Eloping is no longer something people frown upon or consider as an extremely deviant practice, although it is still not as common as some would want it to be, True, the existence of eloping packages in the market proves that more and more people are actually considering this practice, but that doesn't change the fact that many people do not really understand the logic behind eloping. Because of this, people tend to have misconceptions about elopements. But in the end, although elopements are not traditional, they do not insult the sanctity of marriage. In fact, people who do elopements are sometimes more mindful of the true meaning of marriage compared to the people who do the usual, traditional wedding ceremonies.

One of the misconceptions connected to elopements is the idea that people who elope marry without any previous consideration. To be fair, some do marry randomly and spontaneous. But while this happens, some elopements are actually planned-or at least slightly planned, due to the nature of the practice. Couples who have been together for years elope. Live-in partners elope. There are many reasons why elopements happen more than the sudden burst of spontaneity that people associate with eloping. People elope due to monetary constraints, while some couples resort to elopements to escape the conflict that can arise when they open up their plans to other people. Elopements are not due to irresponsibility; they are often due to practicality.

Some, on the other hand, believe that the only people who elope or can elope are those who have been married before. But, needless to say, this isn't true. Previously married individuals sometimes opt not to do the traditional ceremony-and they have every right to choose so, for more reasons than one. Yet, they are not the only ones who have the right to elope.

In connection with the two previous items, many also believe that elopements lead to unsuccessful marriage. Again, considering how elopements do not always happen as hastily as some believe, this isn't true. Most of the people who elope believe that marriage is sacred beyond the glamorous and elaborate ceremonies. They believe that the ceremony is only a symbol of what a marriage truly is-the union of two people who want to spend their lives together. Through elopements, couples and partners get to legalize their bond in a solemn manner, in a ceremony that involves only them, or maybe with a handful of people.

Elopements can still be romantic, contrary to what others may think. In fact, eloping exudes that old-fashioned charm of marrying someone hastily due to love, as mushy or contrived as that may sound. With eloping packages, elopements can actually be more romantic than the usual marriage ceremonies because they are done with only minimal people involved. Depending on the location, elopements can be like something about of a postcard, or a scene from a movie.

Elopements are just like the usual weddings, minus some of the typical aspects. Elopements, however, leave the most important part of the ceremony intact.

Many fail to recognize that there is certain required etiquette during an elopement. As in a usual marriage, eloping should be done properly-which means you still have to consider the feelings of the people important in your life. Etiquette, after all, means good manners-and following the eloping etiquette means you maintain decorum during the whole process.

One of the more obvious proponents of the eloping etiquette is the issue of inviting people during the ceremony. Many materials on eloping-and even the people who have eloped-are divided on this matter. On one hand, eloping doesn't have to be entirely a secret, and it is only natural that you would want some of the most important people of your life to witness an event important for you. But on the other hand, when you invite a select number of people, you fail to invite more. And needless to say, this will be an issue to a number of your family and friends. They will ask how you chose the people invited to your elopement, and, consequently, they will ask you if their relationship with you isn't enough to merit at least a notification. Although some may say that inviting a few loved ones to the ceremony can make the event more meaningful, this will also cause more feelings to be hurt.

It is only proper eloping etiquette to be resolute with your decision. You can choose to hold a reception a few days after the elopement. This way, you have done the purpose of your elopement and you still get to celebrate that momentous moment in your life.

You can, of course, announce the wedding after the elopement happened. Although it is not exactly necessary to hold a reception or some sort of celebration after your wedding, it is ideal. It is one way of acknowledging your friends and family. Those who do not hold a reception can simply send a card to people informing about the union. But needless to say, it is only proper eloping etiquette to tell the people closest to you about the wedding personally. It is simply rude to tell a close friend that you got married through telegram, as you can imagine. Again, in the absence of a reception, this personal approach is necessary because you acknowledge the importance of these people in your lives,

As for the gifts, it is only common sense not to ask for gifts from people who weren't invited during the ceremony. This is one of the downsides of eloping, although a rather petty one. Asking for gifts from people who didn't even know about the wedding (as it should be, because it is an elopement) will only offend people. Of course, if you do hold a ceremony after the wedding, a formal reception or an informal gathering, you can ask for gifts from your guests-and the guests will only oblige. Some may not feel the need to give you gifts if you did not invite them during the ceremony, but only if you invited others.

In the end, the very core of this eloping etiquette is to be respectful and considerate.

I'm here to tell you that more and more couples are eloping these days-and loving it! I'm going to tell you about some of the advantages of eloping over the traditional wedding....and let you make the decision! While you're making plans to spend the rest of your lives together, don't let the wedding get in the way.

There is absolutely no shame in eloping, or even thinking about eloping! Couples today are incredibly independent. In many ways couples are looking for a non-traditional way to marry. No longer tied to many of the traditions that are outdated, eloping has become one of the most popular ways to tie the knot. The advantages of choosing eloping over a traditional wedding are many. Eloping is an adventure, whereas a traditional wedding can quickly become a stress filled, out of control event. Eloping can be a spontaneous, very romantic decision. Think of the time and stress you'll save yourself. You won't need months of planning, or even a wedding planner when you elope. There are many services that specialize in elopements and small weddings set in the most beautiful of locations. A quick check online under elopement packages, beach wedding elopements and you could be set. Think about how you can combine a wedding, a honeymoon and a fabulous vacation all at once.

For example, destination weddings on beaches are Northern Ireland Elopements beautiful, simple and truly give you a day to remember. When you elope, making your commitment to each other official can be a lot more fun than you might think. Again, it's so very easy to combine the marriage ceremony with a beautiful destination and honeymoon. Avoiding the staggering costs of a chapel, church, reception site and the stress of it all.

Planning an elopement can be really very simple, you need an officiant, he or she, is a person allowed by law to marry you. A marriage license and usually a witness. Many elopement packages can provide the little extras- such as flower petals for the sand if you choose to have a beach wedding, a bridal bouquet and photography.

The planning of a traditional wedding, it can quickly become so complicated you need to hire a wedding planner just to navigate the process and a bank loan to finance it. Perhaps the traditional wedding comes about as a result of a couples parent's wishes. Independent couples, or couples who are marrying for a second time won't have to factor this into their decision making process. They may find the idea of a no fuss elopement very enticing! It's a practical, affordable, and relaxing way to wed these days. In short, when you elope, you make all the decisions, not your parents, not your friends...or your children, your guest list is your own. As small as you wish. Couples today can decide that paying for an elopement package makes complete sense to them. A little more fancy than the court house, without the cost... it makes great financial sense. With the current economy, many couples opt out of the traditional wedding and the debt they may be saddled with for years.

Many of the beach elopement packages can be purchased for the price of a nice wedding gown or the amount that you might spend on floral arrangements for a church. If you elope, just think about what you can do with the money you have left over- purchase a nice car, a fancy honeymoon or maybe a down payment on your first home together!

So once you've made the decision to tie the knot, consider eloping, it's really a wonderful, fun, low stress alternative. If you want a terrific destination elopement to begin your life together, think about a destination beach wedding. You'll be able to spend a fund day on the beach with the one you love... know that you'll be creating a celebration you'll always cherish!

Christine Haslet is the owner of Elope San Diego, a boutique elopement service in San Diego California. She and her husband Steve, have celebrated 22 years of married life together, and enjoyed the same number of years joining happy couples together in marriage. Christine is an award winning photographer, and her husband is a wedding officiant. Together they have joined over 3000 couples in marriage.