Lifestyle

The New Alternative to Elopement

Alternative to Elopement

Photo by Morning Wild Photography

Eloping? Consider This…

The old tradition of running off to get married is making a comeback. Not surprisingly, Asheville newlyweds have added new twists to the quaint idea of elopement.

“My thought about an elopement was, you sneak off. I always thought that’s what an elopement meant. You get on a plane to Vegas, you let Elvis marry you, and then go drink pink champagne in the back of a white limousine,” says Rick Bell, proprietor of Engadine Inn and Cabins in Candler, who hosts elopements and recommitment ceremonies for couples who are renewing their vows. “That’s not the case anymore.”

Rather, couples are customizing their day, sometimes including a few close friends and family. The secrecy that used to characterize eloping often doesn’t stick. The perfect venue, scrumptious food, and amenities all play key roles in the modern day elopement. Instead of hopping into the Buick and racing off to the courthouse, couples are considering food, flowers, and spirits before the event to make the big day special, even if just for two. Planning often includes hiring a wedding consultant.

“Elopements and more intimate ceremonies and receptions are very popular these days,” says Alex Fisher, whose company Lucky Penny Creative in Greenville and Asheville coordinates weddings of all sizes. “It makes the budget a bit more manageable but also allows the couple to really go all-in on the details that matter most to them.”

In other words, this may not be your grandmother’s affair, and because something borrowed and something blue still matters, so does advanced planning. The Orchard Inn in Saluda recommends booking the venue at least nine months ahead of the date, even if the bride and groom will be the only attendees. The inn’s elopement package, for eight or fewer people, has become extremely popular. The wedding may start out as an affair for two or can grow to a small wedding for twenty guests.

“The day is for you to enjoy,” says Orchard Inn proprietor Marc Blazar, “not to be anxious about having to organize all of it. We’ll do that. You just show up, enjoy, and say ‘I do.’”

For more information about eloping, contact Lucky Penny Creative at 828.712.7039 or visit luckypennycreative.com. The Orchard Inn & Newman’s Restaurant can be reached at 800.581.3800 or visit orchardinn.com. Or learn more about Engadine Inn and Cabins in our At Home feature.

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