If you're thinking of eloping, you're not alone. With the average UK wedding costing close to £20,000 it's no surprise that some couples are choosing to elope or have a much smaller wedding to cut down on costs. With living costs rising and young couples trying to save for a deposit on a property is it worth spending that much money on a wedding? Cost isn't the only reason to elope, you may not want the stress of planning a big wedding and having to deal with choosing a guest list, or you may not like all the attention being on you, there's lots of different reasons why eloping may be the best option for you.
Where can we elope?
To get legally married in England and Wales you must go to a registry office with two witnesses. However, in Scotland and Northern Ireland you can legally get married anywhere with a humanist celebrant. Lots of couples choose to go to Scotland for this reason as they can get married on a hill top with beautiful views. If you're in England or Wales and want some nice photos you could always hire a photographer to go with you to a beautiful location in your wedding outfits. I have done this with a few couples, recently I went to Cuckmere Haven with a couple for portraits in their wedding outfits. For couples eloping at Brighton Town Hall I will often take them to the beach, the pier and around the town after the ceremony for some couple portraits.
Celebrant Ceremonies
Another option is to legally married with just two witnesses at a registry office and then have a celebrant lead ceremony on a different day at a location of your choice. This is a great option for those who want a more personalised ceremony or if the location you chose doesn't have a marriage licence. This can help cut down on costs massively as you don't need to hire a wedding venue, you can go anywhere you like.
Micro Weddings
Micro weddings are becoming increasingly more popular since the pandemic. I chose to have one myself, we got married at a registry office and then had our family round my nan's house for the reception. We had a marquee in the garden and a pizza van for our wedding breakfast, there was only 16 people and it was perfect. Me and my partner don't like attention and we have small families so this worked out great for us. I have a lot of couples who have their ceremony at Brighton Registry Office and then have their reception at a local restaurant or pub.
All photos by phoeberossiphotography.com