Tips on Having a local elopement

In light of the recent circumstances surrounding COVID-19, traveling has certainly become somewhat less desirable. As couples come to grips with this new elopement landscape, they are looking for options and alternative places where they might be able to have an amazing and memorable experience.

The truth is, a local elopement can be just as magical as one that is held halfway across the country. The beauty of an elopement is you can infuse it with your own personality and energy.

There is no reason why you can’t craft an elopement that’s just as interesting and exciting as one in a faraway city without having to travel far, and if you choose, you can always save up the bulk of the money you had set aside for a “honeymoon” style destination for after the Coronavirus restrictions lift.

Local Activities and Sights

It’s a fairly common idea that the area where we grew up or currently live is the most boring place in the world and the only way you could possibly experience anything fun and  exciting is to leave your town and travel someplace “exotic.”

The truth is, there is beauty, fun, and magic everywhere. You simply have to take the time to discover it. This might require looking at a place you think you know very well in a new light.

Maybe that large park near you wouldn’t be so boring if you decorated a bit and set it up for an elopement celebration. Perhaps that small forest ten minutes away would actually make for a fun elopement adventure. There are museums, theaters, caves, woods, lakes, beaches, hiking trails, expeditions, and helicopter rides just about everywhere in the country if you know where to look.

Take some time and really delve into your area and research the various tours, nature preserves, parks, and other features that are present. Most of us live within only an hour’s drive of some incredible sights and amazing adventures. Just because you don’t need a flight to get there doesn’t mean it’s not exotic or can’t provide a stage magical enough for your elopement. Quite the contrary, it could become a place that you visit time and time again just because it’s so close to home!

Local Accommodations for Elopements

Part of the excitement of staying in a faraway location when you get eloped is certainly the hotel. Who doesn’t love a ritzy 5-star hotel experience?

While you may not get an ocean view or exotic cuisine, most cities in America have at least a few incredible hotels. If you don’t want to save money by staying at home for your local elopement, you can simply book a stay at one of these amazing establishments or perhaps even arrange to have your elopement there.

Keep in mind however that at the moment, many hotels and other similar venues are not open for business due to COVID-19. So while this may be a perfectly viable option in a few months, right now it’s questionable.

If this is the case, you may want to plan your stay through Airbnb. Owners develop special rooms and units specifically for couples looking for places to stay on their small weddings or elopements, and you are likely to find such services in your area, even during this time.

Local Amenities for You Elopement

Just because it’s small and local doesn’t mean you aren’t going to need elopement staples like a dress, floral bouquet, and a cake, to name just a few of the essential items. The key to holding any sort of elopement at this time is to strike a balance: don’t expect that you will be able to throw this grand event, because not all of the pieces will be there to work with.

However, if you do your research, you’ll find that quite a few local places of business are still open and are providing services such as curbside pickup and delivery. You can certainly arrange to have your elopement needs met right around your own town if you take the time to reach out to these establishments and get them on board with what your plans are. Most businesses are aching for customers right now and would be happy to accommodate you as best as possible.

Final Points About Eloping You Should Consider

Remember, everyone is dealing with the same restrictions you are. If you develop a long-term strategy and reach out to the right businesses in your area, you will certainly be able to have an elopement ceremony right in your own town.

You should consider however that many of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted over the next couple months, so as we inch into the summer, there will be a much greater chance that local businesses in your area will be able to accommodate your needs better. While formal elopement and wedding planning has been put on a small hiatus until the world returns to normal, that doesn’t mean people have stopped getting married.

Use your common sense judgment on whether it’s the right time, and remember to take your time with the planning. There is absolutely no rush, and if you do feel pressured or rushed, you should step back and discuss with your partner or family or whoever is applying the pressure and speak with them directly about the matter. Your safety and health and more important than anything, and the better you plan out your elopement in this time, the less you have to worry about when the magical day arrives!