Elopement FAQs

HOW IT WORKS FROM FIRST CONTACT TO “I DO.”

• Start by completing my elopement inquiry form

• I typically respond promptly by text

• Review this FAQ page

• If you would like to move forward, submit payment to secure your date

• Once booked, I guide you through everything from the marriage license to your certified marriage certificate

Please submit the consultation form only when you are ready to move forward.

Meetings are not for general browsing or price comparisons.

HOW DO WE GET OUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?

• You apply in the New Jersey municipality where either partner lives

• You must bring valid ID, one witness, and the required municipal fee

• Many offices require appointments, always confirm before going

You may list me as your officiant only after you have officially booked my services.

Once booked, I will guide you through the license process step by step.

HOW DO WE RECEIVE OUR CERTIFIED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?

After your ceremony, I submit your completed Marriage License to the Registrar for processing.

Your Certified Marriage Certificate is issued after this step.

I strongly recommend ordering at least two certified copies for your records.

CAN WE RECEIVE OUR CERTIFICATE THE SAME DAY?

Yes, you certainly can!

If you need your Certified Marriage Certificate immediately for immigration, legal, or travel purposes, I can assist with same-day processing.

There is no additional service fee for this support.

Standard registrar copy fees still apply.

WHERE DO YOU PERFORM ELOPEMENTS?

I officiate elopements throughout New Jersey, New York City and Pennsylvania.

Travel fees may apply depending on location.

You are welcome to explore location ideas on your own or view my elopement portfolio.

Location recommendations are provided only after booking.

This allows guidance to be tailored to timing, municipality and logistics.

SHOULD WE ELOPE AT THE COURTHOUSE?

That choice is yours. Many couples choose not to use a courthouse because it is busy and administrative, not personal.

Eloping with a small group does not mean your day has to feel rushed or impersonal.

Your elopement can still feel intentional, meaningful and memorable.

Many couples choose outdoor or private locations instead.

You can view real examples in my elopement portfolio.

DO WE NEED WITNESSES?
CAN YOU PROVIDE THEM?

Yes. New Jersey requires:

• One witness when applying for the marriage license

• Two witnesses on elopement day

You may bring your own witnesses, or I can provide witnesses if needed.

• $50 per witness

• Must be requested in advance

WHAT DOES AN ELOPEMENT COST?

I offer two elopement options:

• $495: Vows and marriage license signing with proper processing

• $900: Elopement ceremony

Details about what’s included in each option are outlined on their respective pages under the Elopements tab.

Please review those pages to understand the difference between the two services before reaching out.

Additional services, travel, and add-ons are priced separately.

Pricing is NOT negotiable.

HOW DO WE SECURE OUR DATE?

Full payment is required to reserve your date and time.

Payments are non-refundable.

Payment method:
Zelle: 908-525-8913

No date is held without payment.

DO YOU PROVIDE VENDOR REFERRALS?

Yes. I work with trusted vendors I’ve known for many years.

Vendor referrals are provided only to booked couples.

HOW MANY GUESTS CAN ATTEND?

Elopements are intentionally intimate.

Guest limits depend on your location and selected service.

If you are planning a traditional wedding with a larger guest list, those services fall under my Wedding Ceremony services, not elopements.

WHY WORK WITH ARETHA?

• Certified Municipal Registrar

• Professional Wedding Officiant

• Elopement specialist with thousands of couples served

I maintain hundreds of verified five-star reviews across Google, The Knot, and WeddingWire.

I encourage you to read reviews before reaching out.