Whether you're jetting off abroad or staying closer to home, an elopement is an incredibly romantic and intimate occasion. But here at One Fab Day, we are so lucky that some of our lovely readers are happy to share these beautifully private moments with us , and of course you. There are lots of reasons couples choose an elopement, from the stripped back guest list to the opportunity to have an intimate ceremony followed by a wedding photoshoot in an incredible location. From heartwarming ceremonies accompanied by just witnesses to destination celebrations surrounded by a small group of friends and family, here are 10 elopements that we loved from our from real weddings to inspire you. Prepare to swoon!
Michaela & Marshall's Adventure in the Aspen Mountains
Perched high above in the Aspen Mountains where they first got engaged, our real wedding couple Michaela and Marshall were surrounded by just their parents for their picturesque elopement that involved the bride strapping up her hiking boots under her dress. Captured by Adventure and Vow, (who also married the couple!) their intimate ceremony, dusty orange colour palette and romantic picnic at golden hour is certainly not to be missed. Check out the full run-down of their breathtaking elopement here.
Bailey & Derek's Boho Affair in Donegal
Bailey and Derek made it official at the registry office in Letterkenny before heading down to Poisoned Glen to exchange their vows witha handful of loved ones, including the couple's two pooches. With dried flower bouquets and a stunning pre-loved wedding dress, the couple's brief for their wedding day was "simplistic, Irish and boho," on a budget! Check out their romantic elopement and fairytale photoshoot by Lauren Carroll Photos here.
Juniper & Brayden's Whimsical Cliffs of Moher Elopement
Canadian couple Juniper and Brayden flew to Co. Clare for their epic cliffside elopement. After they had initially planned on "winging" their Cliffs of Moher wedding, the pair had a chance encounter with a local who kindly procured them a prime, private ceremony spot overlooking the Atlantic. Surrounded by 16 guests, the couple had a beautiful ceremony, which included a handfasting ritual amongst the wildflowers followed by a dreamy photoshoot captured by Emma Gornall Photography. Check it out here.
Effie & Leigh's Chic Getaway to Rome
Effie and Leigh's fabulous elopement included a symbolic, private ceremony followed by a jaw-dropping, editorial photoshoot throughout the historic streets of the city. This could totally be a fashion spread. Using the iconic architecture as their picture-perfect backdrop, the couple sipped Aperol spritzes by the Trevi Fountain and enjoyed Italian coffee and croissants at a stylish café. Gloriously captured by Blancorazon Wedding, check out their spectacular elopement here.
Sabrina & Tobi's Lakeside Escape in Connemara
Hailing from Germany, Sabrina and Tobi headed to the wild shores of Lough Inagh in Co. Galway for their story-book style elopement. Against the backdrop of the mountains and rugged landscape, the pair had a ritual-filled ceremony partly in Irish accompanied by a small gathering of their friends and family. Check out their breathtaking elopement, photographed by Brautrausch Wedding Photography, here.
Kristine & Justin's Stylish Manhattan Elopement
Planned in just six days, Kristine and Justin were surrounded by only each other's parents as witnesses for their secret rooftop elopement. A few months after their intimate ceremony and spectacular photoshoot in the streets of NYC by Sylvie Rosokoff, the couple held a surprise reception celebration for friends and family in Brooklyn. Check out their glamorous two-part wedding here.
Jes & Jer's Cottage Elopement in Kerry
Jes and Jer traveled to Co. Kerry to tie the knot in a 200-year-old cottage near Kenmare with just two of their friends as witnesses in late December. Their winter elopement included a crystal exchange ritual and a dreamy bridal look complete with an ethereal tulle skirt and cosy knit cardigan, perfect for the season. With just three months of planning ahead of the event, check out this couple's sweet special day captured by Kate Bean here.
Susan & Peter's Seaside Elopement in Donegal
Susan and Peter tied the knot in a private church ceremony before heading down to the beach for a sweet vintage-inspired picnic for two, closing out the evening in the gorgeous Rathmullan House with a cosy dinner. Captured by Simple Tapestry, check out their fabulous seaside photoshoot and intimate elopement here.
Stephanie & Mitchell's Mountain Elopement in Colorado
With only their beloved dogs as guests, Stephanie and Mitchell's breathtaking mountain elopement included an emotional first look and a self-solemnising ceremony. After privately exchanging their vows, the landscape served as a spectacular backdrop for their wedding photoshoot by photographer Matt Umland. Get the full details of their fabulous elopement here.
Kavisha & Hamish's Glamorous Central Park Elopement
Accompanied by just three guests, Kavisha and Hamish opted to celebrate their special day with an intimate ceremony in Central Park followed by a scenic photoshoot using the iconic streets of New York as their backdrop. Finishing off the evening with cocktails in a stylish bar in the city, check out their phenomenal elopement photoshoot by Everly Studios here.
Thinking of eloping? Check out our handy guide on how to plan an elopement here!
