For some couples, deciding to elope can be the best decision they make. There's no small talk with long-lost relatives, no awkward family drama, and no expensive venue fees.
Every decision, however, has its drawbacks. Running off the to the mountains for a barefoot two-person ceremony still costs money, takes planning, and can leave friends and family feeling excluded.
Here are all the facts about eloping you never thought to take into consideration — but should.
You will need to wait if you don't have an appointment.
Your spur-of-the-moment lunch hour elopement may not happen if there's a line at the courthouse.
If you don't book an appointment at least a week in advance, you'll to have wait your turn or not getting one at all. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day and the season.
It can be costly and time-consuming.
According to the U.S. Department of State, marrying overseas can be "time-consuming and expensive" if you don't plan ahead.
Check the marriage laws of your destination before you hop on a plane, as some countries require you to spend a certain amount of time there and follow strict rules. France, for example, has a 40-day residency requirement and many countries require more documentation than a passport and a birth certificate.
Additionally, you should obtain your US Marriage License up to 60 days in advance of your ceremony.
It still can cost a pretty penny.
The average wedding cost in America is $33,391. Although the biggest expenses are the ones that include hundreds of people, there are still costs to consider when eloping.
In addition to paying for the licenses, many couples choose to still hire a photographer to document the process and use photos as gifts for friends and family.
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