Thinking of eloping? Here’s everything you need to know
We ask wedding experts all your burning questions about eloping in Ireland, from the best cliffside ceremony spots to their top tips to prepare for the big day.
It’s no secret that wedding planning can be a stressful endeavour, from how quickly the expenses stack up to the anxiety caused by planning mishaps like cancelled suppliers or flaky guests. That’s why many couples are eloping at the moment, seeking a more intimate, romantic ceremony at home or abroad, that can be cherished for years to come.
But how exactly does one plan an elopement?
If you truly desire a stress-free day, there are a few tips to keep in mind, says the expert team at Coastal Ceremonies.
Based in Co Clare, the wedding planning business was set up by celebrant Clara Malone in 2017. Working alongside her skilled colleagues (and good friends) Orla Cronin, also a wedding celebrant, and Susan Eyles, a wedding planner with over 20 years of experience in hospitality, the talented trio have fine-tuned elopements to an art.
Here’s everything you need to know…
What are the most popular elopement spots in Ireland?
There are so many fabulous locations, from cliff tops and lakes to ancient ruins and castles. Popular locations are Howth Head, Slea Head Drive – any coastline spot. We are lucky to live in such a picturesque country.
We are biased as we live in Co Clare so for us, our favourite spot for eloping is the Cliffs of Moher. We have a number of locations along the cliffs that we use for wedding ceremonies through our wedding planning business Coastal Ceremonies. We also have a package where you can have your ceremony on the sea with The Doolin Ferry Company, so we can travel along by the Cliffs of Moher which is incredible and allows couples to get up close and personal with dolphins, see thousands of birds nesting on the Cliffs and explore the Harry Potter Seacave and Seastacks. Loop Head is another amazing spot to elope as are the Aran Islands.
As the majority of our elopements are outside on the Cliffs of Moher, the weather can often dictate what happens. I love adding in stories and legends and observations based on what’s happening around us at the time – the crash of the waves, the sound of the nesting birds, a random cow joining in from a neighbouring field. It all adds to the memories and the fun. I find couples who opt for elopements in Ireland are up for fun and open to anything weather-wise so that gives us a lovely opportunity to add elements on the day and just have “the craic”. We really enjoy the simplicity of elopements, the freedom, the fun and the romance.
Is there an overrated or busy location that you’d recommend to avoid?
When picking a location, I would consider the time of year and the time of day. I wouldn’t recommend a popular scenic route in the height of summer in the middle of the day, particularly if you are hoping for a quiet, private ceremony. Your planner, photographer or celebrant would be able to advise on the best times and locations for you.
Sunset ceremonies are beautiful and advisable during busy summer months. But it is important to remember that if you choose to elope in a popular location you may have some people passing by, which for us, adds to the fun. Some people often stop for a little while to soak in the experience and cheer the couple on their way. We once had a musician stop and play some tunes on his guitar which really added to the romance on the day.
How should couples prepare for their big day?
Couples should sit down and really discuss what they want for their big day. Do they want a big wedding, or do they just want the two of them in attendance or a few family members and friends? If they decide to elope, where do they want to elope to – somewhere consistently sunny or somewhere like Ireland where the weather can change within the hour?
Most couples are looking for a scenic backdrop which Ireland offers in abundance. Couples should decide on their budget and then write a list of the things they absolutely want: unique location, celebrant, photographer etc and a list of the things they might like to have. Then get in touch with a company that specialises in elopements that can make their dream a reality and create a unique, fun, quirky, memorable day in a place that will look amazing in photos!
Can couples invite people to attend their elopement? Do they usually celebrate together afterwards?
Traditionally when couples eloped, they typically did not tell anyone. That is not really the case anymore (most of the time) and now we often have wedding parties of just the couple or up to 10 or 15 close friends and family. Our packages include celebrations after the ceremony in a local pub or restaurant, usually accompanied by some traditional Irish music and maybe a pint or two of Guinness. Couples often organise their own celebration dinners after their ceremony too. Luckily we are spoiled for choice in Co Clare for amazing restaurants and pubs to celebrate “a deux” or with friends and family.
Adventure elopements have become more popular this year. Could you tell us more about them?
For us, we plan and officiate adventure elopements all the time. We think saying “I do” on the side of a cliff or on a boat on the Atlantic Ocean is fairly fun! Throwing caution to the wind and just going with the flow on one of the biggest days of your life is pretty adventurous.
Any tips for those looking to elope?
1. Be prepared for all weather: It’s Ireland! We always have a Plan B if the weather is going to be too wet. While a photoshoot out in the rain can be fun, having the actual ceremony in a dry spot is preferable. We sometimes use a very old traditional (converted) cottage at the base of the Cliffs of Moher which is a perfect (and dry) option to hold the ceremony and then the couple and photographer and videographer brave the elements for photos afterwards. These photos turn out to be absolutely incredible, unique and very atmospheric.
2. Dress comfortably: Think flats rather than heels, jackets rather than sleeveless, cosy rather than cool! You can wear heels for dancing later on.
3. Consider using a wedding planner: They plan elopements all the time so they know the best vendors and locations. Elopements are such a fun occasion and made all the better when surrounded by a professional, energetic, experienced and fun team. We are so lucky to work with the best wedding suppliers in Ireland, who are experts at their jobs and more importantly love what they do.
4. Be flexible: plans may need to be changed on the morning of your elopement.
5. Be up for lots of fun.
Additional tip! Triple-check that you have everything because once you get to the side of a mountain, cliff, waterfall, boat etc you can’t go back for anything you forgot. A couple once forgot their rings and handfasting braid, so I always bring spares. Also, if you are incorporating a love letter and tea box ceremony enhancement, I bring a flask of tea for the ceremony. It’s always appreciated, particularly when it’s cold.
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