For many, the word elopement still brings to mind secret runaway weddings – whether it's a couple escaping to a far-off destination or the Scottish village of Gretna Green. However, in recent years, the definition of elopement has evolved. No longer just about secrecy or rebellion, modern elopements have become a way for couples to celebrate their love in an intimate, meaningful, and stress-free way. From financial benefits to a desire for a more personal experience, elopement weddings are growing in popularity across the UK. In this blog, we’ll explore what an elopement wedding means today, how it differs from a micro-wedding, and why so many couples are choosing this beautifully simple way to say I do.

What is an elopement wedding?

An elopement is a wedding that places the couple at the heart of the experience, free from the expectations and pressures of a traditional celebration. Typically much smaller in scale, an elopement includes just the couple or a handful of guests, creating an intimate and deeply personal way to say I do.

The modern definition of elopement is all about choice – it’s about getting married in a way that feels right for you. Whether that means a private wedding ceremony reminiscent of a traditional wedding, a relaxed gathering at the pub, or an adventurous vow exchange in nature, there are no set rules – just the freedom to craft your perfect day.

A micro-wedding, on the other hand, follows a more traditional wedding format but with a significantly reduced guest list. At The Cornish Place, we define this as 20 guests or fewer, though interpretations may vary.

Elopement weddings in Cornwall

Cornwall’s breathtaking scenery and relaxed pace of life have long made it a sought-after destination, but in recent years, it has also become the perfect setting for an elopement or micro-wedding. Here, you can escape the pressures of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature – whether it’s a sunset stroll along a golden beach, a morning hike through rugged coastal paths, or a quiet pint by the water’s edge, Cornwall has a way of making every moment feel special. The Cornwall Registrar Team also helps make your elopement ceremony truly personal, offering unique touches like knot-tying rituals or poetry readings. And that’s just the beginning – there are countless more reasons why Cornwall is the perfect place to say "I do."

Elopements and micro-weddings at The Cornish Place

At The Cornish Place, we’ve been hosting intimate weddings for years, offering elopements and micro-weddings all year round. Our venue is full of character, with a range of beautiful settings to say your vows – whether it’s a candlelit ceremony in our rustic Woodshed small barn wedding venue, a golden-hour exchange of vows at the Piggery, or a festival-style celebration in the fields with a relaxed picnic to follow. The courtyard, designed by an award-winning garden designer, provides the perfect space for a barbecue or drinks reception. And with the recent addition (2026) of our Glasshouse, we can now host elopement weddings in every season.

For those looking for a seamless experience, we offer luxury on-site accommodation – whether it’s a single cottage for a romantic elopement or the exclusive use of all cottages for a micro-wedding. During your three-day stay, we can help plan special activities for you and any guests, whether it’s a romantic coastal walk, a private boat trip, or a relaxed gathering at a local pub. We’ll also assist with organising food, transport, and anything else you might need during your stay.

Plus, with Andi’s extensive experience in the wedding industry, you’ll have a dedicated planner to take care of every detail. Our intimate wedding packages ensure a stress-free experience tailored to your vision.

Why are elopement weddings popular?

Free from rigid traditions and large guest lists, elopements and micro-weddings offer an intimate, meaningful experience that focuses on what truly matters – the couple and their commitment to each other. But beyond romance, there are plenty of practical reasons why more and more couples are choosing to elope.

Less stress, more fun

Traditional wedding planning can sometimes feel overwhelming, with months – or even years – spent coordinating venues, catering, seating plans, and countless tiny details. The beauty of an elopement or micro-wedding is the simplicity it offers. With a smaller guest list, there’s no pressure over who to invite or navigating others’ expectations. Finding the perfect location becomes easier as you’re not trying to accommodate a large crowd. Most importantly, the focus shifts back to what truly matters – you and your partner, celebrating your love in a way that feels right for you.

Avoiding family politics

Let’s face it – weddings often come with a side of family drama. From seating arrangements to conflicting opinions on traditions, planning a big wedding can sometimes feel more about pleasing relatives than celebrating your relationship. Elopements and micro-weddings strip away these pressures, allowing couples to create a day that is purely about them without the stress of managing complicated family dynamics.

