Small Elopement Ceremony

Want to know what I love most about elopements?

You get to do whatever the heck you want.

That goes for your wedding ceremony too.

Here are my five small elopement ceremony tips.

The most important thing to remember: make it special for you!

How to Plan Your Elopement Ceremony

1. Think about what would make your ceremony special? How can you make your elopement ceremony personal to the two of you?

2. Who do you want to have witness your elopement? Do you want your family involved?

3. Find an officiant that you feel a connection with.

Elopement Ceremony Ideas

• read letters from loved ones

• recite a favorite poem

• handfasting ceremony

• read lyrics from your song

• water blending ceremony

• read written vows

• tree-planting ceremony

Tips on Writing Your Vows

When you elope it may just be the two of you. This isn’t for show. It’s you and the person you love starting your forever together.

There is no script, no right or wrong, you can say exactly what you want.

Feeling stuck? If you have writer’s block take a walk, listen to your favorite musician, then sit down with a blank sheet of paper.

Write what feels significant to you. Nothing else matters.

Finding an Officiant

Don’t worry about traditions or religion.

The most important thing when looking for an officiant is to find someone that feels like a good fit for you.

Listen to your gut. If it doesn’t seem like the right person to officiate move on. It’s essential that you can both feel like yourself with every person present.

Talk to each potential officiant, tell them what is important to you, explain to them exactly what you want for your wedding day.

How to Include Your Family

Here are a few ways to include family in your elopement if they are present:

• have them walk you up the aisle (aka trail)

• read a passage, poem, or letter

• officiate your wedding

If they are not present at your elopement you can include them by:

• take them dress shopping with you

• have them write a letter for you to read

• video call them after the ceremony

• celebrate with a small reception at a later date