Photo (above): Styled Shoot: Planning & Styling: Alle Gebeure - Photographer: LUX Visual Storytellers - Flowers: VIVA Blooming - Make-up & Hair: Lauren Bracke - Wedding Dress: Ayanne / Suit: Tailored by C - Ceremony Speaker/Storyteller: Merveil
Following Gretna Green?
Chances are you've come across the term elopement in American series or movies. In the past, when women were still seen as the man's property, an elopement was used to whisk the beloved away. The Scottish village of Gretna Green became world-famous in the 19th century, as you didn’t need parental permission to marry there. Off you go!
Let’s elope
Eloping remains a unique experience: as a couple, you sneak away to secretly marry somewhere far from everyone. Thrilling and incredibly intimate! You can elope just the two of you, or with a few privileged witnesses by your side. Today, it's quite trendy to slip away and plan the most intimate ceremony possible. Even in covid times, the number of elopements rose sharply: couples married in their own mini-bubbles.
Why? Plenty of reasons!
On a positive note: couples who elope explicitly choose ‘each other’ first. They cherish the intimacy and security as a couple, loving the idea of sharing this symbolic wedding moment just the two of them. Perhaps a couple isn't keen on a grand celebration. Or they dislike being in the public eye, or they find it exciting to exchange vows in Belgium or at an idyllic location abroad.
Adventure together
With just the two of you, space isn’t an issue, so many couples discovered the charm of a wedding ceremony on the beach, in the middle of the woods, or atop the hill they often hiked together. Or elope to artistic Montmartre in Paris, Parc Güell in Barcelona, or the picturesque Rock of Gibraltar? Plan a unique adventure, follow your hearts, and think outside the box.
Surprise!
There's always a moment to share your good news with loved ones. Perhaps you’d like to send everyone a smiling “We eloped!” photo, with a text on the back explaining so everyone can share in your early union. Eloping doesn’t mean you won’t want a professional ceremony speaker or photographer – on the contrary! You’ll likely want the most beautiful photos of your most intimate moment.
Abroad
With two witnesses, you can marry legally inshore and then conduct a symbolic ceremony abroad. If you truly want to ‘elope’ and legally marry abroad, it’s best to check local laws first. Sometimes you need to register your marriage, and your foreign marriage certificate should ideally be recorded in the Belgian civil registry. It’s not mandatory but makes requesting extracts or copies of that certificate easier later.
Top partners for your elopement wedding
Dreaming of an elopement wedding and seeking professional help to arrange and capture everything flawlessly? These partners specialize in intimate weddings and help make it an unforgettable adventure.
Elopement wedding planners
Elopement planners are specialists in intimate weddings: they assist with the location, styling, photography, ensuring your day reflects who you are.
Pop The Question
With over eight years of experience and a passion for creative styling, Pop The Question is the go-to for couples dreaming of a tailored elopement. Sofie and her team provide a wedding day that fits you 100% – stress-free, and full of style and personality. Think of an intimate ceremony in a unique location, perfectly aligned with your story. From planning to styling: Pop The Question ensures a warm, original, and impeccably crafted moment together.
Wondrous Weddings
Whether marrying in a meadow in the Flemish Ardennes or on a cliff by the sea, Wondrous Weddings makes your elopement unforgettable. Their strength? Creative styling, personal guidance, and a seamless planning process. Combining empathy with organizational talent, they ensure your intimate moment is carefree and enchanting. From rustic to modern: their style always matches your dreams.
Photographers & videographers for your elopement
Blooming Tales Photography
Kelsey of Blooming Tales Photography captures elopements in their purest and most intimate form. Her warm, spontaneous style and love for personal stories make every photo a memory that truly reflects the moment. She loves traveling with you, in Belgium or beyond, to document your adventure just as it was.
Julie Dewulf Photography
An elopement on the beach at sunset? Or atop a mountain in Tuscany? Julie Dewulf Photography travels with you to your dream location. She captures each moment in light, love, and emotion. With her eye for detail and spontaneous approach, she creates images that will forever remind you of that one magical moment.
Anneleen Jegers
For couples dreaming of a narrative and authentic photo report, Anneleen Jegers is the ideal choice. She takes a calm and personal approach, focusing on small moments that often speak the most. Whether you’re eloping in Belgium or the Scottish Highlands, Anneleen captures your love with warmth and finesse.
Ellery Films
Want your elopement captured in an enchanting wedding film? Ellery Films translates your story into moving images full of joy, emotion, and spontaneity. With attention to detail and a personal approach, Manu and Veerle create an elopement video that lets you repeatedly relive the uniqueness of that day.
