Why do Couples Elope?
Elopement is a topic that many people are unsure of. There is a preconceived notion that it is only for couples running away to get married. However, this is not always the case, especially nowadays. Let us discuss what it means to elope, the reasons why couples elope, and where these couples can go to get married.
What is Eloping?
The traditional meaning of elopement is to run away to get married in secret, without the couple’s parents, family, or friends’ knowledge. Today it does not necessarily mean to marry in secrecy; it is more about skipping the extravagant, expensive wedding. Those who elope often have quiet ceremonies where they get married without the hassle that usually comes with a traditional wedding. An elopement can be a planned event, or a spontaneous one.
Reasons Why Couples Elope
There are many reasons why a couple might decide to elope. One of the reasons that could spur a couple to elope is to save money. As we know, weddings are a costly expense, with the average wedding in the United States costing approximately $28,000, according to The Knot. It comes as no surprise then that many couples want to tone down the celebrations.
Eloping is not just about saving money though. It can also be a way for couples to have an intimate ceremony and share their special day only with one another. They believe that their wedding day should be a private celebration for either just themselves or just a select few others.
Another reason for couples to elope is that they want to avoid family drama that would otherwise spoil their big day. There are families that will come together and remain civil for the sake of a wedding; however, there are also feuds too bitter to overcome that will no doubt cause unnecessary tension. Couples may decide to elope to keep the peace between their relatives and ensure their day is stress-free.
Even though the world is more accepting of same-sex couples, some still face discrimination daily. This could be from strangers, friends, or even family members, who all might disapprove of their relationship. Couples may wish to elope to avoid this and not be stopped by parents or other family members who do not want the marriage to commence.
Where Can Couples Elope?
Deciding where to elope can be an exciting time as you have the entire world to choose from. If you are looking for an outdoor elopement, you can choose from locations with picturesque forests or stunning beaches. Lake Tahoe in Nevada is an ideal location for an elopement thanks to its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery. LGBTQ couples may prefer to go to a place that specializes in gay weddings. The good people at OutCoast say there are a number of gay hotels in Florida where same-sex couples can combine their elopement and honeymoon. It is up to you and your partner to make the decision on where you would like to go to get married.
Conclusion
To summarize, eloping is when a couple decides to have an intimate wedding with few if any other people present. They may decide to do this for a variety of factors, ranging from financial issues to family politics. Alternatively, it could be that they just want to have privacy on their big day. It can also take away the stress of a big wedding that often requires years of planning. People choosing to elope have the entire world to choose from when looking for romantic destinations. Elopement is becoming more popular nowadays and appears to be an ideal option for many couples.