What Is an Elopement Wedding and How to Elope

Your wedding is supposed to create unforgettable memories, so it doesn't have to follow the same old pattern of hundreds of guests, lavish decorations, and endless planning stress. Considering this, an elopement could be a perfect solution. 

Many newlyweds are thinking about this, but there would still be lots of challenges when arranging such a wedding ceremony.  Here in this blog, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about eloping. 

If you want to enjoy your big day with an intimate ceremony that's all about you and your partner, you're just in the right place. Read on to discover how to prepare for your elopement wedding!

What Is An Elopement Wedding?

The elopement is a simple way to celebrate your big day. This is a small, private, and romantic type of wedding. Only a few are invited, and sometimes it just includes the couple and the officiant.

It is so different from a traditional wedding. Here's how they stand apart:

• Cost: The venue, decorations, large guest list, and professional teams are must-haves for a traditional wedding. So it often requires a higher price. Usually, a traditional celebration (with 100 guests) costs between $25,000 and $50,000, while an elopement makes things easier and ranges from $1,500 to $7,000.
  
• Flexibility: Everything about the traditional wedding will be carefully arranged by a coordinator. Then you may face a tight schedule. In contrast, an elopement offers much more freedom. There are fewer rules and more time to relax. You don't need to rush from one part to another. This makes your day truly enjoyable.
  
• Tradition: You'll follow certain cultural customs and family expectations during the traditional celebration. It's likely to repeat what your parents or friends did at their weddings. But for someone who likes to break away from tradition, hosting a small, intimate ceremony in a party tent would be great.
  

• Location: This is key for both wedding types. A traditional wedding requires booking a venue far in advance, particularly those popular ones. But a simpler wedding only needs a small tent. If you love the outdoors, an elopement is perfect. You can celebrate it in nature or even at your travel destination.
  
• Number of guests: Normally, a large traditional wedding can accommodate about 100 to 200 guests. This can definitely create a lively atmosphere. But for introverted couples, an elopement is often the better choice. Without the pressure of a big crowd, you can focus entirely on each other, making the wedding more personal and relaxed.
  
• Core values: Traditional weddings often show respect for traditions, elders, and the idea of celebrating love with the whole community. However, an elopement can also express strong core values. It represents couples who truly know what they want and dare to break conventions.
  

To Elope or Not to Elope?

Choosing between a traditional and an elope wedding depends on what matters most to you. A traditional wedding can accommodate a large guest list and create a lively celebration. But you'll need to follow some traditions and spend a significant amount of money on it.

An elopement is more affordable and offers you greater intimacy, flexibility, and freedom. You can totally enjoy your special day and focus on your spouse.

However, making the final decision is always hard. Maybe you want to celebrate with all your loved ones, but the cost of a big wedding feels overwhelming. Don't worry - there's a perfect compromise: a low-key elopement. 

That is, invite a small group of close guests, like your BFFs, family, and a few colleagues, around 10 to 20 people, to witness your ceremony. Then you can host an elopement party afterward to share the joy with everyone else. This way allows you to celebrate your special day at a lower cost while still sharing the happiness with all of your loved ones.

How to Elope?

Though an elopement wedding is simple, there are still many things to consider. Locations, weather, budget, attire, etc., should all be included in your wedding checklist. To create a truly memorable day, you have to pay attention to every detail.

So you'll have a bunch of things to do during the preparation phase. But never get anxious. Instead, take it step by step and follow the tips below to stay on track for your day.

Set up the Vibe of Elopement

The weather determines whether your elopement will go smoothly. Since it is often set outdoors, the sudden weather can be the biggest challenge. When choosing a location, avoid high-altitude or mountainous areas. The scenery there may be stunning, but the climate is unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. 

At the same time, keep an eye on the weather forecast and set the day on clear, sunny days. Good weather sets the right mood and, most importantly, makes photos turn out gorgeously. 

A smart way to handle unexpected changes is to prepare a high-quality outdoor tent. It provides temporary shelter for everyone, protects food from contamination, and keeps equipment safe. All of these details will make sure that your wedding goes on without a hitch.

Confirm the Budget

When making an elopement budget, you should figure out what it typically includes. Normally, how much does it costs to elope is decided by factors like location, officiant, attire, photography, decorations, transportation, food or catering, etc. You can compare prices by checking online forums for others' experiences and getting quotes from relevant vendors and professional teams.

If you're good at budgeting, you can handle all this yourself. Or a more convenient option is hiring a professional budget planner (if your budget allows). 

And remember -  it's better to budget a little more than less. An extra budget gives you more flexibility, while a tight budget may force difficult compromises and even unnecessary arguments with your partner. 

Deal with Legal Details

Legal details also matter, as some locations have strict rules. For example, you may need a marriage license, an officiant, or special permits if you're using public or government-owned land. Some may even require last-minute approvals or have restricted hours, so it's wise to choose a nearby secondary location with similar requirements as a backup.

