It’s a whole new world of uncertainty, living with COVID-19. [Cringe] And precious firsts like weddings have been canceled or postponed. But despite getting over the disappointment and adjusting to our new normal, people still want their dream wedding. And this pushback for pre-pandemic normalcy has created a hybrid ceremony – elopement.
Once known as the answer to young forbidden love who defied naysayers, it’s now how millions of couples are outsmarting “the Rona” to tie the knot. Yep, eloping is in the height of its comeback! It’s a more intimate way to exchange vows amid backdrops made for fairytales.
So, if you’re recently engaged and have wedding woes, rest assured, there are options. Check out these 6 destinations that might have you packing your bags to run away and elope!
Destination #1: Adventure to the Big Backyards with National Parks
If you’re a nature lover who enjoys fun and adventure outdoors, eloping in a national park might be your jam.
Be it the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Yosemite Park, the Joshua Tree or the Smokey Mountains, national parks have breathtaking views to set the tone for love and romance.
Destination #2: Island Hop in Hawaii
Embrace the exotic luxury of eloping in paradise, and say “Aloha” to a small wedding on the Big Island.
Select from a myriad of elopement packages online, and soon you’ll be eye-to-eye with your love, sharing promises of “I do” with lush greenery surrounding you and ocean waves crashing at your feet.
Destination #3: Pack Your Passports for Mexico
Melt the stress away in Mexico’s Riviera Maya from sprawling beach resorts in Cancun to jungle vibes in Tulum.
Or, toast it up in Cabo San Lucas and go completely posh living that champagne life.
Destination #4: Sky’s the Limit Rooftop Wedding
If time or money is limited, cut costs by keeping it local, and go up instead of out to escape (or enhance) the urban landscape.
Day or night, a rooftop wedding could be the perfect blend of lowkey and high class you were going for – just you, your bride or groom, and the city as your witness.
Destination #5: Say “I Do” in Sand Dunes
Let’s go West- Err … Midwest! To Michigan’s sand dunes. It’s an unorthodox choice, but stunning nonetheless. Going for a shipwrecked theme with driftwood as your dazzling decor?
Or are smooth mounds of sand cascading in the distance preferred? Doesn’t matter. Sleepy Bear or Silver Lake fits the bill as a unique and stylish way to elope.
Destination #6: Reach Love’s Peak on a Mountaintop
Hikes and kisses anyone? If you and your fiancé are hiking fanatics, what greater way to begin a life together than overlooking the peaks and valleys of nature before vowing to support one another through the peaks and valleys of love and life.
From Colorado to Virginia, the U.S. has hundreds of mountain tops to elope to while you explore waterfalls or venture into enchanted forests to celebrate your special day.
Of course, remember to check and double-check restrictions and requirements for travel as well as permits for eloping before making plans.
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While running away to elope is exciting, running away from recurring disagreements can be a strain on your relationship. Instead of avoiding crucial conversations, learn how to handle those uncomfortable discussions in my book that helps you safeguard your marriage so it’s built to last! Find it here.
