The Pros and Cons of Eloping

Is eloping the right option for you?

To elope or to not to elope. Now that’s a loaded question. When my husband and I made the decision to get married in New York City without any of our friends and family, believe us when I say that we spent a long time deciding if this was right for us. We, of course, weighed up the pros and cons of eloping. In the end, we decided that this was the right decision for us and looking back, I would change anything. It was 100% the right decision for us.

If you’re engaged and are looking into the different options of weddings, I would caution you lovelies to do your research. Especially if eloping is on the table. There are so many wonderful things that come with eloping. However, there are some cons that you do have to keep in mind. Here are my pros and cons when it comes to eloping…

 

The pros and cons of eloping: the pros…

YOU GET THE WEDDING YOU WANT.

This may sound a little dramatic, but because it’s just the two of you, there are only your opinions to consider. When you have a traditional wedding, everyone has an opinion on EVERYTHING. This was one of the main reasons why we decided to elope. We were getting confused and fed up of all the noise and wanted to go back to why we wanted to get married in the first place.

Now that we were considering just us, the world was our oyster! Dream location, dream photos, our favourite foods. All without having to worry about how guests would feel or react.

IT COSTS WAY LESS!

One hundred per cent, eloping is way cheaper than an actual wedding. According to research, the average cost of a wedding in the UK in 2019 is £17K (I am shooked!) Our wedding, including travel to the UK and mega spending money (Sephora anyone?) was under £5K. Not only did we get the most amazing wedding, but we also got to spend a week in a magical city. If you’re strap for cash for your big day but still want something amazing, then eloping is something you might want to consider.

IT’S JUST ABOUT THE TWO OF YOU.

Because we were the only two people out there for the wedding, our relationship got so much closer. One of the best days of the whole trip was the day after our wedding, we walked around The Village holding hands and not letting go. Lee and I are not PDA people so this was a huge thing for us. We just had a click.

Throughout the day of our wedding, I was totally focused on us. Because we weren’t worried about any guests, I got to take everything in. Listening to his vows completely and soaking up who we were as a couple. We also got some amazing time together when we were having our pictures together.

A wedding day is completely about the couple and elopement allows that to completely to happen. Eloping is selfish and it’s completely fine to be selfish on your wedding day.

 

 

The pros and cons of eloping: the cons…

YOU WILL HURT PEOPLES FEELINGS.

If you’re considering eloping, you have two options right at the beginning. Tell people your plans or keep it secret. We decided to tell a few select people, but do what’s best for you. Either way, you are going to hurt peoples feelings, even with a full warning. This is the biggest con of eloping and it’s a personal decision that you have to decide. It’s something that you’re most likely going to hear about for the rest of your lives. Of course, the people who love you will be happy for you. They are just upset they couldn’t share the day with you.

YOU’RE DEPENDANT ON YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER.

Because you don’t have any guests you are solely reliant on your photographer for photographs of your day. We are so lucky that we have an amazing family friend two happens to be a photographer in NYC who took our photos and they look amazing. If you consider getting eloped, do plenty of research into photographers in the local area. They will know the best locations for your shots. Study the pictures that the photographer has already taken and you’ll soon find a photographer with a style that suits you.

INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE LAWS CAN BE CONFUSING.

Getting married abroad is very different from that in the UK. When you have decided on a location to get married, do you research into their laws and what you need to do to have your marriage recognised. For New York (and possibly the rest of the US but I wouldn’t want to guarantee that) you have to wait exactly 24 hours after you get your licence and you need to get your certificate before you leave the country. However, you can get married ANYWHERE in the city. Research their government website, ask on Instagram, research on peoples blogs. Be prepared before you make any concrete plans.

What are your thoughts on getting eloped?