Top Five Reasons Eloping is Better

What makes me qualified to tell you eloping is better than a conventional wedding? My "husband" and I didn't elope. We got married at H&R block. Still, our "wedding" had a lot in common with an elopement. For one thing, we didn't have to worry about the guest list. It was just me, him and our friendly neighborhood tax professional. Short, sweet and simple. I now pronounce you joint filers. You may kiss your cash goodbye.

Eloping saves money, of course. This is probably the best, most common reason eloping is better. We saved money by filing jointly too, although it wasn't as much as we would have liked. We're cursed with being self employed. Still, it was a pretty cheap wedding all things considered. In fact, we got a larger deduction because of it. Conventional weddings, on the other hand, are notoriously expensive. No deductions allowed for taking the plunge jointly.

Eloping eliminates family arguments about seating, etc. You won't have to worry about whether to invite Aunt Sheila or Uncle Bob, now that they're divorced. In fact, you don't have to invite either of them. You can even have strangers for witnesses. They're very non-judgmental. True it's mostly because they don't know you or care about you. Thank goodness!

When you elope, you can have it your way. In fact, you can get married right at that famous burger joint if you want. You can get married by Elvis. You can get married standing on your head or standing in a meadow. You can get married standing on your head in a meadow, with Elvis presiding if you want. That's the beauty of eloping. It's all up to the happy couple.

Eloping eliminates premarital speculation and gossip. You won't have to explain to cousin Matilda why you're so much older than the groom. You won't have to babble on about how you met or what your plans for the future are. Most importantly, you won't have to endure standing in line to have your hand shaken or pick rice out of your beautiful new hairdo.

Eloping is quick and painless. It'll be over before you know it. There's also the benefit of not having to make your excuses so you can get on with the good stuff (the honeymoon). Eloping involves zero planning. In fact you can be proposed to, say yes and say I do in less than an hour if you live in the right place. Why is eloping better than a conventional wedding? You name it.

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