Don't get me wrong, traditional weddings have their place and bring lots of joy to so many couples, their friends and families. Conversely they can cost the earth, cause fall outs and friction, and, some couples find that their big wedding traditional day was nothing like their original ideas.
Petite Weddings was founded over 7 years ago in answer to an increasing demand for alternative weddings allowing people to get married in ways that are authentic to them. This can mean a smaller more decadent wedding; a quirkily themed wedding; wedding in nature, e.g. on a beach of cliff top or in the woods; a weekend wedding longer in duration where couples bring everyone together for an extended stay: anything really does go and our limits are your imaginations! For many of the couples that we’ve had the pleasure of helping, the romance and dare we say, slight naughtiness of an elopement wedding has been a real thrill and a chance to create a truly unique wedding day where couples have indulged each other and created a perfect love bubble in which to enjoy this special occasion. Lots of couples choose to stay on at their chosen elopement venue for a few extra days, creating a mini-moon to extend their “just married” feel for as long as possible before returning home. And who can blame them...
An elopement weddings can be just for the two of you; include your dog; bring your children or best friends, or parents. The best thing about elopement weddings is that you only need to include those you want around you – and it’s perfectly OK for that to be just you two if that’s what you choose. The main benefits enjoyed by couples who choose elopements are:
reduced costs and higher quality experience vs big tradition wedding where budget has to stretch a long way
an authentic experience that reflects their relationship
no fuss/ fall outs and stress-free (aside from wedding day nerves!)
not having to be the centre of attention
not having to invite and pay for a bunch of relatives that you barely see otherwise
more fun!
Year in year out we are seeing more and more couples choose an elopement wedding. To help couples considering this style of wedding, we’ve put together our top elopement venues UK for 2023. It features the best elopement venues from across the UK. We work regularly with all of these venues and so it’s not just a random list of pretty places to get married; each venue is tried and tested and loved by the couples who have eloped to each and every one. We hope you enjoy finding your perfect elopement wedding venue!
Cornwall
You’ll find this gem in the beautiful wild Cornish countryside between Truro and Falmouth. Hidden in 17 acres of woodland and gardens discover the magic of this unique indoor and outdoor wedding venue, providing the ideal destination for elopements and small family weddings as it’s both dog and child friendly. You can choose one of the three lovingly restored, luxurious 5* cottages where you can enjoy a private chef meal of your choice after your wedding ceremony. It’s the perfect place for a romantic and peaceful countryside wedding that’s quietly understated, yet in reality packed full of magical moments.
Journey to the very tip of Cornwall, you’ll find an exceptional elopement wedding venue. At the heart of these stunning, naturalistic exotic and sub-tropical gardens, with views of the sea over Mounts Bay and St Michael`s Mount to die for, you have a choice of two outdoor unique and licensed placed for your ceremony, plus the options of the truly gorgeous art gallery. The setting is sublime, providing endless photo opportunities and the perfect outdoor spot for after-ceremony drinks and canapés or even a picnic in the grounds! What’s more, the beach is literally 5 minutes away, so for couples who’d like to incorporate some beach photography into their day, this is just perfect.
This is the very special place to enjoy a country house elopement wedding in relaxed decadence, where bringing your own unique style and vibe with you is the norm. You cannot fail to be bowled over by so many thoughtful touches that the owners lay on as standard for you, such as the staffed cocktail bar you will never want to leave, the covered outdoor eating area (just in case of rain!) and so much more. An elopement at Treseren offers you exclusive use of this gorgeous country retreat, where you can immerse yourselves in your own very special elopement experience, dine like kings with a choice of fine dining options, glug champagne and bespoke cocktails til your heart’s content, retiring to your luxurious bedroom, all under the magic of a Cornish sky.
