9 Creative Ways to Make Your Elopement Ceremony Unique

You’ve found a breathtaking location for your elopement. You’ve locked in the date. And you’ve invited a few of your loved ones to share the moment.

Now only one question remains…

What exactly do we do during our ceremony to make it unique and meaningful?

Remember, one of the best things about eloping is your ceremony. You aren’t restricted by time, or family and agendas.

Quite simply, you get to do you!

But if you need some inspiration to create an elopement experience that’s uniquely you, then I’ve got you covered.

1.  Write your own vows

Make your ceremony more meaningful with handwritten vows to your partner.

You could write them in a special vow book, then exchange them with your partner as gifts after the ceremony. Or you could write your vows on parchment paper to frame together for your wall at home.

No matter how it’s done, there’s nothing quite like your own heartfelt vows.

Words are powerful.

And exchanging words of love and commitment to one another will be a moment you’ll never forget.

2.  Include a handfasting ritual

Ever wondered where the phrase ‘tying the knot’ came from?

Handfasting is, quite literally, tying the hands of the couple together to symbolise the binding of two lives.

Typically, you’d both choose your own material or colours of cord to use in the ceremony. And each colour of ribbon or cord usually symbolises a different value - such as devotion or strength.

This ancient Celtic ritual is most often included in Wiccan or Pagan ceremonies, though it’s becoming much more mainstream.

3.  Write a note to your future selves

Imagine celebrating your tenth wedding anniversary by sharing messages you wrote to each other on your wedding day.

A lot can change in ten years! But reliving the emotion of your elopement ten years on will create an incredibly special moment.

So let your imagination run free, and write what you’re truly feeling.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

- Share something you’re looking forward to in your marriage

- Give 3 heartfelt reasons why you’re in love with your partner

- Write about where you see the two of you 10 years from now

4.  Wrap yourselves up in a blanket

Are you eloping in winter? Or a cool-climate location like Tasmania?

Then the Native American custom of wrapping the newlywed couple in a quilt or blanket could be a welcome addition to your elopement ceremony.

This tradition symbolises warmth and togetherness as you face your future together.

And it makes for some precious photo opportunities too.

5.  Read messages from your loved ones

It’s inevitable, with an elopement, that not all your nearest and dearest will be there to share your special day.

But that doesn’t mean they can’t be included.

You may like to ask them to write a short note, with some advice or well wishes for your marriage. These messages can be read out during the ceremony, or later on when you’re alone.

Another idea is to share pre-recorded video messages from your loved ones.

Either way, drawing together the love and support from your family and friends will make your elopement more meaningful.

6.  Create an elements bottle

If you’re planning an outdoor or adventure elopement, then putting together an elements bottle will be a perfect memento of your day.

Choose a decorative bottle with a cork or cap to take with you on the day. Then collect elements from your elopement location to fill the bottle.

It could be anything; soil, sand, little rocks, twigs, leaves, native flowers, or petals from your bouquet.

Cap the bottle and it becomes a lifelong keepsake of your wedding day.

7.  Share a champagne toast or a shot

Nothing says celebration like a bottle of champagne.

Not only is it a fun way to honour such an important moment, but it provides a great opportunity for amazing photos. Especially if you pop the bottle and spray it everywhere!

Perhaps bubbles aren’t your thing?

You could take a shot of your favourite liquor instead. Or toast each other with a prized bottle of wine.

And custom glasses would make the occasion even more personal.

8.  Put together a time capsule or anniversary box

Like writing a note to your future selves, this is a lovely idea of storing your memories of the day.

Firstly, choose a custom box or container that you can put away for a special anniversary.

Then fill it with any meaningful keepsakes.

Ideas might include letters to each other, your couple bucket list, photos of each other, a special bottle of wine, a dried flower from your ceremony, or a small piece of your wedding attire.

I found a few examples on Etsy here.

9.  Plan a ‘first look’ in your timeline

While most traditional weddings have the couple getting ready separately, this is harder to manage with an elopement.

But first looks are so incredibly special.

That’s why more and more couples are finding ways to include a first look in their elopement timeline.

And the photos from these moments, set against your dramatic outdoor landscape, are always incredible.

Remember, this is YOUR wedding day!

You can - and should - do whatever feels right for you.

Don’t follow the usual traditions if you don’t want to. And don’t let the expectation of anyone else guide you in your decisions.

The most important thing is to plan a ceremony that’s meaningful and memorable for you both.

After all, you’re a unique couple.

And your elopement ceremony should represent that!

PS. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who also likes to embrace the unpredictable, I’d love to hear from you.