How do I plan a wedding elopement?

Short answer

Plan a wedding elopement by choosing a meaningful location, setting a date, and giving notice at the register office if you are in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or to the registrar in Scotland. Keep it simple: you only need two witnesses.

Start by deciding what elopement means to you. It might be just the two of you, or you might want a few close family members or friends. Choose a place that feels special, whether that is a beach, a forest, a city rooftop or your own garden. Check whether the venue is approved for civil ceremonies or whether you need a religious building. In Scotland, you can marry almost anywhere agreed with the registrar or celebrant, indoors or outdoors. In England and Wales, approved venues can host outdoor ceremonies within their grounds, but a civil ceremony cannot include hymns, prayers or religious readings. Give notice at least 28 days before in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and at least 29 days in Scotland; registrars often advise 10 to 12 weeks. You will need two witnesses aged 16 or over in Scotland, and two witnesses in the rest of the UK. If you want a religious ceremony, check with your place of worship about banns or a licence, and remember that a religious ceremony on its own is only legally binding if it happens in a registered building with an authorised person present. Some couples add a short civil ceremony to make sure the marriage is legal. Keep your plans flexible and focus on the moment, not the paperwork.