Enjoy your day more

Weddings can sometimes feel like a high-pressure performance. Every detail has to be perfect, and if something goes wrong, it can feel disastrous – after all, there’s no redo and everyone is watching. But elopements and micro-weddings take a more relaxed approach. With fewer guests and fewer expectations to manage, the focus is on the experience rather than perfection. That’s not to say everything won’t be beautifully planned, but the day becomes about celebrating rather than stressing.

A more intimate affair

A smaller wedding naturally creates a more personal atmosphere. Instead of spending your day making small talk with distant relatives or guests you felt obligated to invite, you get to focus on the people who truly matter. At The Cornish Place, we also welcome pets and children, making it a perfect occasion for all your nearest and dearest to be part of your special day.

Make things more personal

One of the best things about elopements and micro-weddings is that the rulebook is completely out the window. Want a traditional ceremony? We’ll make it happen. Prefer something unconventional? That works too. Whether it’s swapping a formal dinner for a pizza party, getting married in your PJs, having your photoshoot on a windswept beach, or heading to the pub straight after your vows, we’re here to help you create a day that feels uniquely yours.

The cost of eloping is lower

For many couples, the intimacy and low stress of an elopement are the main appeal, but the financial benefits are also a major plus. The cost of eloping is naturally lower – with fewer guests, you spend less on catering, décor, venue hire, and all the other expenses that come with a big wedding. This means you can put your money toward something that truly excites you – whether that’s a honeymoon, a house deposit, or an unforgettable adventure.

Less environmental impact

Locally Grown Flowers by Wild Rose Cornwall

Smaller weddings aren’t just easier – they’re also more sustainable. A more intimate gathering means less waste, fewer emissions from travel, and a lower environmental impact overall. At The Cornish Place, we encourage eco-friendly choices, from locally sourced flowers to plastic-free décor, to ensure your special day is as kind to the planet as it is magical. Our accommodation and venue spaces are designed with sustainability in mind. We support local suppliers, use eco-friendly practices, and ensure that your intimate wedding Cornwall experience aligns with your values.

You can get married in nature

Heading to the woods to get married by Olivia Rossi

If you’ve always dreamed of a wedding surrounded by nature, an elopement or micro-wedding makes it far more achievable. Fewer guests mean fewer logistical challenges, allowing you to say your vows in breathtaking outdoor settings. One of the things we love most about The Cornish Place is its proximity to wildflower meadows, bluebell forests, rugged moorland, and sandy beaches. If a nature-filled wedding is what you envision, we’d love to help make it a reality.

Plan your honeymoon in the same place

With more flexibility on location, many couples decide to honeymoon in the same place as their elopement or micro-wedding. There’s no need to rush off to an airport, deal with jet lag, or stress over travel plans when you’re already in a stunning, secluded location, perfect for a romantic and relaxing getaway. One of the best things about an elopement or micro-wedding at The Cornish Place is that your honeymoon can begin the moment your wedding ends. Many couples choose to extend their stay for a few extra days after their wedding, soaking up the tranquility of the Cornish countryside and coast.

With luxurious on-site accommodation, breathtaking surroundings, and plenty of opportunities for both adventure and relaxation, honeymooning at The Cornish Place allows you to savor the magic of your small wedding ceremony without interruption. Spend your days discovering Cornwall’s nature-filled landscapes, award-winning food scene, visiting historic sites, or unwinding with a glass of local wine under the stars.

Plan your dream day

If you’d like to learn more about hosting your elopement or micro-wedding at The Cornish Place, explore our elopement packages and intimate wedding packages. Whether you envision a small barn wedding, a relaxed outdoor gathering, or a private wedding ceremony in one of the best small wedding venues in Cornwall, we’d love to help you create your perfect day. Get in touch with Andi today to start planning your intimate wedding.

What is an elopement wedding and why have they become so popular?