Why Elopements are becoming the next Luxury wedding trend
Once seen as spontaneous and secretive, elopements have had a major glow-up. Today, they’re fast becoming the new definition of luxury—intimate, intentional, and all about the experience. This generation doesn’t want to wait for a grand wedding in 3-4 years. We want it now. We want it aesthetic. & we want it to be instagramable.
Over the past year, I’ve had the absolute joy of photographing more elopements than ever before, from chic city celebrations in Cardiff to a breathtaking styled shoot in Porto, Portugal that I can't wait to share with you.
Here’s why so many modern couples are saying yes to an elopement—and why it might be the most luxe way to get married in 2025.
Intimate Moments > Grand Gestures
Luxury isn’t about how many people attend—it’s about how it feels. (Especially with the film photography aesthetic coming right back into trend this year.) Eloping gives you space to slow down and actually soak in the magic. No long guest list, no production line of hugs and hellos. Just the two of you, deeply present and truly connected.
In the elopement I photographed in Porto, every moment was savoured. The cobbled streets, golden hour light, and the breeze off the Douro River set the scene for something genuinely special.
Bespoke, Beautiful, and Yours
When you're not working around a traditional wedding structure, you have more freedom to do things your way. Want a dawn ceremony on a Welsh mountain? A city elopement with champagne on the steps of Cardiff Castle? Or a romantic cliffside vow swap in the Gower? You literally can.
I’ve photographed couples who got married with just their photographer and celebrant, then had a pub lunch in Cardiff. Others (I wish I could photograph!!!) have said “I do” on hidden Brecon hiking trails or ended the day with a swim in the sea at Rhossili. It’s about crafting a day that feels like you.
A Global Experience, Without the Guestlist
Destination elopements are booming—and with good reason. They let you combine your wedding and your dream honeymoon. You’re not just booking a venue, you’re booking a memory. Whether it's a hilltop in Tuscany or the vibrant backstreets of Porto, you’re choosing a unique backdrop that resonates with your story.
The Porto elopement I photographed oozed old-world charm and modern minimalism. Think hand-tied florals, delicate silk gowns, and cinematic views. It was intimate and opulent—all without a guest in sight. (Side note- this may be because it was a faux shoot… but we’ll allow it)
Elevated Styling, Without the Pressure
Elopements give you the freedom (and budget!) to go all out on details that matter most to you. You might splurge on your dream photographer (hello!!! me!!!!), couture attire, or a stay at a 5-star boutique hotel. And with fewer logistics to worry about, there’s space to breathe and enjoy it all.
For my Cardiff city elopement couples, I’ve seen incredible fashion choices, private dinner reservations, and relaxed strolls through Bute Park that end up being just as stylish as any big-budget bash.
Photography That Tells Your Story
As a photographer, there’s something incredibly powerful about documenting elopements. Every moment is raw, real, and deeply meaningful. There's no timeline chaos—just connection, love, and beauty. It’s a photographs wet dream; honestly.
Whether it's a windswept moment in the Gower, or a golden-lit alleyway in Porto, these images become something truly timeless.
Thinking of Eloping?
Whether you're dreaming of a destination elopement, a city micro-wedding in Cardiff, or a wild, barefoot ceremony in Brecon or the Gower, I’d love to help you plan a day that’s beautifully, authentically you.
