Considering Eloping?

The ready supply of cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages maylead some soon to be legal couples to elope at a moments notice.

Forgoing a huge wedding, with all of the planning it takes,as well as expense, for a combination elopement/honeymoon can beappealing. However, doing a littleplanning before heading to the airport will help you avoid wedding daydisasters that can occur even when it is just the two of you in attendance.

The following is a little elopement advice from JamieBeckman:

• Beforecommitting to a destination for your elopement/honeymoon, check with theconvention and visitors bureau where you are planning to go to determine whatis required to obtain a marriage license once there. Some popular locales have restrictions suchas waiting periods or witness minimums.

  Some documents that are often requiredinclude birth certificates, passports, divorce decrees (if applicable), and acertified copy of a death certificate for a widow or widower. Applications for a marriage license may needto be filed before your arrival. Depending on your destinations restrictions, you might be better offgetting married in a private ceremony in the states and then participating in asymbolic marriage abroad.

• Beforefinalizing any travel plans consider the emotional fallout and make certainthat eloping is not something you will later regret. Elopers seldom regret getting married, butsometimes wish that they had invited others, particularly family and/or closefriends. Consider whether others will behurt by not being invited. Until you dothe necessary research do not assume that you will be able to Skype orotherwise communicate via video on your special day. The key is not to later wish you had handledthings differently.

• Askthe hotel or resort you are considering staying at for help. Such establishments have a list of vendorsthat they use and rely on to cater, officiate, and provide music, anddecor. Make certain that what is beingrecommended is within whatever price range you are willing to spend. Ask about any hidden fees and if interestedin an onsite wedding planner, whether that person will be juggling multipleweddings on your special day.

• Beprepared to face a different pace at your destination. The sense of urgency Americans typically haveis often not shared by some foreign vendors, hotels, and officiants who operateat a slower pace. Make certain to packyour patience as well as your clothes.

• Includea few traditional touches in your wedding by either hiring a local weddingplanner to ensure your ceremony is memorable or a couple of local vendors,depending on your priorities. Hiring aphotographer is often a top priority for people who wed, regardless of whetherthey elope. Do not ship your suit ordress or check it in your luggage. Theonly way to ensure that such items arrive is by carrying them onto the plane.

• Oftenthe most successful elopements include some type of sharing with family backhome, whether that is posting photos via social network and/or hosting areception when you return home. This isan ideal time to show your wedding video/pictures and let everyone share inyour happiness.