Eloping?

It’s so difficult!! So when u say small u mean just you guys? How many do u want there.

View quoted message It truly is!! We want us and fiances parents there! Which means, my best friend and his sister will be especially upset not be attending!

View quoted message That is going to be tough. If you invited them would it open up the doors for inviting others? It sounds like they are the only two u are worried about could u just have two more?. If not then I think you can get away with just saying immediate family to friends but not with the sister!

View quoted message I have quite an extensive family and a big wedding would be too much away from what we want ( a small, intimate day). I think i will take your advice in saying 2 witnesses only!

Hi i am going through this at the moment our plan has always been us and our children which family has always known was the plan of cause they want the big do not happening so we decided to book without telling anyone but everyone found out even my best friends and now we dont talk at all it is such a hard thing when all you want is just you please talk to them and explain what you want until they accept it my family are all stubborn lets hope yours understand x💗

I think you should stay true to yourselves. You could do a registry office or a church and then hire a private room in a restaurant/pub or something. I guess theres a couple of options with just having the ceremony with witnesses and then inviting close family/friends after whether thats like a party or a small gathering at a restaurant or something. Registry offices may allow a virtual screening at the ceremony if youd be happy for your family to watch that way? We are having our reception in a village hall this may be an option if you want it to be a bit more low key?

View quoted message I'm so sorry that you and your friends don't talk anymore! That is my fear, my best friend and i have always talked about being at each others weddings ever since we were little but as I've grown and met my partner, i realise a big wedding is just not us! I've tried saying that and i got " do you not want us there? You'd be at MY wedding...we want to be there". My best friend is expecting a baby this year, she lives far away from me and has asked me to be godmother which makes it a million times worse because it feels like I'd be turning down a chance to see not only my best friend, who i haven't seen since covid began but also my godchild! But i just want it to be the two of us 😞

View quoted message Thank you! This is also a factor, we dont want a reception, simply a beautiful and intimate ceremony and then we're leaving for our honeymoon. I don't want people to travel so far for just a ceremony and then for us to leave! I think my best friend will be the biggest of worries for me. She lives 5 hours away from me so i haven't seen her really since covid began and shes expecting her first baby this year and shes asked me to be godmother. I truly just want it to be me and my partner (only asking his parents to be there as witnesses) and I'm so worried it'll come across like i don't care about her or my godchild!

View quoted message This is me did want a big wedding until i met my partner i am now 43 big fancy wedding is just not what i want anymore x I think the best thing is talk to them and explain what you both want its happening and you could always have a meal or little do when you get back it is hard when all you want gets ruined by others x💗

We have booked a cottage for a week and getting married while we are there the witnesses will be are 3 kids two our old enough to sign and be a witness x 💗

View quoted message If you’re only planning on asking your partner’s parents as witnesses, could you consider asking your friend to be one instead? It could be nice to have one witness as someone who’s important to you and one as someone who’s important to your partner?


Just an idea! Ultimately, do what’s best for you and is going to make you happiest. As long as you explain it kindly to everyone else they should understand and want you to do what makes you happy.

View quoted message That sounds perfect! We want a ceremony, just us two ( and witnesses) and then straight after leave for our honeymoon with our dog! I know other commenters are suggesting i invite my best friend as a witness but she wouldn't come unless her partner and baby also came and then it starts to become less of what we want! X

View quoted message I did consider but she wouldn't come unless her partner and baby also came and the more people we invite, the less of the eloping excitement we planned!

View quoted message Totally agree with you hete anytime x💗

We are doing registry while we are there wedding slash honeymoon with the kids so looking forward to it even if it has caused problems but if its what we want then we should have that stick to what you both want and enjoy your planning believe me it my cause problems but if this is your dream then stick to it x💗

View quoted message It is! We weren't really big wedding people and don't do parties and big do's so i think we'll stick to our guns on this one and congratulations! It'll be a beautiful day for you all ❤️x

View quoted message Same to you hun good luck to you both x💗

Stick to your guns. People who really love you will accept this is what you want, even if it makes them sad.

It might help if you arrange to show your wedding photos to your SIL and best friend before anyone else gets to see them? Kind of - you couldn't come to our wedding because we were only eloping, but because you're so special to us, you get to see the photos first?

View quoted message Sounds like a good idea! We were discussing maybe sending some wedding photos framed to those who can't attend, so they still feel part of the day?

We were looking for a registry office and room in a hotel for a small reception but there wasn’t anywhere (Sheffield)!! We have ended up having a bigger venue but doing it on a weekday so the minimum amount of guests is 40 rather than 75! It’s so hard to find smaller venues, hope you find one that’s perfect for you both

View quoted message If shes your best friend she's likely to understand and judt want you to be happy. I would just talk yo her about it when when you next speak, maybe on zoom/video call if thats what you normally do.

View quoted message I have looked around and there's one or two who can switch around to make it smaller but we have to take into account our dog too! So theres hurdles everywhere! Haha im so glad you found your venue!

Hi, have you had a look at the South Causey Inn? North East England, Beamish kind of area. They offer small ceremony packages and an elopement package 🙂 Good luck! even though people maybe disappointed they should still be happy for you and respect your choices and be happy for you x

My Daughter announced her engagement last weekend followed by her wish of just 2 witnesses to her Wedding. As I said to her, people, will be disappointed ( I am myself) BUT it’s HER wedding so her choice.

View quoted message Congratulations to your daughter and I'm so glad that you're understanding in her wishes. I've managed to speak with my sister and she's understanding of what i want, very disappointed and upset she won't be there but I've told her I will FaceTime her after the ceremony so shes still a part of our day. I'll also be selecting photos that won't be shared online and printing them in a frame for those who cant attend!

View quoted message Thank you and sounds a great idea.

View quoted message Hi! Thank you so much for your reply, I have but it wasn't available for our desired date! I've been searching around and discovered a few venues that will switch around for us so that the venue is suitable, just need to discuss with my partner! X

Hows the planning going x💗