What Is Eloping?
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 in far away places 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
