Eloping really is no longer running away in secret to go elope at a courthouse. Today’s elopements are bold, personal, and as unique as the couples getting married. If you’re wondering what an elopement ceremony looks like, the short answer is anything you want! Whether you imagine saying your vows on a quiet cliffside at sunrise or in a cozy Airbnb cabin with just your closest family and friends, the beauty of an elopement is that there are no hard-and-fast rules.
Here’s your guide to what an elopement ceremony might look like, from walking down the aisle to including guests, plus some creative ideas and inspiration to make the day entirely yours.
Walking Down the Aisle at Your Elopement
At an elopement, your aisle can be whatever (and wherever!) you want it to be. It doesn’t have to be a big wedding with a 50 foot aisle, rose petals, and an organ playing.
Picture these different aisles:
- A forest trail lined with wildflowers as you and your partner walk toward each other.
- A rocky path leading to the edge of a stunning cliff overlooking the ocean.
- A short stroll from a lakeside cabin to an intimate altar decked out with lanterns and candles.
- A trail in the woods leading to the biggest waterfall you’ve ever seen.
One truly beautiful aspect of an elopement is that your aisle doesn’t need to be tied to tradition. You can walk together, meet halfway, or even skip the formal walk altogether. Maybe you’re already hanging out with your partner when it’s time to start. You could just take each other’s hands, hike together, and get started right where you are.
If you’re including guests, you can still create a moment that feels special. Have one or both of you walk down a simple path while your guests look on. Bring in music if you want, from a playlist blasting through a Bluetooth speaker to a live guitarist or violinist. Keep it meaningful, personal, and, of course, totally you. If you are eloping in a National Park or National Forest, some locations have music and decoration restrictions in place. Double check before you make any big decisions.
Options For Reading Vows
Writing and reading your vows is often the most emotional part of any ceremony, and with elopements, you have total freedom to do it your way. Here are a few ideas depending on the vibes you’re going for:
- Traditional Vows: If you resonate with traditional words, stick to the classic “in sickness and in health, for better or worse.”
- Personalized Vows: Many eloping couples write their own. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your relationship, express feelings unique to you, and make them laugh, cry, or both. Keep it short and sweet, or pour your heart out. A lot of my couples choose to hike to a different location and write their vows together in the morning. It is incredibly intimate and a meaningful start to your elopement day.
- Private Vows: Not interested in sharing deeply personal vows in front of others? Consider saying your most heartfelt words in private before the official ceremony starts, or even later in the day. You can always add in traditional vows later.
- Nonverbal or Symbolic Vows: For couples who aren’t into lengthy speeches, exchanging meaningful items (like handwritten letters or special gifts) or performing a simple unity ritual (like lighting a candle or tying a knot) can take the place of words.
No matter how you approach your vows, remember that you’re not bound by traditions. Whether you want them to be romantic, quirky, or even funny, elopement vows are about celebrating your love in a way that feels natural to you.
Who Leads the Elopement Ceremony?
One common question couples often ask is who should lead the ceremony? Again, this depends entirely on what feels right for you. Let’s look at your options.
1. An Officiant
Hiring a professional officiant can add structure while keeping things stress-free. They’ll guide you through the ceremony and often bring a ton of experience, which can be comforting during an intimate (and emotional!) moment. Plus, they’ll also take care of the logistics for legalizing your marriage.
2. A Family Member or Friend
Choosing someone close to lead the ceremony is a beautiful way to make it feel deeply personal. Maybe it’s a sibling, a best friend, or even a parent. They don’t have to be formal about it either. Their role is simply to channel familiarity, warmth, and love while helping you celebrate your relationship.
3. Self-Solemnizing
Did you know you can marry yourselves in some states? Self-solemnizing is legal in places like Colorado, you just need a witness. Also, if you bring your dog to your Colorado elopement they can sign the marriage license as that witness! This option is perfect for couples who want total privacy or those seeking an entirely DIY vibe for their big day.
Whether you’re hiring a pro or keeping it in the family, take time to consider what makes the most sense based on your elopement location, guest list, and vision for the ceremony.
How Many Guests Should You Have?
One of the best features of an elopement is its intimate feel. But does that mean zero guests? Not at all! Elopements today often include a small group of loved ones. Here’s how to think about it.
- Solo vs. With Guests: Some couples want their elopement to focus solely on the two of them, free from any pressure or expectations. Others feel it’s important to include immediate family or their closest friends to witness the moment.
- Keeping It Small: Most vendors define elopements as including up to 20 people max. Once your guest list exceeds that number, you’re more in “intimate wedding” territory. Think about the energy you want for the day. Do you imagine quiet serenity or an intimate gathering of your inner circle?
I wrote a whole blog dedicated to How Many People Should You Invite To Your Elopement. For the full details, check it out!
Including Guests in Your Elopement
If you’re going to include guests, there are so many memorable ways to involve them in your day.
- Special Roles: Ask loved ones to play a part in your ceremony. Someone could officiate, hold the rings, or read a page from your favorite book. A classic is helping you get ready beforehand.
- Group Vows or Toasts: After your vows, encourage your guests to make a group vow or raise glasses in a toast.
- First Dances: Even though it is an elopement, you can still include those first dances with the relative of your choice.
- Adventure Together: Plan an activity with your loved ones, like a scenic hike, sunset picnic, or even a celebratory dinner at your favorite restaurant.
If your elopement location isn’t easy for everyone to attend, you could hold a mini-reception or party afterward to celebrate with a wider group. That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Choosing the Perfect Location
The heart of every amazing elopement starts with choosing the right spot. Will it be on a misty mountaintop, in a desert under the stars, or in your favorite coffee shop? Here’s some quick advice to narrow down your options.
- Think about what places are meaningful or inspiring to you.
- Consider the season, weather, and accessibility.
- Research permits if you’re tying the knot in a public location (some places, like national parks, require them).
If you’re unsure where to even begin, check out How to Choose an Elopement Location [That Is Right for You] for more tips on finding a spot that fits your vision and needs.
How Long Does It Take to Plan an Elopement?
Here’s the exciting part about elopement planning versus a traditional wedding: it can be as last-minute or as drawn-out as you want. Some couples decide to elope and say “I do” in just weeks, while others spend months perfecting the details.
Start with the big choices first, like choosing a date, a general area or backdrop for your ceremony, and locking down vendors (if needed). Once those are in place, you can fill the day with as much or as little planning as you’d like. Whether it’s packing a champagne picnic, hiring a photographer, or finalizing your outfits, elopements can be beautifully effortless or thoughtfully curated. Check out How Long Does It Take To Plan An Elopement for a more in-depth look.
Final Inspiration
The stunning reality of an elopement is that it doesn’t need to fit into anyone else’s idea of a “wedding.” You get to break the traditions and create something that’s as extraordinary as your love. Picture saying your vows at sunrise, dining on local cuisine in the mountains, or hiking your way through wedding photos under the stars.
Whether you choose to exchange your vows at the base of a waterfall with just your partner or surrounded by a small circle of loved ones, an elopement ceremony is a chance to hit the pause button on the madness of wedding traditions. It’s about celebrating your connection in a way that’s entirely authentic to you.
If you are ready to put together your own elopement ceremony, and are in need of a photographer, reach out! The first step is to fill out my contact form, and I’ll quickly be in touch. We can start planning your perfect day today!
