Rochelle Cheever’s company, The Elopement Experience, specialises in curating intimate elopements worldwide from her bases in San Diego, California, and Rome, Italy; however, her work takes her to any location where her clients dream of saying “I do.” In this discussion, we will explore the various elements that contribute to creating a truly magical ceremony, including personalised planning, attention to detail, and the incorporation of unique cultural or personal touches that reflect the couple’s vision. From breathtaking venues to tailored services, each aspect is meticulously crafted to ensure an unforgettable experience that honours the couple’s love story in the most enchanting way possible…
C&B: “Rochelle, living and working between California and Italy is truly the best of both worlds! What made you choose these two locations and what first inspired you to specialise in elopements?”
RC: “I started as a portrait painter with a fine arts degree and a master’s in fine arts, specialising in family portraits. As my children grew, I wanted to travel more, especially while living in Rome. I gravitated toward destination weddings because of their smaller, more intimate nature. I’ve never enjoyed large crowds, so I naturally transitioned to elopements – just the couple or weddings with fewer than 20 guests. They reminded me of portraits – personal, meaningful, and timeless. I was designing and planning elopements long before they became mainstream during COVID. At the time, planners didn’t see them as profitable, so I did everything myself. Now, I lead a team, creating premium, one-of-a-kind experiences for couples worldwide.”
WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT? An elopement is a private and often spontaneous event in which a couple decides to marry without the presence of a traditional wedding ceremony or large guest list. Typically characterised by its intimate nature, elopements often take place in picturesque or meaningful locations. The term is often associated with a desire for simplicity or an escape from the expectations and complexities commonly associated with conventional weddings. Elopements may vary in scale from a simple exchange of vows between the couple to a more elaborate celebration with a select few witnesses, but they generally prioritise the couple’s connection and commitment over formalities.”
CITY & BEACH LIFESTYLE
C&B: “We can imagine there are so many couples who’d much prefer to marry in this way, a much smaller ceremony; where do most of the elopements you plan take place – is it mainly within California and Italy, or other destinations?”
RC: “Most elopements do take place between California and Italy; having been raised in Rome, I know Italy inside and out and with dual citizenship and fluency in both English and Italian, I bring a deep cultural understanding to my work. Italy is magical for weddings – with its art, stunning venues, world-class food, and warm hospitality. Each region has its own charm, and my passion for architecture makes Italy’s landscapes perfect backdrops. California, on the other hand, offers open spaces, beautiful beaches, forests, and vineyards. Napa and Sonoma remind me of Tuscany, and the coastline has Amalfi-like views without the crowds. California’s mild, year-round weather makes it ideal, especially when Italy gets overrun with tourists…”
C&B: “Your insider knowledge must inspire so much confidence in your couples! Having visited both areas, we know they’re absolutely stunning in both their architecture and their natural beauty. Out of all the locations, which are the ones you most often suggest to your clients?”
RC: “It depends on the couple – their style, the season, and the overall vibe they want. For elopements, I prefer locations with strong cultural identity and places where couples can extend their stay for a meaningful honeymoon. The destination isn’t just about the wedding – it’s about curating an entire experience…”
C&B: “What is it that your service does on behalf of the couples? For those who aren’t familiar with the process…”
RC: “I guide them through every step – helping them choose the right destination, handling all the planning, design, and logistics. My approach is holistic, making sure every element flows seamlessly. Finding the perfect venue is key, as it sets the tone for everything else. We have a structured process tailored to each couple, ensuring their elopement feels personal and unique. No cookie-cutter or standard packages – every elopement experience is one of a kind…”
C&B: “It must be thrilling to be involved in an event as exciting as an elopement! What advice would you give to couples who want to make sure they incorporate personal touches into their elopement ceremony?”
RC: “Our main focus is on personal details. We take a strategic approach to understanding each couple’s personalities and weave those elements into the overall vibe of their elopement. Whether it’s through location, design, meaningful rituals, or custom details, the goal is to make the experience feel authentically theirs…”
C&B: “It sounds like each occasion you plan is very unique and special – can you share a particularly memorable elopement experience that you’ve facilitated?”
RC: “There are so many, but one that stands out is a couple from Chicago who eloped in Tuscany. The groom’s parents were originally from Poland, and the couple planned a trip with them to revisit their family roots before driving through Europe, stopping in various towns, and ending in Tuscany for their elopement. We rented a villa in a medieval village where they stayed for several days. It had a pool, bikes, and plenty of space to soak in the Tuscan countryside. For their wedding day, we brought in a private chef who created a custom menu featuring local flavors and wines. Since the groom’s father loved live music, we arranged for a guitarist to play throughout the day. They exchanged vows with the rolling Tuscan hills and cypress trees as their backdrop, toasted with local prosecco, and then went on a newlywed excursion through a vineyard and a nearby village. The evening ended with a private dinner and a live cooking show featuring Italy’s classic wedding cake, millefoglie, followed by their first dance. They made a full experience out of their elopement weekend and honeymoon – taking cooking classes, biking through the countryside, and truly living the Tuscan way…”
C&B: “What an extravaganza! It sounds amazing – congratulations to you for organising that all so perfectly. How do you ensure that the elopement experience is both intimate and stress-free for the couples you work with?”
RC: “For intimacy, we choose locations away from the crowds. If a couple wants a popular destination, we usually recommend going off-season to avoid overtourism, which can ruin the experience. Places like Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and Lake Como are stunning, but in peak season, they lose their charm. We prefer destinations with strong cultural character and a more relaxed atmosphere. To keep it stress-free, we handle everything – paperwork, bookings, design, and logistics – so our couples just have to show up. Once we lock in the essentials, we take the weight off their shoulders, allowing them to fully enjoy their day…”
C&B: “It really sounds like an idyllic way of getting married. Which other vendors do you bring on board to create the perfect ambience and what are their specific qualities?”
RC: “Everyone on my team is handpicked for their skills, professionalism, and ability to work in an intimate elopement setting – completely different from a large traditional wedding. The photographers are trained by me, and I ensure they all speak English to communicate seamlessly with international couples. Beyond skill, personality matters. We keep the team small and low-key…”
C&B: “Final question, Rochelle, in comparison to a large wedding, would you say that your offer of an elopement is a less expensive alternative?”
RC: “We’d challenge the myth that elopements are ‘cheap’; it’s about more than just the ceremony; it’s the entire journey – the location, the design, the emotions, and the memories they’ll carry with them. The way we approach elopements, they are valuable, luxurious experiences – just as meaningful as traditional weddings, but more intimate and curated. They aren’t about cutting corners; they’re about designing a wedding that reflects the couple’s vision in a way that feels personal, effortless, and beautifully designed…”
CONTACT: http://www.theelopementexperience.com
