Let’s face it: in this current climate a big wedding doesn’t have to be on the agenda anymore. So, if you’re reluctant to be the centre of attention (we get it) or have had to postpone your wedding indefinitely – figuring out how to elope can quickly make the process feel more like a scary unknown than a secret escape. We are here to help you with Planning an Elopement Adventure!
During the pandemic, many engaged couples were faced with a tough decision: should they push back their wedding several months, or even a year, two years in the end… Maybe you had a baby in between, or maybe you just want to run away into the sunset with your other half and just, well, elope? Many are choosing this option and combining into their honeymoon while we still have such uncertainty with travel.
As we all know, Las Vegas is a popular wedding spot, and for very good reasons: iconic chapels, speedy marriage licenses, and out-of-this-world venues. Whether your heart is set on a mini-mony (with 4 people or less), a micro wedding (up to 30 guests) or you’re planning an elopement, there’s a Vegas ceremony with your name on it.
We chatted to Louisa Levison who recently eloped with her fiancé Tom Dawber, and tied the knot at The Little White Chapel, home of the very first Elvis-themed wedding. And really, what’s a wedding in Vegas without mentioning the King?
When did you decide to elope in Vegas? Was it always the plan or a last-minute decision given the current climate?
It was super last minute! We got engaged in Miami in March right before the lockdown started and like many other brides I was planning on a big wedding in summer 2021 but as the months went on and all of our friends were postponing their weddings until the following year, we soon realised summer 2021 wasn’t going to be an option. Having been to a number of back-to-back weddings over the years, we’ve always wanted to make it as simple and stress-free for our guests as possible. Ultimately that adds to their overall experience and we hated the idea of adding another wedding for our friends to have to go to next year. So, after a few Manhattans one evening we just decided to be spontaneous and booked a room at The Bellagio – the rest fell into place after that!
Let’s talk about the dress – where was it from and what made you choose it?
The dress is by British designer 16Arlington – I knew I wanted to honour my homeland and wear a dress by a British designer but also a dress that had a bit of Vegas flair. I actually tasked my sister Alice with styling me and she really nailed the brief with this dress – and after six months makeup free and wearing sweats, I can’t tell you how amazing it felt to be able to get dolled up again! I got my shoes from a Louboutin sample sale over six years ago and never found an occasion to wear them to, so it felt fitting that I finally got to wear them to my wedding.
What was so special about eloping?
Eloping was never something I saw in my future, but I think this year has made us all think about what’s really important in life and what a wedding should really be about. We stripped everything back and it was really quite liberating to be able to enjoy the moment as a couple without all the stress and anxiety (and budget!) of a big wedding. We also had our best friend Christian and his lovely girlfriend Mesha drive up from LA to be our witnesses, so we all went for dinner at Bazaar by José Andrés followed by a night of (COVID-safe) gambling, which was a lot of fun.
What were the emotional challenges that went with it?
As expats living in New York, neither of us have seen our families in over a year due to the pandemic, so naturally not having them at our ceremony was incredibly difficult for all of us. That being said, I think they were probably more gutted to miss a night out in Vegas! We’re still planning on having a wedding party with friends and family at some point, so hopefully we can relive the moment with them in the not-so-distant future.
Finally, what would be your advice for anyone planning an elopement adventure?
Enjoy it and live in the moment – don’t focus on those who are not able to be there, they are there in spirit – and make the most of soaking it up with your other half. I know from friends’ and families’ advice that it is such a rarity to be able to have that one-on-one time and not be stretched talking to a million guests and following a run of show. Enjoy the spontaneity of it!
IF YOUR THINKING ABOUT PLANNING AN ELOPEMENT ADVENTURE- GET IN TOUCH
At TWE we act as wedding consultants to help you edit down all the major elements for your big day with our platform and wedding consultancy by sharing endless inspiration, editorial tips and secrets, opening up our trusted little-black-book of industry contacts to give expert advice and help bring your big day to life.
We will help you with a a step-by-step guide to planning an elopement adventure – plus all tips you want to know for getting hitched on the sly and we’ll take care of the following:
- Checking the law for where you want to get wed
- Be up to speed with the latest COVID-19 travel requirements
- Get your vaccine passport at the ready
- Make sure all documents are printed, there would be nothing worse than your phone dying after a long flight and being denied entry
- Make sure you book the perfect travel agent to get you there and make it the most memorable trip of a lifetime
- Planning the ceremony, well!
- And last but not least thinking about the big post-covid bash on your return- whenever that may or may not be
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