Everything you need to know about a Virginia Elopement
Who said you needed to travel thousands of miles to elope for your wedding? Whether you’re a Virginia native looking for a fun place to tie the knot or traveling to Virginia from anywhere else, here’s everything you need to know when planning a Virginia Elopement.
What is considered an elopement, anyway?
Traditionally, an elopement meant running away from home with your lover and getting married in secret. Today, though, involving family and friends in your elopement has become much more common. Now elopements are viewed as weddings that take place in a location where the couple does not live.
When you think of elopements, you may picture expensive destination weddings in other countries. And you can totally do that – but you don’t have to.
Why Elope in VA?
If you have family or friends living all over the place, you may want to choose a location that is centralized, so it’s fairly easy for all guests to travel for your wedding. If everyone is really spread out, this may be more difficult, but it’s something to consider!
Virginia is right in the center of the east coast, making it a good option if you have people traveling from this area!
Aside from location, Virginia is a beautiful state to tie the knot in. There are stunning parks and venues, fantastic vendors, and it’s easy to obtain a marriage license here. You could have your ceremony on a mountaintop, sandy beach, or bustling city rooftop all without leaving the state!
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Virginia?
The total cost to elope in Virginia will depend on your guest size, venue, and wedding details. However, it’s super easy to stay within your budget here!
Marriage licenses are $30 here and officiant fees can vary but you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $200-$300, depending on if you handle the legal paperwork via a tabletop service or if you have them participate in your ceremony. It’s totally up to you!
If you’re planning to elope, consider hiring local vendors instead of vendors from where you live, as travel fees can add up quickly. And by hiring someone who’s familiar with the area, you’ll have a much easier time planning.
You’ll also need to consider permits if you’re looking to elope in a public space.
When to Elope in Virginia
The time of year you’d like to elope depends on what weather you’d prefer. If you’d like to be married outside, consider a spring or fall wedding, as those seasons have mild temperatures here in Virginia. Check out this article to explore Virginia’s weather by season.
As for time of day, if you’d like to tie the knot outdoors, one hour before sunset is a great time for gorgeous photos. If you’ll be inside, you can choose whatever time you’d like, as long as your venue is available.
