How Does a Couple Elope?

The Couple Makes the Decision

Whether a couple has been planning a wedding for months and has grown tired of preparations, or the couple decides on the spur of the moment to get married without much preparation at all, there comes a time form to make the decision to elope. Eloping isn't something that couples plan far ahead of time. By definition, eloping involves getting married quickly and without the knowledge of parents and other close friends. Some couples elope as a means to marry someone who is not accepted by their parents while other couples elope to avoid huge weddings filled with pomp and circumstance. Whatever the reason, a decision must be made by both individuals to elope.

The Location Is Set

Although the term "eloping" quickly conjures up images of a quick trip to Las Vegas for quick nuptials in a drive-thru chapel, eloping can take place anywhere as long as the ceremony is unexpected by people who know the couple. The wedding might take place at the local courthouse or at an exotic location, but eloping couples usually don't invite guests along unless the few guests are notified at the spur of the moment. A small wedding does not automatically equal an elopement, but instead must be a surprise to people who might otherwise have been involved in a large, formal ceremony and reception.

Proper Rules Are Followed

Even though eloping is usually a quick decision, sometimes done after very little deliberation, there are still rules and regulations that need to be followed. Every state has its own laws regarding marriage, and some of these rules are designed to prevent impulsive marriages. Las Vegas, on the other hand, does not even require blood tests and issues marriage licenses around the clock, making it the ideal place to elope. Any couple looking to elope should first find out the requirements of the state they want to get married in to ensure that their elopement doesn't turn into a meaningless ceremony rather than a legal marriage.

Resources

• How to Elope