How to Elope and Still Have a Second Ceremony

eHow.com
July 22

Weddings have become such monstrous spectacles that many couples choose to bypass the whole affair and simply elope. Elopement is as valid as any wedding, but friends and family will want to revel with you in your new marriage to “make it official.” Moreover, many family members and friends will feel left out if they cannot participate in a ceremony. To avoid hurt feelings, eloping couples can hold a second, traditional ceremony followed by a reception.

Step 1
Plan the elopement. Part of what makes an elopement special is the spontaneity, but romance can turn into a headache if the legal details are left to chance. You must obtain a marriage license, and you may have to fulfill other legal obligations like blood tests. This process can take several days, so confirm the details with the proper office.

Step 2
Spread the news. Just before or immediately after the elopement, inform close friends and family members in person or over the phone. This is not an instance for mass emails or social networking updates. The sooner you tell your loved ones the happy news, the better you can mitigate hurt feelings.

Step 3
Arrange the ceremony. Try to plan this within weeks of the elopement. The sooner, the better to avoid the appearance of a gift-grab. This will technically be a vow renewal, not a marriage ceremony. Arrange with a clergy member or justice of the peace to have a ceremony that reflects your situation.

Step 4
Send the invitations. The wording should not deceive your guests, but the message that the marriage has already occurred can be subtle. Something along the lines of, “The honor of your presence is requested at a wedding celebration for James and Sarah Green,” followed by the date, time and location is appropriate.

Step 5
Register for gifts. Just because your road to marriage was not the most traditional doesn’t mean you won’t be showered with gifts. Remember, registry information should never be listed on an invitation, nor should any mention of gifts.

Step 6
Celebrate with a reception. Etiquette dictates that a traditional wedding reception following an elopement is appropriate.

References and Resources
Wedding Channel: The Eloping Trend
The Knot; Wedding Etiquette; Wedding After Eloping?