How to elope in the UK

What is an elopement?

The official definition of an elopement is ‘run away secretly in order to get married.’ As you can imagine, this isn’t quite what I’m suggesting when I say elope. In modern terms, to elope is just to get married with the two of you, or a small collection of friends and family. Unlike weddings, there’s not really a norm for the day to follow or traditions like cake cutting, first dance, etc. Instead what you decide to do on the day, is ultimately down to you. It can be as simple as going to a registry office then for a nice meal, or as crazy as climbing a mountain to say your vows at the top. In the UK for the marriage to be legal, there must be two witnesses, so this is needs to be considered. These witnesses can be family or friends, me as your photographer ( & my partner who is a great bouquet holder) or even just someone on the street.

Reasons to elope in the uk

As I previously mentioned, eloping isn’t for everyone, but there are some really great benefits to eloping and it is something most couples don’t even consider. It’s important to think about what you want to get from your wedding day and how you want the day to feel. The great thing about elopements is the day is all about you, as a couple. With so few guests it means less time worrying and organizing people, meaning you can just focus on each other.

Cost

With less guests comes a smaller cost. Elopements can save you money, as you won’t be spending on food for 100 guests or a huge venue. This also means you can invest on the aspects of the day that are most important to you. Maybe splashing out on a designer dress, you’ve always dreamed about, or leaving you with a bigger budget for the photographer you really want (me, I hope), or even going on a crazy honeymoon travelling the world. With an elopement you can even make this a part of your honeymoon, if you’re travelling to your dream destination together, why the hell not get married there too?

Guest list

Elopements make the guest list way easier; you can throw it in the bin altogether. So that second cousin with the 7 kids you didn’t want to invite, will understand that you just wanted to spend this day the two of you. This can remove so much stress about who should and shouldn’t make the cut. This also means removing the pressure of expectations, you no longer need to worry about all those eyes on you walking up the isle and can instead focus on how amazing it will feel saying your vows. You can skip the first dance you were dreading and the awkward cake cutting.

Witnesses

There can however be the pressure of choosing who to witness for you. This can be solved by having me and my partner witness for you. Or maybe, you have two best friends who are perfect for the job. You can always have a small group of parents and siblings to share the moment with too, the other people in your life will understand that this is how you’ve chosen to spend you big day.

The legal bit

So you’ve decided that you’re forgetting all the stress of planning the big white wedding instead you’re going to elope, what now?

With any marriage in the UK you have to give notice of your intent to marry at least 28 days before you tie the knot. In England and wales the place in which you marry must be licenced for weddings, with this in mind most couples who elope choose to do the legal part of a different day and just go to their local registry office. This leaves you free to be as crazy with your elopement plan as you wish and also means you can have a humanist celebrant for your ceremony. If you decide to get married in Scotland then you can legally have your wedding anywhere and with a humanist celebrant, giving you complete freedom without the trip to the registry office. If you need more help and advice, or want an experience that is completely stress-free, why not hire an elopement planner like the amazing Wild heart elopements or Coorie . Or get in touch now and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Humanist celebrants, what are they and why you should have one.

Some of my favourite celebrants include Alison Stewart, Claire Digance and Gary Smith.

Where to elope in the UK?

When it comes to eloping in the UK the options are infinite, but here are some of my favourite UK elopement locations. Whether you’re dreaming of a huge hike up a mountain, or you’d like gorgeous lake side views without too much effort, or even if you’re thinking of modern city vibe, the UK is filled with options and has something for everyone.

Where to elope in Scotland

The absolute best thing about eloping in Scotland is that you can have a legal ceremony anywhere. Meaning you can skip the registry office and get straight to the good bit. It’s also filled with incredible landscapes, not only stunning mountain ranges, but white sand beaches, endless lakes, and countless castles. There are endless options for eloping in Scotland but here are some great ideas to get you started and if this isn’t enough, check out my Scotland Eloping Guide. 

Glencoe

Glencoe is one of my absolute favourite places for elopements. The best thing about it is you don’t have to be hiking mad to elope here as even views from the roadside are absolutely stunning! Glencoe valley is also home to lots of friendly wild deer, that with the right persuasion will also love to be a part of your elopement pictures.

Best places to stay in Glencoe for your Scottish Elopement

1.  The Kings House Hotel – Possibly the most famous Glencoe accommodation and it’s so easy to see why. This hotel has incredible views of Glencoe valley and is the favourite hang out of wild deer.

2. Signal Rock Glencoe – These secluded self-catering cottages are the perfect homely accommodation. They’re also perfect if you’re eloping with family and want them to stay close by.

