Just because it’s your Big Day doesn’t mean it needs to be, well, big. Many couples are opting for more intimate celebrations.
By: Carrie Bell-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
Elopements are on the rise — a recent OnePoll survey commissioned by pre-owned dress marketplace StillWhite.com found 60 percent of couples now seriously consider throwing I dos for two (or a few guests) in hopes of saving money, avoiding planning stress or family drama or having a just-the-few-of-us toasts. These four favorite U.S. hotels prove good things come in small (wedding) packages.
Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana
Photo: Lone Mountain Ranch
This 1915 homestead turned upscale dude ranch in Big Sky is rustic romance at its best. Here, wedding experiences are seasonal. Winter brings snowy serenity, a sleigh ride to an oil-lantern-lit dinner and a private moonlit snowshoe tour with hot cocoa.
Photo: Lone Mountain Ranch
When temperatures rise, the package morphs to include outdoor ceremonies creekside or atop a panoramic ridge, a private horseback ride with picnic and canoeing and biking along mountain trails. Offerings like massages for two, cake and three (also seasonal) meals a day at onsite eatery Horn & Cantle come with both.
Photo: Lone Mountain Ranch
No need to fear: The 27 historic unique cabins were redone in 2016 with details like clawfoot tubs, porch swings, hot tubs, wood stoves and record players (three-night winter elopement packages for two start at $4,050; five-night summer elopement packages for two start at $7,450).
Photo: Lone Mountain Ranch
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Photo: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Pairs have run off to Vegas for quickie marriages for decades. Sure, Elvis impersonators and pirate-ship venues are still available, but this upscale Strip staple offers a sophisticated alternative where petite parties are held in the privacy of their complimentarily upgraded room. Celebrations at this chic resort include personal flowers, a cake for two and a bubbles toast, plus an hour of professional photography with an escort to guide newlyweds to the best picture spots around the complex. Select a wraparound terrace suite to add fresh air and the city’s famed skyline as a backdrop. The separate bedroom comes in handy for storage and prep should you invite the allotted max of 10 guests. Get dolled up at the on-property spa/salon. Add late-night bites from Secret Pizza or Block 16 food hall (elopement packages start at $4,000 for up to 10 people, plus accommodations).
Photo: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Foundry Hotel, North Carolina
Photo: The Foundry Hotel, A Charlestowne Hotels Property
Southern charm meets red-bricked industrial chic at this downtown Asheville boutique surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The craggy landscape provides a picturesque backdrop to ceremonies held on the terrace of the Lookout Suite. And a stay in this highest point on property is part of the Why Knot Getaway deal, as are an officiant, Appalachian soul-food breakfast in bed, one hour with a photographer, personal flowers, champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a customized steel memento from a local maker. For an added fee, you can have your ceremony on a guided hike or on a hot-air balloon flight. Continue the party at the bocce lawn or re pits (one- and two-night elopement packages for ve- to 20 guests start at $1,750 and $2,500 respectively).
Photo: The Foundry Hotel, A Charlestowne Hotels Property
Conrad, Washington, D.C.
Photo: The Conrad Washington DC
Centrally located, visually stunning and offering an extremely high level of hospitality, the year-old luxury property can certainly be seen by betrotheds as a capitol gain. This is no doubt thanks to the variety of Instagrammable vignettes (dramatically curved, lighted staircase, wall mural made from broken blue-willow pottery, the adjacent urban park) and small-gathering friendly venues found inside its doors. Elopers can exchange vows on the rooftop, which looks out at District landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Capitol dome, on landscaped third-floor patios or under the elegant Falling Flowers glass chandelier. The package also includes accommodations, a custom cake, photographer and a secured hard-to-get chef’s table reservation for 10 at Estuary, the on-site Chesapeake Bay-inspired restaurant headed by Top Chef contestants the Voltaggio brothers. Grab sterling silver D.C. postcard charms for favors from Tiffany & Co. on the ground level (elopement packages start at $4,000 for up to 10 people).
Photo: The Conrad Washington DC
Legally Wedded
The three states and District of Columbia all require marriage licenses to wed. Famously, Nevada has no waiting period or blood-test requirements. Montana and Washington D.C. also do not have waiting periods. The three states do require couples apply for permission to marry in person and furnish proof of age, as well as the allotted fee. A third party may apply in Washington D.C.
Photo: The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
