Magical Elopement Weddings – a story just for two

Can you imagine standing on a sea cliff at sunset, just you, your true love, and your celebrant? You’re dressed in your wedding clothes, exchanging rings and making promises for your future together. If this sounds like your dream wedding, perhaps an elopement is the perfect ceremony choice for you. Here’s my guide full of love, freedom and ideas to help you plan your elopement wedding

Why Elope? The Joy of Choosing Your Own Path

Modern elopements are a powerful choice for couples who value freedom, privacy and connection. Maybe you’re LGBTQ+ and want to create a space where you feel entirely safe and seen. Perhaps you simply can’t imagine a big wedding with seating charts and speeches. Or maybe you want your wedding day to be a secret shared between just the two of you.

Whatever your reason, eloping allows you to strip back the pressure, the performance, and the expectations, and say yes in a way that feels authentic to who you are as a couple.

Elopement Ideas for Every Kind of Couple

• The magic of elopements lies in the freedom to create something deeply personal. Here are some elopement ideas to inspire your imagination:
• Moorland sunrise vows on Dartmoor; think mist, silence, and golden skies.
• Wild coastal ceremonies, barefoot on a beach or on a cliff top with the sea roaring below.
• Secret woodland blessings, surrounded by ancient trees and birdsong.
• Urban elopements in your favourite city, followed by brunch and a night in a boutique hotel.
• Adventure elopements that start with hiking, paddleboarding or wild swimming, then end with vows and a shared flask of tea.
• Micro-weddings with a handful of guests, combining intimacy with a celebration.

How to Plan Your Elopement Wedding, Step-by-Step

1. Choose Your Location

Think about places that feel special to you. The rugged coastlines of Devon, the Scottish Highlands, a local woodland you’ve walked a hundred times, or even your own garden. Be sure to consider accessibility, weather, and whether permits are needed.

2. Choose the Right Celebrant

You’ll want someone who gets you. A celebrant who listens, reflects your values, and crafts a ceremony that’s all heart. You’re not just ticking a box; you’re finding someone to tell your love story with care and creativity.

3. Decide Who’s Coming

It could just be the two of you, or perhaps you’ll bring a couple of close friends, your dog, or your nan. There’s no rulebook. The most important thing is that everyone present supports and celebrates your choices.

4. Plan the Ceremony Details

Do you want to write your own vows? Include a handfasting or sand ceremony? Read a poem, sing a song or bring in your cultural heritage? Let your imaginations run free. I can help you shape your thoughts into something truly reflective of who you are.

5. Don’t Forget the Legal Bit

In England and Wales, the legal aspect of marriage usually happens at a registry office. Many couples do this before or after their elopement ceremony. This frees up the elopement to be entirely personal—about love, not paperwork.

6. Capture the Magic

A great elopement photographer will document your day without turning it into a photo shoot. You could also record audio, keep a handwritten journal, or bring a friend with a Polaroid camera. This is your story to remember, however you like.

7. Add Meaningful Details

Bring your favourite song, pack a celebratory picnic, light a candle for loved ones who can’t be there, or wear something totally unexpected. The little things are what make it yours.

FAQs About Elopement Weddings

Can we have a celebrant-led elopement and still be legally married?
Yes, many couples handle the legal paperwork at the registry office and then have their personal ceremony with a celebrant wherever and whenever they like.

Do we need witnesses?
For the legal marriage, yes—but not for your elopement ceremony. You can be entirely alone, or invite friends to witness your vows.

Can we involve family afterwards?
Absolutely. You could host a party, send announcement cards, or share a film or photo album of the day. Many couples choose to celebrate with loved ones after eloping privately.

What should we wear?
Anything you like. Wedding outfits, hiking boots, colourful suits, silk jumpsuits or jeans. There’s no dress code for love.

Real Elopement Inspiration

Bridget & Owain’s Woodland Elopement in Devon

Bridget and Owain, a couple from Wales, chose to elope at the serene Ever After venue in Devon. Their intimate ceremony was witnessed by Bridget’s sister and their hairstylist, Jodie. The couple shared a heartfelt “first look” before walking together to the terrace area, where they exchanged vows and rings. The day was filled with personal touches, including a confetti celebration and outdoor photography sessions capturing their joy amidst the natural beauty of Dartmoor.

Cara & John’s Tipi Wedding in Cornwall

As a wedding florist, Cara desired a stress-free and intimate celebration. She and her partner John eloped to Cornish Tipi Weddings, a venue nestled in nature and close to the ocean. Despite the rain, Cara crafted her own flower crown on the morning of the wedding. She wore a bespoke dress, while John donned a Gresham Blake suit. Their son also participated, wearing a matching waistcoat. The couple cherished the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to focus solely on their love and commitment. wedmagazine.co.uk

Rachel & Keith’s Intimate Ceremony in Torquay

Rachel and Keith opted for a small elopement ceremony at Cockington in Torquay, Devon. Surrounded by a handful of friends, they exchanged vows on a sunny September day. The intimate setting allowed for relaxed couple photos in the picturesque grounds of Cockington, and the presence of close friends added warmth to their special day. Memories & Milestones Photography

Final Thoughts – Elopement Is Just Another Word for Freedom

Planning your elopement wedding is about more than logistics; it’s about choosing joy on your own terms. There’s no such thing as the right way to marry—just your way. Whether it’s under a tree, on a boat, or at dawn in your hiking boots, your elopement can be a true reflection of who you are.

Let your wedding day be the first chapter of a life lived with intention.

Ready to Plan Your Elopement Wedding? Let’s Make Magic Happen.

If this sounds like the kind of celebration you’d love, I’d be honoured to help create it with you. From crafting a one-of-a-kind ceremony to helping you brainstorm meaningful elopement ideas, I’m here to help make your day unforgettable.