Despite their growing popularity in Ireland, elopements are often the most misunderstood type of wedding. If you’ve ever considered planning an elopement but aren’t sure of what it entails, read on!
What is an elopement?
In the simplest terms, an elopement is generally a wedding where the only people to attend are the couple and two legal witnesses. This type of wedding has existed for centuries, but is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland.
So elopements are just the couple plus two witnesses?
Most commonly, yes, but not always. Occasionally, an elopement might involve both sets of parents or immediate families being there. Sometimes, it’s the couple along with a handful of their closest friends. We’ve photographed elopements where the couple’s kids are the only guests, and that is really beautiful. Most commonly, it’s just the couple and we sign the documents as the legal witnesses, but unlike a best man and chief bridesmaid, you won’t have to listen to us making a speech…
If I have 20 guests is that still an elopement?
It depends who you ask. In countries where large weddings of 200+ are the norm, 20 would be considered an elopement. For us, once you get over a dozen guests and start adding in a sit down meal, you’re getting into ‘small wedding’ territory. The majority of elopements we’ve photographed have had 2-4 people present. We feel that if you’re struggling to keep guest numbers low, perhaps an elopement isn’t the right choice for you.
Why do people elope?
While the term was traditionally linked to secretive, unapproved weddings, it is hugely different these days. Many couples are motivated by a desire to avoid the costs, fuss and stress of a large traditional wedding. Some couples simply don’t like being the centre of attention and would prefer to keep things low key.
We’ve lost count of the amount of people eloping to Northern Ireland who love Game of Thrones…
What are the advantages of eloping?
We’ve got a full article on the pros and cons of an elopement but here are some of the main positives. The most obvious advantage is the cost. Without having to factor in a wedding reception, you already save the bulk of a traditional wedding budget. Then, there’s the time and stress. Planning a wedding can be a huge undertaking. From booking suppliers and venues, to one of the most tortuous activities ever devised by humans: figuring our your seating plan. Much of the stress of a wedding can be completely removed by eloping.
An elopement can be, and often is, the mos intimate type of wedding. While people will tell you that all weddings are about the couple, the reality is that a traditional wedding cannot compare to an elopement in this regard. Everything about an elopement is geared towards the two of you.
Are there any downsides to eloping?
This all depends on your personality and viewpoint. If you’re the type of person that loves a big party and fanfare, an elopement might not be for you; by their nature, elopements are low-key. You also risk upsetting family and friends who would love to be with you on your wedding day. This especially can become an issue if your elopement does have a handful of family/friends, as you’re having to leave some people out but not others.
Where is the best place to have an elopement?
This is another great advantage of eloping, you are less limited on where you can get married. In Northern Ireland, you can get legally married anywhere, indoors and outdoors, as long as you have a qualified and registered celebrant and permission to be in the location. In the Republic of Ireland, rules are more stringent with legal ceremonies only possible in registered locations.
Many couples, especially those eloping to Ireland, choose to have their weddings in epic, rural locations on the coast or in the mountains. These can make for amazing pictures that capture the beauty of Ireland. For the majority of locals, though, we find that city elopements are really popular. And while you might have to sacrifice stunning vistas, you’ll find that the colour and vibrancy (and the pubs) of the City, more than make up for it.
We absolutely LOVE a Belfast City wedding, and we think you will too.
What traditional wedding things do you still have to have?
Literally, the only thing you have to have is the legal wedding ceremony. That’s it. You don’t have to have dresses or suits. Cakes, flowers, photography, videography… the whole lot of it can be left out.
What we would advise at a mimimum is getting dressed up (and we don’t mean that you have to have a suit or white dress) and having a some cool photographs taken afterwards.
While you may not want attention, it’s nice to have some photographs to look back on and share with friends and family who weren’t in attendance.
