#elopement

#elopement

I don't. And that's exactly why I stopped. Rewind the clock 15 years. When an event planner gave us a truly ridiculous quote for a small wedding, my partner and I booked a flight to Las Vegas the very next day. We were married before noon at the Little Chapel of Flowers. No drama. No chair covers. Just vows and relief. It was a very good day.

I emailed her dad, asking when would be a good time for me to come over to talk. He sent me a bunch of Bible quotes. I told him I'd like to have a conversation with him and her mother. He sent me an email lecture about sex outside of marriage. OK, I thought, maybe I need to be more explicit. Next email: Subject: I want to marry your daughter. His reply: We can't bless that union.

My longtime soulmate and I promised each other forever at a 7,000-foot overlook in the Rockies in 2024. There were no guests or officiant, just our photographer and the wind as unofficial witnesses. In a half-hour photo session, we exchanged rings and handwritten vows from a pocket notebook, and tried to look natural for the camera - all while making sure we didn't tumble off the edge in high winds. We picked Colorado for its unique marriage laws, allowing couples to self-solemnize independently.

Eloping became the attractive option as we realized the stress and expense of a large wedding didn't align with our new priorities as parents.

After exploring traditional wedding options, Allie and Ryan decided on eloping due to venue availability and their desire not to wait any longer to marry.