Let’s just elope! It’s an offhand comment made by many a bride or groom-to-be, possibly after a few too many glasses of wine. In the cold light of day, few actually go through with it. But as the cost of weddings increase maybe eloping i’s actually worth considering.
The pros
Sex and the City fans still sigh and go misty eyed over Carrie and Big’s quiet marriage at City Hall. We know it’s only a movie/TV show, but it was just so romantic. Loads of other (real) celebs have done it too including Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, and Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon.
But don’t just do it to be a celeb copycat. Think of all the money you’ll save. Combining an intimate wedding with a romantic honeymoon could cost you tens of thousands of pounds less than a big wedding. And with what you’ve saved you could go on a round the world extended holiday together, buy a really flash new car, or even put down a substantial deposit on your first house together.
You also won’t have all of the months of stressful wedding planning to cope with. And you’ll avoid having to deal with family politics. If your brother doesn’t get on with Uncle Bob who’s divorced from Auntie Jane who doesn’t talk to Cousin Mary, it doesn’t matter because you don’t have to invite any of them!
And talk about having an amazing story to tell all your friends when you get home. What did you do this weekend? Oh nothing much. We only flew to Vegas and got married…!
The cons
With this approach you risk causing maximum offence to family and friends who expected to be invited to your big day. Mothers of the brides and mothers in law especially might be hurt enough to hold a grudge.
And if your parents don’t have the best relationship with your other half, they’ll really not be happy that he’s whisked you away for your wedding against your will, as they’ll see it. If you’re the kind of person who would feel eternally guilty about not inviting your family and friends, think twice. And if all your friends are having big weddings, are you strong enough to stand out from the crowd? Or will you feel left out every time they talk about their big celebration?
It also goes without saying that eloping isn’t for you if you’ve been dreaming about walking down the aisle since before you could walk. You’ll forever wonder about that big white wedding you never had.
Five of the best places to elope to
Las Vegas Over 100,000 weddings are performed each year. Head to The Elvis Wedding Chapel and get married by The King himself.
Niagara Falls Canada’'s side of the Falls provides a jaw dropping romantic backdrop for your vows.
Caig Falls Maria Wilson at Highland Weddings arranges ceremonies in this magical historic setting in the Scottish Highlands.
Catalina Island Couples have been eloping to the "Island of Romance", a tranquil island off the coast of Southern California, for decades.
Gretna Green The wedding capital of the world is a small, historic village in the Scottish Borders on the west coast.
Get advice about eloping from other brides-to-be on the Scottish Wedding Directory Forum
