Advice on eloping?

[homebird29]

Hi everyone. We were due to get married early next year, but with the uncertainty of everything at the moment we are tempted to elope in August / September (just us and witnesses), if weddings are allowed by then. I have a complicated family situation - it would stress me out to have them all there at our wedding anyway - but I get on very well with OH’s family, who are wonderful. I don’t want them to be offended. We would intend on having small but joyful parties at our house after our elopement to celebrate. My OH has no doubts over eloping and its what I want too- but I’m starting to worry a little over whether we’ll regret doing it in such a small / quiet way. We’ve never wanted a massive venue wedding- we just want to be married in a relaxed way and then celebrate with our loved ones afterwards. Has anyone eloped before or have any advice for telling people in a lovely way / the party afterwards? Thanks

Hi OP, no advice as such but we’re thinking along the same lines! Where were you thinking of eloping to?

We're in a similar situation. My family are very difficult and would not attend my wedding if say my mother did or father and grandparents... it's so hard! Our plan is to get married abroad and have a reception when we return! I'm also at a loss where to start 😩 good luck

We have found a venue (just this week) that is an hour away from our house. It’s very luxurious with nice gardens and we would have thought it was normally out of our budget but they were up for doing a deal for an elopement as so many of their big weddings had moved to next year, and it would just be the two of us doing our ceremony and photos. We’re thinking of booking it for September! :) If you can do it before Christmas I would recommend emailing round a few venues- they seem to be pretty available! Just need to work out how to keep it a secret until then now.... that makes me a bit nervous!

@homebird29 congratulations! Sounds lovely, are you telling anyone or keeping completely hush until after the date?? And it makes sense as people who have postponed their weddings will have put them back to next year rather than later this year I imagine to be safe!

@EmotionalFlood thank you!! We are telling three very close friends / family but asking them to keep hush. Just simpler that way! It feels exciting but definitely a bit nerve wracking to be doing it all in secret. Will be nice to celebrate with everyone afterwards though!

I hope all goes well! I feel like weddings are so stressful now, especially where families are involved 🙈 you now get to plan your day, let the count down begin!

My husband and I eloped. Best decision ever. Don't tell anyone before you do it, just send out announcements after. What you choose to do is nobody else's business.

Love the idea, it sounds perfect. I say go for it!

Thanks all! @Aquamarine1029 that’s exciting to hear you eloped- I actually don’t know anyone who has eloped before. Did you have any difficulty with relatives afterwards or any advice? :)

The thing I've heard most often with elopement is family members saying they don't mind about the small wedding and not being there but the secrecy hurts them. Just tell your families this is what you will be doing and that you will let them know as and when it's time to celebrate.

Haven't done it but wish I had! Sounds like a lovely thing to do, and practical too in these times x