If the idea of sacking off the guest list and avoiding the extra stress, drama and expense of a big wedding sounds appealing then you’ve probably already considered eloping. Even if you’re planning a low key or small wedding and you just want to do things entirely on your own terms, this article is for you.

1. Do it for the right reasons

It’s all very well and good wanting to elope because you think it’s the ‘easier’ option but I’d caution you doing this just because you’re feeling stressed out about wedding planning. It could lead to you regretting it in the long run. Saving money, keeping things intimate or avoiding drama are all valid reasons to elope but be sure you’ve thought a lot about your decision and that it’s what you both really want, rather than it being a knee-jerk reaction to how you’re feeling at this very moment.

2. Stop feeling guilty!

A lot of couples feel twangs of guilt about not involving their friends and family in their wedding, but so long as you’re following my first point there’s no need to! You don’t have to justify your decision to anyone else but yourselves, and remember, you can always have a party without the extra pressure when you get home.

3. Have a plan for telling people 

You may decide to throw a big party to let everyone now you’ve eloped or even just casually tell your loved ones (in person!) and call it a day. But whatever you decide to do, its a good idea to have a plan, especially when it comes to parents. It would be the worst if they just found out via Facebook! Eloping and parents can be a particularly tricky thing to navigate but by having a proper idea of how you’ll break the news, you can still make it a special moment for them too.

4. Remember the legalities

Just because you’re running away and doing things on your own terms, doesn’t mean you can avoid the legal stuff. If anything it’s MORE important to make sure you understand how it all works as you won’t have a wedding co-coordinator or venue with wedding experience to talk you though it.

If you’re eloping abroad make sure you speak to your local council to find out if there’s anything you need to do when you get home to make sure your marriage is legally recognised.

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