\u2019t want the pressure or hassle of planning a large, <\/span>traditional wedding<\/span>, an elopement might be the perfect solution for you. It\u2019s the perfect way to create an intimate and unconventional wedding experience.<\/span><\/p>\n Read<\/span> on to discover our <\/span>favorite elopement ideas<\/span>, plus some do\u2019s and don\u2019ts to help you plan the perfect elopement you\u2019ll remember forever. You\u2019ll find everything from romantic and adventurous ideas to picturesque elopement destinations and <\/span>elopement planning<\/span> tips. That way, you can exchange vows privately or with a small group of <\/span>loved ones<\/span> in breathtaking and memorable settings around the world.<\/span> Design: Signature Greenvelope<\/p><\/div>\n An<\/span> elopement<\/a><\/strong> is like a wedding that happens in secret. Couples that elope often do so with just themselves, the <\/span>officiant<\/span>, and anyone else required for it to be a legal ceremony. Some couples also bring a small group of <\/span>family members<\/span> with them, such as parents or children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Couples opt to elope for lots of different reasons. For some, they love the idea of having a private ceremony and a moment for just the two of them. For others, it\u2019s the excitement of being a bit spontaneous or wanting to prioritize their wishes over family pressures. And for some, it comes down to the cost \u2014 hosting a wedding can get expensive!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whatever your reason, an elopement is a wonderful way to tie the knot and say \u201c<\/span>I do<\/span>\u201d to your forever person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unless you simply run off and get married spur of the moment, planning an elopement can be similar to planning a wedding \u2014 though admittedly less intensive. You\u2019ll need to organize a date, venue, <\/span>officiant<\/span>, outfits, and photographer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In other ways, it\u2019s different from a <\/span>wedding day<\/span> \u2014 you don\u2019t need to worry about a guest list, wedding favors, or a reception afterward. (Of course, you could still send out<\/span> elopement reception invitations<\/strong><\/span><\/a> if you\u2019re planning to have a handful of <\/span>loved ones<\/span> join you and a small party afterward.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To help you plan your dream elopement, here are some of our elopement do\u2019s and don\u2019ts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You don\u2019t have as much to organize with an elopement, but it\u2019s still best to plan ahead as much as you can. Have an idea about potential venues, and what you\u2019d like <\/span>your<\/span> elopement ceremony<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to look and feel like. Even if you\u2019re feeling spontaneous and go for a last-minute elopement, think ahead to the rest of the day, including where you\u2019ll dine, relax, and sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Every state does things a little differently when it comes to<\/span> the legal requirements of elopement<\/a><\/strong>. In some states, you need to get your <\/span>marriage license<\/span> at least a few days in advance, which could hamper your spur-of-the-moment <\/span>wedding planning<\/span>. Be sure to research these details as well as who can <\/span>officiate<\/span> and how many witnesses you need (if any).<\/span><\/p>\n Elopements are wonderful for so many reasons, one of which is that they\u2019re often less expensive than a <\/span>traditional wedding<\/span>. Still, you\u2019ll want to set a basic<\/span> wedding budget<\/strong><\/span><\/a> so you can celebrate without worrying about your bank balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Create a simple wedding budget and leave out any areas that aren\u2019t relevant to <\/span>your elopement<\/span>, such as catering, gift registries, or guest travel costs. Because elopements are more affordable, you can dedicate more of your budget to must-haves like photography and a breathtaking venue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For most couples, the decision to elope is a very conscious one. Whether it\u2019s for financial, family, or just-can\u2019t-wait reasons, don\u2019t lose sight of your reason for doing so. Couples who elope can often question whether it\u2019s the right decision over a<\/span>\u00a0traditional wedding<\/a><\/strong>. Stay true to your intentions, follow your heart, and keep the focus on the magical moment with your partner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Design: Paper Raven Co. (photo courtesy of Patrick Nied)<\/p><\/div>\n Elopements are such personal, special ceremonies, so it makes sense to choose a location with personal meaning. Some couples opt for a natural location with a stunning backdrop \u2014 like a<\/span>\u00a0National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or a romantic, deserted beach. Others pick a place of significance \u2014 like an exotic destination where the proposal took place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your special location doesn\u2019t have to be grand or expensive. Your local courthouse could be perfect, especially if it\u2019s just down the street from where the two of you had your first date.