The word elopement can still make some people think of couples running off in secret, disappearing to Gretna Green and coming home married before anyone knew what was happening.
These days, though, an elopement means something quite different.
Most people now consider an elopement to be a super small wedding that strips away the pressure, expectations and traditions that don’t feel right for you, leaving space for what matters most – your commitment to each other.
For some couples, that means it’s just the two of them. For others, it might include a handful of their favourite people. There isn’t a strict guest count or a checklist you have to follow. The beauty of an elopement is that you get to decide what your wedding day looks like.
I’ve noticed more and more couples choosing this route, not because they don’t value their family and friends, but because they want to be fully present for the moment they’re getting married. They want the space to celebrate in a way that feels authentic.
An elopement can happen almost anywhere. A windswept coastline. A woodland clearing. A city rooftop. A cosy cottage. Somewhere that holds special memories. The location often becomes part of the story because it’s chosen with intention rather than convenience.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a small wedding is somehow less meaningful than a large one. In reality, many couples find the opposite. Without the logistics of a big event, there’s often more space for emotion, reflection and genuine connection. Every part of the day can be shaped around what matters to you rather than what is expected.
Another thing I love about an elopement is the freedom it gives couples to do things differently. You can write your own vows. Include symbolic elements that reflect your relationship. Spend the morning together instead of apart. Have a picnic after your ceremony or head off on an adventure. There are no rules saying you have to follow a traditional timeline.
Of course, an elopement isn’t the right choice for everyone. Some people dream of a packed dance floor and celebrating with everyone they love, and that’s wonderful too. The best wedding is the one that feels right for the two people getting married.
If you’re considering an elopement, my advice is simple, forget what you think a wedding should look like and start with how you want it to feel be that relaxed and informal, joyful and adventurous or romantic and intimate. Once you know that, everything else tends to fall into place.
Your wedding day doesn’t need to be bigger to be more memorable. Sometimes the smallest ceremonies leave the deepest mark on our hearts.
If you’d like to discuss an elopement with me click here.