What is an Elopment?
Traditionally, couples eloped quickly and secretly, without anyone else in attendance. They usually chose to marry because others didn’t approve of their relationship, or because they wanted to avoid scandal. I’m picturing that episode of Downton Abbey where Lady Sybil and Branson ran off to Gretna Green (IYKYK). Nowadays, an elopement is a small, intimate wedding with your witnesses. No doubt you’ll have seen trending posts on social media of couples in Scotland with a stunning view as a backdrop.
Elopements are great if you’re looking for something ‘non-traditional’. For couples looking to throw out the rule book and make their wedding completely their own. Which I am always here for. Your elopement could be anywhere; the Scottish Highlands, your favourite beach, Las Vegas or a field where you live. It focuses completely on you guys as a couple.
omething to consider with an elopement is that it does mean there is no reception afterwards. Which you might be happy about, but if you do like to celebrate, it might be a great excuse for a party with family and friends at a later date. In the UK, you have to get married in an approved and licenced venue. There are certain stipulations for a licensed venue, for example; ‘The built venue must be a permanent immovable structure’ . This most likely means you’ll have to do the legal bit before or after your elopement to make it official.
Why elope or have a intimate wedding?
Since the pandemic, there has been a shift in more people choosing to have a smaller wedding at a registry office, rather than a full day affair. Of course, a big factor in this is the cost. It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. With the cost of living we’re all watching where we spend our pennies. While I truly believe this is not the end of big, full days weddings, it has instead opened the door for more people to have the wedding that feels more like them. That is what I love about a smaller, intimate wedding or and elopment. There are more ways to celebrate love and make your wedding your own.
Celebrities are making them chic by having their legal bit done first and then having a big wedding in Spain (proof the big wedding isn’t over). I am still obsessing over Dua Lipa’s registry office wedding photos *chefs kiss*. It’s much easier to make them feel like you than you might think.
With all this being said, you might be thinking, do I even need a photographer if it’s only going to be a couple of hours? My answer is always yes! I might be a little biased, but I truly believe investing in a professional photographer is one of the best decisions you can make. I’ll capture all those special moments and memories for you to look back on for years to come. Whether you’re celebrating with 100 guests or just 10, your day is every bit as meaningful and deserves to be documented beautifully. ✨
I’d love to hear from you if you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding! Send me a email or use my contact from and we’ll have a chat.
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