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some families find it hard to deal with the idea of an elopement. They want to be there for the special moment and witness you say their vows. This can create pressure and tension. Try your best not to succumb to it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your family is struggling with the idea, look for ways to help them get involved. Capture the moment on video to share with them later, or throw an<\/span> elopement party<\/strong><\/span><\/a> for everyone to attend when you return home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The moment you say your vows is one that you\u2019ll remember forever, so make it count.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Elopements are the perfect backdrop for personalized, heartfelt wedding vows.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sit down and<\/span> write out your wedding vows<\/strong><\/span><\/a> from the heart. Take inspiration from existing wedding vows, and customize them to include moments of your life together that you treasure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You won\u2019t have hundreds of hungry guests to feed, but the two most important guests (you and your almost-spouse!) still need to eat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you don\u2019t have a full dinner and a <\/span>wedding cake<\/span>, make sure you plan a delicious meal or treat for the two of you after the <\/span>unity ceremony<\/span>. This can be as simple takeout in your cozy <\/span>Airbnb<\/span> or a meal out at a nearby restaurant. With the money you\u2019re saving on feeding the masses, you could go lavish and book a fine dining experience or a <\/span>private chef<\/span> to toast your new marriage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Design: Ashley Ottinger<\/p><\/div>\n With no guests on hand to snap candid photos, wedding photography becomes more valuable than ever. Look for a photographer with a style you love and that\u2019s familiar with shooting elopements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you book a last-minute elopement, try your hardest to score a talented photographer to capture your wedding photos. Once the ceremony is over, ask them to snap some extra photos of you to use on <\/span>your<\/span> elopement<\/strong> announcement cards<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s tradition that guests bring a gift to your wedding, but with no guests, there\u2019s likely to be no wedding gifts on the day. And that\u2019s OK. You\u2019ll probably still receive lovely gifts from <\/span>close friends<\/span> and family when they hear the news, as everyone loves to celebrate a marriage. Honor the moment on the day by exchanging a small gift with your newlywed partner instead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You might not be having a <\/span>wedding ceremony<\/span> and reception, but there are still plenty of reasons to get married in a gorgeous <\/span>wedding dress<\/span>, suit, or other ensemble.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Enjoy the process of finding the perfect, timeless outfit. It doesn\u2019t have to be overly formal \u2014 in fact, if you\u2019re eloping in a natural location, something more casual might work better. Wear something you love \u2014 this is an unforgettable day, so choose something that makes you smile when you put it on.<\/span><\/p>\n Decor and styling isn\u2019t just for your guests to enjoy, so don\u2019t feel like you have to forego ceremony styling for <\/span>your elopement day<\/span>. If possible, decorate <\/span>your elopement<\/span> venue so that it feels perfectly \u201cyou\u201d with flowers, decor, and small touches that theme the space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re getting hitched in a courthouse, you can still add stylish touches like a lovely floral bouquet or boutonniere. Still, you might find that in a location with a stunning backdrop, all you need is you and your partner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Design: Stacey Meacham Design LLC<\/p><\/div>\n Give your <\/span>loved ones<\/span> a chance to celebrate your new marriage by making an announcement that you\u2019ve eloped. It\u2019s the perfect way to share the news about your <\/span>nuptials<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Most couples send out<\/span> marriage announcement cards<\/a><\/strong> to friends and family. You can also share the news on your social media pages, via a handwritten letter, or by surprising your <\/span>loved ones<\/span> with a<\/span>\u00a0post-elopement party<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To involve your <\/span>loved ones<\/span> in your special moment, you can always host a wedding celebration afterward. An elopement party is like a wedding reception but with a lot less pressure. Host it at home, gather friends at a local restaurant, or head to your favorite park to chat, enjoy food together, and play games.