With so many different terms being used for ‘small weddings’, you can be forgiven for being confused as to what exactly an elopement wedding is. At Treseren, we’re big fans of small weddings in all guises and can host beautiful weddings with up to a maximum of 20 guests plus the wedding couple. Some of our favourite weddings to host are genuine elopement weddings – with just the wedding couple whisking themselves away for a truly romantic experience.
Whilst traditionally, eloping referred to a couple ‘running away’ and getting married in secrecy, now it is simply a great way to say ‘I do’ in the exact way that you want, with no pressures to put on a big show. Couples often choose to include friends and family in the run up to the day, but if keeping it private feels right for you, then that’s ok too!
Without hoards of guests to speak to and speeches to hear, it is a common misconception that elopement weddings can feel a little rushed. At Treseren, elopement weddings include a 2 night stay so that you can really relax and enjoy your special time together.
A typical elopement wedding at Treseren
Arrive the day before your ceremony and settle in with tea, coffee and homemade cake. After some time relaxing, we can book a taxi to whisk you away for dinner in one of the great Cornish restaurants or pubs nearby, or we can arrange for a meal to be delivered to the house for you to enjoy.
After a great night’s sleep, enjoy a luxury breakfast for 2 with homemade jams and granola and a cooked option made with locally sourced produce.
Head upstairs to prepare for the day while we arrange the ceremony room for you. Whether you get ready together or separately is completely up to you – that’s the beauty of an elopement! Like all Treseren weddings, you can add as little or as much detail as you want to the ceremony space, from floral displays to coloured candles. We have plenty of beautiful props to make the space look beautiful.
It’s time for the ceremony! Elopement ceremonies can take place in either of our licensed spaces, the Drawing Room or the Wedding Room, or you can opt for one of our beautiful outdoor spaces. Having just the two of you makes this a great option, and we’ve held some magical ceremonies in different spots outside, with the gardens providing a beautiful backdrop. You can also create a stunning focal point with a floral arch to define the special place for your ceremony. The Cornwall Registrars will work closely with you to create a bespoke ceremony to reflect your love for one another. Two members of the Treseren team will be delighted to witness the signing of the register, and you are now officially married! We can also recommend some wonderful celebrants if you would rather have a celebrant-led service.
Let’s celebrate! Enjoy a glass of champagne and delicious canapes as you soak in your first moments as a married couple. In the summer months you can head out onto the terrace to relax in the Cornish sunshine, or in the colder months we can light the fire in the cosy Sitting Room. If you’ve booked a photographer then now is a great time to get some beautiful photographs. Perhaps you would like to be taken to one of our nearby beautiful beaches in addition to the beautiful backdrop of Shepherds House. Our in-house photographer Paul has lots of elopement photography experience and is an expert at capturing the special moments of your day.
Into the evening – We’ll keep the champagne flowing as the day moves into evening and the focus turns to food! This really is an element of the day that can be completely tailored to your tastes, from a fine dining tasting menu with our gold cutlery and luxury table settings, to a barbeque on the terrace. You can choose to head to a restaurant or even have a special picnic on the beach (Dine with Iris can make this happen!). If you’ve headed out, then we can arrange a taxi to bring you back to the house where we can light the firepit on the terrace for you to toast marshmallows and reflect on a beautiful day.
The following day – Wake to another indulgent breakfast and then depart to enjoy your first full day as a married couple! Maybe you have chosen to extend your stay in Cornwall and have booked into one of the many great hotels nearby, maybe you’re headed off on a campervan adventure, or maybe you’re desperate to head home and share your news with your loved ones.
Of course, you can add personal touches into your timeline – from heading off for a surf at your favourite beach in the morning, to picking your own flowers from our beautiful Cornish gardens. We love seeing the unique choices that couples make and we’re continually surprised and delighted at the different weddings we are honoured to host.
It is of course true that elopement weddings can be planned in less time than a bigger affair, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be rushed. Whilst you can choose to keep things simple, you can also pin your heart out on Pinterest and plan every last detail to ensure you have the wedding of your dreams, shared with the one person who you want to spend the rest of your life with – and there is something truly magical about that.
Find out more about Elopement Weddings at Treseren
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