Your Guide to Eloping: Meaning, How to Elope & Planning an Elopement Wedding

Planning a wedding starts with two things – confirming your wedding budget and deciding on the look and feel of your day. And for many couples, eloping feels like the best option for them.

But what does it mean to elope? And how do you elope? If you’ve found yourselves curious about the elope meaning and want to know more - or you're struggling to decide between elopement vs wedding - you’ve come to the right place.

Traditionally, to elope would mean ‘running away’ to get married in secret, and while that does still happen, today the term ‘eloping’ is more colloquially used to describe the act of travelling elsewhere – in the UK or abroad – to get married quickly and legally, and with only a handful of guests (if any) by your side.

There’s something undeniably romantic about it, not to mention, of course, that eloping tends to free you from the fuss, cost and organisation of having a big wedding at home. It can also be helpful if you have awkward family relationships to navigate. In fact, most couples elope in order to take the stress of wedding planning away, as well as for the privacy and intimacy of the celebration itself.

Keen to know more or want some elopement ideas? We’ve compiled our ultimate guide to eloping – from where you can elope to in the UK to how to tell your family about your decision. Happy planning!

• How to Elope: Your Step by Step Guide
• How to Tell Your Family You’re Eloping
• Tips For Eloping Abroad
• Where Can You Elope in the UK? Best Elopement Packages
• Eloping vs Wedding: Pros & Cons

How to Elope: Your Step by Step Guide

Sat asking yourself, how do I elope? Well, the assumption with eloping is that it’s all care-free and last-minute, but (and we hate to break it to you) the reality is that if you want to elope and get married legally, there are a few things you need to organise first.

Here’s our step by step guide to eloping in the UK: 

1. Decide if it’s right for you

An obvious one, but an important one. Many couples know that eloping is right for them straight away, others might want to weigh up the pros and cons.

Ask yourselves what your dream wedding looks like – if it’s intimate, private and more about the ceremony than spending out on a big celebration with extended family and friends, eloping could be the way to go.

2. Choose your location, book your officiant and decide on guest numbers

Elopement weddings traditionally meant having no more than two witnesses for your legally binding ceremony and these could even be complete strangers if you wanted. Nowadays, however, it’s common for eloping couples to invite a handful of close friends and family – usually somewhere between two and 15. And don’t forget your suppliers can count too, including your photographer!

Once you’ve decided on who will be invited to your elopement, you can start your search for venues that cater to your numbers.

When it comes to choosing where you’ll elope to, some couples opt for a place that's meaningful to them or their relationship in some way, while others pick somewhere at random that they love for the scenery, weather or overall vibe, or because it’s easily accessible and works within their budget.

You’ll find that many venues offer dedicated elopement packages, which include things such as food, drink and overnight accommodation, so you may want to use this as a starting point to dictate who you invite and where you'll marry.

3. Give notice

Regardless of which part of the UK you’re marrying in, you will need to give notice at your local registry office at least 29 days before the ceremony. To do this, you’ll need to have your venue confirmed.

If you’re outside of the UK, you can give notice to marry within the UK if the country is part of the British Subjects Facilities Act (click through to find a full list of countries) and your partner is a UK citizen.

If you plan to elope in Scotland (many do!) some rules vary from England and Wales, including the fact that humanist ceremonies are seen as legally binding. If you choose a ceremony like this and you wish for your wedding to also be legally recognised in England and Wales, you’ll need to have an additional ceremony at a licensed venue (a registry office, for example), which will take around 10 minutes.

4. Book your suppliers

What you’ll need to do next is decide what your elopement wedding will look like. Will you choose to keep any traditions such as exchanging rings or carrying a bouquet? How you celebrate your elopement is your choice.

We’d highly recommend booking a professional photographer to capture the moment. Even if it’s only for a couple of hours. Not only will they be able to capture the emotions of the ceremony, but you'll get some great, romantic portrait shots together after you’ve made your vows too.

