31 Elopement Ideas You Won't Want to Miss
We are ALL about the wild romance of elopements and we want to help you make yours the memory you’ll always want to look back on with a smile. When it comes to creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience, here at Promise Mountain - we’ve got a few ideas. With our various pre-planned packages and additional add-ons to customize your elopement, we’re confident you’ll walk away with the best elopement experience. Read on to discover our list of 31 elopement ideas that will make your special day absolutely unforgettable!
#1 - Hire a Private Chef to Cook a Post Ceremony Meal
There’s nothing like a gorgeous meal to follow up the excitement of your big day! We highly recommend hiring a private chef to design a menu for you. It’s going to make the elopement of your dreams that much more special.
Feed your family and friends with a gourmet meal and relish in the satisfaction of the perfect end to your perfect elopement.
#2 - Involve your favorite music
This sweet elopement idea is a great way to make your elopement all the more memorable! Choosing to incorporate music either before the ceremony, during the ceremony, or after is a sure way to leave you feeling that much more excited about the uniqueness of your elopement. You might not have a big first dance or a walk down the aisle, but you’ll still have songs with instant nostalgia power.
#3 - Have a Post elopement day Adventure
Post elopement day adventures are one of the best elopement ideas to incorporate into your trip.
Kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, horse riding - if you’ve traveled somewhere beautiful for your elopement, make sure you take advantage of the opportunities for adventure! If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out the post-day adventure we did after Kari and Alden’s Romantic Glacier National Park Elopement.
#4 - Have a First Dance
In some ways, the fact that you’re celebrating just the two of you makes a first dance even more romantic than the traditional version. Sway to your favorite song and enjoy the feeling of being in love as you’ve just said ‘yes’ to forever with your best friend!
#5 - Invite Your Friends + Family
Let your closest ones be there for your big day and invite them to your ceremony! Part of the appeal of elopements is that you don’t have to invite anyone - but that can make who you DO invite that much more special.
#6 - Have a First Look With Your Parents
Planning a first look with your parents is definitely top among our picks of elopement ideas! Especially if your elopement ceremony involves hiking or anything that could be physically inaccessible to your parents, scheduling in time to let your parents see you in your wedding attire is a once-in-a-lifetime memory you don’t want to miss!
#7 - Have a Wedding Cake Ready to Cut
Who says you have to leave behind the cake cutting if you elope?
Having a custom mini wedding cake made for you and your love is one of our favorite elopement ideas to incorporate.
#8 - look through a memories book
One of the best things about eloping is that, unlike on a traditional wedding day, you have so much time to spend as a couple. The best elopement ideas focus on that - the core connection you have with your love. That’s why it’s such a good idea to create a scrapbook of memories from your relationship - either physically or digitally - and dedicate some time to going through it together and thinking about how far you’ve come.
#9 - Elope in a Location That Is Meaningful to You
When you start throwing around destination elopement ideas, be sure to consider places that are significant to you as a couple. Getting married somewhere that is rich in significance for the two of you will be so special.
#10 - Read Letters From the Ones You Love on Your Day
If you choose to elope alone - this is such a great way to feel close to your friends and family on your wedding day.
Nothing says I love you like reading a handwritten letter from the ones closest to your heart before you say ‘I do’.
#11 - Have a Surprise Ready for Each Other on Your Big Day
This can be a musical song, a letter, or a gift you give each other! Whatever you choose, surprising your significant other will make your wedding day all the more special. Give them something to look back on once your dream elopement is through!
#12 - Rent a Beautiful AirBnB or Hotel for Some Post Ceremony Romance
If you’re loving the area you’ve chosen to elope in, a great elopement idea could be to stay a few nights more in a stunning AirBnB or nearby hotel that fits your vibe. We’d suggest an AirBnB if possible - kick off married life with a house to yourself.
#13 - Marry During Sunset
If you’re looking for the perfect backdrop - hold your ceremony during sunset.
There’s nothing like the golden rays of the sun shining through behind you and your love as you run into forever together!
#14 - Bring Your Pets
Who says you have to leave your furry friends behind? Bring your pets with you to be a part of your elopement! Whether it's during the ceremony, or while you’re having your photos taken - having your pets there will make your day unforgettable!
#15 - Wear a Statement Piece
Who says you have to stay traditional in your wedding attire?
Spice up your look with a headband, crown, jewels, or shoes. A good statement piece will show off your personality, and they add a little flare in pictures as well!