3. Luxury off grid eco cabin – This gorgeous cabin is a little further out towards Fort William, but is the perfect place for a private luxury stay. Loads of room and light for your wedding morning pictures too!

How to travel to Glencoe

When travelling around Glencoe the best option is by car as this gives you the most flexibility. If choosing to elope in Glencoe from outside of the UK the closest international airport is Edinburgh from here you can hire a car, the drive will take around 2.5 hours.

If coming from the South you can get internal flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow and hire a car from there. Or you can also get the train, the closest station being Fort William.

Where to elope in Glencoe

There are lots of options for where to elope in Glencoe, my favourites include Glencoe Valley, Glen Etive and Glencoe Lochan. They’re all really close by and you can easily hit them all when booking a 4-6 hour package.

For more Glencoe elopement inspiration check out this blog.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye has so much to offer, from incredible mountains to ruined castles, gorgeous beaches, lochs, and fairy pools. This is definitely the place for anyone looking for a magical elopement.

Where to stay

1. Skye Red Fox Retreat– This gorgeous little wooden pod is the perfect place to have a snug wedding night under the stars.

 2. Sligachan Hotel – set in a stunning location this hotel offers modern rooms and great food.

 How to travel to the Isle of skye

When travelling around Skye the best option is by car as this gives you the most flexibility. If choosing to elope in Skye from outside of the UK the closest international airport is Edinburgh from here you can hire a car, the drive will take around 5 hours. Alternatively, you can then get an internal flight to Inverness and the drive from there will take around 2.5 hours.

Where to elope on the isle of skye

There are endless options for where to elope on Skye. The most popular being the Quiraing and it’s so easy to see why with its breath-taking views. Other favourites include the Fairy Glen, Old Man of Storr and Loch Coruisk.

Loch awe and Kilchurn Castle

Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle are not as well known, but completely deserve a place on this list for how insanely beautiful they are. This setting is quintessential Scotland, with a huge loch, ruined castle and mountain backdrop, everything you could want for a Scotland Elopement in one place.

Where to stay for your Loch Awe elopement

 1. Ben Cruachan Inn – With amazing food and whiskey this is a great place to stay and get well looked after.

2. Argyll Chalets – Perfect for if you’re bring along friends and family and you’re looking for a cosy Loch side stay.

How to travel to Loch Awe

 As with most Scottish Highland Elopement locations the best way to explore is by car but is also accessible by train with the closest station being Loch Awe Station.

If choosing to elope at Kilchurn Castle from outside of the UK the closest international airport is Edinburgh from here you can hire a car, the drive will take around 2.5 hours.

 For more inspiration for your Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle elopement see this blog.

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the biggest Lake in Great Britain, meaning there’s loads to explore. This gorgeous loch is surrounded by charming villages and incredible countryside. Due to its popularity with tourists, its definitely best to avoid eloping here in high season and instead saving it for the winter months, when there are less tourists.

Best places to stay in Loch Lomond

1. Suie Hunting Lodge Hotel – This gorgeous boutique hotel is perfect for a luxury stay with a cosy homely feel. Ran by a lovely family who will go above and beyond for you. I personally couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else.

For more options visit this link.

How to travel to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is more accessible than my other options but having a car still gives you the most freedom. Loch Lomond is only 45 minutes from Glasgow and 1.5 hours from Edinburgh by car. Getting the train is also a great option, the closest station is Balloch and is only 45 minutes from Glasgow. Glasgow is the closest airport for internal flights and the nearest international airport is Edinburgh.

Suie Hunting lodge hotel

Edinburgh

 This medieval city is filled with cobbled streets and pretty buildings. Surrounded by beautiful hills, it’s a brilliant place to elope for those wanting the best of both city and countryside. Edinburgh’s thriving nightlife also makes it the perfect place for a great boozy celebration.

Best places to stay in Edinburgh

1. The Dunstane – A luxury and romantic boutique hotel, with lots of rooms great for if you’re bringing along friends and family.

There are loads of great airbnb options throughout Edinburgh, with lots of choices in different parts of the city and to suit all budgets.

How to travel to Edinburgh for your Scottish Elopement

Edinburgh is really accessible and travelling around the city is easy with lots of bus and tram options. The fastest train to Edinburgh from London only takes 4 hours. Edinburgh also has an international airport. Parking in Edinburgh can be expensive, so if driving, I would recommend choosing accommodation with parking.

Where to elope in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has so many great options for your Scottish elopement. If you’re looking for pretty cobbled streets and quaint buildings, the Royal mile is where to go. For incredible views over the city Carlton hill is a big favourite and for the most incredible sunsets it must be Arthur’s seat. St Anthony’s chapel is another popular spot for elopers, this stunning ruin has a gorgeous city view also, sitting high on the hill with a loch below. My personal favourite spot for Edinburgh elopements is the Secret Herb Garden, a beautiful greenhouse set on huge grounds, perfect for if you’re bringing guests.

