Elopements

The Elopement of Dhola and Maru, Bundi circa 1750
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An elopement has been central to many a historic, bodice-ripping romance. In our modern Western society eloping is rarely necessary, yet the concept of young lovers fleeing to find happiness still appeals to the romantic in many people. Where exactly did the custom originate?

Couples have probably been running away together since society began trying to keep them apart. The word elope itself originates from the 17th century, possibly from the old Middle English word "alepe" - "to run away".

The motivation behind eloping was almost always parental disapproval of the partnership. In earlier times young people could not legally marry without the approval of their parents, so young couples sometimes ran away to find somewhere else where they could wed. At other times they simply ran away.

Differences in laws and customs have made certain areas popular with elopers. In Scotland the town of Gretna Green, just north of the England-Scotland border, was a popular destination for English couples wanting a wedding not approved of by their parents.

Since elopements almost always resulted from parental disapproval - and often from marrying "below one's class" - they frequently resulted in scandals and possibly even disownment. As such they made great subjects for fiction, both of the sensational variety and more subtle attacks on the class system. Shakespeare used eloping as a device in a number of his plays.

Today some people like to "elope" even when it isn't strictly necessary - heading off together to Las Vegas or similar place for a "quickie wedding" in glamorous surroundings. You can even buy ready made elopement packages complete with all the trimmings. Such an "elopement" need not necessarily be secret or exclude the parents and Best Man - some couples even issue an advance announcement! As always, what's right for one person may not be right for another.