What makes NYC so romantic? Is it history? The culture? The lights? If elope there it will be all of the above, plus your love story. Imagine having a chic courthouse wedding, before exploring the city, and ending the night with a fat pizza. Or having your first look at dawn on the Brooklyn Bridge and  having an intimate ceremony and picnic in the park afterwards. There really is no wrong way to elope in NYC!

Big cities and new places can feel overwhelming, but luckily NYC is so loved that there are endless resources for even the littlest things. Today we’re going to talk about the big stuff: How to get your marriage license, where to stay, when to visit, places to elope, and things to do. Let’s get those things off your plate and jumpstart your imagination!

Choosing each other, choosing a one-of-a-kind adventure, and choosing to keep this experience special between just the two of you is an easy “yes”. Don’t let fear or other people’s reactions make you doubt your choice to elope—or even worse—turn it into a “no”! It takes a special kind of person to get married this way, because it is equal parts brave and beautiful. You’re doing something different and although your friends and family may not understand at first, they’ll come around. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate these weird waters alone. I’ve got you! 

It’s not the size of the venue or the number of guests that makes a wedding special; it’s the intention. Before any other wedding planning, sit down with your partner to discuss the elements that mean the most to you and what you want your wedding day to feel like. Really, really, really dig into it!

It’s totally up to you whether or not you want to believe in the Irish folklore of sirens, fairies, and leprechauns—but the overall beauty of Ireland is 100% irrefutable. The sites, culture, people, and scenery are equally wonderful. The country is steeped in a proud history and the phenomenal landscape has inspired musicians, poets, and artists alike. Trust me when I say the rolling hills are even more green in person, the sounds of the waves below the Cliffs of Moher are louder than you can imagine, and being stuck on a country road due to rouge sheep blocking the way isn’t just some made-up movie scenario. It’s almost as if the rest of the world falls away and you’re transported to another, more tranquil place in time. 

Why elope in Greece? I think the better question is…why not? The remarkable history, mouth-water cuisine, breathtaking architecture, and the incredible Mediterranean climate. And the vibrant yet laid-back culture. AND  its drop-dead-gorgeous scenery—I mean the list is never ending. It’s the perfect place for couples that want an experience-filled adventure, but also for lovers simply craving a quiet, luxurious escape. Greece’s ethereal energy makes it a truly romantic elopement destination.

Okay you’ve decided to elope abroad, now all you have to do is plan the most epic day(s) of your lives! As amazing and fun as eloping sounds (which it will be) making your dreams a reality comes with its own unique set of challenges. The where, when, with who, and how of it all. Luckily, I’ve been around the elopement block and globe a few times. I want to help couples, like you, navigate planning with ease and direction through 6 easy steps. 

It’s probably safe to assume that if you’re looking to elope outdoors you care about the preservation of nature. You know to respect wildlife and your surroundings, but what else? I’m happy to report that it doesn’t take much more than awareness and educated choices to have an environmentally conscious elopement! There are simple switches you can implement and basic guidelines that can minimize your impact on the area you’re choosing to say “I do”. Truly, you can have the wedding of your dreams, at a once-in-a-lifetime destination, all while feeling empowered and proud of your decisions to make it a reality. 

Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves, being surrounded by your loved ones and the buzz of excitement as you get ready, the feeling of butterflies and warm sand between your toes as you walk up the aisle, and sealing your forever promises with a sea salt kiss. Then at the end of the night once all the champagne has been popped and the light of the day is gone, everyone will trade their fancy attire for comfy clothes. You’ll all gather around a beach fire to reminisce about the day. THAT is an iconic Florida beach house wedding. And it could be yours. 

With the rising popularity of elopements, it’s no surprise newly-engaged couples everywhere are trying to decide whether eloping is right for them. Or if they should go the traditional route for their wedding day. Eloping has been around for forever, but the rhetoric around it has changed as couples have come to realize that it is a meaningful way to connect, eliminates stress, is cost effective, relieves decision fatigue, and it’s fun. Overall it gives them permission to put themselves first above all else.

Couples are scaling down their guest lists and investing more into their wedding than ever to create an ultra personalized wedding day for themselves and their guests to enjoy! The wedding trends rising to the top for 2023 focus on intentional moments, creating a memorable guest experience, infusing personality wherever possible, putting modern twists on old traditions, and sustainability. Across the board these trends are fun, unique, and beautiful—from how couple’s structure their day to the vendors.