More and more couples are choosing to have private wedding ceremonies.
Or, perhaps it is the location choice which makes the ceremony private.
Some of the reasons choosing a private ceremony might be:

• You and your betrothed want to be married at a distant location where you first met, and it is too far for family and friends to travel.
  
• Maybe you just want to be married in an exotic location and combine your wedding with your ceremony, so you choose to celebrate without family and friends.
  
• Perhaps the date you choose for your nuptials is not convenient.
  
• Perhaps you have tired of the demands that others are putting on your wedding, and you decide to do it completely your way since they can't understand that it is your special day.
  

It is a fact that a small percentage of family members think they know how and where they want their child or sibling to be married.
Since I'm old enough that their opinion of me won't matter, you may show them this article and I'll just say it plain: "Butt out! It isn't your wedding! You had your day, now it is your daughter's or sister's (or other relative's) special day.
Cooperate or don't complain if they leave you out!: But, even if you've eloped, you know that it isn't right to totally leave them out if they still show interest in some level of participation.
The first idea is simply making sure you hire a very good videographer.
Don't go cheap on this.
Especially if you have a beach wedding, the fact is that surf and sea breeze can fog the video camera's lens.
Professional videographers know this and prepare to avoid the problem.
A great video of your ceremony can be shared again and again.
You can even upload it to a website so that any of your family members or friends can view it at their leisure.
The other idea is to webcast the ceremony live.
Any place which has wi-fi internet is a potential location for a wi-fi webcasting.
You need a videographer who already has wi-fi webcasting capabilities.
Think about it! Especially if you hire a videographer with to video cameras, your friends and family can enjoy the actual ceremony right along with you in real time.
It requires planning, and holding to a schedule, but it is worthwhile.
Oh, there is one other reason to elope: Perhaps you or your beloved don't like to stand up in front of people.
The lack of an audience should help you to relax and enjoy your ceremony.
And, that should work well even with video camera's rolling.
By the way, webcasting can still be stored, and can be made available online on demand.
You get the best of all worlds.
But, if you have a friend or relative who is ill and cannot attend, you've already made it possible for them to feel totally included in your special day.
God bless you.