Claire McClean Photography

How to Decide Whether To Elope in the UK

Bride and groom who decided to elope in the UK

Have you ever considered eloping? Many couples in the UK are choosing to elope rather than have a big wedding, and for good reason.

Not only does eloping offer a more intimate and personal experience, but it also means more opportunities for candid imagery. As a documentary-style wedding photographer, this is exactly what I strive for – couples feeling relaxed and having genuine fun.

In this blog post, I will discuss how to decide whether to elope in the UK and why it may be the perfect choice for you. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Elope in the UK

Ditching the Big Day: The Perks of a UK Elopement

Bride and groom walking hand in hand who decided to elope in the UK

Are you ready to give the finger to tradition and embrace the joys of eloping in the UK?

Well, hold on to your veils and bow ties because I’ve got some incredible perks to share with you! First of all, by ditching the big day, you’re saying goodbye to all the stress and drama that comes with planning a traditional wedding.

No more battling with Aunt Susan over the guest list or dealing with that distant cousin you can’t stand. It’s just you, your partner, and maybe a few close friends or family members if you’re feeling generous. 

Another perk is, there is more time for stunning photos! With a smaller guest list and fewer formalities to worry about, your wedding photographer can focus on capturing those intimate and authentic moments that truly reflect your love story.

Downsize Your Nuptials, Upsize Your Photos

Bride and groom walking hand in hand who decided to elope in the UK

Let’s be honest, planning a big wedding can be a headache.

From choosing a venue that can accommodate all your distant relatives to finding a caterer who can handle everyone’s dietary needs, it’s enough to make you want to elope.

When you elope in the UK, you’re not only saving yourself from the stress of seating plans and flower arrangements, but you’re also allowing your wedding photographer to capture the most intimate and authentic moments of your special day.

No more endless group shots or cheesy poses. Instead, you’ll have a collection of photos that truly reflect what your day was all about and the fun you created!

So why settle for forced smiles when you can elope and have photos that will make your friends and family say, “Wow, that’s the real deal!”. Downsizing means even better photos, and that’s a trade-off I’d make any day.

Saying ‘I Do’ Your Way: The Freedom of Eloping

Bride and groom who decided to elope in the UK

Get ready to dance down the aisle on your own terms!

When you elope in the UK, you have the ultimate freedom to create a wedding that truly reflects your personality and desires. It’s your day, your way.

Want to exchange vows on a cliff overlooking the ocean? Go for it! Feel like running off to a secret garden for a whimsical ceremony? Why not! With eloping, you have the freedom to say ‘I do’ in the most unique and meaningful way possible.

Why settle for a cookie-cutter wedding when you can have a day that is as unique and extraordinary as your story? Create a timeline that makes you feel the most joy. 

Just remember that if you do get ready in a non-licensed venue you will need a celebrant, and therefore will have to get legally married by a registrar on a separate day.

Crafting an Intimate Wedding with Authenticity

Bride and groom who decided to elope in the UK

It is your day which means you can do what you want!

Why follow outdated wedding traditions when you can create your own? That’s right, when you elope in the UK, you have the power to design a wedding day that is uniquely yours. 

Forget about tossing the bouquet or smashing cake in each other’s faces, it’s time to get creative! Want to exchange vows in a castle? Go for it, just make sure the ghosts RSVP. 

How about a themed wedding where you and your partner dress up as your favourite movie characters? Why not, just make sure to bring your lightsabers for the epic battle at the reception.

With eloping, the possibilities are endless. You can create traditions that reflect your interests, passions, and personalities. So, put on your thinking caps and let your imagination run wild.

It’s time to create traditions that will have your guests saying, “Wow, that’s so them!” and get them talking about it for years to come. 

The Artistic Value of Eloping

Bride and groom who decided to elope in the UK

Are you ready to create picture-perfect memories that would make even Picasso jealous?

Well, if you want to elope in the UK, this is your ticket to wedding photography heaven! When you choose to elope, you’re not just getting stunning photos, you open up the possibilities on what can be achieved visually.

Imagine exchanging vows in a secret garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Or maybe you’re drawn to the drama of a moody seaside cliff, with crashing waves as your backdrop. Whatever your vision, eloping gives you the freedom to create a wedding that is as visually stunning as it is meaningful.

The UK has so much to offer and there are choices for every couple.

So let your creative juices flow and get ready for photos that are worthy of the frames on your walls.

Financial Implications of Elopements Vs Traditional Weddings

Bride and groom walking hand in hand at tube station who decided to elope in the UK

Now, I know what you’re thinking – eloping must be a budget-friendly option, right?

Well, not necessarily. Whilst eloping can save you money in some areas, it may not be the cost-effective choice you imagined. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Traditional weddings often come with a hefty price tag. From the venue to the catering to the dress, it all adds up. However, when you elope in the UK, you might think you’re saving a tonne of cash. But here’s the kicker – you still have to pay for certain things (if you want to!).

Eloping means you can truly dedicate your budget to the things that mean the most to you – you don’t need to accommodate anyone else, but yourselves. Save on paying for everyone’s food and spend that on the activities you want to do as a couple instead.

On the other hand, traditional weddings come with a whole host of other expenses. Think about it – you’ll need to cater for all your guests, rent a venue big enough to accommodate everyone, and probably hire entertainment for the reception.

Eloping gives you the freedom to decide where to allocate your funds. Maybe you want to splurge on a photographer or go all out in an extravagant location. With eloping, you have the power to prioritise what matters most to you and still stay within your budget.

Have You Made Your Decision?

Now you know how to decide whether to elope in the UK you can put together your vision and decide what wedding plans you will be making.

Remember, your wedding day is all about you and what you envision as a couple, so it is important that you stay true to yourself.

If you would like to enquire about your UK elopement photography then get in touch today I would love to chat with you!