For more Edinburgh elopement inspiration read about Leah & Michael’s Royal Botanical Garden Elopement or The Secret Herb Garden Micro Wedding Guide.

Where to elope in England

When it comes to eloping England is often overlooked in favour of Scotland or Ireland as English law doesn’t currently allow for outdoor ceremonies. That being said there is nothing to stop you from doing the legal part at a different time. This leaves you free to plan the elopement you want without being constrained by legalities or having to worry about remembering forms on the day. It also means you can choose to have a humanist celebrant or no celebrant at all, you could even write your own vows to read to eachother. England has so many breath-takingly beautiful places to elope to, don’t let old outdated laws put you off.

The Peak District is my favourite place for elopements. Filled with gorgeous hikes, deep forests and the cutest villages, there are endless options of lovely places to elope here. The Peak District is perfect for couples who are looking for jaw dropping scenery, but then want to follow their elopement with a good pub lunch.

Best places to stay in The Peak District

1. Rocking Stone Cottage – An idylic cottage set in the heart of the peaks. This self catering cottage is the perfect rural retreat, with a modern interior, its the perfect mix of cosy luxury.

2. Woodcock Farm cottages – Based in a cute village on the edge of the peaks, this modern yet cozy cottage is filled with natural light making it the perfect place to stay and get ready together before your peak district elopement.

3. Losehill House – This gorgeous hotel and spa is nestled in the hills of the peaks, the outdoor hot tub and spa facillites are the perfect way to relax after your adventure.

How to travel to the Peak district for your elopement

The Peak District is very acsessible being only a 30 minute drive from Manchester. There are lots of public transport options to and around the peak district, with plenty of train stations dotted throughout the peaks and regular buses its easy to get around. The closest internation airport in Manchester airport, from here you could get the train or hire a car to explore freely.

Where to elope in The Peak District

There are so many breath-taking spots for your Peak District elopement. Pretty much everywhere in the Peak District is gorgeous, but some of my favourites include Mam Tor, Kinderscout, Winnats Pass and Higger Tor.  Castleton is a particular favourite of mine, a tiny village nestled in the valley, surrounded by huge hills filled with crystals found nowhere else, the most magical of places.

Woodcock farm cottages

The Lake District

Home to some of the best views in England, and as the name suggests there’s plenty of incredible lakes, but also stunning hills and small villages filled with character. This is a place perfect for couples who want an adventure and love to hike.

Best places to stay in The Lake District 

1. The Langdale– This place has it all. A luxury hotel and spa, but also self catering options of log cabins and cute cottages, look no further.

2. Airbnb also has lots of great options in the Lake District, with something to suit every style and budget.

How to travel to the Lake District

The best way to fully explore the Lakes and make the most of your adventures by car. The closet airport is Manchester, which is only just over an hour away. There are railway lines that run through the Lake District, but the best locations can only be reached by car then on foot.

Where to elope in The Lake District

The Lake District is filled with gorgeous scenery, you really can’t go wrong. The Lakes have something for everyone, with incredible mountains, tranquil lakes and moody rocky beaches. Some of my favourite spots include Blea Tarn, Wastwater and Scafell Pike.

Read about Bea & Tom’s Lake District Elopement here.

Blea Tarn

Best places to stay in Manchester

1. Hotel Gotham- A super cool and quirky hotel with gorgeous roof top bar, that’s perfect for sunset pictures

2. Kingstreet townhouse– A chic new york style hotel with incredible spa and rooftop infinity pool.

3. The Alan – Super chic and crreatively charged, The Alan is a great choice for your prep pictures and a relaxing unpretentious place to chill before your elopement.

How to travel to Manchester

Manchester has so much option when it comes to transport. Like most cities the public transport here is brilliant. Buses, trams, trains and airport, you name it Manchester has it. Manchester airport is international so its super easy to fly into here and then get the train or tram into the city center.

Where to elope in Manchester

When eloping in a city I’d always recommend going to a registry office for legal part, then head around the city for your couple pictures. I love the Northern Quarter for elopements, this buzzing, quirky part of Manchester has lots of cool, vibrant graffiti, music bars and great food options. Manchester’s central libary is also a great spot for a chic, minimal look. The gorgeous arches here are great pictures and the two famous red telephone boxes are also here.

Ancoats

Now you’ve read all about how to elope in the UK, what are you waiting for? Pick your spot, get in touch and lets get the ball rolling on planning your dream elopement.