The Cornish Place is a magnificent reimagining of Victorian farm outbuildings which blends original features, intelligent architectural design and Skandi-style interiors that gently whisper "hyge". It’s just the perfect place for cosy, romantic elopements. Located just 7 miles from both the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Gylly, Portreath, Gwithian and Chapel Porth beaches are all a short drive away and can be built into your wedding day should you wish. The Cornish Place is an intimate wedding venue that combines luxury with the wild beauty and romance of Cornwall perfectly. It’s a real dream venue for ‘just the two of you” elopements, elopement with your children, parents or best friends.
This is an uber-relaxed, yet stunningly beautiful wedding venue set in unspoilt, natural surroundings that lends itself perfectly to bringing your wedding ideas to life, both in terms of the setting, facilities and the wonderfully accommodating approach the owners take to each wedding they host. Frieda and the Moon is a 13-acre smallholding creating a romantic hideaway that has an adventurous, off-the grid feel to it, yet packed full of luxury and comfort. Stay on one of the two hand-built luxury cabins nestled between the trees in the wooded paddock, marry in the purpose-built oak-framed wedding studio for your ceremony and celebrations, with views over three circular terraced lawns or in the wooded hornbeam circle.
This exquisite winery provides the perfect backdrop to a relaxed elopement wedding ceremony for just the two of you. Imagine saying your 'I do's' surrounded by wildflowers under impressive wooden arbour; enjoying a glass of Cornish sparkling wine to celebrate your marriage; and, spending time exploring the vineyard with your photographer to capture unique images of your special day to treasure forever. If you’re looking at a winter wedding, the cosy renovated threshing barn with many original features including: its high beamed ceilings; Cornish slate floors; and, exposed rustic stone walls provides a very special place to exchange your vows by candle light.
If you’re searching for a romantic, elopement venue by the sea then Marine Villa maybe just what you’re looking for. It overlooks the historic harbour in the village of Charlestown on Cornwall’s south coast, providing a simply stunning location for an intimate wedding as well as luxurious accommodation for groups of 2-8 adults plus a handful of children. In the winter you can have your legal wedding ceremony in the drawing room by a real log fire or the beautifully styled dining room Marine Villa. In the warmer months, or weather permitting in the winter, choose to wed under the fig tree next to the jasmine adorned summer house. It’s such a special spot! And, wherever you choose to wed at Antonia’s Pearls, the sea will provide its own unique soundtrack to your elopement wedding day making Marine Villa the perfect choice for an intimate wedding at any time of year.
Welcome to your dream elopement wedding utopia for couples who are seeking a beautiful celebration of their love in nature in the the most magical and private setting. This dreamy re-wilded retreat offers the choice to have your celebrant-led wedding ceremony by a wild swimming lake, in secret gardens surrounded by sub-tropical plants, in the flower meadows or in the romantic water-side tipi. It’s just perfect for romantic couples who love nature and want to combine a few nights away, staying in the luxurious cabin or yurt by the lake, with 2-10 guests attending their celebrant-led elopement ceremony.
Devon
Brickhouse Vineyard is an outstanding small wedding venue. It provides an amazing venue for your elopement wedding. It’s located in the rolling countryside of South Devon, just 12 miles from Exeter. As you approach through hedge-rowed lanes you’ll feel a world away from the real world. We think it offers the perfect solution for couples looking for secret elopement wedding off the beaten-track. Imagine your legal elopement wedding ceremony in the awesome 18th Century thatched Round House that’s been totally renovated to create a magical space with a unique external “bridal aisle”. It’s just perfect for romantic elopement weddings just for two and dog friendly to boot. If you want to stay close by, we can recommend elopement accommodation at the neighbouring property, The Folly.
Just imagine eloping to the peace and tranquillity of Exmoor National Park, amongst the iconic rolling hills that so sum up everything great about the British countryside. Specifically, Little Quarme is just a heartbeat away from the magic that is Dunkery Beacon and Horner Wood Nature Reserve. You can get married in the wooden gazebo with stunning views over Quarme Valley which creates natural amphitheatre. With first class service provided by hosts Katherine and Nick and this is a place where elopement wedding magic comes to life.
