Why You Should Elope (an Illustrated Guide)

Why elope? This illustrated elopement guide might inspire you!

 

Creating a wedding ceremony is one part hard work, and one part inspiration.

 

While we often present written advice here on the American Weddings blog, we're excited to share artwork by Jessica Levey. 

 

This look at what it means to elope (and how much fun it is to elope!) might inspire you to create an amazing elopement ceremony, regardless of the challenges that we are all facing in these crazy times!

 

Elope! 

 

Illustrations : Jessica Levey

 

After months of waiting  to get married (with plans often changing before your eyes), who wouldn’t daydream about eliminating all that unnecessary wedding stress and just running off together, arm in arm? It's very romantic, and a lot less stress and expectations!

 

 

Is eloping right for you? Maybe! Take a look...

 

 

 

What does it mean to elope? 

 

It’s a modern world… Elopement doesn’t imply what it used to.

It’s not a sudden, secret wedding conducted in whispers under the dark cover of night (unless you want it to be…you spooky romantic, you). 

 

 

 

Modern elopements are a celebration of empowerment: the power to break free of expectations and traditions that don’t fit your personalities or values.

 

It’s empowering to focus on what’s most important to you and your partner, in this moment, as you start your marriage. 

 

 

Eloping is one of the best eco-friendly wedding ideas!
 

Eloping is also one of the ultimate choices in green weddings. It’s an eco-friendly opportunity to avoid the estimated 400 pounds of garbage and 63 tons of carbon dioxide the average traditional wedding is estimated to create (according to Kate Harrison, author of The Green Bride Guide).

 

That’s a lot of waste for just one wedding, multiplied by almost 2 million weddings every year in the U.S. 

 

Why not celebrate your love while loving and caring for the planet?

 

 

Illustrations : Jessica Levey

 

Eloping is one of the best (and sweetest) simple wedding ideas, too.

 

Eloping is simple! All you need are yourselves, a marriage license, a wedding officiant, and - depending on which state you’re in - a couple of wedding witnesses.

 

You can even as a close friend or family member to get ordained online to officiate your wedding for a simple and super intimate wedding experience.

 

Add in a couple of wedding outfits that make you feel fancy, and you’re all set!

 

 

Eloping on a small budget is very possible. 

 

Eloping can be wildly budget friendly. While the average wedding cost can cost tens-of-thousands of dollars, a simple elopement allows for a much smaller wedding budget. The average marriage license cost is under $100 (depending on your county and state)!

 

This leaves more money for whatever you choose to spend it on…

 

 

 

Creative elopement ideas abound. 

 

Eloping became very popular out of necessity during the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19's impacts on travel and gatherings. Tiny weddings were a must!

 

But even as things have returned to (a new) normal, eloping remains very popular because there are so many creative ways to elope! You can elope almost anywhere, even unique venues where a traditional wedding would be impossible (or at least impossible to afford). 

 

You can even combine your elopement with honeymoon or getaway, or plan a roadtrip wedding!

 

 

 

Private elopement = Intimate wedding memories

 

Want to revel in the moment with a truly private ceremony? Eloping can be a perfect choice. Invite your closest friends or relatives to be your wedding witnesses, and keep the guest list small.

 

f you’re worried that extended family and friends will be disappointed by missing the ceremony, you can document your elopement with pictures and video. There are elopement photographers who specialize in just this sort of thing! 

 

 

Plan a reception after eloping!

 

And if you really want to make sure that all your favorite people are in on the wedding fun, plan a reception party or potluck for after the elopement.

 

You can still have plenty of snacks and drinks. 

 

 

Illustrations : Jessica Levey

 

 

So, what do you think? Is eloping right for you? 

 

 

...now just might be the perfect time for a guilt-free elopement. 

 

 

Updated 11/22/2024

 

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Ask a Friend to Get Ordained Online to Officiate a Wedding, with Help From American Marriage Ministries!

 

Good things happen when friends and relatives help out at the wedding ceremony! Ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding with free online ordination through American Marriage Ministries (AMM). 

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/ordination-application", "ORDAINED MINISTER ONLINE APPLICATION" *|

Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

 

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started! 

 

 

Become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and officiate wedding for friends and relatives. (Photo cropped: Biserka Stojanovic / iStock)

 

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More eloping ideas & inspiration:

 

Elope in Front of This Niagara Falls Sign Honoring Gay Marriage
 

Fun Alternatives to a Courthouse Wedding (No Hassle Marriage Ceremony)
 

3 Things to Know Before Having a ‘Just Us’ Wedding Ceremony
 

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