Surprise Weddings Gaining In Popularity

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Surprise weddings, or ambush weddings, are becoming more popular than ever. They are mainly for people who don't want the work and fuss of planning a big ceremony.

Dwight Erickson didn't want a big wedding and he was pretty sure his wife didn't want to plan one anyway.

So, when he found out about the ambush wedding option, he took it one step further.

"I said, 'Oh by the way, you wanted a short engagement. We're getting married tonight,'" Erickson said.

Just a few short hours after the proposal in front of family and friends, Dwight and Sandy got married.

"We started walking and I see a sign that says wedding, and I said, 'Right now? Right here?'" Sandy said.

Dwight spent three months planning a secret wedding and even picked out nine dresses for Sandy.

While most couples still opt for the traditional route, wedding industry experts said this trend is really catching on.

"They decide that they really don't want to go through all the months of planning and the details, and the colors of the tablecloths, and they just want to get it done," Darcy Miller said.

And why not?

Celebrities keep their wedding plans under wraps to avoid attention.

For the rest of us, the reason may be different, but the sentiment seems to be the same.

For Dwight and Sandy, getting hitched after a hike in the mountains was even better than eloping.

"There was no stress for Sandy and I wanted her to relax and just be able to enjoy the day and not have to worry about it," Dwight said.

Wedding experts said if this seems like a no-brainer to you, they have one piece of advice.

Make absolutely sure your soon-to-be-spouse is okay with the idea. Otherwise, you could end up with the wrong kind of surprise.

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