Relaxed Elopement

Real Wedding: Sophie & Daniel’s Relaxed Elopement in the Devon Countryside

July 2022 | Photography by Michelle Ley Photography

Sophie and Daniel’s wedding was all about simplicity, peace, and spending quality time together. Having already stayed at Millbrook before, they knew it was the perfect place to say “I do” — just the two of them (and their dog!) before celebrating with family back home. We caught up with them to hear more about their day….

Tell us a bit about you both!

We met in quite an unusual way — Dan’s parents fostered my (now adopted) brother and sister, so our families had known each other long before we got together! They eventually set us up… and the rest is history.

We love spending time outdoors and being with our little family. Nothing too fancy — just time together in nature is our favourite thing.

Why did you choose to elope rather than have a traditional wedding?

We’re both really quiet people, so the less fuss, the better! We spent four lovely days at Millbrook before the wedding, and it was just so relaxing doing it this way. On the evening of the wedding day, we had a party at home with our close family — the perfect mix!

What made you choose Millbrook for your elopement?

We’d already stayed at Millbrook before and absolutely fell in love with it. It had everything we wanted — peace, privacy, lovely surroundings, and so many beautiful places to explore nearby. It just felt right.

(And yes — the setting, the hot tub, the lake, and the alpacas definitely helped seal the deal!)

What was your favourite part of the day?

The whole day was so chilled. Dan hired the Mr Bens hut in the morning, and I had my makeup done in the pamper room just underneath our Lakeview accommodation. There was no stress at all — we honestly loved every minute of it.

What was your favourite part of the day?

The whole day was so chilled. Dan hired the BBQ hut in the morning, and I had my makeup done just underneath our accommodation in Lakeview. There was no stress at all — we honestly loved every minute of it.

Did you include any personal touches that made the day feel uniquely yours?

One of the loveliest things we did was plan a celebration back home on the same evening as our elopement. It meant we could fully relax and enjoy the four days leading up to the wedding at Millbrook — walking our dog, exploring, eating, drinking, and just switching off.

By the time the big day came, everything was done and packed, so there was no stress at all. We got married on the fourth day, feeling calm and happy, and then headed home to celebrate with close family that evening. It felt perfectly ‘us’ — simple, relaxed, and full of love.

Which suppliers did you use and love?

We were so lucky to have such an amazing team of suppliers helping us. Everyone was just brilliant, and we can’t recommend them enough:

❤️ Makeup – Cathy: she was absolutely lovely, and I adored my makeup.
❤️ Photography & Video – Michelle and Chris: just incredible!
❤️ Flowers – Church Park Flowers: they created my gorgeous bouquet!

Do you have any advice for other couples thinking about eloping?

Try to relax and enjoy it all. No one apart from you and your partner knows what’s meant to happen, so don’t stress the small things. Take in every second — the day flies by!

How did you feel once it was all over?

So relaxed and so happy. It couldn’t have gone better. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped.

One day, when our children are older, we’ll bring them back to show them where we got married. It’s such a special place.

Looking to Elope? Get in touch – we’d be delighted to help! Email : office@millbrookestate.co.uk or call 01769 629069.

Find out more about our Elopement Weddings