How to Elope
Eloping has become one of the most popular ways for couples to celebrate their love. Modern elopements are no longer secret weddings or spontaneous escapes. Today, they are carefully planned, meaningful and highly personalized celebrations focused on what truly matters: your relationship.
Whether you dream of exchanging vows in Paris, on a French château estate, on a mountaintop or by the sea, an elopement allows you to create a wedding experience that reflects your personality and priorities.
As destination wedding planners in France, we help couples from around the world create unforgettable elopements. Here is our complete guide to planning your perfect elopement.
H2: What Is an Elopement?
An elopement is an intimate wedding celebration involving just the couple or a small group of close family and friends.
Unlike traditional weddings, elopements focus on experiences rather than guest count.
Many couples choose to elope because they want:
• A more intimate celebration
• Less stress
• More flexibility
• More meaningful experiences
• A beautiful destination
• A smaller budget than a large wedding
Modern elopements can be as simple or as luxurious as you wish.
Choose Your Elopement Destination
The first step is choosing where you want to celebrate your wedding.
Popular elopement destinations include:
Paris
The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, romantic gardens and elegant Parisian streets create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable elopement.
French Châteaux
Celebrate your wedding in a private château surrounded by gardens, history and timeless French elegance.
Provence
Lavender fields, sunshine and charming villages create a romantic atmosphere.
French Riviera
Luxury hotels, sea views and glamorous celebrations make the French Riviera one of Europe’s most desirable wedding destinations.
Choose a destination that reflects your personality and the experience you wish to create.
Decide Who Will Attend
One of the most important decisions is determining how many guests you wish to invite.
Many couples choose:
• Just the two of them
• Parents and siblings
• A small group of close family and friends
Generally speaking, once guest numbers become large, the celebration begins to resemble a destination wedding rather than an elopement.
Establish Your Budget
Even a small wedding requires planning and budgeting.
Typical elopement expenses include:
• Venue or permit fees
• Photography
• Videography
• Hair and makeup
• Wedding attire
• Flowers
• Officiant
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Travel
• Dining experiences
• Wedding planner
Creating a realistic budget early in the process will help guide your decisions.
Choose Your Suppliers
Your suppliers play a crucial role in your experience.
Depending on your plans, you may need:
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Florist
• Hair and makeup artist
• Officiant
• Transportation provider
• Musicians
• Wedding planner
Working with experienced professionals allows you to enjoy your wedding day without stress.
Understand the Legal Requirements
Every country has different marriage regulations.
For this reason, many international couples choose to complete the legal marriage in their home country and celebrate a symbolic ceremony abroad.
Before planning your elopement, make sure you understand the legal requirements of your chosen destination.
Why Hire an Elopement Planner?
Planning a wedding from another city or country can quickly become overwhelming.
An experienced elopement planner can help with:
• Venue selection
• Budget management
• Vendor recommendations
• Timeline creation
• Logistics
• Wedding day coordination
This allows you to focus entirely on enjoying your experience.
Consider an Elopement Package
Many couples choose an elopement package because it simplifies the planning process.
A typical package may include:
• Ceremony location
• Officiant
• Photography
• Flowers
• Transportation
• Planning assistance
• Coordination
Elopement packages offer convenience while still allowing for personalization.
Photography Matters
Your wedding day may last only a few hours, but your photographs will remain forever.
Choose a photographer whose style matches your vision.
Popular elopement photography locations in Paris include:
• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre
• Pont Alexandre III
• Palais Royal
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Montmartre
Professional photographs help preserve every emotion and memory.
A Personal Note From Inga
Since 2012, I have helped couples from around the world celebrate their love in France.
One thing I have learned is that the most memorable weddings are not always the biggest ones.
Some of the most emotional celebrations I have ever witnessed involved only two people exchanging vows in a meaningful location.
An elopement allows couples to focus entirely on their relationship without the pressure of a large event. It creates space for genuine emotions, beautiful experiences and unforgettable memories.
Whether your dream is a Paris elopement, a French château ceremony or a romantic getaway in Provence, my goal is always to create a celebration that reflects your unique story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an elopement and a destination wedding?
An elopement is usually much smaller and focuses on the couple or a limited number of guests.
Can foreigners elope in France?
Yes. Many international couples celebrate symbolic ceremonies in France.
How much does an elopement cost?
Budgets vary depending on the destination, services and level of customization.
Is an elopement cheaper than a traditional wedding?
Often yes, although luxury elopements can also represent a significant investment.
Should I hire a planner for an elopement?
A planner can significantly simplify the process and help you access the best suppliers and locations.
Can I invite guests to my elopement?
Absolutely. Many couples invite a small group of family members and close friends.
Start Planning Your Elopement
Eloping is about creating an experience that reflects your relationship, values and dreams.
Whether you choose Paris, a French château, Provence or another extraordinary destination, your elopement should be authentic, meaningful and unforgettable.
If you are planning an elopement in France, CTH Events Paris would be delighted to help you create a unique and memorable celebration.
