Connect with us

Bussiness

In love and on a budget? Corpus Christi business aims to make weddings affordable

Published

4 hours ago

on

In love and on a budget? Corpus Christi business aims to make weddings affordable

play

The average cost of a wedding is $33,000 in 2024, according to Forbes.

The most expensive part of the wedding is the venue, with average costs ranging from $6,000 to as much as $75,000.

A mother and her two daughters are attempting to ease the burden on future married couples with their new local business, Elegant Elopements.

The affordable wedding venue, in uptown Corpus Christi on the 17th floor of the American Plaza Building, is run by Rosalva Guerra, Claudia Villarreal and Odyssa Villarreal.

“Marriage is a very important decision to make,” Guerra, a former Zapata County judge, said. “People want their wedding to be a memory, but we want the experience to be happy for the couple because it’s a very important decision that they’re making for their lives.”

During her time as a judge, Guerra performed plenty of marriages in the Zapata County Courthouse 2 1/2 hours away from Corpus Christi. Wanting to continue being an officiant, she attended a course with Odyssa Villarreal where they both became certified.

Claudia Villarreal heard about their new titles and jumped on board to get certified and start the new family business.

“I think a lot of couples spend tons of money on weddings,” Claudia Villarreal said. “With us, you have the elegance of a grand wedding but the affordability of a civil wedding.”

Number of marriage licenses prepared in Nueces County

According to the Nueces County clerk’s office, about 100 to 120 marriage licenses are prepared monthly. As for how many weddings are performed at the Nueces County Courthouse monthly, Justice of the Peace Henry Santana is one who performs countless ceremonies during one month. His office said it’s hard to keep count, but weddings increase during the holiday season.

The new business can offer a service that is in high demand, Odyssa Villarreal said, but now the family faces the hurdle of getting their name out there. She said she believes that people tend to get married at the courthouse because that’s all they can afford or they want something quick.

“That shouldn’t be the only option for them,” Odyssa Villarreal said. “We offer that experience here. Instead of going to the courthouse to get hitched, you can come here for around the same price point.”

Prices for wedding packages

The business offers four packages, ranging from $200 to $450. For the cheapest price, couples are able to skip the traditional wedding and get a straightforward marriage license signing. Those wanting to splurge a bit may have a ceremony in the intimate chapel with up to eight guests, receive a free gift and more.

All couples are welcome, the family said. As long as they are of age and both want to get married, the business will not discriminate against anyone.

“We just want to make sure we put our message out there that we are family-oriented and we’re all inclusive,” Claudia Villarreal said. “We are even available for any emergency where they need to get married right then and there. We just want to help couples have a perfect wedding where they don’t fall into a pit of debt.”

For more information, or to book your elopement, visit elopeinelegance.com.

RELATED COVERAGE

More: Meet Bea Hanson — ground-breaker, leader at Coastal Bend Food Bank

More: Additional building to be constructed as part of Ritz Theatre restoration

John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading