How to Make an Elopement Special
Some couples worry that eloping will make the day they get married feel less special, or less important. But here’s the thing – the value, importance, and significance of your wedding day isn’t defined by how big the guest list is, and it isn’t defined by how well you stick to the rules, traditions, and expectations put in place by the wedding industry. It’s defined by the two of you, and what matters most is that you get married in a way that’s true to you! This guide will give you some tips for how to make an elopement special, with things to do on your day, creative ways to celebrate your marriage, and more!
Your Elopement is Special!
Before we get into these things to do when you elope, and ideas for a unique wedding day, I want you to know that your elopement is special – this is the day you get married, and a small (or nonexistent) guest list, an outside the box adventure, and letting go of traditions doesn’t change that!
In fact, I think that deciding to get married your own way, being brave enough to let go of the pressure that the wedding industry puts on couples, and making sure that you begin your marriage in a way that’s unique to you, makes eloping even more special than a big wedding!
So the first way to make an elopement special is to change your mindset. This isn’t a lesser version of a big wedding, and it isn’t any less meaningful, special, or important!
How to Make an Elopement Special – What to Do on Your Elopement Day
Now, let’s talk about what to do on your elopement day. Remember, there are no rules – which means you can do anything and everything you want, but these ideas should give you some inspiration!
PLAN A FULL DAY ELOPEMENT
The first tips I have for how to make an elopement special is to make sure your elopement gets a full day! If you’re wondering what you could possibly do all day, you aren’t alone – but couples are always surprised how fast time flies on the big day, and after you read the rest of these unique elopement ideas, you’ll have plenty of inspo. Dedicating an entire day to celebrating your elopement, as opposed to just an hour or two for a ceremony and some photos, ensures you can have a stress free day, and that you have plenty of time for adventures and fun!
Think about it this way – traditional weddings get 8,10, 12 hours. Why shouldn’t yours?
PICK AN AMAZING ELOPEMENT LOCATION
One of the first things you’ll do when you start planning your elopement is decide where to get married! This is the perfect opportunity to make an elopement special – by choosing a location that reflects who you are, whether that means tying the knot at a favorite place close to home, exploring somewhere new, getting married in a stunning mountain landscape, an epic national park, a cute A-frame cabin, or flying for an adventure abroad, you’ll make sure you’ll always remember the place where you got married!
For some tips on choosing the right elopement location for you, check out this guide.
WRITE YOUR OWN VOWS
Vows that you write yourself are always going to be more meaningful than generic “I do’s” or Internet templates, so this is a great way to make an elopement special. Write your own vows to share with your partner during your ceremony – and if you’re worried about your writing abilities or nervous about putting your big feelings into words on a page, check out this guide for help!
FIND THE PERFECT ELOPEMENT ATTIRE
Eloping doesn’t mean you can’t dress up and feel amazing! Whether you’re dreaming of a beaded gown, a unique jumpsuit, or a spiffy suit and tie, make sure that what you wear on your elopement day is just right for you.
For dress wearers, this guide has tips on finding the perfect wedding dress for an elopement!
PERSONALIZE YOUR ELOPEMENT CEREMONY
The ceremony is usually the main event – the part where you exchange vows, promise to spend the rest of your lives together, and officially tie the knot! Personalizing this day is a great way to make an elopement special, and there are some fun ways to do so.
First, if you’re eloping with guests, you can ask a friend or family member to officiate. This adds a nice sentimental touch, and they can create a meaningful ceremony! Getting ordained is quick and easy on ULC.org, but you can also have them symbolically officiate, without signing the papers.
Another way to personalize your elopement is with a unity ceremony – these are often cultural, religious, or just for fun traditions that signify a couple coming together – uniting! Some examples include candle lighting, knot tying, handfasting, tree planting, and sand pouring.
You can also personalize your elopement ceremony by including friends or family in other ways, whether it’s with heirlooms or sentimental items, having them speak at your ceremony, or anything else you can think of!
PLAN AN ADVENTURE
The best thing about eloping is that every single one is different, and you can truly do anything. Plan something amazing – something that reflects the two of you, and something that would make your day the best day ever.
You can hike to your ceremony spot, have a picnic, sit around a campfire, go kayaking… the possibilities are endless! Adventure doesn’t have to mean long hikes and 10 mile treks – if you want some inspiration for adventures that don’t require hiking, check out this guide.
Here are some more ideas for what to do on your wedding day, and how to make an elopement special:
- Have a reception with family
- Take a helicopter tour
- Rent a 4×4
- Take a nature walk
- Swim or snorkel
- Go paddleboarding
- Make s’mores
- Stargaze
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER
that’s me, Rylee!
One of the best ways to make an elopement special is to hire a photographer! Being able to see your photos after the day is over is so magical – and it’ll transport you back to that incredible day. You’ll be able to see the entire story unfold all over again! Another reason why hiring an elopement photographer makes your elopement special is because I also double as a planning assistant! Through getting to know you and figuring out what you’re dreaming of for your elopement day, I’ll craft the perfect adventure, completely personalized to the two of you.
If you’re ready to plan a special, meaningful, personal elopement day, contact me!
Elopement Packages
Planning and Resources:
- From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery
- Complementary planning assistance from me
- locations ideas, checklists, timelines, & vendor recommendations
- Fully edited, High-Resolution photos
- Custom Online Gallery
- Personal Printing Rights
- Sneak Peek Photos
- Custom GIF’s & Double Exposures
- Traveling Included
