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After you get engaged, the wedding planning can be tricky to navigate. With so many styles of ceremonies and locations to choose from, you might have trouble nailing down exactly what it is that you want. One of the factors that can make wedding planning feel difficult is the expectation of a large, traditional ceremony.
It is important to remember that you don’t have to stick to tradition! Sometimes, an elopement can feel much more true to your relationship and needs as a couple. So how do you plan the perfect elopement?
This article will discuss why some couples choose to elope or have a destination elopement, as well as the best places to elope and what to look for in destination elopement packages.
Why Choose Elopement?
There are plenty of reasons why couples might choose to elope instead of having a traditional ceremony. Here are just a couple of the factors at play.
A Smaller Celebration
An elopement is usually preferred by couples who do not want to have a large ceremony. Sometimes, inviting everyone you know to a large wedding can start to feel like you have to make everyone else happy instead of focusing on your special day. An elopement is far more intimate and is a great way to focus on your love and marriage the way that you want.
Why Destination?
If you are looking for a destination elopement, a lot of resorts are ready and excited to help with your intimate ceremony. Many resorts feature packages for micro-weddings and elopements with fewer than ten or fifteen guests. Booking activities and dinners at elopement destinations become a lot easier with such a small group, and you get to spend time in paradise with all of your closest friends and loved ones.
Freedom and Spontaneity
While there are plenty of pros and cons to elopement, one factor that often plays into the appeal of eloping is the sense of freedom and spontaneity it can give you. The time you spend planning will likely be less than the time needed for a traditional wedding, and you can enjoy the excitement of getting to do whatever you want with no expectations!
Elopement Destinations
What makes a good elopement location? There are plenty of factors at play that will vary from couple to couple. However, there are some popular trends and locations that might help you gain some perspective on what to look for.
Destination Elopement Trends
When planning to elope, there are a number of factors that couples keep in mind as they choose their destination. Here are some of the most common things that eloping couples look for:
- Intimacy: Your elopement should be about you! These ceremonies are often incredibly small, with only a few guests (if any), and in a private setting. Your love for each other takes precedence over the spectacle of a larger, traditional ceremony.
- Scenic Views: Because eloping is so focused on the couple and not on anything else, you may want to add to the romanticism of your ceremony by finding a beautiful backdrop, like on the shore or in the mountains.
- Meaningful Memories: Whatever activities you choose in the days before or after your wedding ceremony, whether they are just between the married couple or with your small group of guests, the activities should be special. Make memories to last you a lifetime!
- Ease of Travel: A simple and easy travel plan can help keep stress levels to a minimum, and make the overall trip a better experience for everyone involved. This is one area where a wedding planner can really be an asset.
The Best Places to Elope
Overall, the best elopement destination is going to depend on the couple. Choose a destination that connects to both of you and speaks to your relationship, both in atmosphere and activity.
Beach weddings and elopements have become very popular in recent years, with locations like Jamaica, Mexico, and Costa Rica being common destinations. If you are looking for a colder destination elopement, however, United States locations like Vail and Lake Tahoe might be the right choice for you!
Destination Elopement Packages
A lot of elopement destinations are home to resorts and locations that are wedding-ready. Plenty of resorts even offer elopement wedding packages, which can make planning your destination elopement a lot easier.
Typically, destination wedding packages are tiered. This means that you can choose different packages given your budget. One of the main differences in packages is the number of guests included. The most budget-friendly packages typically include about five to ten guests, which is perfect for a typical elopement party.
You do not have to worry about accommodating a large number of people in your entourage or renting out entire rooms for dinners. Your package will be far more budget-friendly and allow you more freedom to book the activities you want!
One of the other ways to find a destination elopement package that works for you is to hire a wedding planner. Wedding planners are there to help you make the most of your time and your budget to create the perfect destination wedding. They can help you find the best places to elope as well as the best activities, resorts, and even restaurants. You can also work with a wedding planner to edit a pre-existing wedding package so it can fit all of your needs.
Planning the Perfect Elopement
Deciding if an elopement is right for you can be tricky, especially if you are nervous about the reactions of your family. However, your wedding should be all about celebrating your love the way you want. A destination elopement can be a great way to have the wedding of your dreams.
At Destify, we want to help you create that celebration. Our incredible team of wedding planners is here to help you find the best destination elopement package for your budget, and to plan every step of your special day. Book your elopement and make memories to last a lifetime with our team at Destify.
