elopment: what the hell is it?
Ever wondered what the hell does it actually mean to elope?
I bet you’ve been hearing that term more and more nowadays but if you still don’t know what means to elope don’t worry, I’m here to help you out!
What’s an elopement?
Eloping is a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends, particularly their parents. Typically, those who elope only have a ceremony and do not host a reception or celebration.
How does Elopement and a small wedding differ from each other?
A small wedding includes other participants besides the couple such as family and friends, a small reception or celebration, which would be against the general definition of an Elopement.
Elopement in the woods ⤴
Where to elope?
Many couples that choose to elope opt for some out of the ordinary locations to do so. This can be somewhere into the woods, some quite beach or even some historical mark. However, couples that are not looking for that adventurous side of the elopement end up changing vows in the notary.
Who’s present
Besides the couple there’s a celebrant or official who can make their matrimony official and legally valid. Most of the times photographers and/or videographers are also present to capture the moment. Depending on each country’s law it might be also required to have a witness.
What about friends and family?
They might or might not know in advance that the couple is eloping. By definition, elopement is a secret ceremony so the “tradition” would be to do it secretly and eventually share the news with friends and family after the “I do”.
Why do people elope?
For many different reasons: to save money, because they don’t want the stress to plan an entire wedding (even if small) but also don’t want to not get married, because getting married in their country might not be legal (LGBTQIA+ weddings) so the option is to flight somewhere else and elope there, because they want to be spontaneous and adventurous without the need to please anyone else, because they want to get married right now and not wait several months until every detail is ready, etc
I hope this article was helpful and that it helps you understand a little better what’s this “elopement” thing!
See you in the next article,
Patricia