Other suppliers you might also want to consider include professional hair and makeup, a florist for your bouquet if you choose to have one, a cake maker, and catering for any post-ceremony celebrations. If you’ve booked an elopement package with a wedding venue, some of these things may be included, so always check.

How you choose to continue your celebrations after your elopement ceremony is up to you. You might want to splash out on a fancy meal for just the two of you, have an intimate dinner with the friends and family you invited, check into a hotel for a couples spa break or even fly straight off on a mini-moon or honeymoon.

5. Buy your outfits

So, what do you wear to an elopement wedding? A lot of nearlyweds still want to show up in traditional wedding attire and that is absolutely fine, while others prefer to keep their outfits more relaxed and low-key. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like the best versions of yourselves – whether that’s in jeans and a t-shirt or a big white ballgown.

Remember, if you’re planning your elopement to a typically shorter timeline, you’ll need to keep in mind that things such as bespoke wedding dresses are probably out of the question.

What you’ll need are dresses and outfits that can be delivered or hired in a flash. Those looking to buy bridal dresses for elopement will be thrilled to know that the high-street is awash with affordable bridalwear and elopement wedding dresses, and check out sites such as Net-a-Porter, By Rotation and Hurr, too. 

6. Host a post-elopement party

Hosting a post-elopement party when you get home is a great way to continue the celebrations – but what is an elopement party?

An elopement party is a bit like a wedding reception, but with less of the pressure! It allows you to share the joy of your new marriage with extended friends and family without having to do the traditional bits like cutting the cake or having a first dance – unless you want to, of course. That’s the whole point of an elopement party, you can plan it however you like.

If you want to keep your wedding a surprise, why not invite your guests for a special dinner or gathering under the guise of celebrating a birthday or promotion, then reveal that you actually tied the knot? If you’re not ready for post-wedding celebrations just yet, throw a party on your one-year anniversary.

How Do You Tell Family You’re Eloping?

So, how do you tell family you’re eloping? Well, how you choose to tell them is up to you, but we’d advise a bit of planning.

If you’re all particularly close-knit, tell them in advance so you can all figure out a way for them to still show their love and support, even if they won’t be there. Explain your reasons for why you’re eloping, and they should understand.

Of course, if you’re choosing to keep your elopement a secret, it’s important to tell close friends and family you’re married in person first before announcing it on social media. Because while we’d always advise doing what’s right for you, it's also important to consider how your friends and families might feel about the news.

Perhaps you might choose to do a video call (and show off that ring!) or send an email with a link to all the photos from the day as well as an explanation of why you chose to elope. Announcement cards are also a nice idea. Or, as mentioned above, you might just choose to throw a big informal party and reveal it to everyone in person.

Tips For Eloping Abroad

When eloping abroad, you’ll plan in much the same way but be aware that when it comes to paperwork, legal requirements can vary depending on where you plan to tie the knot.

Consider your location

It’s important to choose a location that will work for the kind of elopement you had in mind. Consider factors such as the weather (and time of year you plan to go), accommodation, any travel restrictions and any local cultural implications – if any – that may impact your elopement.

Research the legalities

Always check the requirements of the country you plan to elope to. For example, if you’re a British citizen wanting to marry in France, you’ll need to have lived in the country for a minimum of 40 days before being able to legally tie the knot. But not all countries are the same. Other areas, including Italy, Gibraltar and Cyprus have no residency requirements.

Eloping abroad may also be subject to the laws of that country. You can use the official Gov.uk tool to find out exactly what documentation you will need, alongside any legal, waiting period and residency requirements, and information on whether the marriage will be legal under UK law.

Note that some countries, including Mexico and some US states, require blood tests.

Hire the pros

As with all destination weddings, we’d always recommend enlisting the help of a wedding planner who has experience of the local area. Even if you don’t need on-the-day coordination, many will offer a consultancy service whereby you can seek advice and get the lowdown on the dos and don’ts before making any concrete decisions.

Some venues will have their own in-house planners who can help with coordinating the day as well as accommodation and some of the legalities.

