Excited at the thought of getting married but not thrilled with the thought of all the preparation for the wedding? Welcome to the club! While most girls dream of the special day, few are really prepared for the detail that goes into getting the actual day as perfect as they hope.

Instead of hiring a wedding planner to handle the nitty-gritty, some people opt to elope instead. There's a certain thrill to getting the deed done with secrecy, just the two of you and the minister or justice of the peace who will officiate, plus the witnesses of course. As long as you won't mind the absence of family and friends, this may be something to consider.

Gretna Green in Scotland is famous for being the place to get married if one had to elope as far back as the medieval ages. This was usually done by couples who wanted to avoid parental intervention. The lovers would usually be married by the blacksmith when they arrived.

Currently the most popular place for quick weddings is Las Vegas. Instead of the blacksmith, you may be married by Elvis, or some other costumed official such as at the Star Trek: the Experience at the Hilton. Of course, there are ordinary wedding chapels and normally dressed officials to give the look of the wedding that may be more familiar.

It won't necessarily come out less expensive but it can be easier to get married this way for some couples; especially if speed is a factor or if you want to circumvent a law that applies only in your area. Don't forget to check the requirements for getting married wherever you decide to do it before you go. It'll save you a lot of headaches later.