Unique Elopement Ceremony Ideas
Traditional wedding ceremonies have a charm of their own, but there’s something undeniably romantic and intimate about eloping. As a destination elopement photographer, I’ve been fortunate to witness so many incredible and unique elopement ceremonies that really speak to the couple’s essence.
If you’re planning your elopement, here are some unique elopement ceremony ideas you could consider!
What is an Elopement Ceremony?
The beauty of elopements is that you get to decide how your day looks like, including what you’d like for your elopement ceremony. It can be the two of you exchanging vows by the ocean, sometimes there’s an officiant present. In some cases, couples like to include their family in the ceremony and then head off to the adventures.
Whatever you choose for your elopement ceremony, it will be absolutely perfect, because it’s all about you and your commitment to each other!
Now that we’ve got this out of the way, let’s get into the unique ideas for elopement ceremonies!
Sunrise or Sunset Elopement Ceremony
Nature’s natural light during those times of day adds such a beautiful vibe to the ceremony and the photos! Choose to say your vows as the sun sets or rises for an incredibly romantic elopement ceremony and I guarantee you won’t regret either of those options!
BTW – I’m always happy to wake up early to capture my couples’ sunrise elopement ceremonies! 😉
Adventurous Elopement Ceremony
For adventurous nature lovers, why not include your favorite outdoor activity with your elopement? Hike to the top of a mountain, take a helicopter to an intimate location away from everyone, or reach a secluded beach on a kayak! Your elopement ceremony can reflect your passions and tell your unique love story!
Handfasting
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that has been embraced by couples across cultures as an intimate and symbolic way to tie the knot, quite literally. This ancient ritual involves the couple’s hands being gently bound together using cloth or ribbon, symbolizing their union and commitment to one another.
This simple yet meaningful ritual can be executed anywhere, and the ribbon or cloth would make a beautiful keepsake after your elopement day is over.
Location-Specific Elopement Ceremony
If you’re going abroad for your elopement, try to embrace the culture, traditions, or old folklore of your chosen destination. Every country has something unique they do on their wedding days, so that could be something fun to research and include on your elopement day!
Personalized Vows
Writing your own vows will always add a unique and personal touch to your elopement ceremony. These vows can reflect your journey, promises, and dreams together and tell your beautiful love story.
Incorporate Your Loved Ones
Just because you’re eloping, doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t include your loved ones in the ceremony! You can have your closest loved ones join you in person, or live stream your ceremony with them joining you from all over the world!
Both of these options have some logistics to consider, for example, if you’d like your loved ones to join you in person, you’d need to find a location that’s easily accessible for them. They might not be ready to hike up the mountain with you. Or with live streaming – we need to make sure we have cell service there for it to work!
Alberta & Destination Elopement Photographer | Kelly Szott Photography
Your elopement ceremony is about you and your partner, no matter which option you choose to go with! As a destination elopement photographer, I’m here to capture and help you plan your dream elopement day from start to finish. So if you’re still looking for your photographer, shoot me a message!
