Guide Note

An elopement is a secret or surprise marriage ceremony that takes place with little advance warning, and sometimes far away from where the couple lives. It usually means there are no guests. An elopement can be tempting for a couple dealing with the hassles of planning a wedding, but the couple's family and friends usually disapproves of missing out on the occasion.

Fast Facts

1. Las Vegas and Hawaii: Popular elopement spots
2. 100,000 people marry in Las Vegas every year
3. Elopement etiquette states you should not register for gifts
4. Check out the local laws where you want to get married, as laws and requirements for marriage differ

There are many reasons a couple might choose to elope, including:

1. To make the day about the bride and groom
2. To avoid high costs of weddings: The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is $28,000
3. Less stress than planning a wedding
4. Faster than a traditional wedding
5. If one is marrying for a second or more time
6. If one desires an extremely small wedding
7. To avoid being at the center of attention
8. Don't want to deal with family differences
9. Want more romance