You can use the super-romantic Summer House for you elopement wedding ceremony. It’s a ceremony space that can be totally adapted and transformed with the help of the lovely team at Millbrook to provide a beautiful setting for elopements all year round. In the warmer months, let the outside in and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings with the floor to ceiling 5m wide doors open for your elopement wedding ceremony. Or pick your favourite outside spot close by to say your “I do’s” wedding ceremony outside – there’s so many outdoor locations in the grounds including: beneath the old oak tree; amongst the bluebells in the ancient woods; surrounded by wild flowers in the wild flower field; beside the flower borders just popping with colour; we could go on... In the cooler months, keep the floor to ceiling glazed doors closed (but with nature still in full sight), light the log fire, and candles and switch on the fairly lights, transforming the Summer House into a hideaway straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Add to this your choice of the 5* Gold award winning accommodation offered at Millbrook and you have everything you need for a simply amazing elopement wedding experience.
Tree Top Escape is an exceptional intimate wedding venue in North Devon, literally in the treetops. Have your elopement wedding ceremony in The Nest with views through the floor to ceiling glazed opening onto a balcony with frameless balustrades giving you the very best views of the valley and the lake. Enjoy in the moment and treasure forever. The cleverly designed Tree House provides luxury accommodation for up to 4 and offers yet more stunning views down the unspoilt valley. You’ll have a private balcony providing space for alfresco drinks and dining and to top it all, a hot tub. There’s a wooden walkway that cleverly links The Tree House to The Nest providing a unique “aisle” for your elopement wedding ceremony. This place is just perfect for couples who love nature, clever design and are looking for a luxuriously relaxed way to elope with a real wow-factors then Tree Top Escape is a great fit for you.
This is a place that stays with you long after you have departed. It’s a well-kept secret and you’ll find it tucked away on the edge of the raw beauty and romance of Dartmoor. Set I over 100 acres, the show-stopping main house is an Edwardian “Arts & Crafts” country house offers peace and tranquillity of a by-gone age, where the “Arts and Crafts” principles of handcrafting, thoughtful design and a personal approach run so much deeper than the beauty of this exquisite country house. Discerning couples, looking for the highest levels of personal service, quality and individuality will find that Coombe Trenchard, a privately-owned intimate wedding venue offers just that. The owner Sarah, strictly limits the number of weddings booked each year so that you can be assured that your elopement wedding will be the truly unique and personal experience you have dreamt of. Sarah and her team are exemplary - a particularly lovely detail is that Sarah will happily grow seasonal flowers for your wedding day in the extensive cutting garden on the estate. When Sarah and her husband Phillip open their home to you, they open their hearts too.
Declaring your love to your life-partner can take many forms, and for some of us, an audience is not required. In fact, for many couples creating some special “you and me time” to properly immerse yourselves your relationship is far more appealing than a big traditional wedding. If you feel this is the sort of thing you are looking for, why not to take your commitment to the next level and get married, sealing your union in a legal, church or celebrant-led ceremony whilst staying a few nights at The Folly? Whatever you choose The Folly is an amazing little hideaway that’s perfect, just for two combining a really stunning “hideaway” with a number of flexible elopement wedding options, including combining this with your wedding ceremony at Brickhouse Vineyard just next door!
Bath
Exchange your vows in this iconic ancient monument. It’s not just unique, historical and beautiful: it’s also practical! As while being outdoors, it is covered and protected from any bad weather, meaning your elopement wedding ceremony can be enjoyed whatever the weather. Imagine the magical feeling of exchanging your vows then sipping Champagne on 2000-year-old original Roman paving with flaming torches reflecting in the thermal waters? It’s here, overlooked by stunning Bath Abbey, that your elopement can take place in a sunrise or sunset ceremony. Whichever you choose, there is no more romantic start to your married life.
Barnett Phillips Photography
Scotland
Riddles Court is just perfect for a romantic elopement wedding for 2. It’s a place where history, romance combine with the best Scottish hospitality to create the magic that makes elopements so very special. It’s situated in the heart of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, yet hidden in plain sight. Entering from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile you’ll feel a real sense of calm and awe wash over you as the privacy afforded by this unique and beautiful place washes over you.
