One of the biggest misconceptions about eloping? That you’re “just signing papers” or skipping the ceremony entirely. In fact, your elopement ceremony can be one of the most emotional and intentional parts of the entire day.

Whether it’s just the two of you or you’ve invited your favorite people to join, your elopement ceremony is still your wedding ceremony. So let’s make it special! In this blog, you’ll find some of my favorite ideas to help you craft a ceremony that feels intentional, authentic, and unforgettable.

First, Let’s Talk About the Elopement Ceremony Itself

When it comes to the ceremony, I have a very hands-off approach. This is your moment—I won’t be directing anything here. Your officiant will take the lead, and I’ll be quietly documenting it all in the background. Once the ceremony wraps up, we’ll reconnect again to capture more of your portraits! However, during the ceremony, you get to just be in it and soak up every second!

Pro Tip: Once it’s “official”, I’ll be waiting at the end of the “aisle” to grab your super happy just-married shot. Try to pause for a longer first kiss, as well! And then smile – it makes for such a beautiful photo! And also, try to remember to keep your bouquet down so it doesn’t block your faces!

How Long Should Your Elopement Ceremony Be?

Short answer – it’s totally up to you! Your elopement ceremony can be five minutes, it can be fifteen or even longer. It really depends on what you include:

• No personal vows? Probably on the shorter side.
• Want to include your own vows, a reading, and a unity ritual? It’ll be a little longer.

Your officiant will help guide the flow of the ceremony, but I’m happy to share sample timelines or talk through options with you beforehand.

Unique Elopement Ceremony Ideas to Include

Here’s a big list of things you can include—choose a few or none at all! There’s no wrong answer here. It’s YOUR day afterall!

Write Your Own Vows

There’s nothing more powerful than speaking straight from the heart. Your vows don’t have to be perfect—just personal. They can be sweet, funny, emotional, short and sweet, or multiple pages long. There’s no “right” length. Just take your time, speak slowly, and be in the moment. If you mess up a word, laugh it off! These are your promises to each other—and you’ll remember them forever.

And if you’re stuck on what to say, just start by jotting down whatever comes to mind. Think of memories, qualities you love about your partner, your hopes for the future. Don’t worry about being formal or poetic—just write from the heart. You can always edit later.

If reading vows aloud feels too intimidating, especially in front of guests, you can write each other letters and exchange them privately before or after the ceremony.

Incorporate a Hand fasting Ceremony

Hand fasting is a beautiful, symbolic ritual where your hands are gently tied together using a cord, ribbon, scarf, or even fabric from a loved one’s clothing. It represents unity and your lives being intertwined. You can DIY your cord or purchase one that fits your color palette.

Add a Unity Ritual

Unity rituals are small symbolic acts that represent your coming together as one. A few creative ideas to consider:

• Blend dirt from your hometowns or the elopement location into one jar
  
• Mix wine, tea, or whiskey and share a drink
  
• Plant a seed in a pot (please, don’t plant anything in the ground—Leave No Trace!)
  
• Tie a knot (yes, literally) with a piece of rope or cord
  
• Light a lantern or candle together
  

These moments can be simple and quick, but they add a special layer of intention to your ceremony.

Include a Reading or Prayer

Choose a favorite quote, a passage from your favorite book, a meaningful prayer, a poem or even lyrics from a song. You can read it yourselves or have someone else (like a parent or friend, if you’re inviting guests) read it aloud.

Include a Cultural or Family Tradition

Incorporating cultural traditions can add so much depth to your ceremony. Whether that’s a tea ceremony, breaking dishes, or wearing traditional wedding attire, this is your chance to celebrate where you come from and the stories that shaped you.

Have a Toast or Share Communion

Take a moment during or after your ceremony to clink glasses and toast to your love with your favorite wine or whiskey—or share communion if it’s meaningful to you. 

Take a Moment of Silence

Sometimes, stillness is the most powerful part of the ceremony. Take a few seconds to breathe together, honor lost loved ones, or just be quiet and feel the moment.

Include Your Guests (If You’ve Got Them)

If you’ve chosen to share the day with some of your closest people, you can let them be part of the ceremony! Some sweet ideas:

• Ask them to share a short blessing or memory
• Do a reading
• One of them could officiate
• Do a ring warming (each guest holds your rings and offers a silent wish)

Include Music

You could bring a little Bluetooth speaker and go “down the aisle” with some music, or have your favorite song play in the background, or share a first dance surrounded by nature right after your ceremony.

Create a Memory Box or Time Capsule

Bring a small box or jar and include letters to your future selves, a keepsake from the ceremony spot, or notes about how you’re feeling in the moment. Plan to open it on your first or fifth anniversary.

Bring Your Pets Into the Ceremony

They’re family too! Have them walk with you, sit beside you, or carry the rings. (I will 1000% take adorable photos.)

Final Thoughts About Your Elopement Ceremony

The best thing about eloping? You have the freedom to create a ceremony that’s truly you. Whether you want it short and sweet or filled with special rituals, the important thing is that it feels honest, intentional, and true to your relationship.

Need help deciding what to include? That’s what I’m here for! I’m not just your photographer—I’m your planner, timeline builder, and biggest cheerleader. I’ll help you dream up a ceremony that feels effortless and full of meaning.