5 Essential Tips for your Elopement

​There is just something romantic to the idea of an elopement. It brings to mind decisions of the heart made during a kiss in the rain or even just a glance. When you know the person is the one, why wait? That is just one of many reasons to elope. Perhaps the “big wedding” was something you never saw for yourself, or the logistics of a large family make it an event like that a huge expense. In the movies..an elopement can happen in an instant, but in real life it does take just a little bit of planning. Here are five things to think about when eloping with the one you love:

​​1. Don’t Forget the Legal Details!

Taking a quick trip to city hall or making a call can let you know all of the boxes that need to be checked for your wedding to be legal. This is especially important if you are planning on getting married out of state! Some parishes (Louisiana) or cities may also have special legal requirements regarding legal marriage, so make sure to do a little homework first!

​2. Work With a Local Photographer and Planner

Whether you are getting married in an exotic locale or just a city away; a local planner and photographer can make all the difference. For one thing, they are already close by and in most instances very familiar with your selected city. Since many elopements are spontaneous, this can help get things squared away quickly. A local planner will have relationships with local venues that can help you make last minute reservations. They are also savvy with costs and will be able to help you find something that fits your budget. Local photographers will also have the insight on the best places to capture the moment and will be able to provide a set of memories that you can then share with others to celebrate your wedding!

​3. Send out a marriage announcement

You know those photos you took? Sending them out to friends, family, and colleagues as part of a marriage announcement can let people know that you’re already married. That way no one wonders what happened with your engagement. It’s a great time to also invite them for a post-wedding party if you’re so inclined! Social media announcements are often not sufficient for celebrating.

​4. Be Prepared for the Reaction of Friends and Family

There may be some folks in your life that are disappointed that you didn’t include them in the wedding. The best way to soothe these feelings is find a way to make them feel involved. In some cases, an elopement can include close family and friends. For example, a couple decides to invite a few people to an engagement party, but the “engagement party” is actually the wedding! There are other ways by sharing photographs and even hosting a post-marriage party so that everyone who was not at the wedding can celebrate your nuptials!

​​5. Remember to have fun!

You don’t want to downplay your elopement. You’ve made a commitment to someone that you love and that is important and a valuable moment in your life! Let the romance and joy of it sweep you off your feet!

For more information on Eloping Locations, visit: www.Best-Elope-Ideas.com

New Orleans Elopements, visit: www.ElopeToNola.com

For a FREE Elopement Checklist, click here: http://www.elopetonola.com/elopement-checklist.html