There is a difference between an elopement and intimate weddings and understanding the difference makes the planning process easier for everyone.
Both types of ceremonies are simplistic – romantic and involve few guests. As you consider the type of ceremony you want, understanding the difference between an elopement and an intimate wedding leads to a better understanding of the difference regarding pricing and availability.
ELOPEMENT
Let’s start with the history and definition of an elopement.
The definition of an elopement is this: often used to refer to a marriage conducted in sudden and secretive fashion, usually involving a hurried flight away from one’s place of residence together with one’s beloved with the intention of getting married.
We’ve all heard about it, and seen it in movies. The star-crossed lovers who want to marry, but can’t because she’s betrothed to another through an arranged marriage. You see back then, you ran… you ran as far and as fast as you could. You found someone who would marry you, and you did it in secret!
Some couples elope because they wish to avoid objections from parents, or religious obligations. While others tend to choose this option either because they’re traveling to a specific spot to get married, or simply don’t want the trappings, and expenses, of a wedding ceremony and reception.
A typical elopement usually involves a judge, or an officiant, the couple wishing to get married, and either just the 2 witnesses needed, or witnesses and a couple other people.
SMALL AND INTIMATE WEDDING
Intimate weddings make for great destination weddings here in Guatemala. An intimate wedding differs from an elopement in many ways. For one, there is no secrecy like that of an elopement. Secondly, the key difference from a standard wedding is the SIZE of the guest list. There is often some type of reception after the ceremony. However, it does not contain all the bells and whistles of a large reception. The focus is on keeping the reception simple yet enjoyable for your guests, in small wedding you can INVEST in more beautiful DETAILS and personalized even more every aspect of your wedding.
THE DIFFERENCES : Eloping vs. Intimate Wedding
1.THE GUESTS
An elopement is much more personal and intimate than a wedding. Regularly no more than 12 guests including the couple and officiant.
A typical elopement usually involves a judge, or an officiant, the couple wishing to get married, and either just the 2 witnesses needed, or witnesses and a couple other people.
The challenge of who to invite and who not to invite is always an issue with weddings. An intimate wedding still require planning and guests are more likely to notice mistakes. You can also create a larger guest list for the reception while keeping the ceremony limited to close friends and family.
2.VENUES
An elopement can happen almost anywhere you can think of — YEIII! Exquisite mountain tops in Antigua Guatemala, in the in front of Lake Atitlan ,gorgeous beaches are just a handful of spots where an elopement can occur, primarily due to smaller ceremony sizes and reduced amounts of set-up.
Your options open up quite a bit when you’re traveling solo with your love one and a few guests! Traditional weddings tend to take up more space, so venue options are generally more limited to places that can handle the needs of the ceremony.
For Intimate Ceremonies some of our favorite venues are Capuchinas, Pensativo House Hotel, Santa Clara and Hotel Panza Verde in Antigua Guatemala.
In Atitlan Casa Palopo, Isla Verde Hotel and Casa Prana.
3.THE PLANNING PROCESS
Always hire a wedding planner, no matter if is a intimate wedding or an elopement , specially if you are doing a destination celebration! Both traditional weddings and elopement ceremonies call for some same basic planning ahead. Both ceremonies require an officiant to marry you, or an legally binding marriage license.
3.FLORALS AND STYLING
Our Design&Style service are specially curated for each client and project and have many variables that are taken into account.
What kind of Decor you will need for your elopement? a beautiful ceremony , bouquet and/or dinner table, we are here to make your dreams come true. We can and will gladly travel anywhere you have in mind and create a “mini wedding” for your elopement. No stress or big crowds, just you, your lover and a beautiful set up.
My availability for elopements is limited to Monday to Thursday. (Our elopements require a 12 person maximum guest limit) Elopements Florals services starts at $USD 1,500.00 in Guatemala and Antigua Guatemala. No travel fees incluided.
Whatever you choose, a elopement or a intimate wedding; me and my Team, can desing a beautiful and memorable florals in both cases you will not have to pay for dozens or even hundreds of guests to attend, Instead, you can focus on have something beautiful, memorable for you, your love one and your closest friends or family.
Inquire for more details and pricing. CONTAC ME!
LOVE!
BEA
Photos in this article taken by :
Kami Olavarria San Diego Wedding Photographer: https://kamiolavarria.com
Daniel Lopez Perez Wedding Photography : https://daniellopezperez.com/