Checklist for elopement

A lot of people picture elopements to be as simple as grabbing your fiancés hand and running away to get married. But in reality there are a few things that will need to think about before you do so. An elopement has fewer considerations than a traditional wedding but there is some amount of planning that you will need to do even if you choose to elope and get married. If you want an elopement wedding ceremony, you will need to take care of a few things mentioned below.

Budget

The first and foremost thing that you will need to think about is your finances. You may be saving a lot by eloping but you would want to put that money to good use by making your elopement a memorable one. Certain couples like to have a low key wedding and use their money to buy a future home, while some may like to splurge a little on their elopement ceremony to make it special. In any case, charting a budget will help you to plan your wedding better.

Location and date

Many couples want to get married at a beautiful location so that the pictures clicked by the California elopement photographer turn out to be spectacular. You can choose a meaningful place such as the place where your partner proposed or a place on your travel bucket list. Alternatively, you can just go to your nearest city hall and get married in a civil ceremony. Make sure the venue is available on the date you’ll have decided to marry on.

Legal aspects

The legal requirements to get married differ according to each state in the US. Do a thorough research about the legal laws governing marriage in the state you want to get married in. Witnesses, officiant requirements, blood tests and waiting period for marriage licence will have to be taken care of before you decide to elope.

Guests or no guests

It’s up to you to decide if you want to have guests at your wedding. Elopement ceremonies can take place between the couple and the officiant or involve a handful of people.

Travel and accommodations

If you are travelling out of the country for your wedding then you will have arrange for travel and accommodation depending upon your duration of stay. You should also keep in mind the added cost of accommodating any guests who will be a part of your wedding ceremony.

Vows and Rings

Most couples like to exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment and must buy a ring in advance for the ceremony. Take out time to think and write your vows which you can say when you exchange rings.

Outfit and accessories

Whether you want to marry in a traditional way or elope in California, you will want to look your best on that day. Make sure to shop for your outfit well in advance and book your hair and make-up if you want professionals to do it for you. Having a cake, champagne toast and decorations at the ceremony is your decision and you can hire vendors to take care of all that.