You’ve eloped – congratulations! If you’ve found your way to this blog, that means you want to know what to do after your elopement ceremony, and we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.
As an all-inclusive elopement vendor team, we wanted to share a comprehensive guide on what to do after your elopement ceremony. We know on the day of your elopement, it’s easy, and expected, to get caught up in the moment, and you’re not thinking about what comes next – that’s where we come in.
Let’s dive into what happens next after your elopement ceremony.
What to Do After Your Elopement Ceremony
Plan a post-elopement party
Now that you’ve eloped, why not celebrate with those you love the most at a post-elopement party?
A post-elopement party can look however you want – you can throw a big reception or plan an intimate dinner with your loved ones. This is your chance to celebrate with friends and family who weren’t at your elopement, and you can have it wherever you want.
Some ideas for where to host your post-elopement party are at your favorite restaurant, in someone’s backyard, or at an Airbnb/ VRBO.
You can invite whoever you want and plan to have your post-elopement party whenever you want—maybe the day after your elopement, a week after, or a month later. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what your post-elopement party looks like.
Goal-setting
Post-elopement is the perfect time to set aside some time and do some future planning with your partner. This could look like mapping out what you want the next year to look like together, defining and setting any goals you have, discussing where you want to travel, how you want to feel, etc. You could both make a vision board together. You could also grab a pen and paper and write down how you want your year to look. Then you can plan to celebrate your successes and achievements together at the end of the year!
Return your marriage license
After your elopement ceremony, you’ll need to return your signed marriage license to the state or county in which you’re getting married. Most of the time, you can plan to mail your marriage license back, but you can also drop it off in person.
Each state will have different timelines for when you have to return your marriage license. For example, you have 10 days to return your marriage license in California.
Change your name
Another thing that you may be planning to do after your elopement is to change your name. We want to preface this by saying that for the most up-to-date information, you should always check the website of the office that is involved. Here’s a general overview of what you need to do to change your name legally in California:
Start by filing a marriage license or court order
You will already have your marriage license, so you’ll need to ask for a marriage certificate. Your marriage certificate is proof of a legal name change, and it costs $17 to get one.
To get your marriage certificate, head to the California Department of Public Health, which you can access here. Our pro tip: get more than one copy of your marriage certificate. The process to get a court order is much more tedious. If you do want to get a court order you can learn how to get one here.
Social Security name change
After you have your marriage certificate, or you change your name through a court order, you’ll need to do a Social Security name change. The great news is that there’s no charge to get a new social security card. You can learn more about the name change process and start it here.
Update your passport
The next thing you’ll want to do is update your passport. You’ll need to do this through one of three forms: the DS-5504, the DS-82, or the DS-11.
If your passport is less than a year old, you’ll want to use form DS-5504. This is free, but you’ll need to submit your current passport, name change document, and new passport photo.
You’ll need to fill out form DS-82 if you currently have your passport, you were at least 16 years old when you received it, your passport was issued within the last 15 years, and you have your name change document. The cost for this is $140 for a passport book and card. You’ll also need to submit your current passport, name change document, and a new passport photo.
You’ll need to fill out form DS-11 if the other two forms aren’t applicable. For form DS-11 you’ll need proof of citizenship with a photocopy. You’ll also need a valid ID with a photocopy, a passport photo, and your name change document. You’ll pay the standard $140 fee plus an extra $35 execution fee.
Get a new state ID
Last on this list is to get a new state ID. First, you’ll need to fill out the Driver’s License or Identification Card Application form. Then, you’ll need to make an appointment at the DMV. To change the name on your driver’s license costs $28.
For your appointment, you’ll need to bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. At the DMV, you’ll need to give a thumbprint and have your picture taken. Also, don’t try to do this step first – you need to make sure your name is changed with Social Security before changing your name at the DMV.
After you complete all of the above, there are a few other places that you’ll want to ensure have your updated information. Here are some other places to make sure know that your name has changed/ or to update the information that you have on file:
- Vehicle registration
- Bank account
- Your employer/payroll
- Insurance
- Legal documents
- Landlord/ mortgage company
Now You Know What to Do After Your Elopement
We know that was a lot of information, but we hope you found this guide on what to do after your elopement helpful.
And if you found this blog before you’ve eloped and you’re looking for a California elopement package with a vendor team ready to start making your stress-free elopement a reality, let’s work together!
All you have to do is –
1. Book your complimentary consultation. During this session, we will offer you creative ideas, show you what’s possible, and guide you step by step in crafting a day that’s unique to you.
2. Then, you’ll receive a guided questionnaire to simplify your decision-making, which also includes short video explanations from elopement experts. In this part of the process, we will help you choose vendors, set budgets, and effortlessly craft your dream timeline.
3. After you submit your questionnaire, we handle all the research for your tailored proposal, from venue and accommodation to vendors and excursions. We then will hop on a planning call where we’ll wrap up all the details seamlessly and connect you with everything you need for your stress-free elopement.
Does that sound just like what you’ve been looking for? Go here to get started!
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