10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Eloped

jennytesar
Mar 23
2 min read

There’s something incredibly beautiful about choosing a simple wedding.

No big production. No pressure.Just the two of you, making a quiet, meaningful decision to spend your lives together.

But if I’m honest - there are a few things couples often don’t realise until they’re in it.

So if you’re thinking about eloping, here are 10 things I gently share with couples… that I wish more people knew beforehand.

Photos by Anna Barber Photography

1. It’s not “less than” - it’s just different

Some people worry that eloping means missing out.

But what you gain is something else entirely - presence, connection, and space to actually feel your wedding day.

2. The location matters more than you think

When everything is simple, your surroundings become part of the experience.

That quiet stretch of beach…The light… the sound of the ocean…

It all becomes part of your ceremony.

3. The legal side is actually quite simple

Most couples are surprised by this.

A good celebrant will ensure all the legal requirements are met, the rest is very straightforward - especially when you have someone guiding you through it.

4. Your ceremony can be anything you want it to be

There’s no script you have to follow.

It can be:

Short and simple
Personal and heartfelt
Or just a few meaningful words

There are no rules - and that’s where the magic is.

Photos by Anna Barber Photography

5. The weather doesn’t have to be perfect

Some of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve seen have been:

Windy
Cloudy
Even lightly raining

And somehow… they feel even more real.

6. You don’t need a full “plan”

You don’t need a run sheet, a seating chart, or a detailed timeline.

You just need:

a time
a place
and each other

Everything else is optional.

7. A photographer is worth considering

Even if you’re keeping things simple, having someone quietly capture the moment can mean everything later.

Not for social media - but for you.

8. You might still want to include others (in your own way)

Eloping doesn’t have to mean excluding people completely.

Some couples:

Share a meal after
Invite a few loved ones
Or celebrate later

You get to choose what feels right.

9. It often feels more emotional than expected

Without distractions, everything feels a little closer to the surface.

And many couples say: “We didn’t expect it to feel this meaningful.”

10. You don’t have to figure it all out alone

This is probably the biggest one.

Eloping is simple - but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate it by yourself.

Having someone local, who understands the area and the process, can take away so much of the uncertainty.

Thinking about eloping in Yamba?

If this feels like the kind of wedding you’re drawn to, I’ve put together a simple guide that walks you through everything - from locations to legal steps, in a really relaxed and easy way.

👉 Read: How to Elope in Yamba (Complete Guide)