What does an elopement ceremony look like?
So you're eloping with your person...
What the heck do you do during the ceremony?
Most traditional wedding ceremonies follow a pretty standard script – sharing vows, exchanging rings, "repeat after me," maybe a reading or prayer – while your family and friends watch from the audience.
But what if you're eloping just the two of you? What if your ceremony is in the middle of nowhere, instead of a venue or church? And what if there's no officiant to lead your ceremony?
One of the coolest things about eloping is that you're not limited by what's "normal" or "standard." Elopements open the door to endless possibilities – but that can also be super overwhelming! When your wedding ceremony can look like whatever you want, how do you plan something personal and uniquely "you"?
In this guide, I'll help you figure out what you want your elopement ceremony to look like!
Why should you trust me?
I'm Sam, Your Colorado Elopement Photographer & Planner
I've watched, photographed, and even officiated dozens of elopement ceremonies, and no two have been exactly the same! Plus, my husband and I eloped just the two of us and created our own ceremony plan, so I've been in your shoes!
So I've put together everything I've learned over the years about having an elopement ceremony that feels personal, sentimental, and "official" – whether you're in a venue or the middle of nowhere. And I'd be thrilled to help you plan every other aspect of the elopement of your dreams!
First thing's first...
Do we need an officiant?
That depends on whether you're eloping in a state that allows self-solemnization.
Self-solemnization means you and your partner can "solemnize" (i.e., perform the wedding ceremony) yourselves.
Several states allow some version of self-solemnization, but Colorado probably has the easiest rules of any state. In Colorado, you don't need an officiant or witnesses present at all for your ceremony, or to sign your marriage license (in fact, your dog can sign it in most counties).
A few other states allow ceremonies without an officiant, but do require witnesses, and some make exceptions for certain religious groups.
If you're in a state that does require an officiant, I am actually an ordained officiant! If you hire me to photograph and plan your elopement, I'm happy to help y'all make it legal.
It's also easy (and free) for a friend or family member to become ordained online through the Universal Life Church – or I can help you find a professional officiant or religious leader to lead an elopement ceremony that feels like "you."
What do most couples do during their elopement ceremonies?
In general, most elopement ceremonies include these three things:
In my opinion, personal vows are the best part of an elopement ceremony! Because there's no time limit (and no one listening), you can make your vows as long, personal, and sentimental as you want. And there's no pressure to be completely perfect or polished – you can laugh together, cry together, and pour your hearts out!
After reading their vows, most couples exchange rings, and then kiss to make it official!
What else can you include in your elopement ceremony?
Couples often include other traditions and rituals in their elopement ceremonies. These might be things from you or your partner's culture or religion, or just something personal to you two.
Unity Ceremonies
Unity ceremonies symbolize you and your partner's union – they can be cultural, religious, or just fun! There are tons of creative ideas for unity ceremonies out there, from filling a bottle with sand to planting a plant. Some particularly fun unity ceremonies I've seen during elopements include...
Traditional or Religious Vows
Some couples like to include the classic "in sickness and in health" vows in their ceremony as well, or recite vows that are part of traditional wedding ceremonies in their religion.
Reading Passages
You (or your guests) can read passages that are important to you and your relationship – often readings are from religious texts, but I've also seen couples read from their favorite books or quote their favorite movies!
Exchanging Gifts
Another sweet way to make your elopement ceremony personal is to exchange gifts with your partner. I photographed an elopement where the groom surprised the bride with a bracelet she'd liked when they went shopping in town a few days before, and it was the cutest moment!
Marriage License
Some couples prefer to do the "legal part" before or after their actual elopement. But signing your marriage license during the ceremony can be fun and symbolic, especially if you have witnesses present to sign it with you.
What does an officiant do during your elopement ceremony?
Officiants can lead your elopement ceremony and keep things on track! Most officiants will help you create a ceremony "script" based on whatever you do (or don't) want your ceremony to include.
Officiants will usually lead the vows – especially if you're including any traditional "repeat after me" vows. They can also read passages from religious or other texts.
One benefit of choosing a friend or family member as your officiant is that they can include personal details and their own perspective about you, your partner, and your relationship! This can make your ceremony feel extra special and personal.
Do we even need to have a ceremony?
If the ceremony isn't the part of your elopement you're looking forward to, you can totally skip it!
If you're in a self-solemnization state like Colorado, you can just sign your license and turn it back in, and skip everything else. (If you're not in a self-solemnization state, you can usually do the "legal part" at a courthouse before or after your elopement day.)
There's nothing wrong with just making your elopement day about your adventures together, if that feels more meaningful to you than exchanging vows and rings.
Want more elopement ceremony Inspiration?
Here are some incredible places you could elope!
Grand Teton National Park Elopement Guide
Maroon Bells Elopement Guide
Garden of the Gods Elopement Guide
Ready to start planning your elopement Ceremony?
Fill out the form below and let’s start chatting about the perfect elopement day for you and your partner – with the views of your dreams and the adventure of a lifetime. No matter what you’re picturing for your wedding day, I’m here to help you execute every last detail.
