Unique Elopement Ceremony Ideas to Consider

There are so many exciting and incredible things about an adventure elopement–the wild scenery, the freedom of doing exactly what you want, and of course, the adventure itself of choosing your partner. But you know what doesn’t get enough credit in adventure elopements? The ceremony.

In my personal opinion, the elopement ceremony is one of the peak moments of the entire day. Don’t get me wrong, hiking and exploring, and soaking in each moment fully are all incredible elements, too. But if you’re really getting down to the root of it, your elopement day is about marrying your partner–and that happens during the ceremony. 

Just like every other facet of your elopement day, your elopement ceremony should be 100% you. There’s this common misconception that a wedding ceremony has to look a certain way–reading from a script, saying a few personal vows, exchanging the rings, kissing the bride, etc. 

Are all those things great parts of an elopement ceremony? Of course–but only if those are things that matter to you and your partner.

Your elopement ceremony–just like your entire elopement day–should be a wholehearted reflection of what you and your partner want. If you don’t want to write personalized vows and read them, why would you? If you do want to take part in a dual unity ceremony that represents your promise to each other more uniquely, then why wouldn’t you? 

Bottom line, an elopement ceremony is special–and yours should be special to you. If the traditional song and dance simply doesn’t feel right to you, or if you want to brainstorm ways to make your elopement ceremony more meaningful to you and your partners’ unique relationship, this log has you covered. 

Remember, there’s no limit to what you can do on your elopement day–elopement ceremony included. These ideas are just that–ideas. Use them, let them be inspo, or ignore them entirely; all that matters is that you and your partner’s elopement ceremony is perfect for you. 

Sand Blending & Unity Ceremonies  

Unity ceremonies are all about the symbolism behind your marriage–you and your partner are taking your two separate lives and vowing to blend them together. Sand blending, the act of you and your partner blending different colored sand together is a symbolic and seamless unity ceremony. But that’s not the only kind of unity ceremony out there. In fact, your unity ceremony is entirely up to you! Here are just a few ideas of what your unity ceremony could look like:

• Handfasting
• Wish lanterns
• Lighting candles
• Anniversary time capsules
• Circling
• Tree planting
• Blending wine or beer
• Paint blending

Sound Baths

Imagine shutting your eyes, holding your partner’s hands, and letting soft, vibrant sounds resonate and echo within you as you sit in nature. This is a great practice for setting intentions for the day, slowing every moment down, and practicing mindfulness. It’s also a peaceful, stress-free way to connect with your partner in nature and a fabulous way to kick off your elopement ceremony.

Meditation & Setting Intentions 

Mindfulness should be a huge part of your elopement day–making this a key part of your elopement ceremony can help you not only soak in the ceremony as much as possible but set the right intention for the rest of your elopement day. Beginning your ceremony with a guided or non-guided meditation is a great way to prepare yourself for and open your mind to an entirely positive, present elopement day experience. It can also help you set the intention for the rest of your elopement ceremony, no matter what that intention might be. 

Sage Burning 

Sage burning–sometimes called sage smudging– is a highly symbolic and ritualistic ceremony that’s said to be a direct way to cleanse bad energy and make room for new, positive energy. 

Personally, I can’t think of a better symbol for the start of a promise to your partner. Think about it–together, you can light the sage, forget the negative, and make space for positive, happy, and uplifting energy (you know, exactly the perspective and energy you’d want on your wedding day). 

This could be your entire ceremony or the perfect symbolism to kick off the rest of your ceremony. Either way, you’re making room for the beautiful things–and that’s a promise that makes perfect sense to me on anyone’s wedding day. 

Passage or Lyric Readings

Do you and your partner have particular passages from books, music, or movies that mean something to you? Is there a favorite quote you both have that speaks to the love you have for each other? Is there a lyric from a song that never ceases to make you think of your partner? Read from your favorite book, play your favorite song, or share some of your favorite quotes. Incorporate these things into your elopement ceremony to revel in that special connection the two of you have.  

Personalized Vows & Vow Books

This might not be the most revolutionary elopement ceremony idea out there, but it has infinite potential to be as unique as the love you and your partner share. This is your chance to say exactly what you want to your partner–no scripts, no expectations, no judgment. 

 Personalized vows are unique because they’re yours–they’re your chance for self-expression, creativity, and a reflection of your special love. And you know what? They don’t need to be serious or somber–they can be fun and silly, too. Share your inside jokes, tell a story, and ask your partner, “Remember when?”–there are no rules to sharing vows with your partner–let them be everything you want them to be. 

Guest Participation Ceremonies

Do you plan to have guests at your elopement ceremony? If so, I imagine those guests are the type of people who love you, encourage you to do things your way, and are there to endlessly support you (the only type of guests that should be at your wedding, BTW).

These people are special to you both–why not include them in your ceremony with a little guest participation? Invite your guests to read letters or make speeches wishing you and your partner love and luck. Have them pick their favorite passages to read to you both, or select special readings you’d like them to share during your ceremony. 

Your Elopement Ceremony Can Be as Unique as Your Love 

My go-to advice for couples on their wedding day is to never compromise and always do what feels right for you both. So, I hope it comes as no surprise that I’m a big supporter of your elopement ceremony looking and feeling however you want it to. Want to burn sage and play your favorite song to set the mood of the day? Do it. Want to have someone lead you through a special or traditional ceremony? That’s a great idea! No matter what you decide, know that I’m here to help you make it happen. If you’re looking for someone to capture your wedding day as authentically and genuinely as possible, I’m your girl. Does that sound good to you? Let’s chat–I’m ready to talk details with you!