Why elopements and adventures are the NEW weddings!

Published by Claire Gould on July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

Did you see yesterday’s elopement inspiration feature? (check it out here) I mentioned one of my best friends eloped last week: I’m so thrilled for her and her husband! And I have to confess, if me and my guy were to tie the knot, we’d elope. Because I just love the romance of it all: the escape, the shared secret, the adventure. So I wanted to write a little something to inspire all of you considering an elopement.

I can’t think of anyone better to help with this feature than lovely friend and sponsor of English Wedding, Emily Black Photography. I randomly spotted on instagram the other week that Emily had eloped: 6 years ago, she and her hubby tied the knot in Italy. Emily seems to have set a trend: in the last few years, elopements have become more and more popular, so I asked her to tell me a little of her story.

“Elopements always hold a special place in my heart as I eloped myself! I always knew that I wanted to get married abroad, and then when my husband and I were in the planning process, I felt completely overwhelmed and it started turning into something I didn’t really want.

So 5 weeks before we were due to go on holiday in Italy, I had a crazy idea one night and just said to my husband, why don’t we just get married in Italy?! That idea went down very well BUT it still involved 5 weeks worth of planning!

So I got in touch with a wedding planning service in Italy, that specialise in elopements and they did most of the hard work for me, like sorting out the town hall for the legal bit, flowers, photographer and location for the ceremony.

If I could change anything, I would say more time, so I could have spent a bit of time thinking more about the dress and style of photography I wanted.

If you find a photographer’s style you like, then get in touch, as most would have destination packages.

Most of my couples who elope have done their legal bit back home. This just allows you to have total freedom on the day and then you can find an amazing celebrant and plan your wedding in an epic location.”

So what is it about elopements that makes them so damn magical?

Emily says, “They are small, intimate and you can really be adventurous about your location without having to plan something that caters for all your guests. You are also doing something completely tailored to you as a couple without something generic.

The thought of a big wedding just isn’t me and 6 years later I have no regrets at all. We are an adventurous family who love to travel, and I wanted to incorporate this into my wedding day, so I could really be in the moment, totally stress free and just enjoy it!”

If you’re considering an elopement, I’d say go for it! You’ll save on stress, money and time – and you’ll be able to make the day truly yours.

True, some of your closest friends won’t be able to make it: you’ll miss your besties on the day, but on the plus side you can have an AMAZING party at a later date to celebrate with all of your favourite people.

The stress of wedding planning is a huge factor in elopements. Inviting 80 people to a wedding, and booking caterers, celebrants and venues can be hugely stressful for couples. Elopements can simply cancel this out – so if you’re prone to stress and anxiety, an elopement might be your perfect solution.

And if you’re like Emily and me, and the thought of a big wedding just doesn’t ‘fit’ with who you both are, remember there are so many alternative ways to make that commitment to your other half. Have a conversation together. Think carefully about how you’d love to say ‘I do’ – and enjoy the adventure!