Some couples love a wedding with all the frills, while others are more up for an intimate affair. If you’re wanting to escape the planning and choose an elopement in Ireland instead, then check this out!
Featured image credit: Tony Clancy
What is an elopement?
Well, firstly, it’s helpful to know what we’re talking about. Technically an elopement is when a couple runs away to get married without their parents’ consent. But that seems pretty old fashioned, right?
These days, the changing definition of an elopement is “a small destination wedding”. And now that is something we can get behind!
If you’re in the mood to ditch the large guest list and the big party and rather exchange vows with just you, your other half and maybe a handful of others, well, you’re eloping! And what better place to do it than the gorgeous backdrop of Ireland?
OK, so here’s how to plan an elopement in Ireland, step by step:
Step 1: Choose your guests
This is step 1 because the amount of guests you include will have an impact on how your plans unfold. This includes your location and budget!
There’s something incredibly romantic about running off with just your other half and leaving everyone else behind. And if this is what you’re after, then go for it!
However, there are plenty of ways you could incorporate your loved ones in the festivities:
- Invite just a handful of people (besties, siblings and parents only, perhaps)
- Have a party another time
- Get your nearest and dearest to contribute love letters which you can read at the ceremony
- Take time to video call guests into the celebration
Step 2: Choose your location and date
I love to group these two together because the decisions will impact one another and there really is no perfect way to go about doing it. You could either choose your location and find out when they have availability or you choose a date and find locations that are free on your date.
When you picture your elopement in Ireland, what comes to mind? A cliff with jaw-dropping views? Saying ‘I do’ on the beach? A beautiful and mystical forest? Consider the setting and start hunting for venues that fit!
Related: How To Choose Your Wedding Date
Step 3: Make it legal
Familiarise yourself with the legal requirements and decide if you’d like to make it legal on the day of your elopement or prior. If you chose the latter, your elopement will be a symbolic ceremony, which is perfect for couples living outside of Ireland, where getting legally married back home is more straightforward.
For those doing the legal bit at the elopement, here’s a list of documents you will need:
- Passport
- Original final decrees / certificates in the event of previous divorce, civil partnership dissolved or if you are widowed
- Proof of your immigration for foreign nationals
- Intended date of marriage
- Names and dates of birth for 2 x witnesses
- Details of proposed solemniser and venue
- PPS number / public service card / social security number
- Declaration of no impediment
- Marriage Registration Form (a marriage cannot be legally registered without this, so you must bring it along to be signed during your ceremony)
Step 4: Hire a photographer and videographer
This power team will be the ones to capture your beautiful day. No matter how small the guest list, you want to invest in a professional photographer and videographer to beautifully capture your special moments.
This is particularly important because you won’t have many people with you on the day, so the number one way you will show everyone what you got up to is through your photos and video!
Expert tip: You’ll spend more time with your photographer and videographer than anybody else on the day, so pick suppliers you really connect with.
Related: How To Choose Your Wedding Photographer
Step 5: Start crafting your elopement
Work with your celebrant to pull together a beautiful day! They will have plenty of experience in creating a personalised ceremony that is perfect for you. The beauty of an elopement is that you really do get to have your day, your way. So don’t waste the opportunity!
Think about personal touches you want to include, such as readings, poems and songs, or if you want to incorporate some kind of activity into the mix, like a walk or sunset drinks.
Step 6: Get your travel arrangements sorted
Now is the time to book your flights and arrange accommodation.
Work together with your suppliers to choose a spot that’s beautiful and perfect for your first night together after the elopement.
Don’t forget about all your other travel commitments like taxis, ferries, hiring a car or anything else that’s specific to your elopement.
Step 7: Hire your other suppliers
Consider any other suppliers you might want to have involved!
Here’s a small list to get you thinking:
- Florist for your bouquet and ceremony decor
- Hairstylist and makeup artist
- Private chef
You get the point!
Step 8: Decide what to wear
Now that you’ve got a date and location, you can pick your elopement outfits. Your date will help you work out how warm it’s going to be and your location will guide you as to the style of outfit that is most appropriate. A ballgown on a beach? Not ideal.
If you’re including a walk or hike in your elopement, then choose comfortable shoes.
