Weddings can be a joyful celebration of love, but they are not for everyone. So, what do you do if you want to get married but don’t want to have a wedding? Well, there are plenty of ways to have a celebration of your nuptials without all the fuss and frills of a traditional wedding.
The Rise of Elopements:
One of the most popular methods of getting married without a wedding is through an elopement. While the term ‘elopement’ used to suggest a covert romance, the modern elopement is far from illegal or sneaky. An elopement is, in fact, a simple and intimate way to get married without any of the extra planning, expenses, and pressure that typically comes with having a public wedding.
With elopements, you’ll pick up a marriage license from the County Clerk and Recorder and you’ll sign it on the day of your elopement. Usually, you will have witnesses during the signing process and then have it filed. You can choose to do this nearly anywhere, with some scenic places like parks, mountains, lakes, or even at a ceremony performed by an officiant.
The Low-Key Ceremony:
Another option would be to have a micro-ceremony or even a non-public courthouse wedding. Micro-ceremonies are smaller in nature and mostly attended by close family and cherished friends. It can be held anywhere chosen by the couple – either in their backyard or rented small venue. For this, you can dress as formally or informally as you’d like.
Taking this route could involve small but crucial touches such as gorgeous vows, quality speeches, good music, and delicious treats without the extravagance and hassle of full-scale wedding planning.
Offbeat Wedding Receptions:
Additionally, you can attach a different type of ceremony to an “offbeat wedding reception” or “celebration of marriage” and keep the celebration informal. It’s flexible and manageable for the couple who doesn’t want a wedding but wants to celebrate their love with people important to them.
These celebrations can happen any time the couple wants; it could be weeks or months after the ceremony. An event like this is a time to bond with loved ones and generate memories that might not have happened in a more traditional wedding environment. You can make it a potluck with a specific theme and adhering to all CDC guidelines.
Destination weddings and Halimoon trips:
Finally, there’s no harm in going on a destination wedding for two. A trip to a place like Hawaii or the Caribbean, where a marriage license could be acquired and the couple could have a celebrant or officiant perform the ceremony. Afterward, a romantic Halimoon period awaits or perhaps invite your family to join you for the rest of the week to celebrate and explore the chosen location!
Conclusion:
A wedding should be something that the couple is comfortable with. The idea of starting a new life with the person you love is more important than extra frills and an exorbitant expense. There are so many ways to celebrate the event that aren’t your typical wedding, which you can tailor to suit your needs and budget. Whether it’s a small gathering, a lovely elopement, or an intimate celebration in Bali, there’s a way to mark the occasion that will reflect the couple’s character and make their day special.
FAQ
What can I do instead of getting married?
Marriage is not for everyone and there are several reasons why someone may not want to tie the knot. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t have fulfilling and committed relationships. There are several alternatives to consider instead of getting married.
1. Domestic partnership: A domestic partnership is a legal agreement between two people who live together and share a domestic life but are not married. This option is available in some states and offers many of the legal protections and rights that a marriage provides.
2. Civil unions: A civil union is a legally recognized agreement between two people that guarantees some of the same legal rights and benefits as marriage, such as tax benefits, inheritance rights, and hospital visitation rights.
3. Cohabitation agreements: A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract between two people who live together but are not married. This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of each partner, including property rights, financial support, and custody of children.
4. Living apart together (LAT): This is a relatively new concept where two people are in a committed relationship but choose to live separately. This option allows couples to maintain their independence while still being in a committed relationship.
5. Polyamorous relationships: Polyamorous relationships involve being in a relationship with more than one person at the same time. While not for everyone, this type of relationship can provide a sense of community and support that can be difficult to find in traditional relationships.
There are several alternatives to marriage that can be just as fulfilling and committed. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to carefully consider what works best for you and your partner(s).
Is it OK to not have a wedding?
Yes, it is absolutely okay to not have a wedding. In fact, more and more couples are opting to skip the traditional wedding ceremony altogether and instead elope, have a small intimate ceremony, or even just sign the legal documents at a courthouse. The decision to not have a wedding can come from a variety of reasons, such as financial constraints, personal preferences, or simply wanting to avoid the stress and hassle that comes with planning a big event.
One of the biggest reasons that couples choose to forego a wedding is the cost. Weddings can be incredibly expensive, especially if you want a large, elaborate affair with all the bells and whistles. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is over $30,000, and that doesn’t include the cost of the honeymoon or any other related expenses. For many couples, that kind of expense just isn’t practical or realistic, and they would rather save the money for a down payment on a house or other big ticket items.
Another reason why some couples choose to skip the wedding is simply personal preference. Some people just don’t like being the center of attention, or don’t like the idea of having to conform to traditional wedding customs and expectations. Others may have religious or cultural reasons for not wanting a big, elaborate wedding ceremony. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that weddings are not a requirement for a happy and successful marriage.
Finally, some couples choose to forego a wedding because they just don’t want to deal with the stress and hassle that comes with planning such a big event. Wedding planning can be incredibly time-consuming and stressful, especially if you’re not used to event planning or don’t have a lot of help. By skipping the wedding, these couples can focus on what really matters – their commitment to each other and their future together.
It is absolutely okay to not have a wedding. Whether it’s for financial reasons, personal preferences, or just to avoid the stress and hassle of wedding planning, there are plenty of valid reasons why more and more couples are choosing to skip the traditional wedding ceremony and do things their own way. What matters most is that you and your partner are on the same page about what you want, and that you’re both committed to building a happy and successful life together.
What is a wedding with no guests called?
A wedding day is one of the most important days in a couple’s life, and it is traditionally celebrated with family and friends. However, some couples choose to forgo the traditional wedding and decide to have a wedding with no guests in attendance. This type of wedding is called a private wedding, confidential wedding, or simply, a wedding without guests.
A private wedding ceremony is a ceremony that is performed without any guests or public attention. This type of wedding is attended only by the couple, the officiant, and, if desired, a photographer. The ceremony can be performed in a religious or non-religious setting, depending on the couple’s preferences.
Private weddings are becoming increasingly popular among couples who want to keep their wedding day intimate and personal. The reasons for having a private wedding may vary from couple to couple. Some couples may prefer to have a private wedding due to financial constraints, while others may feel that an intimate and private ceremony is more meaningful and romantic.
One of the benefits of having a wedding with no guests is that it can be a more relaxed and stress-free experience for the couple. They don’t have to worry about coordinating with guests, seating arrangements, or accommodating everyone’s dietary or alcohol preferences. Instead, they can focus on each other and the significance of their commitment to one another.
Despite not having guests in attendance, it is important to note that a private wedding still requires some key elements. For example, the couple will still need a marriage license, an officiant, and, depending on the location and legal requirements, a witness to sign the marriage license. Additionally, some couples may choose to have a reception or celebrate in some other way with their friends and family, even if they were not part of the actual ceremony.
A private wedding is a ceremony that is performed without any guests or public attention. This type of wedding can be a great choice for couples who want a more intimate and meaningful ceremony. A private wedding allows the couple to focus on each other and the significance of their commitment, without having to worry about guests and the various traditions and obligations that come with a traditional wedding.