Use your imagination

The beauty of travelling outside of the UK for your wedding is that it opens up so many opportunities – remember, the world really is your oyster!

“It really can be whatever you want it to be,” agrees Emilio Fortini, a director of operations who has more than 35 years’ experience heading up five-star hotels across the UK.

“In the Maldives, for example, couples can say ‘I do’ in a symbolic ceremony with as little as 24 hours’ notice – they don’t even need to wear traditional wedding attire. They could get married in swimsuits and have their portraits taken in the ocean.

“Hotel or resort elopement packages eliminate the stress of decisions such as choosing décor and food, as well as worrying about who to invite. It’s all about the couple,” he adds.

Eloping to Las Vegas offers a similar blend of glamour and spontaneity, whether you choose one of the famous chapels or tie the knot in a helicopter overlooking the Strip. You can find travel companies which offers dedicated packages for a range of budgets – think limousine arrivals and post-ceremony photo shoots at iconic Vegas landmarks.

Where Can You Elope in the UK? Best Elopement Packages

Need some inspiration on the best places to elope in the UK? Check out some of these elopement wedding packages

Branxholm Park, Scottish Borders

For a dreamy escape across the Scottish Borders, this fairytale mansion house is charming and quirky in equal measure, with ancient woodlands, enchanting gardens, a candlelit chapel where you can make your vows and a private location with views of the Teviot Valley.

Enjoy your post-ceremony celebrations in the Belle Epoque Orangery, and look out for the self-playing grand piano…

• Pricing: £5,995
• Capacity: 16 guests
• Package: Enjoy two-nights’ exclusive use on selected dates in early 2026, including accommodation for all your guests. The wedding package includes catering, flowers and styling, coordination, a two-tier cake, champagne fountain, late-night bites and breakfast the following day. Oh – and there’s no corkage fee!

Find out more

Riddles Court, Edinburgh

For an intimate city wedding with style, we adore this hidden gem, tucked away in the heart of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The building is steeped in more than 400 years of history and once played host to royal banquets, so it’s fair to say that celebrations are its thing.

Post vows, pose for photos on the balconies overlooking the cityscape and stay in the 16th century Kings Chamber apartment.

• Pricing: £500 + VAT
• Capacity: 4 guests
• Package: This venue’s truly intimate elopement package includes private use of the Seton Room, with its romantic window booths and south-facing views of the Pentland Hills, as well as Chiavari chair hire with your choice of coloured seat pads and a range of on-site decoration.

Find out more

Glyngynwydd Wedding Barn & Cottages, Powys

Is your heart set on an off-grid, outdoorsy celebration? Glyngynwydd Wedding Barn & Cottages in Powys, Wales, could be for you.

The rustic space has no shortage of places for fresh-air-loving couples to tie the knot and celebrate, from magical woodlands and ponds to fire pits and wedding barns – daisy chain crowns at the ready!

• Pricing: £3,500
• Capacity: 30 guests
• Package: The Micro Wedding Package includes exclusive hire of the venue and grounds for two nights, accommodation for the couple in The Granary honeymoon suite and up to 19 guests in the on-site cottages, tables and chairs, biodegradable confetti and sparklers, a late licence until 1am and on-site parking. Additional help with sourcing catering and entertainment can also be arranged.

Find out more

Treseren, Cornwall

This magical bolthole in the rolling Cornish countryside can be all yours for the weekend.

Just five miles from beautiful beaches, this dreamy homestead is big on food (kick-start your celebrations with an intimate, locally sourced first-night feast hosted by the Treseren team) and has a wealth of romantic spots to make your vows, including outside in the gardens and in front of the French doors of the Wedding Room.

• Pricing: From £7,950
• Capacity: 22 guests
• Package: Enjoy three nights’ accommodation with up to 22 guests as well as welcome tea and cake, a two-course welcome meal with wine, breakfast each morning, on-the-day coordination and full set up of all the wedding spaces, and fire pits, logs and marshmallows for toasting.

