Eloping at Sandy Cove: Andy & Jill’s Rainy Beach Adventure

Eloping is brilliant. No seating plans, no awkward family politics, no endless spreadsheets – just two people, a location they love, and whatever chaos the weather decides to throw at them.

Andy and Jill chose Sandy Cove in North Devon for theirs. Just the two of them, no family there, no fuss – and the date was extra special: 30 years since they first got together. That’s three decades of memories, and they marked it perfectly. Their flowers, courtesy of Fuss Pots, added a bright splash of colour against a very grey, very wet backdrop.

And the outfits? Andy rocked a kilt with all the confidence in the world, and Jill looked stunning in a sage green dress that stood out beautifully against the rain-soaked surroundings. Honestly, soggy weather never looked so stylish!

Speaking of rain – it had been pouring all morning! Not just during the ceremony (we were thankfully inside), but all day long. We had an umbrella with us for outside afterwards, but Andy and Jill weren’t interested. They wanted to get wet, and get wet they did. Shoes squelching, hair plastered to their faces, coats drenched – and yes, my camera needed constant wiping between shots!

After the ceremony, we headed down to Combe Martin and wandered along the beach and the coastal path. Waves crashed over the path, spray flying over them, but the couple just laughed and smiled the whole way. Minimal staged shots were taken – a “look at the camera” here and there – but mostly it was real, natural, full of life and faff-free. The rain, wind, and waves added drama, but also kept everyone honest: no stiff poses, no forced smiles, just two people enjoying their day in their own way!

That’s the beauty of eloping. It’s about doing it your way. A windswept beach? Check. Waves crashing? Check. Rain pouring from the sky? Double check. Minimal fuss, maximum personality. Andy and Jill’s day proved that a bit of weather, a lot of laughter, and a truly personal adventure can make a wedding unforgettable – soggy shoes, damp kilt, and all.

So, if you’re dreaming of a day that’s intimate, fun, and entirely your own – rain, wind, and waves included – eloping might be just the thing. Just bring a towel, a sense of humour, and maybe a spare lens cloth for your photographer!

Enjoy a few photos from their day below: