Elope

Keary1979

Hi just wondering has anybody eloped either here or abroad
Where ye go and did ye enjoy it
Thanks

TripAdvisor

Hi there
we eloped earlier this year and I certainly have no regrets but everyone is different, the big plus for me was having the celebration to look forward to 2 months later with no pressures attached. Were originally to go abroad but had to change plans last minute (long story) so went up North. Had a blessing and an actual Celebration for very immediate family and close friends. It was brill to go along and just enjoy it like everyone else without too much of the typical formalities that can bring terrible pressure on people.There was really only one person who took offence and as the saying goes "theres always one" !!!! If youre the sort of female who craves being the centre of attention "Eloping" probably wont suit ye but if you are not like that I could not recommend it enough and plan a "bash" when ye come back from wherever and you'll certainly enjoy it......

LeeHoffmann

Thinking of this myself tbh. We booked our wedding venue etc just a couple of weeks ago but the pressure of having to entertain people all day long and keep them happy, and the long list of pointless rituals (cutting the cake for example) mean that I dread it and hate the whole wedding/planning thing. I also don't understand why all these people want to come.

To answer your question OP, I've heard of plenty of couples eloping to Las Vegas - they've said it's not tacky? Italy's always a favourite. I also read about a hotel in Fiji that organises weddings for couples wanting to elope - the wedding ceremony takes place at sunset on a beach, the bride is transported by boat to the beach by people in traditional warrior dress, afterwards the couple, hotel staff & guests, 'warriors' and celebrant have a feast around a bonfire. I'm sure there's plenty of options for where to go and how to celebrate. Good luck

TripAdvisor

We were to go to New York (which is a favourite venue of ours). Had planned to marry in City Hall on Valentines Day but even though it was disappointing havn to cancel it meant we then had a nice holiday in the summer, something we couldent have afforded had we gone to NYC. Personally I wouldent be a fan of Vegas, I hear its very tacky but I know couples who have done the Vegas thing and absolutely loved it. I have seen sooo many friends of mine get sooo stressed plannin the traditional wedding in Ireland and put themselves under so much pressure and then when they look back they tell they hardly even got to enjoy the day or the event itself where they were in such a heap. Really, is it worth all that? Personally, I think not. For me the fact we had signed the register and legalised our relationship already meant that the day of the Party we felt no pressure and just went along like everyone else and had a blast. The blessing made it a very "personable" occasion and gave a nice touch. After that the drinks, the meal, the music were all just great and the event went in sooo quickly......a great memory to have....

AoifeCork

A colleague eloped to Edinburgh last Christmas and said it was the best decision she had ever made.

Literally had 2 sets of parents, 2 witnesses and hired a photographer a few weeks before hand.

Of course they had a beautiful celebration the following January but she said she ended up saving about €3000!

Best of luck OP!!

Bride2012

The more I get into the wedding planning and politics for our big white Irish wedding, the more the idea of eloping is appealling to me to be honest. I lived in Scotland for a while when we were in the early days of our relationship so it has a nice sentimental feeling for us and they don't require any residency beforehand so you can book it and head over, all very simple by the sounds of it. Very tempting!!If I go for it I will write back here.
Good luck if you go with it!

Just remembered this website for Scotland

http://www.flyawayweddings.com/scotland/gretna.php

Eloping to Gretna Green
If you plan to run off to marry in secret, then nowadays it cannot be a spur of the moment decision. People still do it, because they want no fuss, because their marriage might not be approved of or to save on the massive cost of holding a traditional wedding.

If you are strapped for cash, a quick 'elopement' is a great option, combining romance with financial prudence.

We know one Irish couple who treated it as a private weekend adventure, flew to Scotland, hired a car, spent one night in Gretna, roped in some locals as witnesses (they are used to this!), had a honeymoon night in Edinburgh and returned to Ireland, legally married, all for about €600, a tiny fraction of a typical wedding budget.

Fees
The following fees, in sterling, are payable:

Submission of Notice of Marriage: £20.00 (each)
Registry Office Wedding: £45.00
Marriage Certificate: £8.50

Thus a couple could get legally married for the bargain total cost of £93.50.

Keary1979

Thanks everyone for your replies
Defo the way want to go

Bride2012

Reading back over it, it does sound good. I personally couldn't do a full on elope though, I'd have to have our parents there.

We were discussing the possibility again last night as another wedding 'drama' unfolded, I just want to be married at this stage. Either we'd tell our parents and swear them to secrecy or if we were to be very sneaky, we book them each a weekend (flights and hotel) to Scotland as a Christmas present but not let the other know that it's the same weekend and then a week before it just tell them to bring a dressy outfit (ours Mams like to look good for big days, lol) and do it then.