Gone are the days when eloping meant running off to Vegas in the dead of night or defying your parents’ wishes. Today, to elope is all about embracing a more intimate, intentional, and often wildly romantic way to get married. Think: just the two of you (maybe a few loved ones), a gorgeous backdrop, and no pressure to put on a big show. It’s less about secrecy, more about simplicity—and a whole lot more “you.”

Reasons to Consider Eloping

Emily Jayne Weddings

1/ It’s Just the Two of You (and That’s the Point)

Some couples thrive on a big party, but if that’s not your vibe, eloping offers something special—undivided attention on each other. No mingling, no awkward small talk, just a ceremony that’s all about you and your love story. You don’t have to follow any rules. Want to wear a black dress? Go for it. Want to get matching tattoos instead of rings? Why not! This doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the details you love from a traditional wedding. Many couples plan micro-weddings or styled elopements as stunning as a big celebration. Think gorgeous flowers, epic photography, a dreamy dress, and a heartfelt ceremony—just without 150 guests watching.

2/ The World Is Your Wedding Venue

When a guest list does not limit you, your options open up massively. Fancy saying your vows on a windswept cliff in Ireland? Under the Northern Lights in Iceland? In a Parisian garden? Done. Eloping gives you the freedom to choose a setting that’s meaningful, magical, or just drop-dead gorgeous. Not to mention, it often means travel, and what’s more romantic than starting your married life with an adventure? Whether hiking through the Scottish Highlands or jetting off to Italy, it’s a story you’ll tell for years.

3/ Less Stress, More Joy

Let’s not sugarcoat it: traditional wedding planning can be stressful. From colour palettes to seating plans to family dynamics—it’s a lot. Eloping strips things back to the core of what matters. It’s a simpler plan, fewer moving parts, and way less pressure. Sounds dreamy, right? Without all the formalities, you're free to focus entirely on each other. Your vows can be more personal, your outfits can be whatever you want, and your timeline is totally yours. Want to have your first kiss as newlyweds at sunrise and then grab tacos for breakfast? Go for it.

Is Eloping Cheaper?

The Manos

Short answer: Yes—usually. While spending a decent chunk on a destination elopement or luxury add-ons is possible, eloping tends to be far more budget-friendly than a full-scale wedding. Here’s a rough breakdown to give you an idea:

These numbers are ballpark, of course, but the takeaway is clear: eloping can cost a fraction of what a traditional wedding does. You really have to consider just how expensive it is to book out a reception venue for the day to host over 100 people with food, drink, wait staff and entertainment! And if you’re keen to keep it simple (and skip the chair covers and table favours), you can even pull it off beautifully for under £2,000. Bonus? If you're eloping abroad, you can roll it into your honeymoon and save even more.

But… Is It Right for You?

Emily Jayne Weddings

Of course, eloping isn’t for everyone. If you’ve always dreamed of walking down the aisle in front of friends and family, doing the big first dance, and throwing an epic party, that’s amazing—go for it! But if the idea of skipping all that in favour of something small, meaningful, and uniquely yours sounds like a relief, then eloping might just be your perfect fit. One thing to keep in mind: even if you elope, you don’t have to cut out your loved ones completely. Plenty of couples choose to elope and then host a relaxed celebration or dinner party later. You can have the best of both worlds if that feels right for you.

- Gráinne