Unique Elopement Ceremony Ideas – What to Do in Your Elopement Ceremony
WHAT DO YOU DO AT AN ELOPEMENT CEREMONY?
You’ve found your partner… You’ve fallen in love and decided to elope…You’ve found the perfect elopement location in Colorado… You’ve decided to take this huge decision to spend the rest of your life with the one that feels like sunshine…
And then reality hits. Most people expect a traditional wedding. They expect the elaborate venue, greenhouses worth of flowers, and loads of food you’ll never get a hand on. But nothing says you have to listen. You’ve never been a boring couple, so why would your wedding be any different?
So what do you do during at elopement ceremony? This question often pops up for couples who’ve been slogging through traditional wedding planning. The beautiful thing about an elopement ceremony is that you and your partner can do anything you want!
Check out my ideas for elopement ceremony tips and tricks below!
• ELOPEMENT VOW CEREMONY
Elopement vows hold immense significance, regardless of their delivery or specific wording. It’s common to feel pressured into adhering strictly to tradition with copy-and-paste vows. However, since this is your elopement ceremony, embrace the opportunity to craft personalized and distinctive vows that resonate with your relationship. Whether you choose to handwrite your vows, speak from the heart in the moment, or collaborate on them together, the process is entirely yours to shape as you see fit!
• RING CEREMONY: A NOD TO SYMBOLISM
When it comes to elopement ceremonies, not every couple opts for the whole ring thing, but let me tell you, most of them do. Rings? Oh, they’re not just pieces of metal, they’re symbols, symbols of love, commitment, the whole shebang. And let me tell ya, ring ceremonies ain’t just for your run-of-the-mill weddings, they’re a staple for elopements too. Now, here’s the kicker – documenting these ring ceremonies? That’s where the magic happens! It’s like catching lightning in a bottle, folks – capturing all those raw, beautiful emotions in one unforgettable moment!
• THE FIRST KISS TO BEGIN THE REST OF YOUR ADVENTURE
You’ve sailed through your vow and ring exchange, pledging to stand by each other through thick and thin. And now, who wouldn’t be itching for a smooch after such a thrilling ride? That first kiss in any ceremony? Oh, it’s like the grand finale, sealing your vows and launching you both into this new chapter with gusto! So, pucker up and get ready to plant that inaugural kiss, kicking off the adventure of a lifetime, baby!
• CELEBRATE YOUR ELOPEMENT CEREMONY YOUR WAY
One special feature of elopement ceremonies is how unique they can be. There are no expectations, no trolling guests, just you and your lover exploring a dope spot! So this is the right time—maybe the only time—to do things exactly how you want. Make some pancakes or climb a mountain or scream their excitement so loud that nature has no choice but to sit up and listen. It’s up to YOU!
• TIME FOR UNIQUE TALENTS
Here’s a thought: why not infuse your elopement ceremony with an elopement activity that brings you both joy? Whether it’s belting out tunes or busting some moves, go with what resonates with you. Fancy a beachside bonfire? Let’s light it up and toast some s’mores as the sun dips below the horizon!
WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE ELOPEMENT CEREMONY IDEAS?
Beyond engaging activities, there are countless avenues to craft an utterly distinctive experience. Variety is the spice of life, folks! I revel in witnessing the myriad inventive ways couples choose to pledge themselves to this momentous occasion. And hey, let’s not overlook the champagne – it’s the cherry on top of a truly unforgettable celebration! Cheers to love and creativity!
• CORD CEREMONY
This timeless Celtic custom has transcended borders and become popular worldwide. Typically, it entails binding a braided rope around your clasped hands, often accompanied by a solemn prayer. You have the option to perform this ritual yourselves, have the officiant tie the knot, or invite a cherished guest to do the honors.
• SELF-MARRY YOURSELVES
Hey, did you catch wind of this cool fact? In Colorado, you can legally tie the knot all by yourselves during your ceremony! Yep, you heard that right – it’s the quirkiest and most fun idea out there! Dive into the deets on how to self-solemnize your elopement in Colorado.
• SAGE SMUDGING CEREMONY
This addition to the elopement ceremony is all about energy—transforming negative and bad energy into positive vibes. It only requires a bowl, a bundle of sage, and a means of lighting the sage. You and your partner can say a short prayer while lighting it or ask someone to pray for you.
• UNITY CEREMONY
This is a highly symbolic elopement ceremony that involves joining two pieces into one. Some couples light unity candles, mix sand in a bowl or combine red and white wine. I’ve especially loved to see couples plant trees together (which is also a very positive contribution to the environment). It’s totally up to you to decide your symbol of unity. This is a meaningful elopement ceremony to include if you are blending families and would like to include children.
• WHISKEY CEREMONY
Whiskey is a representation of happiness, hope, love, and delight, while also incorporating a bitter taste to represent life’s trials and tribulations. Including whiskey at the end of your elopement ceremony is fun for the day and a fantastic yearly tradition!
• FIRST DANCE
Oh, let’s talk about that magical first dance! It’s like the ultimate classic, right? Whether you’re grooving to tunes, creating your own beats, or swaying to the rhythm of Mother Nature herself, it’s all about celebrating in style once the ceremony wraps up! Let the music move you and dance your hearts out, because this moment is all about you two!
• RELIGIOUS ELOPEMENT CEREMONY
Certain couples may opt to incorporate religious aspects into their elopement ceremony, and that’s absolutely encouraged! If you’re keen on having a pastor officiate your elopement, you’ll need to collaborate with them to iron out the details. Many officiants are happy to work closely with couples, allowing them to tailor their ceremonies to reflect their unique bond. This personalized approach can also be a boon for couples who might feel a touch of stage fright on their special day!
When it comes down to it, elopement ceremonies are all about crafting incredibly meaningful moments that will stay with you for a lifetime. Whether you envision a secular ceremony in an offbeat location or prefer a more traditional structure, it’s completely up to you! This is your special day, so cherry-pick the elements that speak to your uniqueness and wholeheartedly embrace them! After all, this is a single day that is a celebration of you, your partner, and the life you’re forging together.
Sean Oblizalo is an elopement photographer and planner based in Denver, Colorado. He founded Vows & Peaks in 2018 and doesn’t just show up with a camera. He plans your day, scouts the spot, handles the permits, and helps create epic mountain adventures for couples