What is the ruling on eloping without the wali's permission?

Eloping without a lawful wali or without a recognised wali hakim is invalid according to the Shafi'i school and carries great risk.
Many couples claim to have used a "wali hakim" who is not accredited; such a contract may be considered invalid and need to be repeated. If the wali refuses without a Shariah reason, the right path is to apply for a wali hakim through the Syariah Court. A marriage abroad must also be registered in Malaysia within the set period; failure to do so is an offence. See Marriage guardian and Nikah siri, misyar & urfi.