Eloping can be a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. While some couples choose to elope without any fanfare, others may want to include some special touches to make the day even more memorable. Here are some elopement ceremony ideas to consider:
Ring exchange
The ring exchange is a classic wedding tradition that can be adapted to fit your elopement ceremony.
Hire a symbolic officiant
If you want someone to officiate your ceremony but don’t want to have a legal marriage, consider hiring a symbolic officiant to lead the ceremony.
Elope just the two of you without an officiant
If you want to keep things really simple, you can choose to elope without an officiant and simply exchange vows privately.
Ask your friend to be an officiant
If you want to have someone you know and love lead your ceremony, consider asking a friend to become ordained and officiate your wedding.
Handwashing ceremony
In a handwashing ceremony, the couple washes each other’s hands to symbolize their commitment to taking care of each other.
Light a candle
Light a candle together to symbolize the light and love you bring to each other’s lives.
Personalized vow book
Make your own vow book and write your own personalized vows. This can be a cherished keepsake that you can look back on for years to come.
Sign your symbolic ceremony certificate
Even if you’re not having a legal wedding, you can still create a symbolic certificate to sign and commemorate your commitment to each other.
Write a love letter to each other
Take some time to write a love letter to each other and exchange them during the ceremony. This can be a beautiful way to express your love and commitment to each other.
Bridal cup
In some cultures, a bridal cup is used during the ceremony. The cup has two handles and the couple must drink from it without spilling any liquid to symbolize their ability to work together and face challenges as a team.
Confetti
Add some festive flair by having a confetti toss at the end of the ceremony. This is a fun way to celebrate and capture some amazing photos.
Read family letters
Have your parents or other family members write letters to each of you that you can read during the ceremony. This can be a touching way to include your loved ones in your special day.
Hire a musician
Whether it’s a guitarist, a cellist, or a vocalist, hiring a musician to play during your ceremony can add a beautiful and emotional touch to your day.
Have a first dance
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t have a first dance. Choose a special song and share a dance together.
Include your pet in the ceremony
If you have a furry friend, consider including them in your ceremony. They can carry the ring box or just be there to share in the love.
Give your guests point-and-shoot cameras
Provide your guests with disposable cameras so they can capture some candid moments throughout the day.
Ribbon ceremony
Tie a ribbon around your wrists to symbolize your union and commitment to each other.
Cut the ribbon ceremony
Similar to the ribbon ceremony, but this time you cut the ribbon together to symbolize your commitment to each other.
Play rock scissors paper to see who will read vows first
Add a little bit of fun to your ceremony by playing a game to determine who will read their vows first.
Ask your kids to sign your ceremony certificate
If you have children, consider having them sign your ceremony certificate as a way to symbolize your new family unit.
Have a toast with champagne, wine, beer, or your other favorite drink
No celebration is complete without a toast to the happy couple.
Plant a tree
Planting a tree together can symbolize the growth and longevity of your relationship. You can choose a tree that holds special significance to you or plant one in a location that holds special meaning.
Have a dessert or cake-cutting ceremony
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a sweet treat together. Share a dessert or cake and have a cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
Take a meaningful hike
If you love the outdoors, consider taking a hike to a special location to exchange vows. Whether it’s a mountaintop, a beach, or a scenic overlook, the natural beauty can add to the romance and intimacy of your elopement.
Incorporate a unity ritual
Unity rituals are symbolic actions that represent the joining of two individuals into one couple. There are many types of unity rituals to choose from, such as a sand ceremony, a unity candle, or a handfasting ceremony.
Wear special accessories
Choose special accessories to wear on your elopement day that hold personal significance. This could be a piece of jewelry, a special accessory, or even an article of clothing.
Exchange gifts
Exchange small gifts or tokens of love during the ceremony. This could be something as simple as a meaningful trinket or a sentimental item that holds significance to your relationship.
Incorporate cultural traditions
If you or your partner come from different cultural backgrounds, consider incorporating traditions from both cultures into your elopement ceremony. This can be a meaningful way to celebrate your diverse backgrounds and honor your families.
Have a water or sand ceremony
A water or sand ceremony involves mixing together two different colored sands or two different types of water to symbolize the union of two individuals. This can be a beautiful and unique way to express your commitment to each other.
Have a celebratory picnic
Picnic is always a great idea! Even if it is just a backpack full of snacks or a fully decorated table with finger food, you are going to love this idea.
Incorporating these ideas into your elopement ceremony can add a special touch and make your day even more memorable. Whether you choose to keep things simple or go all out, remember that the most important thing is celebrating your love and commitment to each other.