The specific requirements can be found on the official government or municipal websites. You can also contact local offices directly to confirm relevant laws and regulations. If you plan to elope abroad, make sure to check both local and home-country regulations.

You should make digital and physical copies of all permits and licenses for easy access. And always make sure all the documents are well prepared before your wedding day.

Invite Guests

Although an elopement wedding is usually small in scale, there are no strict rules about the exact number of guests. If you like, you can invite around 20 people. This means you can invite all of your family and closest friends to share the happy moment. 

However, having too many guests can be inconvenient. 20 guests are already considered quite a large number for an elopement. Your elopement ceremony may take place away from home, or even abroad. Then managing a big group will just make the experience more complicated.

If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, it can just be you and your husband/wife. An officiant may also be required, depending on the local regulations of your chosen location.

Select the Right Vendors

An elopement may seem simple, but it never means that everything can be handled by just the two of you.  Like a traditional wedding, it still requires thoughtful preparation in many areas. So you'll need to find various vendors to make your day more organized. 

For example, you may need a photographer or videographer to capture your special moments, and a makeup artist to help you look your best. If your budget allows, hire a local florist for fresh flowers and simple decorations. For small group elopements, a professional planner is often needed to help you manage everything. You can also add a caterer or baker based on your needs.

It's best to choose vendors located near your elopement destination so they can respond quickly when needed. When selecting them, you can visit their official websites or social media pages to learn about the details of their services and compare prices. Then pick the one that offers the best value for your budget. And don't forget to prepare backup options in case of unexpected situations. 

Plan the Ceremony

A well-rounded plan for the ceremony will make your elopement more successful. One way to start is by asking yourself a few key questions. These will help you shape your ideas and make clear decisions for your big day: 

• Where do you want to exchange your vows, on a mountain, by the beach, or in a city garden?
  
• What time of day makes you feel the most romantic, sunrise, sunset, or night under the stars?
  
• Do you want to include personal vows, music, or any symbolic rituals?
  
• Who will officiate the ceremony?
  
• Will you exchange rings, gifts, or other meaningful tokens?
•  ... ...

These questions have basically covered all the essential details. Once you've figured them out, you'll already have a clear vision of how to plan an elopement.

Elopement Wedding Dress

Comfort should be a priority for any wedding dress, especially if your ceremony is outdoors. Anyway, your elopement wedding dresses should be lightweight yet stylish. There are many options for dress fabrics, including satin, polyester, lace, chiffon, tulle, velvet, etc. 

You should make the ultimate choice based on the terrain and weather situations. If you are going to elope during hotter days, breathable fabrics like chiffon work best, while for cooler days, satin or heavier lace is better.

Try to avoid long trains in muddy areas, and choose durable fabrics if the location has rough surfaces like rocks or tree trunks. In such situations, satin or sturdy lace would be a great choice.

In addition, always bring layers like a jacket, shawl, or scarf for warmth during cooler days, and pack casual clothes to change into after the ceremony or photo session for comfort and ease.

Be Prepared for the Reaction

An elopement is absolutely the perfect option for couples who value intimacy and freedom. However, it can lead to mixed reactions from family and friends, especially those not invited. It might hurt their feelings or even create misunderstandings that affect your relationships. 

Thus, try to keep it simple - just the two of you. If you must invite anyone, include only your closest loved ones and keep plans private until the ceremony. You can also set up a live stream so distant friends and family can join in.

After the wedding, you should explain your choice and share your joy with everyone. You may post about your elopement on social media or host a small follow-up post-elopement party.

Start Your Elopement Wedding with Sheltent

Now you may know what an elopement is. If you decide to elope with your partner, make sure you will prepare everything, including the vibe, budget, dresses, etc.

The insightful tips mentioned above will help you get an ideal eloping ceremony. And among all the things that you should prepare, one of the most essential ones is a high-quality tent. It ensures that your elopement will go smoothly under any weather conditions. Whether it's strong sunlight, rain, or wind, both guests and essential items will stay well protected. 

Tents are widely used in outdoor events. For a small-scale elopement held in a natural setting, they also work very well. However, you may find yourself facing hundreds of choices when picking the right tent type. The one that we recommend is the pole tent. 

It is easy to set up and take down, as it consists of just a few poles and a cover. The central pole offers the main support to the whole tent, and when it is installed, it will form an elegant arc profile. Therefore, many people would choose it for its simple setup, sturdy structure, and attractive look.

Additionally, the poles are made of aluminum alloy to ensure their resistance to rust, corrosion, and erosion, while the cover is coated with PVC to protect both people and items underneath from strong sunlight, rain, or snow. No matter the location or season of your elopement, having such a wedding tent ensures you're well prepared for any sudden changes.

If you are seeking a reliable tent, contact Sheltent anytime. We have been working in the tent industry for almost 10 years. All of our tents are durable and perfect for any outdoor activities. By choosing us, you are not just getting a tent supplier, but a loyal partner to create a memorable experience. We can also provide helpful ideas for your celebration. So, if you and your partner are ready to elope, just reach out to us!