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While people hire wedding planners for <\/span>big weddings<\/span>, you can consider an <\/span>elopement package<\/span> to make planning your destination \u201c<\/span>I do\u2019s<\/span>\u201d easier. These packages are aimed at helping couples who want a destination wedding. They include everything from food and decorations to accommodations and photographers and often feature <\/span>unique elopement ideas<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Designed to simplify <\/span>your elopement experience<\/span>, you can choose packages to swap vows in a <\/span>hot air balloon<\/span>, at an exotic resort, or in a vineyard in the south of France. They\u2019ll take care of everything for you and you can customize the package with add-ons like <\/span>wine tasting<\/span>, a commemorative <\/span>first dance<\/span>, and video recordings of the <\/span>special day<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re thinking about eloping, but not sure where, here are some of our <\/span>favorite elopement location<\/span> ideas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Create a romantic scene with a ceremony at your local courthouse or city hall. This is a great option if you want to keep things simple, then escape for a getaway with your newlywed partner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Take a mini <\/span>road trip<\/span> out to your favorite <\/span>National Park<\/span> site and use it as the perfect backdrop to say your \u201c<\/span>I do\u2019s<\/span>\u201d at a <\/span>destination elopement<\/span> with the one you love. Want a fantastic atmosphere for photos? <\/span>National Park<\/span> locations like<\/span> Yosemite<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or <\/span>Hawaii<\/span> Volcanoes <\/span>National Park<\/span> are just the place. If you want something less crowded, consider a <\/span>National Park<\/span> that\u2019s less touristy, like Great Basin <\/span>National Park<\/span> in Nevada or North Cascades <\/span>National Park<\/span> in <\/span>Washington<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Design: Signature Greenvelope<\/p><\/div>\n Celebrate your <\/span>intimate wedding<\/span> on an equally private beach, with only a handful of <\/span>loved ones<\/span> to witness the moment. Scout out your favorite coastline for a secluded spot, then whisk your soon-to-be-spouse away for a sweet, romantic ceremony that\u2019ll feel like a mini<\/span> destination wedding<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Transform <\/span>your elopement<\/span> into a magical celebration by hosting it in a scenic forest location. Swap a <\/span>traditional wedding venue<\/span>
\n<\/p>\nWhat Is an Elopement?<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"Elopement](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Eager-Love-Announcement-1.jpg\")
Elopement Planning<\/b>: Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"Elopement](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/couple-walking-on-top-of-a-mountain.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nDo Plan Ahead<\/b><\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t Forget About the Legal Side of Things<\/b><\/h3>\n
Do Create a Wedding Budget<\/b><\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t Lose Focus of Your Why<\/b><\/h3>\n
Do Pick a Special Location<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Elopement](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Swirled-Ink-Strokes-Announcement-3.jpg\")
Don\u2019t Feel Pressure<\/b><\/h3>\n
Do Write Personalized Vows<\/b><\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t Forget the Food<\/b><\/h3>\n
Do Book an <\/b>Elopement Photographer<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Simple](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Simple-Spotlight-Announcement-2.jpg\")
Don\u2019t Anticipate Gifts<\/b><\/h3>\n
Do Dress for the Occasion<\/b><\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t Forget About the Styling<\/b><\/h3>\n
Do Plan an Announcement<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Simple](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Simple-Laurels-Photo-Announcement.jpg\")
Don\u2019t Abandon the Idea of a Party to Celebrate\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
Do Consider an <\/b>Elopement Package<\/b><\/h3>\n
Elopement Ideas<\/b>: 7 Locations We Love<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/couple-walking-in-the-middle-of-a-desert.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n1. Courthouse<\/b><\/h3>\n
2. National Park<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Secluded Beach<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/We-Couldnt-Wait-Announcement-3.jpg\")
4. Scenic Forest<\/b><\/h3>\n