Elopement Wedding Planning: What You Need to Know
What Exactly Is an Elopement Wedding?
Elopement refers to an intimate wedding where the couple marries alone (or with a very few guests) in a special location – without a big celebration or traditional setting. The idea: the focus is solely on you and your connection.
In contrast to a micro-wedding, which usually has 10-30 guests, an elopement is a ceremony in the smallest circle – often just the two of you, in a special natural setting or another country.
Why Couples Choose an Elopement
The reasons are as individual as the couples themselves:
- Stress-free wedding – no planning marathon, budget pressure, or family chaos
- Emotional closeness – just the two of you, completely focused on each other
- Unforgettable locations – beach, mountains, desert – the world is open
- Personal freedom – you design the day according to your wishes
If you’re wondering if an elopement is right for you: Here we show you hidden gems in Gran Canaria that are perfect for a small but beautiful symbolic ceremony.
Planning: What You Should Keep in Mind
Even if elopements seem simpler, a little planning is involved. Here are the most important points:
1. The Right Location
Find a place that means something to you emotionally or that fascinates you scenically. Popular choices include:
- Mountain plateaus
- Beaches
- Coasts
Tip: Consider the climate, accessibility, and legal possibilities for a free or symbolic ceremony.
2. Who Conducts the Ceremony?
A non-denominational celebrant will guide you with a personal address. Many providers (including us at Inselboda) will design the ceremony with you. Angelika from Inselboda will also gladly help you with the planning and organization of your elopement wedding.
3. Photographer & Videographer
Since no guests are present, professional accompaniment is important – for memories that last.
4. Outfit & Styling
Elopements allow for anything: a boho dress barefoot on the beach or a suit in the mountains. Whatever you like is permitted.
5. Schedule & Highlights
Many couples incorporate small highlights:
- Sunrise ceremony
- Picnic, dinner by the sea
- After-wedding shoots
Legal & Symbolic Aspects
Most elopement couples opt for a symbolic free ceremony and take care of the legal formalities beforehand in their home country. This provides freedom and flexibility.
Free, Personal, Unforgettable
An elopement wedding is more than a trend – it’s a conscious decision for less fuss and more feeling. For some couples, it’s the perfect way to get married.
Want to know what this can look like in practice?
Then be sure to check out our elopement packages in Gran Canaria – truly personal, lovingly crafted & authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Elopement Weddings:
Is an elopement wedding legally valid?
In many cases, an elopement is a symbolic free ceremony that has no legal effect. You can complete your civil marriage in your home country – and then, in a location of your choice, exchange your vows emotionally and freely once more.
What exactly is an elopement wedding, and how does it differ from a “normal” wedding?
An elopement wedding is essentially an intimate, often spontaneous wedding where the couple decides to “elope” away from large celebrations and without the traditional guest list. The main difference lies in the size and focus: while a “normal” wedding often involves hundreds of guests, an elaborate venue, and a tight schedule, an elopement focuses entirely on the couple and their love. It’s about intimacy, adventure, and the freedom to tie the knot exactly as you wish – be it on a mountaintop, at the beach, or in a charming small chapel, often with only a witness and the photographer.
Who is an elopement wedding the right choice for?
An elopement wedding is ideal for couples who crave an intimate, stress-free, and personal wedding experience. It’s perfect for you if…
- …you want to focus entirely on your love, without distractions.
- …you want to avoid the stress and costs of planning a large wedding.
- …you dream of an adventure wedding, whether in the mountains, by the sea, or in a special place that means a lot to you as a couple.
- …you want the freedom to speak your vows in your own personal way.
- …you prefer to focus on experiences and travel rather than material things for a big celebration.
- …you have a deep connection to nature and want your wedding to take place in a breathtaking landscape.
