8 Tips to Plan the Perfect Elopement

Does the thought of planning a wedding feel overwhelming to you? Or maybe some aspects of the traditional wedding ceremony, such as being given away, the white dress or even being the centre of attention for an entire day, just don’t work for you. To help you elope with ease, we’ve put together our top tips, covering everything from destinations to insurance, so you can be confident in your decision.

1. Choose your Dream Location

When you start to think about where you want to elope choose a place that has a lot of meaning to you both. This can mean choosing a location you’ve both been to before that you love or choosing a location you’ve both been dying to go to! The world is your oyster, give it time and consideration!

2. What Rules?

Forget every wedding tradition you’ve ever known. All that matters during your elopement is that you say the vows and sign the paper . . . the rest is up to you! Not a fan of throwing the bouquet? No problem. Include the traditions you love and leave out the ones that bore you.


Photo by Vasily Koloda / Unsplash

3. Splurge on the important things

Make sure to splurge on the items that are most important to you and your partner. With such a tight-knit group you’re more financially able to get everything you ever dreamed of as well treat everyone in attendance to thoughtful gifts and upgrades which will make them feel special as well.


Photo by Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

4. Hire a photographer and videographer

It’s pretty likely that not all your family and friends are going to be there when you elope, so it is even more important to have professionals capture your elopement. When you’re looking for a photographer/videographer be sure to pick people whom you’ll get along well with! They’ll be with you all day during your elopement experience guiding you through your day, so picking a team that will elevate your experience is key!

If you’re eloping somewhere that isn’t home, make sure that when you’re looking for a photographer and videographer to ask if there are any travel fees included.


Photo by Andre Furtado / Unsplash

5. Set your Budget

While eloping can save you thousands of pounds, it can still be costly, depending on exactly what you want. If part of the decision to elope was to save on cost, decide how much of the original budget you want to save. From there, do some preliminary research on affordable destination weddings to make sure budget is realistic for what you want.

6. Don’t forget your family and friends

Even though you’re choosing to elope, there are still some things you can do to incorporate your family and friends. Consider hosting a reception-like party post-ceremony to make your loved ones feel included and, well, loved. Rally the troops for a photo and video viewing at home (complete with projector, popcorn, and bubbly) or host an informal brunch where you raise a glass to your parents. They may not have been at the wedding, but they’ve been there for you through everything else.

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The Chamberlins

7. Make sure you do your homework

We hate to break it to you but you can’t elope quite as spontaneously as you might think. Elopements abroad will be subject to the laws of that country. You can use this gov.uk tool to find out exactly what documents you’ll need, any legal and residency requirements, and if the marriage will be legal under UK law.

An experienced wedding planner may make dealing with paperwork and practicalities easier. Perfectly Planned 4 You are available to work worldwide and have planned weddings and events across the world, contact us on hello@perfectlyplanned4you.com we would love to help you plan your elopement.

8. Get insurance

We cannot overemphasise the importance of wedding insurance, and this is true for elopements, particularly if you’re getting married abroad.

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Raisa Zwart Photography

HI, I'm Cherelle

Welcome to the Perfectly Planned 4 You blog, home to my best wedding tips and inspiration.


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