Coronavirus Elopement: Everything You Should Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has made a lot of people make changes to their wedding plans. In lieu of big weddings, a revival of an uncommon trend has shown that there is a way you can still get married and celebrate your love during a pandemic.
Maybe it’s time to consider a Coronavirus Elopement!
Photo provided courtesy of Jonathan Borba.
What does elopement during COVID-19 mean?
A long time ago, it used to be that elopement was seen as the poor cousin of marriage.
During the Great Depression, when people lacked time, money, and resources, couples would elope rather than have a big wedding. While it was legal, it was also socially frowned on.
But in the last few years, with rising costs of living in America, elopement made a comeback. Then, we had an international pandemic. It was suggested that people cancel big events, concerts, graduations, and unfortunately for betrothed couples - weddings.
The definition of elopement during COVID-19 has changed dramatically. While it may not have been your FIRST choice, a “planned elopement” could be the perfect way to celebrate your commitment without exposing your loved ones to undue risk.
Plus, elopement can be a special and romantic way to connect with your partner.
Will I Regret Getting Eloped Instead of Waiting for it to be Safe?
Currently, thousands of canceled weddings must be rebooked, so you may find yourself waiting far longer than you predicted. The number of cases in America continues to rise, and with what we know about COVID and the risks of second and third waves, waiting for it to be safe may involve a much longer delay than you can anticipate.
A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and many people have been dreaming of their wedding since they were a kid. If you’ve wanted the big wedding, you’ve had your color schemes planned out, and you’ve already received over a hundred RSVPs, I’m sure you’ve already had the discussion whether to postpone the wedding or keep the same date and try your best to enforce social distancing and keep people safe.
Ultimately, it’s your decision - but in 2020, there are thousands of weddings that are being converted into elopements and small wedding ceremonies. I promise, there’s absolutely nothing to regret about getting an elopement.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve been to my fair share of ceremonies, and no matter the size, who’s there, where it is, when you’re with the love of your life, it’s just about celebrating your love together.
Advantages of Elopement vs. Wedding During COVID-19
There are two main advantages to eloping during coronavirus.
Firstly, it’s going to be cheaper. With financial concerns nagging at us, keeping costs down is much easier due to the smaller numbers.
The average wedding in 2019 cost a whopping $33, 900, with elopement costing around $2,000.
Plus, when hiring a wedding photographer, you can save a ton by booking an elopement package. Shameless self-plug, my elopement package is only $600 for a few hours
Also, we cannot stress enough that keeping your relatives and guests safe is essential. The CDC has highlighted the impact that weddings have had on the increase in coronavirus around the world.
Who Should You Invite to an Elopement Ceremony?
You may choose to invite nobody. It’s not uncommon to elope with just an officiant and your soon-to-be spouse.
Many couples are battling the decision to invite their loved ones to a ceremony, especially those who haven’t been taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. It’s a tough decision to make.
If you do decide to ask people, it should be as small a group as possible, and those people should respect the boundaries you and your partner are setting.
We suggest requiring that everyone should have quarantined and been tested both before, and after, your wedding or elopement day. This is the only way to make sure that your wedding day isn’t marred by spreading the virus.
How to Explain to Those Who Got Uninvited
The driving factor behind coronavirus elopements is safety. Make sure your friends and relatives understand that caring for them is why they’re not invited.
Without a vaccine or a cure, nobody wants to risk exposing elderly or vulnerable loved ones to a terrifying virus.
We know that you love your other half, and you want to be married to them.
Looking back, you may find that you were happier getting to celebrate than having to wait forever. And there’s nothing to stop you from having six-month, one-year, or five-year parties to celebrate later!
Elopement Photography Packages in Atlanta, GA
If you’ve made the decision to get eloped, and you’ve started planning your day, I’d love to get the opportunity to talk to you about elopement photography. My packages are reasonable, I’m flexible, and my primary goal is to make sure that you feel like a rockstar. Get in touch and tell me about your big day - I’d love to take the photos for your little big day!