If you’ve made your way here, you’ve got elopements on the brain. Maybe you hear elopement and think running away to Gretna Green, absconding from your family, and getting married in secret. We’re here to tell you that elopements are so much more than that.

As couples aim to ditch tradition (and in a post-pandemic world) elopements are becoming more and more popular. The reason for this really comes down to one word ~ Freedom. An elopement wedding can be as simple as two people exchanging vows before their witnesses, or as extravagant as an all day hike to your favourite beauty spot. There are no rules when it comes to your elopement wedding, and the sky really is the limit.

But we’re sure you still have lots of questions ~ so let’s dig in!

How do we know if an elopement is right for us?

If the idea of a traditional wedding day, with lots of guests, speeches, a formal wedding ceremony, gives you the ick, then an elopement might be right for you. Folks who elope are often adventurous souls, they might be a little introverted, or have unconventional family, so they feel like a traditional wedding just doesn’t fit right.

Since you’re here, it’s likely an elopement might be just what you need.

Can we elope but still have guests?

Of course! Elopements are intimate weddings, this usually means just the couple (and maybe a pair of witnesses), but you can certainly bring a few close friends and family along.

There are lots of ways to bring your inner circle along with you on your elopement. They could be with you at the registry office where you exchange vows, where you leave them to embark on your own little adventure. Or you could take them along for your adventure, and have them standing by your side as you exchange vows by a lake shore or atop a mountain.

Ultimately, it’s whatever feels right for you.

How many guests should I invite (if I want some)?

It really depends what you have planned. We usually suggest no more than 10 guests for your elopement, purely from a logistical perspective of moving that many people around to your locations (especially if you want a bit of a hike as part of the day).

However, if you’re wanting to elope to get away from other folks expectations, then just know that inviting guests along you will have to start making accommodations for them.

Can we wear the fancy wedding outfits?

The fancier the better! When it comes to your elopement wedding, you can wear exactly the same thing you would wear for a traditional wedding. Whether that’s a big white dress, a cape, or an expensive suit.

There are only a few things to consider when planning your elopement outfit:

Depending on how adventurous you’re getting, maybe bring it to change in to when you reach your ceremony location
Stick to comfy shoes. Boots are definitely the go-to on an elopement. We LOVE Lanx ~ both fancy and practical
9 times out of 10, you’re going to get a bit muddy. Embrace it!

Can we get legally married for our elopement?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is ~ it’s complicated.

In England you can get legally married in a registered place by a registered person, whereas in Scotland you simply need the registered person (and their list of people is a lot longer than England). To elope in England AND be legally married we recommend these options:

Have a city elopement ~ get married in a registry office then either explore the city OR venture off for a more wild adventure afterwards
Do the legal bit one day, then plan your elopement and have a celebrant perform a heartfelt and personal vow ceremony another day

Is an elopement cheaper than a more traditional wedding?

In general, yes.

A traditional wedding in 2023 cost on average £20,000, whereas the average cost of an elopement was £8,000. But of course, you could plan a traditional wedding for the same cost as an elopement.

When it comes to an elopement, the big costs you’re often saving on are venue hire and catering. A wedding venue alone can cost upwards of £10,000 for the day.

So, if you’re looking for a cheaper way to get married, an elopement might be the way to go.

Do we have to do a big hike for our elopement?

Definitely not.

The beauty of an elopement wedding is that it is personal. If you’re favourite dates involve hiking for epic views or exploring new places, then you can definitely incorporate that into your wedding day.

Or if you prefer a slightly slower pace, something a little more cosy, then why not incorporate a lakeside picnic, or maybe an alpaca walk?

Your elopement should be memorable, but that doesn’t mean it needs to make you sweat.

How do we plan an elopement?

Planning an elopement can seem daunting. The rule book is well and truly through the window and that freedom can sometimes feel like having too many choices at a restaurant ~ you just don’t know what to pick.

Luckily for you, our Adventure Elopement Planning package is here to help! Now, this isn’t just a wedding photography package. It’s a fusion of planning, preparation, and support to make your unconventional and mould-breaking wedding plans a reality.

Ready to see how far the rabbit hole really goes? Click here