Wedding Elopements – Weekend Getaways to Get Married
Traditionally, an elopement described when a couple ran away to secretly get married, usually without any parental approval or announcement to friends or family. The decision to run away was often made by the couple in secrecy, and the act was carried out in secret as the couple looked to legalize their commitment to each other, as they fled those that were against their union. The search to find someone certified to perform an elopement wedding was also usually done in secret, resulting in a ceremony with no family present and a few strangers to act as witnesses to the bittersweet happiness of the newly wedded couple.
In stark contrast, today’s elopements are rarely a secret, with the couple informing friends and family of their plans to elope. For many couples, the decision to elope is based on finances, and offers a cost-effective way to get married without spending a lot of money to do so. Other couples choose elopement as a way to avoid the drama that often accompanies a large wedding with feuding family members in attendance. There are also couples that choose to elope simply for the spur-of-the-moment excitement and shock value it presents when the decision includes a last-minute decision to marry on a Friday and take off for a weekend getaway as newlyweds.
Regardless of the reason, elopements are still rising in popularity, with wedding statistics showing a 74 percent increase in U.S. elopements over the past decade, driven heavily by “a desire for intimacy and lower costs.” Other statistics show that nearly 69 percent of Americans feel a destination elopement “says more about a couple than a large, traditional wedding with a 200-person reception” that follows. While elopements typically include the couple, officiant, and about 10 guests, another small wedding option – micro-weddings – is also a popular choice with a guest count of about 20 people.
For couples in Indian River County (IRC), a weekend getaway to get married offers a wide range of things to do after the I dos. Many year-round residents and snowbirds would agree that the best thing about IRC is the long list of places to visit—with many options budget-friendly or free, perfect for newlyweds eager to begin married life, but keeping a savvy eye on expenses.
According to popular tourism websites, the best hidden gems in Indian River County include Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Historic Jungle Trail, the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area, Round Island Riverside Park, the Environmental Learning Center, the Indian River Citrus Museum, and the McLarty Treasure Museum. Together, they cover wildlife, scenery, and local history, as easy day-trips for couples short on time and funds.
These popular IRC destinations stand out not just because they are lesser-known, but because “together they show the county from several angles: wildlife and conservation at Pelican Island, old-Florida scenery on Jungle Trail, lagoon access at Oslo and Round Island, hands-on learning at the Environmental Learning Center, and local heritage at the Citrus Museum, and McLarty Museum.” Many travel writers would agree that Indian River County “does beaches well, but some of its most memorable stops sit on the lagoon side, down old roads, or inside compact museums that tell the region’s story.”
In cities such as Wabasso, Sebastian, and Vero Beach, there are many things for engaged couples to see and do, including various options for starting a life of wedded bliss. In the northeastern part of IRC, located near Sebastian and Vero Beach, sits the city of Wabasso, where couples seeking to elope can exchange their vows on a pontoon boat on the Indian River Lagoon. The private lagoon charter fits up to 17 people with a captain and nature guide included, and the intimate ceremony on the water takes place under an open sky with scenic views all around.
As the most populous city in Indian River County, Sebastian is situated along the Indian River and St. Sebastian River, near the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Eloping couples can celebrate their wedding at Rock City Gardens in a spectacular outdoor setting. “The seven acres of meticulously maintained tropical gardens provide a breathtaking backdrop. In the evening, beautifully lit gardens create an amazing atmosphere for couples and their guests.” Additionally, floral arrangements are available to enhance wedding décor, making any wedding celebration truly memorable.
Another ideal location for an elopement in Indian River County is Vero Beach, the principal city of IRC located just 85 miles southeast of Orlando, comfortably situated on the Treasure Coast. In Vero Beach, the Twisted Oak Farm offers a cost-effective Engagement Special for couples looking for a no-fuss wedding ceremony held under the oak tree, beside the pond or inside the barn. This basic package allows for an officiant and up to four guests, and includes the rental of the venue for one hour. Similar packages are also available for micro-weddings that allow up to 30 guests.
For couples looking to elope in a secret ceremony or in an announced celebration, Indian River County offers many wedding packages to fit every style and budget. With so many choices and options from which to choose an ideal elopement setting, the one thing that remains constant through it all is the love shared by the couple, which was never a secret to anyone.
Photo courtesy of the Environmental Learning Center
Photo courtesy of Rock City Gardens
Photo courtesy of Twisted Oak Farm
