You're the kind of girl who hasn't been dreaming of her wedding since she was five. Maybe you are not interested in being the center of attention. Maybe you cannot imagine spending oodles of cash on one day. Maybe there are family dynamics that you just do not want to deal with on your wedding day. Well, eloping may be just what the doctor ordered.

The more we think about it, we are really not into the idea of a big wedding. Can we just run off and get married? Yes! An elopement is just the two of you heading off to get married and surprising everyone when you return. You don't have to run far to elope, either. You can easily get married by a justice of the peace or at the courthouse where you obtain your marriage license. Some couples just hire an officiant to meet up with them at the local beach or park to perform a low-key ceremony. You will have to check into the local marriage license requirements to see if there is a waiting period or if you will need witnesses. When you make the big announcement, be prepared for shock, delight, and possibly some dismay from those, like your parents, who were wishing for the big wedding.

If we elope, can we have a reception to celebrate with friends? A reception to celebrate with your friends is totally acceptable, and it's a great way to celebrate. Some couples have elected to surprise their guests by inviting them to a party and then making the big announcement. The more traditional route is to include the reception invitation with the wedding announcements so that the guests know why they are attending a party.