In a year that's turned our lives in their heads, more and more couples are opting for elopement weddings, and not purely because of the COVID19 restrictions. We are seeing a growing band of couples who are seeking authentic, meaningful wedding ceremonies surrounded by their nearest and dearest or maybe just the two of them. These couples are looking for unique and personal wedding experiences that are "not just another big weekend wedding in June". This is perhaps as much because the COVID crisis has enforced smaller, more meaningful friendship and family groups and couples have actually strengthened their relationship through periods of lockdown and home working making an intimate wedding day all the more meaningful. A fantastic and unique location for an elopement wedding is the Roman Baths in Bath.
We caught up with Lizzie Marshall, one of the team at Roman Baths who told us a bot more about what makes this exquisite venue so special.
1. What makes elopements at Romans Baths amazing?
There is nowhere in the world like the Roman Baths & Pump Room. Couples step through our doors and are immediately immersed in history within the Georgian rooms that lead to the magical Roman Baths. Wedding vows can be exchanged alongside the naturally thermal waters on the original 2,000-year-old paving. This is a fabulous setting for wedding photographs and the flickering torches and gentle sound of trickling water adds to the unique and enchanting atmosphere.
2. What options can couples choose from?
Elopement wedding ceremonies usually take place at 8.30am but up until June 2021, they can also be accommodated in the evenings. Please speak to the team for further information including availability. Following a ceremony and photographs, couples have the freedom to celebrate as they wish. They could experience a special wedding breakfast in the adjoining iconic Pump Room or explore any of the delights that Bath has to offer.
3. You’ve partnered with Hotel Indigo – why did you choose to partner with them?
Hotel Indigo is stunning! It’s luxurious, quirky and perfect for a special night or two away. Being only a two-minute stroll from the Roman Baths, it’s the perfect match. The hotel also has a lovely private house adjoining the hotel that is full of character and perfect for small wedding groups.
4. What options do you offer in partnership with Hotel Indigo for couples choosing to elope or for intimate weddings with just a few guests?
Hotel Indigo has an array of styled rooms that couples and guests can choose from, including garden rooms with courtyard access. The Private House, No. 5 Pierrepont St, has eight en-suite guest rooms, a lounge and a dedicated private courtyard, perfect for drinks or a barbeque. Guests within the Private House can use the hotel facilities, including gym, bar and restaurant. If preferred, private catering is available as an option if you choose to dine in the townhouse’s private dining room.
5. What are the maximum number of guests that can be included in an intimate wedding package with Hotel Indigo?
Hotel Indigo is very flexible on numbers and do not limit couples to a maximum number of guests (subject to availability).
6. Often couples are looking for a choice of great local suppliers - do you have any recommendations?
We have a comprehensive list of some fantastic local suppliers on our website, including photographers, florists and musicians. Anyone on our list has worked well in our venues before and have been recommended by previous customers.
Image by Richard Bellchambers
7. If couples wish to find out more or look at potential dates what should they do?
Our website has plenty of useful information including prices, videos, photographs and virtual tours. To find out about availability or to arrange a viewing, please contact our team by telephone or e-mail or you can choose to complete the enquiry form on our website. Our staff are very experienced and friendly and would be delighted to show you around the Roman Baths either in person, or on a virtual tour. Please do get in touch if you need any information via the enquiry box on this page.
Image by Amy Sanders