Jen & Rich – Beach Elopement Wedding Cornwall
We choose to elope and not have a big wedding because rich didn’t want anyone looking at him. We’re both massive introverts so the idea of big gatherings isn’t really our thing. Also because I have just never been into that whole conventional wedding thing (or anything conventional really) with a pouffy dress and millions of people you barely know, mass produced food and a terrible disco. We wanted it to feel truly sacred and that meant doing it together just the two of us. We love our families of course but we just wanted to be able to fully immerse ourselves in each other and the moment (plus my dad would have hated the thought of having to give a speech). And we wanted to go get fish and chips afterwards and then relax in a hot tub with some champagne. It was the best decision ever! 
It did not take very long to plan our Elopement
About two days. Ok maybe a week. It was all really easy. Elopement Location, dress, clothes for Rich, celebrant, accommodation, rings, done and dusted with no stress at all! Although it took a bit longer to actually get hitched as we got engaged in January 2020, organised everything within a week or so, but then our wedding date of 7 April 2020 fell in the first lockdown so it ended up getting moved to the September equinox.
I wore a wedding dress from ASOS
I didn’t really want to spend loads of money but I did want a wedding dress rather than just a lovely dress. Googled wedding dresses and ASOS came up and they had loads of beautiful dresses for just £100. Such great value I ended up buying two of them and made up my mind which to wear on the day itself. Rich wore trousers from Hugo Boss, a shirt and waistcoat. His outfit cost about four times the price of mine! But it was worth it to get trousers that were actually long enough for his legs. He didn’t bother with a suit jacket and I didn’t bother with shoes or jewellery or anything like that – I just had my old battered leather jacket and a blanket scarf that I have had for years. I can’t remember what I wore on my feet to travel to the venue – probably my old biker boots because I hate high heels.
About our wedding suppliers
I had my hair done by Emma C – she is an absolute wizard with hair – totally understood exactly what I wanted and made me feel incredible on the day. Plus she is so friendly – it’s more like having a friend do your hair than someone you’ve only met once for a trial run before the day itself! Makeup I did myself – I don’t normally wear any so I had to go and buy some. I treated myself to some Charlotte tilbury products which are lush, although I haven’t really used them since then.
Flowers – I wanted white and green so we went to the shop and bought a few bouquets, took them apart and then I made myself a massive bunch and did some for rich. It was fun doing them although I’m sure any florist would have been horrified by them. We travelled to the venue and back in our campervan and Rich bought some just married signs and streamers as a surprise. Our rings were by Justin Duance down in Penzance, who make beautiful sandcast rings. Ours were cast with sand from Praa Sands. Everything else was pretty low key but we did splash out a bit on the rings. Lusty Glaze
Our advice for other couples eloping to Cornwall
Just do it. It’s an amazing experience and just enables you to really immerse yourself in each other. Plus you can still have a party afterwards.
About our Elopement Photographer – Enchanted Brides
Choosing a photographer was the most difficult bit. I was given so many recommendations that I felt quite overwhelmed. I showed Rich the shortlist and the moment he saw your photography he said ‘I want them to photograph our day – their photographs capture something really special and the lighting is amazing’. He was right of course – your photos really stand out as being not the usual ‘standing and grimacing for the camera’ wedding shots with standard bucolic lighting. And every single person who has seen them has asked for your details! Also it was so much fun taking them.
Our favourite memory from the day
Rich (he’s always my favourite memory, no matter what day it is). But also…standing in line for takeout fish and chips in our wedding clothes. The actual fish and chips (Steins). Champagne. The hot tub. My dress and hair. Sand in between my toes. Having two such lovely and talented photographers at our wedding.
I’d encourage anyone to elope
(although I do think it’s nice to inform folk beforehand so it’s not too much of a shock for them – we talked it through with our families to make sure everyone understood our reasons). It puts the focus where it should be, which is on the two of you, and gets rid of all the overblown ‘stuff’ that simply doesn’t matter. And this way you really do get to do it your way, whether that involves gourmet dining or fish and chips on the beach.
Cornwall Elopements – Outdoor Elopements in Cornwall
If you don’t fancy using a venue for your beach wedding in Cornwall we also specialise in intimate beach elopements in nature. We offer flexible packages and flexible coverage to get the day with the best weather for your outdoor beach wedding. You can sign the legal paperwork at a local registrar office and we are happy to be your witnesses and then you have your quiet beach ceremony on your favourite beach in Cornwall. Check out our Outdoor Elopement Cornwall Page for more Information.
Check out our Partner & Sister Companies:
Photography & Film: Enchanted Brides
Outdoor Beach Elopements: Cornwall Elopements
Celebrant: Wild Blessing Ceremonies
