Throughout the past year, traditional wedding plans have been thrown out the window due to the spread of Covid-19. Couples all around the world are rescheduling their weddings, hosting ceremonies over zoom, and some are eloping! Today we’re continuing our Covid Brides blog series and we’re giving all the advice for couples who are planning to elope.
After the whirlwind of a year we’ve had in 2020, it’s no wonder some couples are in a rush to tie the knot. 2020 has taught us all about the importance of being there for each other, and what better way to celebrate that than by getting married? Of course, there’s a few things you need to consider when planning to elope.
1. Choose your location carefully.
Maybe you want to have your ceremony at your own home, or outdoors. Keep in mind, you don’t always have to elope at the courthouse! You can have a beautiful ceremony in whatever location you see fit. Just make sure you consider a few things. How crowded will your location be? Will having your elopement ceremony there be a challenge? You want your ceremony to be intimate for you and your fiance, but also simple and low-maintenance.
2. Celebrate your big day as you would if you were having a big wedding.
You’re getting married, after all! Take time to release the stress of this past year and cherish the excitement of your elopement! Getting married is a big stepping stone in life, and you and your fiance should celebrate that however you see fit. Whether it’s a fancy dinner for two or a mini-honeymoon, make it feel just as special as it would if you were having a big wedding.
3. Pick an officiant you trust.
The process of picking an officiant can be daunting, but if you keep a few things in mind the process can be a lot smoother. First, consider picking an officiant within your own faith or spiritual community, or just your circle of family and friends. Make sure that you’re comfortable with your officiant and be clear with them on what exactly you’re looking for with your elopement ceremony. And of course, make sure they can sign your marriage license and help with the legalities if needed!
4. Consider hiring a photographer.
Although an elopement is meant to be relatively low-maintenance, a photographer is just one of those things you don’t want to pass up on the big day, no matter how small your ceremony is. You may not even have the fanciest dress or bouquet, but a photographer can make all of the simple details of your day come together in the perfect way - and you’ll be so happy you can cherish those memories forever once you have the photos.
5. Include friends and family - virtually.
Consider including your friends and family in your ceremony in a virtual way, through zoom or facetime. If you don’t want to have a virtual ceremony, then consider hosting a zoom reception with all of your favorite people. There you can celebrate with a virtual cocktail hour and enjoy your special day in a safe and socially distanced way.