Many couples are making the choice: wedding or elopement?  There is nothing wrong with either decision.

An elopement can mean a quick, less costly confirmation of your love.  A wedding may mean additional expense, but it is also a huge celebration.

Before deciding on either option, ask your significant other the following questions – and have him or her ask you the same questions:

Will there be hurt feelings all around if you don’t have a wedding?

While your wedding or elopement is ultimately a confirmation of your love for one another, family and friends may feel hurt if you don’t include them.  You have options – so is an exclusive elopement the right one?

Why do you want to run off together?

Weddings can be stressful.  They require a lot of planning – but there is a big payoff at the end.  Do you and your significant other want to elope because a wedding is daunting – and it’s hard to keep your eye on the prize?  Or do you enjoy spontaneity and don’t want to deal with the stress of wedding planning?

There is no “right reason” for having an elopement in the place of a wedding.  However, if you or your partner really want a wedding in the end – that desire needs to be respected.

Would it work to mix things up?

A “strict” elopement of just you and your significant other running away to marry with no celebration may make one or both of you unhappy.  Instead, try eloping and having a reception afterwards or do a destination wedding that feels like an elopement because there are so few people there.

Remember that this decision is much like choosing the right wine for your palate – it’s whatever works best for you and your partner. Wishing you both all the best!