wedding 2019 | INTIMATE WEDDINGS

by Anne Pyburn Craig

date posted: March 10, 2019

Some people thrive on wedding planning and love the idea of celebrating with 100 friends and relatives, complete with all the trimmings. Others...don’t.

If you find yourselves saying to each other “Why don’t we just run off?” and all of a sudden it sounds like the best idea ever, know that you’re not alone. It’s actually trending.

“We are seeing a growing need for smaller, simpler ways to begin a marriage,” says Erica Beckman of Hudson Valley Elope, a local business that works with couples to create a personalized wedding day. “It’s not about cutting corners; elopements allow couples to connect in an intimate way as they make this incredibly important commitment to each other.”

Saying “I do” can be quick, simple, and inexpensive, or as dressy and romantic as you want to make it.

Whether it’s just the two of you or a small gathering of close family and friends, eloping can be a relaxed, intimate, and meaningful choice. Perhaps you have a location in mind that’s a hidden gem near one of your favorite trails, or maybe you have an idea of what you want but need some help in finding it.

“The Hudson Valley has so much to offer for couples who want to run away together and get married in the mountains!” explains Anna Conlan, coordinator for Hudson Valley Elope.

Anna and her team help couples to actualize their dream elopement.

“We want to alleviate the planning stress by creating personalized ceremonies and gorgeous photography, and giving couples insider knowledge about stunning outdoor locations, where to get locally grown seasonal bouquets, or cool places to stay nearby,” says Anna.

Saying “I do” can be quick, simple, and inexpensive, or as dressy and romantic as you want to make it.

If you’re looking for some pointers, Anna is there to guide you, along with Erica, a former-photojournalist-turned-wedding-photographer who knows how to quietly capture those valuable moments, and Michele Zipp, an ordained minster and officiant with a knack for creating a unique ceremony that resonates with every couple she meets

however you decide to plan your special day, know that it does require some forethought:

• Whether you’re running off to city hall or Vienna, marriage is a legal contract. Make sure you’re familiar with the local rules. You don’t want a required waiting period or blood test holding you up.

• Consider the possibilities of an intimate wedding with just a handful of people sharing the moment. If you’re set on it being just you two, do let your inner circle know by phone or in person before you post that photo to social media.

• Speaking of those photos, feel free to pick your bouquet in your garden or have a picnic after—freedom’s the point here; but, please, please, hire a photographer for a couple of hours. You, your loved ones, and any descendants you may have will be glad you did.

• Consider what means the most to the two of you. The beauty of not having to please a crowd is that you can absolutely do as you please with your dress, makeup, rings, vows, and the whole bit. Splurge on the things that make your hearts happy. Ignore the ones that don’t.

• Many venues offer elopement packages that include the ceremony, photos, a meal, accomodations, and various other trimmings. You pick a date a few weeks out; their on-staff planner does the rest. Just do your homework when you’re choosing that venue. Read reviews. Ask questions. Once that choice is made, all you have to do is show up.

• Celebrate! Send the rest of the folks you love a pretty announcement with a favorite photo; host a laid-back party and share your delight with those you care about most.