two suitcases, one blue and one orange, stand near airport seating by a large window. outside, a passenger plane is ascending against a clear blue sky. the setting suggests travel and transit.

Elopement – the perfect mix of adventure and romance!

Finding new places to explore happens so frequently for me in New Zealand – every car ride, every walk and every plane ride takes me somewhere new.  I just love exploring and making memories in new places.  I am an avid journal keeper of adventures and enjoy looking back at the good times.  

Imagine finding a new spot and deciding that’s where you want to get married, but you want to do it without anyone knowing – that is elopement!  Historically, running away to marry your one true love without parental permission was elopement – this may not be the case so often these days but it doesn’t mean you can’t have an intimate ceremony in a secret location.  In NZ you can get married anywhere, I love that – the place you got engaged, a childhood backyard or the top of your maunga (mountain).  Having a small ceremony can save on huge costs that can potentially spiral. An elopement could be the right choice if you are on a budget, are on holiday or maybe you aren’t into all the fuss that comes with a traditional wedding. 

Of course there are some legalities to tick off and some planning has to occur but not so much that you will be months planning.  A wedding license needs to be arranged at least 3 working days before the wedding, you need to pick 2 witnesses and the location of the ceremony – elopement ready!

There are a few other things to think about for the special moment – would you like some flowers, some music to play, special words to share and someone to record the moment – photos or videos. Making sure the celebrant knows these key factors will help the ceremony run in the magical way it should!

How you share your married status with friends and family is then up to you and your creative streak – I have a friend who was throwing her “engagement party”, it took me about 3 times of asking why she had a white dress on to realise I was at her wedding party – they had married earlier that day at the beach with close friends and family close by.  Depending on how long you can keep a secret opens options – could you hold out till your first wedding anniversary before telling anyone?

Whatever your elopement looks like, rest assured with a Raise a Glass Celebrant there to guide you through the process, your ceremony will be the perfect secret escape.