Elope Wedding: Planning Your Dream Intimate Ceremony

Planning an elopement wedding is a lot less stressful than planning a traditional wedding, but it still requires some thought and preparation. You'll need to decide on a location, what to wear, how to make the day special, and what to do afterwards. You'll also need to think about how to tell your friends and family, and whether you want to hire a wedding planner or put the day together yourself.

Choosing a location

When choosing a location, it's important to consider the potential impact of the weather and other natural factors. For example, if you're getting married in a forest or on top of a mountain, you'll need to embrace whatever Mother Nature throws at you, whether it's a little rain or some dirt. It's also a good idea to allow plenty of time for travel and to plan for any potential delays or issues that may arise.

Another factor to consider when choosing a location is the availability of local vendors. If you're working with a company that provides elopement packages, they will typically have trusted and vetted vendors that you can use. However, if you're putting your elopement together on your own, it's important to interview potential vendors and think about how their style and services fit with your chosen location. For example, you may want to consider the specific style and experience of photographers, videographers, hair and makeup artists, and florists.

Ultimately, the location you choose for your elopement wedding should be one that reflects your personal style and preferences. Whether you're eloping in a far-flung destination or somewhere closer to home, with a little planning and preparation, you can create a memorable and special wedding day.

Planning travel

If you're travelling abroad, you'll also need to consider the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen country. You may need to provide certain documents, such as birth certificates or passports, and there may be a waiting period before you can get married. It's important to research the requirements in advance to ensure that you have everything you need.

If you're working with a company that provides elopement packages, they can help you with travel planning and recommend trusted and vetted vendors. But if you're putting your elopement together on your own, you'll need to do your own research and book your travel independently.

Selecting vendors

When it comes to selecting vendors for your elopement wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it's important to interview potential vendors to ensure they are a good fit for your special day. Every photographer, videographer, hair and makeup artist, or florist has their own unique style, so you'll want to make sure their vision aligns with yours. Consider the vibe, location, and budget you've decided on, and how each vendor can contribute to bringing your dream wedding to life.

Once you've selected your vendors, take the time to connect with them and share your wedding vision. This is especially important for photographers, as you'll want to discuss the style of photos you're hoping for, as well as any specific shots you have in mind. Whether it's capturing moments with family members, your guest list, or a particular location, communicating your ideas will help ensure your photographer can deliver the memories you're hoping for.

If you're working with a company that provides elopement packages, they will often have trusted and vetted vendors they work with. However, if you're planning your elopement independently, it's crucial to do your research and select vendors who understand and share your vision. This will ensure that your wedding day is not only memorable but also stress-free, knowing that you have a team of professionals who are dedicated to making your day perfect.

Remember, eloping is a unique and intimate way to celebrate your love, and by selecting vendors who understand your vision, you can create a day that truly reflects your relationship and the journey you're embarking on together.

What to wear

Elopement weddings are stripped-back, spontaneous and romantic, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put some thought into what you're going to wear.

If you're a bride who wants to wear a dress, but with a twist, a two-piece could be the way to go. You can buy a matching set or put together your own unique combination. You could pair a top with cutouts, sleeves or a deep V neck with a simple skirt. Or, if you want to go for a more traditional look, there are casual elopement dresses with sweetheart necklines and sophisticated tweed fabric, or delicate straps with floral appliqué details.

Grooms don't have to stick to the traditional suit, either. You could wear a jacket, button-up shirt and straight-leg trousers in a unique colourway.

If you're planning to elope somewhere remote, like a forest or mountaintop, make sure you embrace what mother nature throws at you. A little rain and dirt never hurt anyone! So, consider the weather and terrain when deciding what to wear.

Finally, don't forget the accessories! You can use shoes, bow ties, sunglasses and more to make your elopement outfits stand out and feel distinct.

Telling your family and friends

Eloping is a relatively new concept, so your family and friends might not understand your decision. To help them understand, explain your reasons for choosing to elope. For example, you might not want the stress of wedding planning, or you might not want to pay for a big wedding.

It's a good idea to choose a few friends or relatives who can keep a secret and tell them about your plans. This way, you can let people in on this part of your life, but you're also protecting yourself from having to defend your decision. Even the most supportive people in your life might be disappointed that they're not included in your wedding plans.

When you're telling your family and friends about your elopement, share your plans with them. For example, you can tell them where you're going, what you're going to wear, and how you're going to make the day special.

Remember, you're entitled to a wedding day that's exactly what you want. Eloping requires far less planning, logistics, and money than a traditional wedding, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put in the time and effort to make it special.

Frequently asked questions