The Idea of Elopement

Are you and your fiancé a delightfully spontaneous couple? Are you always looking for an adventure and ready to do life your own unique way? We invite you to join us on a journey of elopement in the beautiful, tranquil Northern Cape!

Ncweddings joined hands with a group of ncweddings vendors to create the beautifully styled shoot featured in this blog. Orange River Cellars,  Marli from Liefkraal,  Tent Rent, INOAR, Villa Borgesi Guest House, Yafah Beautiful Ashes, Maritz Fashion, Takes the Cake, Jonelda van Heerden Photography, Lizca’s Designs!

Want to read more about the styled shoot?
Click back to the styled shoot blog HERE!

The word “elopement” is used to refer to a marriage conducted in a sudden and secretive way. It usually involves a hurried flight away from one’s place of residence with one’s beloved, with the intention of getting married.

The Northern Cape, with its semi-desert magnificence, is the perfect setting for an elopement. And although you are going for the no-frills wedding option, planning your elopement still deserves a lot of thought. That’s why we have put together a little guide on how to elope in the Northern Cape, starting with the top five reasons to elope and then specifically focusing on the do’s and don’ts when planning your own elopement.

The Top Five Reasons to Elope

1. It’s budget friendly.
2. It’s an adventure that you can combine with your honeymoon.
3. It reduces the stress related to weddings.
4. It minimizes family drama.
5. It’s very intimate, allowing you to truly focus on each other and the meaning of your relationship.

Don’t: Expect your loved ones to understand.

If you have a very close group of friends or family, I can guarantee that they will be disappointed that they weren’t able to share your most special day with you. However, it’s important that you stay true to what you really want. Then, when you are ready, you can share your decision in a sensitive way with all your loved ones. If they care about you, they will respect your choice.

Do: Hire a local planner, photographer, and videographer.

It’s always a good idea to make use of the locals, as they will know all the beautiful, hidden spots. A local wedding planner will be aware of all the best suppliers to create the scene that you have in mind. They will also be able to assist in planning your itinerary, and they will take care of all the smaller details. Local photographers and videographers will be comfortable with the environment and will know where and when to get the perfect picture moments.

DO: Treat yourself to all the usual bridal aspects of the day.

The fact that you don’t have a bridal party around you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experience feeling like a bride. Treat yourself by getting your hair, makeup, and nails done, and definitely get that fabulous dress that you have always dreamt of! Also, be sure to enjoy a glass of the finest champagne while getting ready, to calm your nerves. The Orange River Cellars Lyra champagne range was used in our styled photo shoot, and it is a fantastic choice!

DO: Enjoy every moment.

This is all about you and your spouse. This is a very intimate occasion, and it’s so important that you need to be truly mindful and fully aware of each moment. Share all your emotions and thoughts with each other, and just savour every second of the most important day of your life.

DON’T: Forget about legalities.

Elopement is something spontaneous and super romantic, but it’s important that you read about the legal issues before you get into the car or onto that plane. How long do you need to register in advance, what paperwork do you need to bring, do you need your ID or passport or both? And most importantly, will your marriage be valid in your own jurisdiction? It is of utmost importance to do your homework before you set off on the experience of a lifetime.

DON’T: Wave away a wedding day timeline.

You don’t want to have a big fuss with a lot of minor details, and we get that. But if you want the most out of your special day, you definitely need a plan and a timeline! Sleep in a little bit, go for a scrumptious brunch together, enjoy a couple’s massage before your ceremony, leave plenty of time for your hair and makeup, and then go all out with your photography session. You want to keep the excitement of the day high! Just plan all of this in advance, so that you don’t have to rush through anything but can really enjoy every moment.

DO: Plan the big announcement.

It’s very important to carefully plan the big reveal of the fact that you have just started life together as a married couple. You may want to have a big bash when you get home, or maybe, you would prefer to just send a little “We Eloped” note to all your friends and family. Some people only want to tell the people closest to them, which is totally understandable. However, you definitely wouldn’t want your closest friends and family to see your marriage status update on Facebook before they’ve heard anything from you! So, get planning on how to get the word out, while showing your love for the family and friends who truly care about you.

DON’T: Overthink it afterwards.

You might have some wedding blues afterwards, feeling that you may have missed out on some of the elements of a traditional wedding. Or, the reaction of your friends and family might not be exactly what you expected, and you could find yourself feeling hurt or disappointed. It’s at this point that you need to remind yourself why you originally decided to elope. Reaffirm your decision to do life in your own unique way, as you as a couple choose.

Don’t let other peoples’ opinions steal your joy!