Elopement marriage: a solution for those who want to spend little

For many couples, the dream of getting married includes a beautiful religious ceremony and a lively party gathering family and friends. For others, can it mean something far more intimate? exactly as a wedding elopement suggests.

Maybe the name sounds unfamiliar to you, but marriage elopement is nothing more than a "marriage for two". The ceremonialist Maritsa Augusto explains that originally the term was used to define the act of a woman abandoning her spouse to run away with her lover (elope = run away). Over time, the term came to be used for the act of a couple "running away to get married" in a more intimate and romantic way.

This type of marriage is quite common in Europe and the United States. In Brazil, according to Maritsa, it is still a timid trend, but one that gains strength in the larger centers, between alternative couples and / or seeking more intimacy for their ceremony. It is still a much more economical option. "I don't think it will get big, but it's here to stay and become another option in the wedding market," says the ceremonialist.


However, the fact that it is an intimate celebration does not mean that marriage elopement necessarily has to be simple and does not require some good preparation. Learn more about this type of wedding and get inspired by beautiful photos.

How does marriage elopement work?

Maritsa explains that the main feature of wedding elopement is intimacy. "Thus, will be present, besides the bride and groom, the celebrant, the photography team (team often reduced to only two professionals) and perhaps a few family members," he says.

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Another interesting feature, according to the ceremonialist, concerns the places chosen for the celebration: mountains, secluded beaches, fields, farms, tourist and / or historic cities. “Even the wedding can be held at the intended location for the honeymoon. Anyway, in this kind of ceremony the place is not supporting! ?, highlights.

The advantages of this kind of ceremony

Numerous reasons can lead a couple to opt for an elopement marriage, some of them:

  • Innovation: opting for this type of wedding is to escape the traditional and allows the couple to do something that really suits them. There are no rules, it is not necessary, for example, to choose godparents, to marry in white, or in long or social clothes. That is, everything can be done exactly as the couple dream!
  • Simplicity: Can a wedding elopement have the simplicity that a certain couple seeks? It doesn't require social attire (although they can be worn perfectly), a neat menu and not even music. It can be done, for example, during a picnic or in a small home garden.
  • Endless possibilities of location: This type of ceremony allows a thousand and one possibilities for the couple, who can get married in their own city or in another city they like, and even abroad. It can be done, for example, in your own home, on the beach, in the mountain, in a park, in a garden, on a boat or speedboat, in a restaurant, in a tourist or historical spot, etc.
  • Romanticism and intimacy: In this type of marriage, you will undoubtedly enjoy your love, unlike what happens at some big parties. where the grooms tend to enjoy the event and pay more attention to the guests rather than being together.

  • Wedding and honeymoon: By having such a celebration in another city or country, you can now combine it with your honeymoon. This is a way of saving while making a very special trip.
  • Reduced Spend: for more? elaborate? As an elopement wedding might be, it provides far less expense than a traditional party. Just stop and think how much you save by not having to hire a buffet, a party room, among many other services. And as much as the couple spends going to another country, for example, they will be sure that they are "spending on themselves", having the opportunity to travel and live unique moments.
  • No obligation to invite: Many couples feel they have an? obligation? in inviting certain people to your wedding party, which can lead to a huge guest list. But in the case of elopement, this concern is greatly diminished as no one or very limited family / friends will be invited.
  • Pet friend: Does the couple have a pet that is part of the family ?! In this type of wedding, it can be perfectly included (which probably wouldn't happen at a traditional party)! This even helps to render beautiful photos!
  • Less preparation and worries: Those who have a traditional wedding usually comment that it took months and even years to prepare everything. There are many services to hire and endless details to leave everything the way the couple dreamed. In the case of elopement, all this is significantly reduced. While there are important points to think about, everything tends to be resolved faster, simpler and with less expense.

Anyway, it all depends on the style and wishes of the couple, but in many cases, wedding elopement can be a great option: be it for couples who are out of time or money to organize a big party; for those who consider traditional parties incompatible with their style; be it for those who want to live this unique moment, which is marriage, with more intensity and intimacy.


6 Things You Need to Know Before Planning a Marriage for Two

As simple as it may be (if the grooms so wish), there are important questions in planning this type of ceremony. Check out some points:

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1. The idea may not please your family and friends.

Of course the center of everything is the couple, but you need to know that some family members and friends will probably not like the idea of ​​not being able to attend the wedding.

? It is inevitable annoyances at this stage, especially on the part of parents, since in Brazil families are nuclear, we are used to always be reunited with family and friends ?, comments Maritsa. "But an early and frank talk about the desire to perform this kind of marriage, punctuating the reasons, helps a lot in acceptance," he advises.

2. You will need to hire (good) professionals

As much as the proposal of an? Intimate marriage? Be it simplicity and economy, it is very important to hire some professionals who will make this day really special for the couple.

• Relying on advisory services is critical. Because this is the professional who will outline the profile of the couple and direct the occasion punctually within the planned ?, guides Maritsa.

Usually, the venue chosen for an elopement wedding is not the origin of the bride and groom. Therefore, it is interesting to look for professionals in the region where the ceremony is to be held, both for cost reduction (not having to pay for transportation, commuting, food), as well as they are already set to refer other professionals and services (celebrant). , photography, hotel) ?, highlights the ceremonialist.

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Hiring a celebrant and a photographer is essential. Can the celebrant be a? Professional in the field? (judge of peace, a religious) or a close friend of the couple. In relation to photography / filming, I recommend investing in an excellent professional, already experienced in this type of event ?. After all, photos and footage are "what's left for later," comments Maritsa.

3. It may not be that simple

An elopement marriage also provides for some paperwork, especially if you are getting married in another country or even on a beach (where you need permission to do so). Remember to check all necessary paperwork, check the number of witnesses required, among other things.

4. May not be so economical

Depending on what is planned, spending on wedding elopement may exceed the couple's budget. So put everything on paper: how much you will spend on transportation, food and lodging (if the celebration is not in the city of origin); with services and professionals; with the costumes and all the other details.

5. The celebration can be very elegant

Intimism is a keyword when it comes to marriage elopement, but that does not mean that the celebration needs to be completely simple.

What matters, of course, is the will of the couple. But all in all, it's worth investing in the details that will make this day really special and unforgettable: a wedding dress, for example, is an undisputed representation of the big day and can make all the difference (as simple as it is). ; a bouquet, a nice hairstyle and a neat makeup will make the records much prettier; Can good food and drink enhance this occasion? Anyway, preferences aside, the important thing is that this day is really special and allows for great memories!

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6. You need to be sure to opt for this type of wedding.

The couple should choose this type of ceremony only if they are sure that it matches their style and way of life. After all, "trends come and go," especially in the business of events, but should only be followed if they "make sense". for the bride and groom. Otherwise, they may generate regret in the future, given that marriage is a unique occasion in the life of men and women.

It is worth reflecting on some questions: "It really doesn't matter to me that my family and friends don't attend the celebration?" "In a while I will not look at the pictures and think I would like to have shared this unique moment with more people I love?"

Anyway, these are general points that must be considered so that, in fact, marriage can meet the wishes of the couple.

30 wedding photos for two to inspire you

An elopement wedding should leave amazing memories! Be inspired by the photos below and, if so, be sure to hire a good professional to register yours!

Is wedding elopement for you ?! Consider what your priorities are for the big day, and if you really decide for it, remember to talk frankly with your closest family and friends, and seek out (albeit few) good professionals to make this dream come true!

Eloping? 5 Things To Consider | Wedding Series (April 2024)


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