Elopement
I’m a big fan of them. Probably because it’s what I would do given the chance!
…Why?…
“In the past eloping typically involved rolling into a Las Vegas chapel after a few too many martinis, or driving across the Scottish border to Gretna Green without anyone knowing – perhaps to avoid the wrath of disapproving parents, or because of a secret pregnancy.
But today, eloping means something a bit different. For a start, modern-day elopers are able to research more exotic locations online. Looking at Google Trends search data, people in the UK have been searching for “elope” and “elopement” in far higher percentages now than they were 10 years ago.” (Source: The Telegraph)
…because…
Perhaps they are more intimate-an elopement is just about you two, not about traditions, not about sticking to other peoples ideals. Millennials are shunning tradition more and more.
They can be very cost effective – no big venue, not feeding the five thousand! The average cost of a venue wedding is not around £30k! When homes are so expensive, you can see why that kind of spending on one day is prohibitive!
It’s easier – much less of a logistical nightmare when there is no entourage. The date only has to suit the two of you! The place only needs to suit the two of you. Less hassle equals less stress
Inspirational – the internet and the visual social media is inspiring people to choose epic places to elope to. And if your imagination is limitless….
Adventurous – now that’s one way to start married life with an adventure.
…how…
However you don’t actually need to go to the ends of the earth to elope. The UK has some awesome places where you can make your vows to each other.
England and Wales
In England you will need to book a registrar at a registry office or registered weddings venue for your legal ceremony. Do not let that put you off creating an adventure elopement and incredible non-legal vow ceremony in an awesome landscape however. Lisa Wilson Celebrant in the North East of the England can provide a personal ceremony for couples who wish to create an intimate and meaningful vow ceremony in a forest, on a mountainside, or by a lake.
Scotland
In Scotland the celebrant or registrar will come to you. Your only limit is your imagination. The paper work just has to be collected and posted back to the registry office of the locality of your vows in three days! (See this article for fuller details).
…inspiration…
So I took part in an inspirational two day elopement shoot on the Isle of Skye, organised by Nicola Dixon. It was pretty darn cold as the rest of the UK was struggling with the Beast from the East. Skye being far over to the west did not get the blizzards, but the wind was pretty ferocious. The amazing models braved the temperatures, (risking frostbite and hypothermia in my opinion) just to enable some awesome photography. For that I am forever grateful. Here is my take on the day.
With enormous thanks to
Creative Director – Nicola Dixon
HMUA: AMM-Team
Flowers by Myrtle & Bracken
Stationery: Laura Elizabeth Patrick
Margarita Glushkova & Devon