U.S. couples usually spend $15,299 to $25,498 a year on a wedding. This estimate does not include the cost of a honeymoon or an engagement ring. Because of the high cost and extreme stress of planning and having a wedding, more couples are eloping. However, these couples still want their union to be special. Below is a list of elopement suggestions.
North Carolina is in the United States so there are no worries about getting a passport. Maggie Valley Weddings can help a couple with all of their elopement needs. Your vow exchanges will take place in the Smokey Mountains. The cost ranges from $950 to $3000 depending on your needs and how long you want to stay. Another suggestion for a North Carolina elopement is contacting Rev. Victoria Hutchins. This lovely lady arranges planned or short notice elopements. Victoria is a non-denominational minister. She will help you create a ceremony based on your personal beliefs. As an open-minded minister she honors the beliefs and lifestyles of the people who seek her services. Victoria also offers pre-marital counseling, vow renewal ceremonies, commitment ceremonies, baby blessings, house blessings, funerals/memorials, and group retreats based on individual needs.
Virginia Elopement
In the Commonwealth of Virginia both bride and groom must be over 18 and apply in person for a marriage license at any clerk of court office. Bring photo ID. The license, valid only in Virginia for 60 days, costs $30 to $50 (cash). There are no residency requirements, blood tests, waiting period, and no witnesses to the marriage ceremony are necessary.
There are tons of bed and breakfast inns in Virginia that offer wedding and elopement packages. For instance, my cousin got married at a bed & breakfast in Lexington, VA. It was seven years ago, so I can’t remember the name of the place, but I do remember it was a beautiful occasion. She had a small wedding ceremony. They got a justice of the peace to perform the ceremony and after the exchanging of the vows, everyone went under a tent for the reception (it was an outdoor wedding). The tent was cool and comfortable. I have been to a lot of weddings in my day and I must say that was the best wedding ceremony I’ve ever attended. They also had great food at the reception, which was the best reception food I’ve had as well. This isn’t an example of an elopement, but it is an example on how great your elopement can be at a bed & breakfast inn.
Another idea for eloping in Virginia is exchanging vows on the beach. Two of my best friends eloped to Virginia Beach. They exchanged vows right on the beach during sunset. If you decide to do this, I hope you don’t mind strangers taking pictures of you as your getting married. My friends didn’t mind. The onlookers were not overly intrusive. They kept their distance, but they definitely took pictures. Despite that, it was a beautiful elopement. They had someone videotape the whole thing. If you like the idea of getting married in Virginia Beach, but not right on the beach, there is a wedding chapel by the seashore for an indoor ceremony.
The Captain’s House Inn has a special package for a couple looking to tie the knot. The Inn’s elopement package starts out at $1200 (winter rate). The elopement package includes a two to three night lodging in a four-diamond room, bouquet for the bride, boutonniere for the groom, small wedding cake, a bottle of champagne or apple cider, $75 restaurant gift certificate, photographs, justice of the peace, and gourmet breakfast each morning of your stay.
Get married in California
Some couples decide to get married in a vineyard. The idea is unique, romantic, and cheap. Napa Valley offers some of the loveliest vineyards in the U.S. The minimum cost of a Napa Valley wedding elopement is $275. Depending on you wants and needs this price might be a little higher. Vineyards offer gorgeous landscaping and a romantic feeling while exchanging vows.
Wherever you decide to elope, make it memorable. Couples should make elopement decisions together. You might as well get use to the idea. You will be making decisions as a team for the rest of your lives. My sincere hope is that this article has inspired some original ideas for your special day.
