OUTSPOKEN RECOMMENDS…

FOR PARENTS

GENERAL READING

Beyond Birds & Bees

Beyond Birds & Bees by Bonnie J. Rough Bringing Home a New Message to Our Kids About Sex, Love and Equality – by Bonnie J Rough (Seal, 2018) An excellent experiential explanation of the Dutch approach to sex education and normalising sex that intermixes family anecdote, societal/cultural observation and personal interrogation about being honest with ourselves & open with our children



Teenagers Translated

A Parent’s Survival Guide – by Janey Downshire and Naella Grew (Penguin, 2018) Two counsellors translate their own parenting and teaching experiences into explanations of the links between the roller-coaster emotions, physiology and challenging behaviour of adolescent development, and along the way offer clear, helpful, relatable advice



The Incredible Teenage Brain

By Bettina Hohnen, Jane Gilmour and Tara Murphy (Jessica Kingsley, 2019) Written by three psychologists, this readable book presents neuroscience, case studies and action points in a user-friendly way. It delivers a hands-on understanding of teens’ brain development, motivations and behaviour along with tips on how we can make the most of opportunities to support them. Read more here



The Teenage Brain

A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults – by Dr Frances E Jensen with Amy Ellis Nutt (HarperCollins, 2015) An accessible blend of insight into how stress, sleep, risk taking, decision making, gender, drugs, alcohol, ”the digital invasion” etc propel teenagers’ impulsiveness and moods plus first-hand experiences from the neuroscientist mother of two sons



Inventing Ourselves

The Secret Life of the Teenage Brain – by Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore (Doubleday, 2018) Viewing teenagers as being in the midst of great creativity rather than just self-absorbed moods, this is a neuroscience look at how teenagers are establishing new thinking patterns, a sense of self and their identity



Brainstorm

The Power And Purpose of the Teenage Brain – by Daniel J Siegel, MD (Scribe, 2014) Billed as “an inside-out guide to the emerging adolescent brain, ages 12-24”, Brainstorm helps parents to understand teenage impulses, creativity and novelty-seeking, the workings of their own brain and how teens and adults can connect.



FOCUS ON... GIRLS

Modern Mothering

What Daughters Say They Need From Their Mothers – by Joyce McFadden (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011) Incredible insight into how women can approach relaxing into talking openly about bodies, sex etc while also looking at the mother/daughter issues with their own mothers that they bring to their relationships with their girls. Hear what daughters say they need from their mothers when it comes to learning about their sexuality, and learn how much more present they want us to be throughout our lives together



From Daughter to Woman

Parenting Girls Safely Through Their Teens – by Kim McCabe (Robinson, 2018) Encouraging an intuitive, understanding and empathic parenting style that engages mothers with self-reflection and gives practical guidance



Girls & Sex

Navigating the Complicated New Landscape – by Peggy Orenstein (Oneworld, 2016) Brilliant insight and research – from the author of Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture – into how girls are confronting the sexual pressures they are up against in this digital world



Where Has My Little Girl Gone?

by Tanith Carey (Lion, 2011) A clear look at consumerism, sexualisation of children, clothes and make-up, body language, pornification of music videos, pressures of social media around thinness and perfectionism, self-esteem, power of openness. With tips for mothers/fathers



21st Century Girls

How the Modern World is Damaging Our Daughters and What We Can Do About It – by Sue Palmer (Orion, 2014) Originally subtitled "How female minds develop; how to raise bright, balanced girls; and why today's world needs them more than ever", this book from an educational expert and the author of Toxic Childhood is clear and informative



FOCUS ON... BOYS

Boys & Sex

Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity - Peggy Orenstein (Harper, 2020) Though young men are rarely asked about sex, intimacy, porn, vulnerability, love and relationships, it turns out they have lots to say. In the wake of MeToo, and on the heels of her other amazing study Girls & Sex, writer Peggy Orenstein documents their feelings, attitudes and behaviour in this surprising and moving book



Man Up: Boys Men and Breaking the Male Rules.

by Rebecca Asher (Harvill Secker, 2016) How to change how we limit boys' attitudes and behaviour through expectations and ideals of male anger, feelings, power, value etc. Fascinating and well written



Raising Boys in the 21st Century (new & updated)

by Steve Biddulph (Harper Thorsons, 2018) A renowned expert in child development, Biddulph talks about sexuality, sports, mothers and sons, boys' vs girls' brains etc – a recently revised classic



Be A Man: How Macho Culture Damages Us And How To Escape It

by Chris Hemmings (Biteback, 2017) A personal, readable look at how the constraints of traditional masculinity and lad culture affect men and women – by a journalist, broadcaster and "former lad"



21st Century Boys: How Modern life is driving them off the rails and how we can get them back on track

How Modern life is driving them off the rails and how we can get them back on track – by Sue Palmer (Orion, 2010) Well-researched insights into development, competitiveness, risk taking, social skills, pressures from peers and media, male role models (good and bad) etc



Teens: What We’re Really Thinking (When We’re Not Saying Anything)

by Paul Bühre, 15 (Scribe, 2016) A 15-year-old boy from Germany gives his point of view on video games, porn, conflicts with parents, mood swings, girl/boy dynamics etc



FOR CHILDREN

DO YOU PERFORM SAME-SEX CEREMONIES?

