Do you wish to have an intimate wedding experience with just your partner, with a unique and different setting in another country? Then an elopement might be something to consider. Here, we take a closer look at a couple opting for quality over quantity, by doing an intimate elopement – just the two of them – in a hidden lake in Malaga, Spain.
WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT?
Traditionally, the act of “eloping” was used to describe marriages conducted in a sudden and often secretive way – such as the cliché of spontaneously getting married in Las Vegas without anyone’s prior knowledge. But in recent years, the idea of foregoing a grand formal wedding in favour of a small, intimate gathering has become a popular option.
In many ways, an elopement can be seen as a celebration of love without all of the fuss. The modern idea of an elopement wedding might just be the actual ceremony with a few close friends and family members invited (if any).
PROS AND CONS OF AN ELOPEMENT
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Full focus on you and your partner. | Few or non guests to share it with. |
| Your budget is more flexible. | You will miss out on some traditions. |
| Getting married in adventorous locations. | Less venue options and dates available. |
| You can combine it with your honeymoon. | Fewer or no gifts to open from guests. |
Just like with any type of wedding, an elopement can be anything you want it to be. You can spend all your money on beautiful outfits and a lavish meal for just the two of you, or stick to a minimal budget. It will be what you make it, but the important thing to consider thoroughly is whether you will feel lonely or regret the choice of not telling/inviting your friends and family.
BTS OF A TURQUOISE LAKE CEREMONY
© Michel Maraver
© Michel Maraver
For some, an intimate elopement can be exactly right. This was the case for Sonia and Nando, who decided to focus on and continue their unique love story with an elopement in Málaga, Spain. With a slight breeze and surrounded by turquoise water and lively greenery, the couple could just focus on each other and their love.
With no one else to consider but themselves, and with the help of local vendors, they could enjoy their own dream celebration. The idea of getting married in the middle of a lake was made possible by a floating platform, and every detail matched their turquoise nature theme to a tee.
Intimate and simple, but far from dull. A romantic memory that will be remembered as a life-changing one forever. And of course, stunning photos and videos to remember it by.
© Alma Fotografía
LOCATION AND SUPPLIERS
Sonia and Nando’s elopement was celebrated in the Ardales Camping, located at El Chorro, a small village 1h from Malaga (AGP) airport that is known for their turquoise lake and rocky mountains. To create the magical setting and capture the memories, we teamed up with our best local vendors in Southern Spain. Below you can find a list of the team that made this elopement a big success and who we fully recommend if you are thinking about eloping to Spain.
LOCATION
Camping Ardales
@campingparqueardales
WEDDING PLANNER
Esteffi Álvarez (Malaga Weddings)
@malagaweddings
FLORIST
Michele Flores
@micheleflores7
LOCATION
Camping Ardales
@campingparqueardales
WEDDING PLANNER
Esteffi Álvarez (Malaga Weddings)
@malagaweddings
FLORIST
Michele Flores
@micheleflores7
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lía Martín (Alma Fotografía)
@alma_fotografia
LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER
Dani Garrido
@danigviews
VIDEOGRAPHER
Michel Maraver
@michelmaraver
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lía Martín (Alma Fotografía)
@alma_fotografia
LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER
Dani Garrido
@danigviews
VIDEOGRAPHER
Michel Maraver
@michelmaraver
HAIRSTYLIST
Stefy Salas
@salas_hair
MAKEUP ARTIST
Kelly Jane
@kellyjanemua
GLAM TEAM
@s.k.hairmakeup
HAIRSTYLIST
Stefy Salas
@salas_hair
MAKEUP ARTIST
Kelly Jane
@kellyjanemua
GLAM TEAM
@s.k.hairmakeup
BRIDAL DRESS
La Gioconda Novias & Fiesta
@lagiocondanovias
GROOM SUIT
Felix Ramiro
@felixramirooficial
HEADPIECE
Martina Dorta
@martina_dorta
BRIDAL DRESS
La Gioconda Novias & Fiesta
@lagiocondanovias
GROOM SUIT
Felix Ramiro
@felixramirooficial
HEADPIECE
Martina Dorta
@martina_dorta
NEXT STEPS IF YOU WANT TO ELOPE
The idea of an elopement might not be the most traditional one, but for many couples, it is the right way to celebrate their love. If you are intrigued by the idea, these should be the next steps to take:
- Decide on where to elope – starting by city or country.
- Get an idea of when – exact date or lose timeline.
- Start looking for all vendors – or simply contact a wedding planner.
There are many things to consider. Even with an intimate ceremony involving just the two of you, there are a lot of choices to be made and vendors to be booked – but you don’t have to be alone in this process.
We at Malaga Weddings are here to give you peace of mind. With the help of a dedicated wedding team, you’ll be able to enjoy the elopement with your love and leave all the important details with us. To start the process, simply get in contact so that we can start working on your dream wedding – no matter what that entails.
