What is an elopement and how to elope

When love grows and you decide to say yes, the world of wedding planning can feel overwhelming.
For some couples, a big celebration with family and friends feels right. For others, it’s the quiet, intimate moments that matter most — the feeling of being fully present with each other.

That’s what eloping is about.
Choosing a day that’s simple, intentional, and deeply personal. A day that feels like you.

What Does Elopement Really Mean?

Traditionally, to elope meant to run away and get married in secret.
Today, the word elopement has taken on a new and beautiful meaning: a celebration that’s intimate, authentic, and free from expectations.

An elopement can happen anywhere — on a mountaintop, by the sea, in a quiet forest clearing, or even in the heart of the city.
A city elopement in Oslo can be just as meaningful as saying your vows under the olive trees in Tuscany.
It’s not about where you do it, but why: because you want your wedding day to be a reflection of your love, not a performance.

If you’d like to see what that looks like in practice, take a look at this elopement in Varenna — a quiet, timeless celebration on the shores of Lake Como.

What is an elopement and how to elope

Bride and groom relaxing on a boat during golden hour on Lake Como, holding hands with bouquet nearby, captured during their elopement in Varenna. Photo by wedding photographer Anna O. Brambilla. Brudepar på båttur i solnedgang på Comosjøen, med blomsterbukett ved siden av. Foto fra elopement i Varenna av bryllupsfotograf Oslo Anna O. Brambilla.

What is an elopement and how to elope

Why Couples Choose to Elope

Eloping means giving yourselves the freedom to slow down and make space for what really matters.
You can focus on each other, instead of planning logistics or pleasing expectations.

It’s for those who want:

  • A day that feels calm and connected, not rushed or rehearsed.

  • Freedom to choose what’s right for you — no rulebook, no pressure.

  • Authenticity in every moment and image.

Eloping doesn’t mean giving up on beauty or meaning — it means you get to define it yourselves.

Where Can You Elope?

Anywhere your heart leads you.

Some couples crave wide horizons and nature — fjords, mountains, or remote beaches.
Others fall in love with the simplicity of a civil ceremony, like getting married at Oslo Rådhuset, followed by a stroll through the city, champagne, and laughter.

And for those dreaming of a sun-drenched day filled with Italian charm, this guide to getting married in Italy is the perfect starting point.

No matter where you go, the heart of an elopement stays the same — a celebration that’s deeply personal and beautifully yours.

What is an elopement and how to elope

“Groom lifting his bride in laughter outside Theatercaféen during their city elopement in Oslo — photographed by Anna O. Brambilla.” “Brudgom løfter bruden i latter utenfor Theatercaféen under deres elopement i Oslo — fotografert av Anna O. Brambilla.

What is an elopement and how to elope

How to Elope: A Simple Guide

Eloping doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s how to plan your day, step by step:

 

  1. Choose a place that feels meaningful – city, nature, or abroad.

  2. Decide what kind of ceremony you want (legal, symbolic, or private vows).

  3. Find a photographer who understands elopements and can tell your story naturally.

  4. Create space in your timeline to breathe and enjoy.

  5. Add personal touches – handwritten vows, a favorite song, or a dinner for two.

You can even combine your elopement with your honeymoon — a beautiful way to make the experience last a little longer.

Eloping Means Freedom

Eloping isn’t about running away.
It’s about running toward something — a celebration that’s peaceful, meaningful, and entirely your own.

Whether it’s a sunrise ceremony in the mountains, a quiet city elopement in Oslo, or a destination elopement in Italy, it’s about making a promise in the most honest way there is: just the two of you, choosing each other.

Som omtalt i

bryllupsfotograf oslo