Postponing big wedding and eloping

Hey Natalie!
This is a great question as I’m in the same boat. I think you should do what y’all want to do! My FH & I said that if it boils down to it, we would get married at the JP and not tell anyone. Our wedding was scheduled for this Sat, May 23. We postponed to Aug 23, 2020 but are still uncertain if it will happen. Regardless, we are getting married. I think it’s totally your call (and your FH’s call). I think people will understand if you choose to get married sooner in a small ceremony (even if no one else is involved). This pandemic is ugly & uncertain. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting married & not telling anyone. And there is nothing wrong with getting married and having a ceremony&/or reception later. Do what is best for y’all! Everyone else will understand! Best wishes to you!!!

The only way we’ll postpone is if our venue cancels. Otherwise the show will on. So, I’ve thought about this same question and decided.... If FH and I have to postpone, then we’ll still get married on our original wedding date and celebrate later (no more than 6 months later). However we won’t let anyone know and, instead, have it mentioned during the new ceremony (as a fun surprise). Of course our guests are fully aware if COVID. So, they’ll totally understand and will love it.


We’d come up with a nice way for the officiant to let our guests know that we got married on 10/10/20 and that they’re actually at our “renewal”. I also thought of having the original wedding professionally recorded and photographed, then texting a clip and pics to our guests the day after the postponed wedding.

Hi Natalie,

What you do is completely personal and, therefore, entirely up to you. Personally, I would tell my close friends and family. I wouldn't want my marriage to be a secret. Most people fully understand that these are wild times, and weddings may not be possible in the same way that you originally intended or envisioned. Waiting until you're able to plan the wedding of your dreams is a respectable and responsible decision. I hope your loved ones would understand.

That being said, some couples are adjusting their plans to get married (one way or another) on their original dates--or maybe even sooner like you. Options include ceremony now/reception later, elopement now/full wedding later, micro weddings and more. Check out these posts:

Married this year - “wedding”/marriage celebration next year?

Covid-19: Marriage now, wedding later?

Small ceremony now, big wedding later

Etiquette in the time of coronavirus?

If you want to consider your options and next steps, WeddingWire has created a ton of resources in Our COVID-19 Weddings Advice Guide. I'm wishing you the best of luck!

View Quoted Comment Thank you ladies for the advice!!