Eloping and then wedding party later?

[LVHereWeCome]

OH and I are considering eloping to Vegas. We’ve been together nearly 15 years. We are planning to start TTC next year but it’s really important to me to be married first. OH isn’t fussed either way but is up for eloping.

We love weddings, and would love to have one with all our friends and family but finances have never made it possible. Renovating a house and now saving for a baby.

We are considering getting married in Las Vegas. OH travels for work and we’ll have air miles and hotel credit to make it very cheap. We’d do a mini-moon as part of the trip.

Then maybe in 2027 have a big party in the garden. Marquee and a buffet and all our friends.

Has anyone done anything similar for similar reasons? How do you feel about it now?

If your family have space for a party, is it big enough for people to camp at and have a festival type vibe (if that’s what you like). That would be stand out and special enough to not need the cosplay wedding.

But the elopement - definitely go for it. I assume you’re going to tell people and not do that awful thing of doing a fake wedding that you pretend is the actual wedding?

We'd definitely tell people before we went! My mother would die if I didn't tell her.

My fear with anything that doesn't have a proper roof is rain. Just can't trust the weather not to ruin everything.

Eloping is running away secretly to get married. If you're going to tell anybody before you go, then you're just going to Vegas to get married. As to the party, sounds a good idea but to treat it like a wedding (dress, bridesmaids etc) seems creepy to me (is that you, Meghan?).

Why not use a local Community Hall or Social Club or Sports Club, or indeed the Pub Garden Barn you used for your dh's birthday and have a party soon after you get back ?
Marquee hire is huge (before you think about flooring, and toilets) and there is no need for you to provide all the drink. People expect a pay bar at a wedding (or 'bring your own' if it is a local Village hall).
Nowadays you can do a set of playlists and just borrow some speakers. It really doesn't have to cost as much as you think.

Honestly? The elopment sounds a great idea. But you say you plan to start TTC next year. If all goes well and you have a baby, I doubt you will have the money or time or energy to organise the wedding you describe in 2027 (we had a small simple wedding when our kid was 1y.o. and I was absolutely exhausted).

We are getting married abroad (just the two of us) and then having a fairly low spec party when we get back. We are booking an rugby club, a hog roast, cheesy disco and im going to DIY some decorations (but not going mad). Party should be less than £2k. Is that not an option for you?