As a celebrant, weddings are definitely one of the of the most rewarding ceremonies to be part of. I’m Kay and I’m a wedding celebrant, so let’s talk Elopement.
So, Why Elopement?
Historically an elopement was often reminisced in family folklore as two lovestruck young lovers disappearing into the night and heading for Gretna Green to marry before it was known that they were even missing!
Today’s elopements couldn’t be further from this, apart from the element of surprise sometimes, but they are wonderfully romantic and can be planned with utmost precision and timing, or a relaxed almost ‘off the cuff’ celebration, but always with an air of excitement and thrill.
You may have decided that an elopement seems the best option due to financial reasons, maybe the guest list is getting too overpowering or family squabbles are making it increasingly harder to please everyone, remember, it’s about you and what you want!
The Venue
When you are deciding on the venue, an elopement can open doors that may otherwise not be available to you; a museum featuring railway engines if you met on a train, a woodland clearing that you found on that beautiful walk in the rain during lockdown or the cinema where you had your first date that was set up online. The choices are simply endless and most of these venues would be delighted to host your wedding; even after trading hours – it will be as exciting for them as for you, and they will often be only too willing to help decorate a small area to hold the ceremony.
How will you cope with the families disappointment at not being there for your big day?
Yes, the initial shock may be upsetting for some, but we can fix this by creating beautiful personal memory gifts for all would-be guests. There will also be some guests that will thank you for saving them the expense of new outfits and weeks of sorting childcare!
Aside from being wildly romantic, there are many other incredible benefits to eloping to tie the knot.
Just The Two of Us
From start to finish the day is solely about you! A leisurely breakfast together and the realisation of what the outcome of the day will be; Mr & Mrs, Mrs & Mrs or Mr & Mr – a new beginning and the start of a momentous lifetime together.
There will be just a few people ‘in on the secret’ that will be well briefed to make your day so special.
The celebrant, that’s me, Celebrant Ceremonies by Kay Poole #kaypoolecelebrant, and I will have been with you on this journey since the inkling of an idea first started to form.
The photographer, someone who has been chosen to be discreet, to take the most amazing photographs – remember, we have to show all of your family and friends that this was YOUR day and although they weren’t there, we can still create beautiful memories – why not diary your day from start to finish in photographs, with quirky little captions in a Photo Book for all of your special family and friends to receive?
A videographer, but we don’t want to you to have to ‘perform’ for the camera – unless you want to – the day is all about being an organic, ‘go with the flow’ kind of day – but if you know someone who fits the bill perfectly, of course, bring them along.
The Build Up…
Many couples who elope choose to get ready for the ceremony together, it’s all part of the build-up that they can share. The wedding gown might be simple or extravagant; cost savings in other areas may mean that some features can remain integral part of the budget. The bride may have decided that this was the one thing that she wasn’t going to comprise on. It can still be kept under lock and key until the day, when, having dressed, she gives a first preview to her intended and probably the first tears of the day happen right now!
The Ceremony…
An elopement ceremony doesn’t have to differ too far from a traditional wedding ceremony, but saying your vows to each other can be so intimate and personal; no-one is watching you, it’s just the two of you… and me, gently prompting you or reading your personal vows at the given time. Any of the symbolic elements such as hand fasting or a sand ceremony can still be part of your ceremony and ‘jumping the broom’ doesn’t feel nearly so unusual if you are in a woodland clearing – what else would you do?
It’s lovely to keep some of the traditions of a wedding…
The Flowers, there is something so tactile and unfamiliar about holding a bouquet of flowers as you greet your intended; the colours, the perfume, the delicate petals and the soft greenery cascading down, it’s all part of making the day special.
The Cake, and particularly the cutting of the cake, is a great photo opportunity – and it can be distributed to family and friends when you return – perhaps it’s the delivery of the cake in pretty little boxes with personalised messages, that informs your guests that you are now married?
The Cost, compared to a traditional wedding, the cost of an elopement can be dramatically lower, but it is by no means comparative to the amount of fun and sharing of love on the day.
Take a look at a typical wedding list in any bridal magazine, and how many of these items can be crossed off as ‘not required’ when deciding on an elopement? You may decide to upgrade from Prosecco to Bollinger – it’s only one bottle, so why not?
The use of technology is so easy now, with most mobile phones being linked to music apps like Spotify or Apple Music, so why not create a personal playlist to take you from waking up to finally dropping into the bed at the end of the day – exhausted but still buzzing with excitement – WE DID IT!
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”