For some couples, marriage is less about the certificate or license and more about the commitment to each other. The first option satisfies the needs of the government, while the second comes directly from the heart.
Eloping is about finding your comfort zone. Sometimes the things you need to say don’t need to be said in front of anyone but your significant other and the officiant that the state requires.
Do Couples Still Elope Today?
About 60% of engaged couples in Georgia and across the United States are interested in scaling back their wedding plans. With the average cost of a traditional wedding climbing above $33,000, there is certainly some motivation to look at various alternatives.
What kind of adventure could you plan with your significant other if you put even half of that money into a one-of-a-kind experience? If you decide to elope, you can avoid the pressures of social media to look perfect. You can invest in yourselves in ways that make sense while exploring your happiness and love.
At Ellijay River House Bed and Breakfast, you may want to focus on what is most important to you during this special time. Searches for destination weddings in the mountains were up 32% in 2019 – and that interest continues to grow. Will you pick Ellijay?
Reasons Why Eloping Might Be the Answer for You
There is no “right” or “wrong” answer when reviewing how to elope. It is up to you to determine if this approach for formalizing your relationship with a significant other is the right step to take.
Eloping is an intimate experience. It is an intentional celebration of your love that focuses on exchanging vows and committing your lives to one another. At Ellijay River House, you can create your own adventure while setting aside the stress and expectations that a traditional wedding often brings.
Here are some of the questions you might ask yourself while planning your future together with a significant other.
Is Marriage Necessary? Some couples enjoy a lifetime together without the structure that marriage provides. This arrangement can benefit from financial benefits, so take some time to weigh all the pros and cons.
Can I Invite People? If you decide to elope, it is up to you to invite guests to your celebration. You can ask no one but the officiant, include a photographer, or bring close family members and friends.
Do I Need a Ceremony? Many couples enjoy a brief ceremony where they exchange vows and rings, but you don’t need to take that route. Anything cultural or religious that has meaning can be involved, including unity ceremonies.
Where Can We Go? Ellijay opens the door to beautiful Northern Georgia. You can choose from several adventures or enjoy time together in one of our beautiful rooms.
You can commit to someone without a legal marriage and still enjoy an elopement. It’s your day, so you get to call the shots!
Steps to Take When Planning Your Elopement at the Ellijay River House
The first step to eloping in Georgia is to obtain your marriage license. A walk-in appointment at your local probate court takes about 30 minutes to complete, although you’ll want to call ahead to see the wait times for your area. That means you can get married on the same day.
There’s a small fee associated with the issuance of your marriage license. You’ll want to bring your Social Security number and an ID.
Some counties discount the marriage license fee significantly if you show that you completed a premarital education program.
Do I Need Witnesses to Elope in Georgia?
Georgia’s laws do not require you to have witnesses at your wedding. The only stipulation is that you must have an ordained officiant or legal representative that can sign your marriage certificate after the ceremony.
That means you can have a private ceremony at our Georgia bed and breakfast to yourself, with close family, or a handful of friends you love.
When to Elope in Georgia?
Every season in Ellijay offers unique opportunities to enjoy your elopement and fall deeper in love with your soon-to-be spouse. The summers tend to be lush and warm without being overly hot or humid. If you prefer winter, the temperatures are milder with fewer people, but it can get a bit cold - all the more reason to snuggle up with your love.
Spring elopements have beautiful wildflowers and foliage to enjoy. A favorite season is fall in Georgia, with the changing colors in the trees.
Pick the time that you love because this moment is all about you and the people you love. When you find your inspiration, you’ll be one step closer to committing your life to that person that means everything to you.
We’d love to host your elopement at our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast. Reach out to us today to book a room or if you have any questions. We’re happy to help.