Weddings: When Eloping is Not a Dirty Word

By: Brenda Frezell
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:25:29
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You’ve had it with wedding plans! Whether it’s the top ten ways to decorate your reception or the top five wedding designers of the season - if you see another copy of Brides magazine you are going to scream! The most important day of your life is turning into the day you just wish would “be over and done with.” So what’s a girl to do when she can’t take it anymore yet still wants to marry the man of her dreams? Try eloping!

Eloping used to mean sneaking off to wed in private. Today, eloping has a whole new meaning. Many couples actively chose to “elope” in Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Hawaii, or aboard a cruise ship. In fact, destination weddings can prove cost effective when money is an issue. Numerous hotels or resorts in your favorite vacation locales offer pre-packaged weddings and often will coordinate the entire event for you, from bridal flowers to wedding ministers, saving you time, headaches, and agony. Hardly sneaking away, many eloping couples opt to invite a small list of friends and family to share in the special event. The same hotels and resorts that offer wedding packages also provide reduced accommodation rates for family and friends.

Eloping offers the opportunity to be creative with your wedding plans. If the thought of putting on a poufy tulle dress disturbs you - take heart. Small weddings can be arranged while scuba diving, sky diving, hot air balloon riding, on horse back, in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, or even on a Rocky Mountain peak (provided that the minister is an experienced climber.) The amount of your options for wedding locales is limited only by your sense of creativity.

Before deciding to elope, you should ask yourself the following questions: Will I be happier with a simpler wedding? Will I feel more relaxed with eloping? Will I be comfortable with the fact that some friends and family may be offended at my wedding option? And if money is important, am I saving money by eloping?

If you feel that eloping is right for you, start by finding out the marriage licensing laws in the state (or country) where you want to be married. Las Vegas, for example, has no waiting period. Often marriage license information can be found on the state’s official travel web site. Some states require a waiting period while others will expedite a marriage license for those coming from out of state. Hotel or resort wedding coordinators can also assist you with any legal paperwork that may be required. Travel agents may also be an excellent source to start with when planning your elopement. They can provide you with discounts, information on wedding packages, and even hotel upgrades.

Brenda Frezell is a former frugal bride and travel buff. She can be found online at http://www.shoestringbrides.com or at http://www.railtripper.com

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