Something that is so incredibly magical about having your own elopement is your ability to create and craft a day that is completely your own, and that includes your elopement ceremony! When thinking of your ceremony, you might consider the time of day or the location where you can envision saying your vows, but there are some smaller (but by no means any less significant) details that you might not have considered yet!

From long-standing traditions to smaller, intimate gestures that are meaningful to your own relationship specifically, there are many different ideas that you can incorporate into your elopement ceremony that will ultimately make this beautiful moment in time even more fun and memorable for you! 

Keep reading below for a list of some of our favourite ideas to consider including in your elopement ceremony.

1. Handwritten Vows

Starting off on a pretty traditional note with writing your own wedding vows. Writing and exchanging vows is one of the more common things that couples will choose to include in their elopement ceremony. However, you have endless freedom to take your time and pour your heart out onto the page. Think of it as a love letter to your partner—include everything that you cherish about your other half and the life you’re creating together.

Whether you write them in advance or you would prefer to take the time to write them together on your wedding day, there is no right or wrong way to express your love to your partner.

Bonus Idea: If you love playing games as a couple or you’re known for being a little competitive with each other, consider having a game of rock, paper, and scissors to decide who will read their vows first. It’s only something small, but it’s nice to take a second to ease the nerves and share a sweet moment with your partner.

2. Have a First Look

There is truly nothing greater than getting to witness the love, excitement, and anticipation that blossoms in couples when they have their first look on their wedding day. It’s a truly beautiful way to set the scene for your elopement and a wonderful start to your ceremony! Imagine seeing your partner dressed up in an incredible location that you’ve chosen together and knowing that you’re about to marry the love of your life.

Whether you can get ready in separate locations or only have a shared space, there are definitely ways to navigate having a first look and this is something you can discuss with your photographer. If you’re looking for some extra information on first looks, check out our blog here.

3. Handfasting

I’m sure you’ve heard of the phrase “tying the knot,” and this tradition is where the term originated from! Handfasting is an old Celtic practice where a couple’s hands are tied together to symbolise the binding of two lives and is a wonderful way to signify your union. Usually, a celebrant would help assist in the binding, but if you’re just eloping with the two of you, you can also practice tying your own binds in advance!

As the bind, you can use anything you want, such as your bouquet ribbon, garlands, or any other fabric. Again, if you’re eloping with just the two of you, it can be a lovely way to include your loved ones by asking them to knit or crochet something to use as your bind.

4. Pot a Plant

Your wedding day marks the beginning of a new chapter in your love story, and what an incredible way to celebrate by watching as a plant or tree grows alongside your marriage. You could even take it one step further and choose something meaningful for your relationship. Whether it’s a flower that is included in your bouquet or your favourite fruit tree that you will get to enjoy together for many years to come, there are so many ways to get creative with your plant choice! (And don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!)

Bonus Idea: If you’re looking for a fun little activity to do together, you could always spend some time in the days prior to your wedding and paint your plant pot together. Whether you wanted to include something simple like your wedding date and location or you wanted to go all out with colour and patterns, this is a beautiful little idea to spend some time together creating something special.

5. Sand Pouring

A sweet way to symbolise your wedding day and two souls coming together is by including a sand pour in your ceremony. You come together to pour your separate jars of coloured sand into one new one, creating a beautiful layered unity symbol. And by the end, you have something that you can take home with you as a sweet keepsake of your wedding day.

6. Pop Some Champagne!

Whether you’re popping some bubbly to share with your new spouse or you’re wanting something a little more dramatic like a champagne spray or champagne tower, it’s the perfect way to celebrate your love! Have a moment together after your elopement ceremony to take in all of your emotions and bask in the excitement of newlywed bliss!

Ultimately, your elopement can be anything you want it to be! There are no right or wrong ways to celebrate your love and therefore, I encourage you to explore all the ideas that you could possibly include in your day to make it even more magical and memorable! If you’re seeking some additional ideas for adding extra elements of adventure into your elopement, check out our blog here for more information!



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March 19, 2023

Unique Ideas for an Elopement Ceremony

Rochelle Hansen

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