If you’re in the middle of planning an extravagant wedding or have ever hosted an elaborate event, you know the challenges that go hand in hand with planning your dream day. We’ve come up with our top 10 reasons for eloping in Maryland instead.
Top 10 Reasons to Elope in Maryland
1. Historic elopement destination.
In the 1920s-30s, Elkton, Maryland was the top elopement destination on the East Coast. With no waiting period for a marriage license during that time in Maryland, couples traveled from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and New York often to elope in Maryland and tied the knot in the small town of Elkton. Just across the state line from Delaware and Pennsylvania and an easy bus ride from New York and New Jersey, convenient location was the key and Main Street was lined with wedding chapels in its hey day. Katherine Hepburn’s and Cary Grant’s characters eloped to Maryland in “The Philadelphia Story” of the 1940s. The tradition remains to this day and couples can still be married at The Little Wedding Chapel on Elkton’s Main Street. Read more about the “Quickie Wedding Capital of the East Coast” here. There is now a 48-hour waiting period for a marriage license in Maryland so plan accordingly.
2. Variety of elopement venues.
Plan a simple courthouse ceremony, say “I do” at the zoo, choose a quiet bed and breakfast, a charming garden, an Eastern Shore destination, or a mountain cabin. The beauty of Maryland’s gorgeous scenery is in the variety. You’re never too far from a contemporary city scene, historic charm, country serenity, waterfront or mountaintop views.
3. Affordable elopement packages.
The average cost of a wedding reception in Baltimore, Maryland in 2014 was around $34,000 and the cost in Suburban Maryland, DC, and Northern Virgina was close to $40,000 according to a study by The Knot, a popular wedding website. Many locations offer amazing elopement packages that include an officiant and even professional photography for a fraction of that cost. Check out our elopement packages at Gramercy Mansion.
4. All couples welcome!
Maryland is a Marriage Equality state. We welcome LGBT couples and couples of all faiths and nationalities. We can’t speak for other venues and wedding professionals, so it’s always best to meet or speak with your event team personally, even for an intimate elopement, and be sure everyone is comfortable with expectations and any special requirements for your ceremony.
5. Less-stress wedding planning.
Take the headache out of wedding planning by keeping it simple. Just the two of you or a small guest list eliminates the family drama, seating charts, wedding favors, rehearsal dinner and so many other details that can pile on the stress.
6. Spontaneity and romance.
The spontaneity of running away together can truly be romantic. You’re wrapped up in the moment and focused completely on one another. Isn’t that what everyone wants for their wedding day?
7. Intimate and personal.
We love witnessing elopement ceremonies here because they are so intimate and personal. It’s not about a production for 150 spectators. Couples can be as formal or informal as they want, vows are personal, and if there are guests they play a very special role in the couple’s life together.
8. Why wait?
As Billy Crystal proclaimed in the classic final scene from “When Harry Met Sally” – “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
9. You’ve done this before.
Maybe you’ve been married before with the lavish reception and 200 guests and have no desire to do it all again. Maybe it’s about the marriage for you and not the party.
10. Honeymoon & wedding rolled into one!
Just the two of you at a romantic and secluded location… the honeymoon begins right after the I-dos!
If you’re considering eloping in Maryland, it would be our pleasure to help with the details. Gramercy Mansion offers romantic elopement getaway packages ideal for your wedding ceremony, wedding night stay and honeymoon.