#16 - Coordinate Your Wedding Looks
Although you may not have a big bridal party and wedding arrangements - you can still add your own flair and create your own color scheme by matching your significant other! Coordinate your wedding attire to complement each other and get ready for a memorable day and some stunning photos of your wedding look in return!
#17- Customize Your Venue
This is one of our personal favorites out of our list of elopement ideas! Craft the ultimate elopement experience with some of your favorite decorations. Layout rugs, lights, candles, or some extra greenery to create the ideal atmosphere for your wedding. Mix in a few of your own personal items to make your elopement meaningful and memorable!
#18 - Decorate a Getaway Car
Go all out by decorating your getaway car with streamers, tin cans, balloons, or a sign for the newlywed Mr. and Mrs!
Drive away in style in your own personalized car!
#19 - Include Your Guest in the Ceremony
One of the sweetest elopement ideas to consider is letting guests participate in your ceremony. This can look like letting a friend or family member hand you the rings, or even having some musical friends perform a song! However you want to include your guest in your ceremony is totally up to you, but we know it will make your day all the more special!
#20 - Exchange Rings
Take time during your ceremony to place rings on each other’s hands to signify your promise. This is a precious moment for you and your loved one to share.
We definitely recommend having this moment during your ceremony as a keepsake, as something beautiful to look back on!
#21 - Handfasting
This ancient Celtic tradition is a precious ritual that involves the tying of newlyweds’ hands together. It’s where the phrase, “Tying the knot” actually originates from! All you’ll need is some ribbon and a lifetime of love to incorporate this elopement idea into your ceremony!
#22 - Pop Champagne
It’s time to celebrate!
Open some champagne after you say ‘I do’ - and celebrate with your partner that promise you just made!
#23 - Light a Lantern
Like a dream come true - lighting a lantern and sending it into the sky is a gorgeous way to commemorate your wedding day! We ADORE this elopement idea and think it just adds that extra spark to your day!
#24 - Magical First Kiss
Take the time to seal the deal with an enchanting first kiss! After you say your vows, stop for the memory of a lifetime - your first kiss as a married couple!
As photographers we can tell you, this will make for one of the most breathtaking pictures to keep from your elopement!
#25 - Seal Away Letters in an Anniversary Box
We absolutely LOVE this elopement idea! At some point during your elopement, take the time to write letters to your future selves and seal them away in your own anniversary box. You can keep the tradition going, from your first day as a married couple and on till as long as you want! We think this elopement idea is extremely unique and worth the time!
#26 - Plant a Tree
A beautiful way to mark the beginning of a new chapter in your life together is to plant a tree! Place the beginnings of your tree into a pot that suits your fancy, and use it to symbolize the growth, time, love, and care you’ll give to your marriage to one another!
#27 - Take Pictures with a Polaroid Camera
This is a wonderful way to document your day and keep printable copies for yourself!
Snap pictures while you get ready and when you celebrate after your ceremony! Taking pictures with a polaroid camera is a unique way to remember your day, and make it extremely personal to you!
#28 - Create a Sand Keepsake
Another great keepsake to make from your elopement is a container of sand! It’s super easy to do, and a beautiful idea to incorporate into your ceremony. All you’ll need is at least two different colors of sand and a container to pour into.
#29 - Bridal Bouquet
There is nothing like having a custom-made bridal bouquet to make your elopement feel complete!
Design your own bouquet to add a little something extra to the special day that will leave you feeling like the beautiful bride that you are!
#30 - Incorporating Family Traditions
We’re sure you’ve heard the famous saying: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. We think this is a great way to tie in any family items or traditions that you might have, into your elopement! It could be your mother’s necklace or a ribbon of blue in your bridal bouquet - whatever allows you to feel as if you have your family near on your big day!
#31 - Explore Together
Either before or after your elopement - be sure to explore the land around you.
Put on some sneakers or hiking boots, and head out to adventure. It will be a beautiful memory to add to your day - one that makes it feel that much more special.
31 Unique Elopement Ideas
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of elopement ideas to consider for your big day! Whether you incorporate one or all, or simply let us take the pressure off and plan it all for you - we’re sure these ideas will only help to make your elopement like the one you’ve always dreamed of! If you’re interested in more elopement ideas or want us to plan your dream elopement, be sure to check out our blogs, Fairytale Fjord + Forest Elopement With Markus & Raphaela and Coastal Cape Kiwanda Elopement - and reach out to us on our page!
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