Find out more

The Famous Blacksmiths Shop, Gretna Green

Probably the most iconic elopement destination in the world, the charming village of Gretna Green is every bit the eloping couple’s dream.

The Famous Blacksmiths Shop is known for its Gretna Green elopement offering, and its romantic and rustic anvil ceremonies in particular, but there are more spots here to tie the knot than ever, including the boutique Smiths Hotel for those who prefer a more contemporary vibe. Elsewhere, the Gretna Hall Marriage House is filled with Georgian charm.

• Pricing: From £1,470
• Capacity: 2 guests
• Package: This venue is currently offering 30% off the Platinum Package designed for the wedding couple (though day guests can be accommodated at extra cost). Enjoy two nights in a deluxe hotel suite with fizz, breakfast each morning, afternoon tea and three-course dinner. Also included is a professional photography package.

Find out more

Elopement vs Wedding: Pros & Cons

It’s a big decision to ditch tradition and elope, but there are plenty of positive reasons why couples choose to do so. But what are the pros and cons of eloping? Check out our list below and see how they sit with you… 

PRO: It can save you money

There’s no two ways about it – a smaller wedding means you’ll spend less. And with the average wedding now costing £23,250, that’s good news for a lot of couples, particularly those saving for a house deposit, paying off a credit card and/or raising a family.

So, how much does it cost to elope in the UK? Eloping can cost as little as hundreds if you’re planning nothing more than a simple registry office ceremony and celebratory dinner for two. The cost of your ceremony will be around £57, depending on the location and day of the week, then you’ll need to factor in additional fees for paperwork, travel, accommodation and any additional celebrations.  

Maybe you don’t have the money to spend on a big wedding, or maybe you’d just prefer to spend your money on other things, either way, agreeing that you’re on the same page about your finances is the perfect start to married life – elopement or not!

PRO: You can be more spontaneous

Want to whisk yourselves away for a symbolic ceremony in warmer climes at short notice and do the legal bit in a registry office when you come back? Go for it.

Hoping to celebrate your nuptials by checking into a random five-star hotel or ticking off some bucket-list experiences? You can!

An elopement can still be extraordinary (and extravagant really, when you think about splitting a wedding budget between two of you instead of 100…) 

PRO: You can avoid family politics

We don’t necessarily mean that you don’t get on with your loved ones, but it could be that you’re both battling things like religious or cultural differences, you’re undecided on where to marry because your families are in two different locations, or one or both sets of parents are keen to invite extended family and friends that you would rather not have to pay for.

It could even be that you have lots of children in your family and would prefer a child-free celebration, but you’re worried about upsetting certain members. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that an elopement significantly reduces the number of opinions and level of involvement from others.

PRO: There’s no pressure to conform 

Perhaps you don’t enjoy being the centre of attention. Perhaps there are some aspects of a traditional wedding – such as being given away, wearing a white dress or having a sit-down meal – that just don’t work for the two of you.

An intimate ceremony with just a couple of witnesses is perfect for these kinds of couples. With no external pressure to behave in a certain way or do certain things, you can really be yourselves. 

CON: Close friends and family might not agree with your decision

And it could put strain on relationships that may already be fraught.

While you don’t need to justify your decision to elope to anyone else, it’s important to anticipate the fact that this may come as a big surprise to family and friends, and some may be upset that they didn’t get to share in the day with you.

CON: There will be fewer shared memories

Naturally, a larger wedding is an opportunity to celebrate with extended friends and family and those you may not have seen in a while. Eloping means you’ll have fewer of those shared memories with loved ones, not to mention fewer photos and stories of the event. 

CON: You can’t ask for gifts

Some family and friends may well choose to send money or gifts if they know of your plans, particularly if you intend to celebrate afterwards with a big elopement party. However, when it comes to revealing your plans, it’s not good etiquette to expect money or gifts, or share a gift list alongside your news.

Has the idea of eloping got you excited for a trip away? For location inspiration check out our guide to the best destination wedding locations across the world.