The past year has been like a wedding nightmare horror flick for couples who had planned their forever day: cancellations and rescheduling, again and again, mask mandates, shutdowns, and social distancing. But as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. So, lots of couples in love decided to toss the big wedding. Instead, they embraced tying the knot by eloping. Couples loved the intimacy, the romance, and the ability to elope anywhere at all. Suddenly, micro weddings and elopements were trending as all those ‘We Eloped’ photos started showing up in our feeds and taking over our Pinterest trends.
We caught up with Janessa White, co-founder of Simply Eloped, for an inside look into the world of elopements. We asked her what she thinks are the best reasons to elope and why consider it?
Money, Money, Money
Location: Hawaii
Janessa first pointed out the obvious cost savings, “Getting married doesn’t mean you have to break the bank or deplete your savings. While the average cost of a wedding in the US costs $35,000, with Simply Eloped an average elopement costs $2000 or less. Why not use the money you’d spend on a wedding on honeymooning around the world or putting a down payment on a home? Many of your friends and family, especially post-COVID, will understand why you made this decision!”
On Top of the World
Location: Las Vegas
When you were planning a large wedding, you looked at venues near to home so guests would not have to travel far. You can throw all that out the window. Do you have a dream destination on your bucket list? Or perhaps a favorite romantic place you have always wanted to have your wedding ceremony? Go for it! Janessa, of Simply Eloped, points out, “Eloping means you can get married on the top of a mountain, in the desert, on a beach, under the moss-covered trees, in a secret corner of your fav city, or anywhere else you have your heart set on. Dream big!”
Stress? What Stress?
Location: New York City
Remember the cliched bridezilla frantically trying to sort out the seating chart and losing her mind over the appetizers? Eloping means you will never be one of those brides! Janessa happily assures us, “Simply Eloped’s tools allow you to choose your destination, venue, package, date, and time in a matter of minutes! Then, we take care of the planning from there. You coordinate getting your marriage license, personalize aspects of your ceremony, and then show up to have the elopement of your dreams. It’s a breeze!”
The Family & Friends Special
Location: Key West
In the past, some couples were shy about eloping because no one would be with them. That is the perfect thing for some who elope, but it’s not a rule. Janessa, has seen it all, “Why not have your closest family and friends join you? Some elopements feature just the wedding party. Others include parents and siblings. That’s the lovely thing about eloping – you can do whatever makes you happy and invite whomever you like! Simply Eloped defines an elopement as 20 guests or less because we believe that having your clan with you is important if that’s what you choose!”
Stunning, Stupendous, Crazy Epic Photos
Location: Las Vegas
Yes, we know that was too many adjectives. But how else do we describe your intimate photoshoot? Instead of rushed photos because your guests are waiting on you or endless variations on family poses, you have all the time in the world to take stunning pictures. Choose an experienced adventure wedding photographer, and voila! Photos that will stun you and everyone else too!
Loving the Pet-Friendly Vibes
Location: California
What self-respecting furbaby parent wants to leave their pet at home on such a momentous occasion? Eloping means you can bring them along! Choose an elopement destination that welcomes pets and add them to the travel arrangements. Your pet can serve as the ring bearer/witness for the ceremony!
We could go on and on about all the fantastic reasons to elope, but the best reason of all is how it will make the two of you feel. Janessa, who hears from thousands of happy elopers a year, points out, “Newlyweds who chose to elope can’t say enough about how it was the best day of their lives. No stress and full of romance and adventure. A truly perfect memory of promising forever to each other”. So, relax and truly cherish your wedding day by eloping!
