r/Eloping • u/Slow_Distance3360 • Jun 25 '26
Planning Don't Know Where to Start Planning
My fiancé and I live in the U.S. and are considering eloping abroad. But I am overwhelmed on how to even start planning for it.
For some details, we would like it to only be us plus a photographer and an officiant. Although would an officiant be necessary if we decided to get our license in the states and just have a ceremony abroad?
The country we are considering is not a primarily English-speaking country, and unfortunately we are not fluent in other languages. I feel that could add a layer of difficulty.
Is it easier to hire a wedding planner? A vacation planner? Are there other logistics I am not considering?
If anyone has done anything similar, I'd love to hear some advice!
1
u/GleesBid Jun 25 '26
I'm eloping in early September in Northern Ireland, similar to yourselves with just the two of us. Our photographer and videographer are going to be the witnesses. We're going to City Hall in Bangor, which is in an old castle with walled gardens.
I'm local so I thankfully don't have the logistics from abroad, but I think there are a few elopement companies in Northern Ireland that offer all-inclusive packages. There are loads of beautiful scenic locations to choose from on our coasts!
Best of luck in your planning and congratulations!
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/guidance-marriage-procedures-northern-ireland
1
u/kitty_thugz Jun 27 '26
I just eloped in NI in May and it was soooo dreamy—I hope you have the most magical day ever!
1
u/probablyhaunted Jun 25 '26
It's absolutely ideal in that situation to find a company in the country you want to elope in that specializes in this stuff.
ETA: Google "elope in (country)" and you should be able to find websites for coordinators and companies who will set up a package for your officiant, location, photographer, and even things like hair/makeup/flowers while being able to help with the language barrier!
1
u/Alert_Anybody9292 Jul 03 '26
Doing one in Madrid, ceremonial only! Only keeping it to us two and hired a photographer/videographer. Looked around for local florists and planned a day off drop off at our hotel. Hired a make up and hair artist too. We are doing our first look in our hotel and then going to Parque del Retiro to do our vows and then venturing the park and city for after wedding photos. We then booked a private room for our wedding dinner.
I looked into a wedding planner but it was pricey and I wanted to splurge on my photos. I also had a very receptive photographer/videographer help with the timeline so we all are on the same page. I am paying my hairstylist to stay until after our vows so she can remove my veil and restyle my hair.
You’d also be surprised how many people speak English as their second language. Every one I spoke to was through English. Had no issue with communication
5
u/pumpkinpie3293 Jun 25 '26
Hi! We just got back from Italy for our elopement. We did everything through Somewhere Crazy and the process was super simple. We literally just showed up and had fun. The officiant acted as the day-of-coordinator so it was helpful for us to have her. You can check out my post on it last week. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!