Yes, we do.



DO YOU PERFORM WEDDINGS ANY DAY OF THE WEEK?

Ceremonies are held Monday-Friday, with the exception of the Maitland Art Center, which is only available Monday-Thursday. We don’t schedule ceremonies on Sundays or major US Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year, etc.).



WHAT TIME CAN I HAVE MY CEREMONY?

It varies, but most venues are only available before 2pm for elopements and intimate weddings. Cocoa Beach elopements are held in the evening, about one hour before the sun goes down. Check your package description for details.



DO YOU ARRANGE RECEPTIONS?

No, we don't. Our couples opt to celebrate at a nice restaurant instead.



CAN YOU ARRANGE / BRING CAKE & CHAMPAGNE?

At this time, you may add cake and champagne service for an additional $350 fee to the Paradise Cove package only. With all other packages this service is not available nor possible. You cannot bring food, beverages, cake or champagne at any of the venues.



DO YOU ARRANGE VOWS RENEWALS?

Absolutely! All of our packages are suitable for vows renewal. They only difference is that you don't need a marriage license because you are already married. Additionally, our Officiants will customize the ceremony to reflect a vows renewal service.



CAN I CUSTOMIZE/CHANGE/ADD/TAKE AWAY SOMTHING TO THE PACKAGE?

You are welcome to hire a musician or a videographer. However, we don’t offer additional services beyond what’s listed on the website or customize our packages. Our packages are sold as listed only. Our philosophy is to keep it as simple as possible. If you are hoping for a more traditional service, we might not be the right team for you.



CAN I BRING MY OWN OFFICIANT OR PHOTOGRAPHER?

No, sorry. Our company is owned and managed by a ceremony team with the purpose of providing our ceremony services.



HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I HAVE?

Attendance varies depending on the package/venue restrictions. Please check the description of the package you are interested for attendance limits.



DOES THE PACKAGE PRICE CHANGES IF IS JUST THE TWO OF US?

No, it doesn’t. The packages are already discounted for couples only. However, for most venues you can bring a few people without additional charge.



HOW IS THE WEATHER LIKE DURING MY CHOSEN DATE?

Click here and find your date to check out Orlando’s average temperatures and precipitation.



CAN I HAVE A BRIDAL PARTY?

Yes, you can. Your bridal party counts towards the total number of attendees allowed.



HOW LONG IS THE CEREMONY?

The entire event, including arrival, the ceremony and photos, usually takes about 90 minutes.



CAN WE MEET UP IN PERSON TO DISCUSS OUR CEREMONY?

Everything including contracts, invoices, and all the details are discuss via email and phone. This is how we can afford to keep our fees reasonable.



CAN I VISIT THE VENUE BEFORE I BOOK?

We do not arrange venue visits, however, if you “Google” the venue name, you should find the venue’s address and contact information and arrange a visit on your own.



DO YOU PROVIDE WITNESSES?

You don’t need witnesses to get married in Florida!



IS THERE A WAITING PERIOD TO GET MARRIED IN FLORIDA?

Only Florida Residents have to wait 3 days after they get their marriage license before they can get married.



WHO WILL PERFORM THE CEREMONY?

We work with an amazing team of experienced and caring Officiants. You will meet your officiant a few minutes before the ceremony at the venue. As an elopement service, we do not arrange for meetings ahead of time and you may not choose a specific officiant. Officiants are assigned based on availability and we cannot accept religious denominations or gender requests. However, you will have the option of a secular (non-religious) ceremony OR a non-denominational religious ceremony. The difference between the two is that the religious ceremony includes prayers and the mention of God and the secular/civil does not. We don’t perform traditional religious services.



WHAT TYPE OF FLOWERS ARE INCLUDED WITH THE PACKAGES?

Packages include a nosegay (hand-tied) bouquet with fresh roses in your choice of rose colors and a matching boutonniere OR a tropical bouquet with florist’s choice of flowers and matching boutonniere.



IS THERE A PLACE TO CHANGE INTO MY GOWN AT THE VENUE?

With the exception of the Hidden Barn venue and the Micro Wedding Package, there is no place to change into your gown at any of the venues. You need to arrive dressed and ready to start.



WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

All the venues that we work with have a covered area we can use in case of rain.



DO YOU OFFER MILITARY DISCOUNTS?

Our packages are already discounted and additional discounts are not possible.



I WANT TO ELOPE. WHAT MY NEXT STEP?

The first step is to choose a wedding date and a package. The contact us via email with that information to find out if the venue and our team is available!



WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY WEDDING?

When you pay Elope to Orlando, we sign agreements and pay forward to your venue and vendors to retain their facility and services for you. Your payment also covers the coordination fee and all the work that goes into the process of booking a ceremony, which is done before your event takes place. Therefore, money paid to Elope to Orlando is non-refundable. We strongly suggest that you consider wedding cancellation insurance. You can find a few companies online when you search for "wedding cancellation insurance".