Elopement No Longer Tragic

Elopement is not the tragic affair it once was made out to be in years past. It is a rampant trend as destination weddings become more popular. Vegas is also no longer head honcho in the world of weddings, as a cliché, it works for those truly in a hurry with its drive-in themed chapels. However, there are prettier places to elope, with more thought put into it then just going to a courthouse, and websites popping up to tell you how to do it.

In this century, unlike Romeo and Juliet or Britney Spears and Some Guy Friend, you can elope anywhere you like, just take your pick. The stigma has been removed because of brides all over the world that are just too busy in their everyday lives to spend the six months to a year or more a detailed, expensive wedding takes to plan. Couples are also dropping tradition left and right in the pursuit of something less showy and more meaningful. As opposed to a traditional ceremony which if not managed correctly or wanted by all parties involved, can cause family strife. Instead couples are opting for low-key, simple ceremonies that come in pre-planned packages or can be custom packaged to fit the bride.

An elaborate elopement in a far away destination can on average take anywhere from two weeks to two months to plan allowing anyone to have the privacy they crave with the pomp and circumstance of their dreams. Many hotels are a one-stop-shop for nuptial bliss, planning everything for the wedding and offering a honeymoon spot at the couple's fingertips. However, if you choose this option have the ceremony on off-peak season so you're not waiting in a line of clamoring brides. Some resorts can double book or perform super speedy ceremonies where you don't get that exact special moment you wanted.

There can be a few select witnesses or none at all but the officiate and it can be done in secret or sprung on a small group of guests at your home like many celebrities are now opting to do. Friends and family are invited to a party on a certain date, only to informed once at the venue that it is a wedding, keeping the affair private and somewhat hush-hush until after the ceremony is preformed.

Rather than having a stuffy, tradition-filled wedding where couples have to rely on other people taking over due to allotment of expenses, ditch tradition and spend the engagement ring money on a party for two. By being in control you can make it as short and sweet as you like and tell those closest to you afterwards at a big party at your house. Sometimes the easiest plan to adhere to is to get married at the Justice of Peace and then have your non-legal vows in the destination of choice and it's often cheaper this way because there isn't any worry about legalities or registration in your chosen spot.

Although for some pursuing elopements, legality is the reason they are eloping in the first place. Many people use it as a way to bypass laws such as blood tests, waiting periods, and counseling. Some use it as a way to combat prejudice such as interracial marriages which are now more widely accepted and gay marriages which, though legal in California, are still making their way to the forefront. Most couples will check the laws in their state first and then head on over to whichever state can accommodate and provide the services they are looking for at the time they wish to be married.

It's good that as an option, elopement is earning wider variety with the public and younger generations while losing its trashy, rumor filled stigma. However, this doesn't mean it should ever been done without complete consent of both parties and no pressure from either side. Marriage is still a full time, life commitment that shouldn't be taken lightly despite the increase of drunk Vegas weddings by famous celebrities.