Eloping

I am, just my fiancé and I. I told everyone closest to me and no one is bothered by it. Some were confused and some were a tiny bit disappointed they won’t be there but most understand. It suits us best. I want 100% of the focus of day to be he and I. I want an intimate ceremony and there’s nothing more intimate than just us!


We also plan to have a reception/anniversary party a year later - receptions are for the guests anyway so they should enjoy that. That softens it for people...I think, they feel like they were still considered when they hear that.
Wedding ceremonies are for the couple so you should do exactly what you guys want regardless.

View Quoted Comment That’s beautiful! Congratulations to you and your fiancé. Where are you having the elopement?

I think the reception is a wonderful idea. I’m definitely going to do it. Thank you for the advice.

Not everyone will be supportive because ultimately they want to be a part of such an important life event. I have told probably the one person that I would be the most worried about upsetting and that was my aunt and she was understanding and just said as long as you two are happy. I will do some type of Celebration just like the first person stated after the wedding to include close friends and family. I'm not sure how the FH family will react but at the end of the day I know that sounds horrible to say as they will be my in-laws that's going to be his job to break it to them and explain to them. Maybe you guys could live stream the event so people can see it and also Martha Stewart has a really good article of ways to include people in the event even though you are eloping. For example when I try on my dress even though my best friend was with me and my aunt couldn't make it because she wasn't feeling well I texted her the ones that I liked and asked her opinion and that right there made her feel special that I included her in the decision of the dress was going to wear. So I think maybe things like that can make people feel special. Ultimately, do what you both want to do and probably really the only people you should maybe worry about would be your parents and if they understand that I wouldn't really worry about anyone else.

View Quoted Comment Hi Kristen! I really appreciate your advice. What are your thoughts on a bachelorette/bachelor party? Are you guys still doing one even though you are eloping?

FH and I decided to elope instead of having a big wedding. When we told people however, a lot of them said they wanted to go...so now it looks like we are having a DW LOL

View Quoted Comment Yup! Some people say that technically if you elope you shouldn't but I don't see why not. I'm still going to have a maid of honour and a bridesmaid. I know for sure that my maid of honour who is my best friend I will have sign as a witness when we go to the court house. We are doing a destination elopement and to avoid any International rules of getting married in countries it's easier just to get our marriage license here and then do a symbolic ceremony over there. Every bachelorette party i have gone to everyone pays their own way but it's just a chance for girls to get out and have fun. Usually the bridal party or some friends will take care of whatever the bride wants to do but for me personally this is a day that I thought may never come and I want to celebrate with my friends and my friends have told me that even though they know what I'm doing they want to celebrate too so if people your life want to do some kind of Celebration I say go for it. Don't let anyone tell you that it's not wedding etiquette.

View Quoted Comment Thanks. Congrats to you as well!


We’re eloping in Palm Springs, CA. We are also having a photographer and videographer so we can share that with people as well. There’s lots of other ways to make them feel included as suggested above. You just gotta get a little creative.

We eloped in October even though we are getting married at a big ceremony in May. I just texted my sister and took my dad to lunch and told him. My husband called his parents and gave them the news. It was no big deal. They were a little surprised but mainly just wanted to be sure the big wedding was still on. 😂

View Quoted Comment I like your style! Thanks a bunch for all your helpful advice ☺️

View Quoted Comment Lol a few people have said they are going to crash our wedding.

View Quoted Comment That’s so awesome. You will be getting the best of both worlds for sure

View Quoted Comment That’s going to be so gorgeous! We are doing an adventure elopement in Colorado. I’m beyond excited I just hate the negative comments that family and friends have been throwing my way.

View Quoted Comment Well in my opinion you're still a bride regardless of how you do your ceremony.