The Barn at Harburn is an exquisite intimate wedding venue Scotland and dates back some 250 years when it was a treadmill and grain store. Today, after much skilful renovated, the repurposed roundhouse and granary retains much of the original ancient Scottish Broch style, including all you need for the perfect elopement wedding ceremony. You’ll find it at the heart of the 9-acre Harburn Estate, surrounded by gardens and parkland featuring a landscaped lake with an endless choice of beautiful walks, making it the perfect place for your elopement wedding day and providing a stunning backdrop to your photography.
It's located just 45 minutes from Edinburgh and 50 minutes from Glasgow, making it easily accessible. When you arrive at Harburn, calm washes over you and you’ll be transported a million miles from the humdrum of everyday life, enveloped in the tranquillity and charm of this extra-special countryside escape with accommodation on site.
This is a divine and graceful period country house situated on a Perthshire hillside with panoramic views across Gleneagles to the Highlands. You’ll find the whole house is tastefully decorated, with comfort and relaxation at the heart of the luxurious interior. Perfectly positioned just 1 hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh and just 20 minutes from Perth and Sterling it’s the ideal place for an elopement in Scotland, year-round. Elope to Juniper found on the estate, with simply magnificent views for your ceremony, and your own private hot tub to star gaze on your wedding night.
Cotswolds
Twyning Park is a stunning grade II listed country house dating back to the 17th Century overlooking the Avon. Set in 5 acres of private grounds including a rose garden, river meadow and a secret garden as well as the two main lawns, the house still retains many of the original features, with every room having its own special feel. You can book an elopement wedding with accommodation in this gorgeous house. It's just perfect for couples looking for an elegant elopement experience in a beautifully preserved country house with the most gorgeous outdoor spaces.
Falling in love with Pauntley Court is inevitable. This family-owned country house is set in exquisite formal gardens with dreamy, far-reaching views of the countryside, it is as unique as it is beautiful. It oozes romance and is the perfect backdrop for stylish, yet relaxed elopements. The interior design blends carefully preserved original features with modern day comfort. Outside and the ‘garden rooms’ provide endless photo opportunities for your wedding album. With an elopement wedding booking you’ll have exclusive hire of the ground floor of the Main House with accommodation for the two of you in the romantic and cosy bridal suite, Elinor Fettiplace, for two days and one night, with arrival from 9am on the morning of your wedding.
North of England
This is an incredibly special place: it’s perfect for couples seeking an elopement experience in an unspoilt, wild setting in nature, with a strong desire to take a mindful approach to the environmental impact of their wedding day. We love the sense of freedom that comes with this choice!Set in the heart of Nidderdale, Yorkshire Dales, it’s surrounded by the heather-rich moorlands that are home to a wide range of wildlife. This unspoilt corner of England is home to Hackfall Ancient Woods and Trail; you’ll find a Druid temple and the market towns of Masham and Pateley Bridge are close-by. Stay in one of the seven luxury cabins on site in privacy and peace, rounding your day off by taking in the starlit heavens above or on colder evenings, snuggling by the wood burner in your cabin. Your ceremony can be held in the Owl Barn or outside in nature.
East Anglia
The Guildhall is an integral part of the history of the market town of Bury St Edmunds. It dates back to 1279, making it the oldest continuously-used civic building in Britain. What’s more, it’s home to a the only surviving World War Two Royal Observer Corps Control Centre in the UK. For your elopement wedding you have a choice of unique spaces for your wedding day: Regency Banqueting Hall, panelled Georgian Court Room or the walled gardens. Whichever space you choose, the elegance and uniqueness of this the Guildhall provides a stunning blank canvas for you to bring your wedding day dreams to life.
We hope you've enjoyed looking through our top elopement venue recommendations for the UK and wish you lots of love and happiness wherever and however you choose to mark your special day.
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