Elopement – What Is It?
The word comes from ELOPE, which originally meant to run away in order to secretly marry the one you love, without your family’s permission.
Nowadays, for couples, choosing an elopement no longer means escaping an arranged marriage. Instead, it’s about getting married in total intimacy, sometimes far from home, or just a few steps away.
Why choose an elopement?
When you start writing your guest list, you might suddenly realize you don’t actually want to invite that distant cousin you’ve met twice in your life… nor your grandma’s tarot partner.
You also become aware of how exhausting wedding planning can be, and maybe you don’t have the energy… or the budget!
Maybe you simply want to get married right now, without waiting months or even years.
So taking your fiancé(e) by the hand and saying “yes” at the end of the world (or at the end of your street), with only a handful of privileged loved ones as witnesses, is not just a trend, it’s a response to today’s reality. It’s a way to reclaim your wedding, making it unique and deeply your own. Whether you choose a meaningful location or a dream destination, the idea is to align your union with your hearts.
Elopement – Where?
The world is wide open!
It can be that pretty park where you love to relax or walk your dog, a place full of memories. Right after a civil ceremony, you could have a symbolic celebration under a century-old oak tree and carve your initials afterward.
Or you could fly to the destination you’ve always dreamed of: turquoise waters, majestic rice terraces, white sandy beaches, breathtaking cliffs, endless dunes…
Or even plan a city break in places like Rome, London, New York, Florence, or the iconic Las Vegas!!
Elopement – How?
In the most fun way possible!
First, the technical part. The fiesta comes later.
Feel the waters with your loved ones
This can be the trickiest part.
Do you leave just the two of you? Bring your parents? The kids? Your witnesses? Your best friends?
Do you offer them the trip? Do they offer you the trip?
The simplest way is to talk openly.
And if you decide to go just the two of you, nothing stops you from throwing a little party once you’re back. Or not!
Set a budget
While an elopement usually costs less than a big traditional wedding, the price can quickly increase if you decide to invite loved ones to a 5-star resort in the Maldives.
Depending on your budget, you’ll know which options are realistic.
Don’t forget to include: flights, airport transfers, accommodation, photographer, videographer, beauty artists, food, officiant, civil ceremony fees…
Choose your destination
Take your time with this part. Logistics vary from one country to another. And the experience will be completely different depending on whether you’re climbing a mountain or crossing the Sahara. Have honest conversations about what you truly want.
Set the trip duration
Doing an elopement in Réunion Island in 48 hours might not be the best idea. Plan some rest to recover from jet lag.
And remember: breathtaking landscapes are often less than a 3-hour flight away.
Handle the admin
Some travel agencies, hotels, or Destination Wedding Planners offer elopement packages and will guide you through everything. Popular destinations are used to these weddings and tourist websites are full of useful info.
One simple solution: have your legal civil union at home, then exchange your vows during a symbolic ceremony abroad.
The language barrier can even add charm: you just need to learn how to say “I do” in the local language.
Find your vendors
You can either:
Option 1: book local vendors.
Advantages: they know the area and have tons of tips.
Drawbacks: language differences… and sometimes reliability challenges when you’re far away.
Option 2: bring some vendors with you: photographer, videographer, wedding planner…
Many specialize in destination weddings!
Floral design, décor, and catering will usually be local. Total immersion guaranteed.
Pack your bags
Choose a lightweight boho beach dress… or something you can slip on easily and that won’t wrinkle in a backpack during a hike to your dream waterfall.
Or ignore all constraints and choose any colors, fabrics, or shapes you want!
You can even get married in black.
No one will be there to criticize you.
Elopement – The Day
Your day starts with a little beauty session and maybe getting dressed (unless you’re planning on changing once you reach the top of a cliff!).
Then, off to the ceremony spot.
It can be just the two of you exchanging vows, with an officiant, or even with a beloved family member leading the ceremony.
A magical photo session follows, capturing the moment, the scenery, and the emotion forever.
After that comes the cocktail, an intimate moment of shared joy, then the meal.
It might be a small buffet, a couple of tables set on the sand, or a gastronomic restaurant. With a small group, everything becomes possible!
Finally, you can dance barefoot under the stars all night, maybe with a local music group, a New York-style DJ, or simply to the sound of the waves.
Elopement – Coming Home
Before leaving the country, if you had a civil wedding abroad, make sure it is officially registered with your embassy or consulate. Check all administrative steps before departure.
And once back home… announce your dream wedding to the world!
Just like Emma and Sing did!
