Re: khufia marriage
I know of three people who have had secret marriage/nikkah.
Eloped and got married. Larki's parents weren't okay with it. Had to choose between hubby and parents, so she chose parents and that was the end.
Got married while living at home with parents (larka at his place, larki at hers). Religious themselves, but parents weren't so much. They got the nikkah done and informed parents. I believe both sides were extremely upset, but I think the girl was pregnant (or may be she wasn't), so they sort of compromised or something of that nature and it's working out well so far, masha'Allah.
A born Muslim and a convert Muslim got married, but they are still living at home with their parents and their marriage is still a secret. They will try to speak to parents to get them married (not informing them that they already are). If it doesn't work out, then they will announce it I believe.
I totally agree with Ranjhan. There's no marriage without larki's wali.
2 and #3 for sure carried out the proper steps for their nikkahs. Ie. did whatever they had to .. to sort out the wali situation. #1 may have partially done it and Allahu aalim.
Overall, I feel secret nikkahs/marriages are becoming more common these days.