True. My brother-in-law is a Naval Academy grad and has a PHD from MIT. He spent 12 years in the Navy and is now a hedge fund manager making millions. He got married at city hall in Cambridge. Didn’t tell any family for over a year. Probably spent $20. They’ve been married for 15 years and have one child. His parents are religious and he isn’t. Didn’t want to deal with all the ceremonies etc. I was happy not to have to travel to another wedding, spend a bunch of money, buy a gift, etc. Win win all around.
My Wife and I eloped. It was wonderful.
My Wife’s Sister (a nut job Minnesotan LIBERAL) still complains that she was not invited to the wedding - She still does not, after 25+ years understand that there was no wedding.
She was one of many good reasons we chose to elope.