If you and your soon-to-be-spouse have decided to elope, you may be feeling a bunch of emotions. But more than anything else, you may feel stressed and overwhelmed at all the details to think about and plan for your special day.
For many, eloping can seem to be the easy way to not have to plan a huge white wedding. But even still, eloping requires some key planning to make sure it goes off without a hitch. Here’s a checklist to follow when it comes to planning the elopement of your dreams.
Set your budget
Your elopement will solely depend on the budget you have and how much money you are willing to spend. Even if you have a large sum of money set aside, you need to consider that you will ultimately have to make monthly payments for your pre-approved home loan and have many expenses once you’re married. Therefore, it’s important that you set a budget to ensure you don’t overspend. Once you set a budget, you can figure out where you’d like to get married, who you would like to come, and what other details you’d like to have such as flower arrangements, a fancy dress, or a honeymoon.
Determine the pros and cons of your destination
Each elopement destination will come with pros and cons, even if you are just keeping the ceremony to you and your partner. No single destination spot will be perfect at all times, and that is where a pros and cons list can come in handy.
For example, if you’re eloping in Iceland, you’ll have to keep some weather and light considerations in mind as it is exceptionally dark in the winter and can be rainy and cloudy in the spring. Or, if you’re considering an adventure elopement, you’ll have to find out how attainable this is for the season you’re planning and the people you’d like included.
Work out the logistics of your marriage license
The legal requirements for your marriage license will vary from state to state and from country to country. Because you may have to file for your license and then wait a little while, it’s always best to look into exactly what you have to do for the license before you choose to elope. Also be sure to look into the following logistics:
- Is there a waiting period?
- How far ahead of time of the marriage do you have to file for the license?
- Do you need witnesses to join you?
- Are there requirements for officiants?
- Will your marriage still be legal if you get married in another country?
Once you have all of these details figured out, you won’t have anything to worry about in terms of the legality of your marriage. This gives you time for smooth sailing until your wedding.
Choose an officiant and plan the ceremony
Just because there will only be two of your for your elopement, that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with your ceremony. Even short ceremonies need to have a plan, and the best person to work these details out with is your officiant. Don’t be afraid to offer as many ideas as you’d like, because a quick consultation with your officiant will help you determine whether your plans are realistic or not.
Don’t forget your photographer
There is a long-standing rule in weddings that you should never be afraid to splurge for your photographer. This is especially true when you elope, because you’ll obviously want pictures of the day to keep as memories of your love. Plus, having a professional capture the day is a great way to keep family and friends who are not invited in the loop once you get home.
When you’re planning your elopement, make sure to remember the above tips. Once these details are planned, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the best day of your lives.
