For many people, the time and money that must be invested in
a large, luxurious wedding is beyond the scope of their finances or may be
beyond the scope of the time they have for planning. Perhaps the important thing for a couple is
to say some words that they might not have the opportunity to say to their
partner. Perhaps having the chance to
just look each other in the eyes, proclaim love, and put those rings on each
other’s fingers, without a great deal of hooplah is what will be the most
memorable. Whatever the reason, whether
money, time or just plain preference, elopement may be just enough for what you
desire.
What, exactly, is an elopement? Usually, elopement is when you make an
appointment with a magistrate to have your five minutes of time, exchange rings
and be pronounced husband and wife at the fall of a gavel. However, more and more wedding officiants are
offering this service at a discount of their usual rate. They may have a specific place in mind where
they offer the service: an office, their
home, a park, or a beach. Suffice it to
say that the settings will be limited.
They will also only allow a small number of guests, usually immediate
family or a few close friends, generally less than 10 people all together. You will need to have the usual two witnesses
to sign the license, which you must get prior to the ceremony according to the
laws of your state. You can expect that
an elopement ceremony with an officiant or minister to be a little longer than
one performed by a judge or magistrate, and it may allow for a little depth of
meaning, but it won’t be as long as a large ceremony with all the trimmings.
To find out if an officiant does elopements, you may need to
ask or visit his or her website. I have
decided to do them this year, as the economy tightens its belt.
May your wedding become a beautiful story!
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