How to organize an elopement

Hello! An elopement still needs to be planned, you might need to give notice and ensure the registrar is available on your date/time. I would look up where you want to do it (ensure they are licensed for weddings- even small ones) and then ask them what the usual order of things is. Gretna green is a popular one and they’ll have lots of things in place to help you!

View quoted message Hello,


Hopefully, we’ll find something. Cheers.

Technically, an elopement is just you and your OH and you don't tell anyone about it until it's over! But these days, 'elopement' is also used to refer to a small wedding with just one or two guests, that takes place away from the couple's home area. You can plan as much or as little as you want, but as PP says, you will need to book a registrar/officiant and if you want family members to attend, you'll also need to give them enough notice to plan travel etc and book accommodation if travelling a long way. And if you want a special outfit, bouquet, cake, professional photographer, these things will need to be bought/booked too.

It sounds absolutely wonderful! Here are some tips on how to organize an elopement:

1. Plan according to your preference: Elopements can be spontaneous or meticulously planned, depending on what you and your partner prefer in terms of formality and ceremony. Some people enjoy a simple and romantic getaway, while others may prefer detailed planning before eloping.

2. Choose the location: Scotland offers many romantic spots perfect for elopements, such as Highland lakes, castles, or scenic coastal areas. You can pick a location based on your preferences and budget.

3. Legalities and formalities: Before planning your elopement, make sure to understand Scotland's marriage laws and procedures. Elopements require specific documents and processes, so it's important to know what legal paperwork and preparations are needed to ensure your marriage is recognized.

4. Arrange travel and accommodation: If your elopement involves travel, make sure to book transportation and accommodation in advance. You might need to organize flights, hotels, or other accommodation options.

5. Celebrate your way: After eloping, you might want to plan some celebration activities such as a dinner, romantic outings, or a ceremony to celebrate your marriage.

6. Capture memories: Remember to capture this special moment—consider hiring a photographer or videographer to document your elopement.

Ultimately, eloping is about you and your partner, so make sure the plans align with your desires and expectations. Wishing you both a wonderful and unforgettable elopement experience!

View quoted message Thank you so much for your answer. I know it doesn’t mean that we will not have to organise. But we just want to have something more intimate as we have both already gone down the route of a first wedding with the whole 9 yards: the guests we didn’t want, our respective in-laws drama, the wasted food for people that canceled last minute.
So this time, since we are starting anew, we only want to have our very close ones with us.
So we will find a way to have a happy celebration as far as possible from our previous experiences