Elopements: 34 Ideas to Make Your Celebration Special

Couple Standing on Cliff Overlooking the Ocean at Sunset — Photo by Hollow & Grace

If the mere thought of planning a wedding, paying for the seemingly never-ending expenses, or walking down the aisle in front of many eyes is enough to make you shudder, then the low stress, affordability, and intimacy of an elopement is probably right up your alley. Historically, this type of wedding was viewed as a way for two people to run away together, so they could secretly marry without the knowledge of their family and friends—particularly their parents. Now, however, it's an avenue for those who want to celebrate their marriage with a personalized, intimate affair, without a large guest list or party.

There isn't a prototypical elopement that's standard across the board; instead, the draw of this type of vow exchange is its adaptability, giving couples the ability to customize their day in accordance with their style, personality, and preferences. What does define this variation of a wedding is its small size: Typically, elopements involve just the couple and a witness, but the duo may invite a few close family members or friends, too. Another commonality? Elopements usually entail a ceremony, not often a reception—but some couples decide to follow their service with a small party for two, or they decide to host a larger wedding and celebration (or just a party) later on.

Whether you elope halfway across the globe to say "I do" on top of a mountain or you head to the courthouse in your place of residence, there are so many ways to bring this concept to life. And the elements that you include in your nuptials also varies, too. Perhaps you decide to embrace a few traditional components like a first look or first dance, or maybe you create your very own wedding story by designing a beautiful backdrop or exchanging handwritten letters. Whatever you decide, make sure it's as personalized as possible.

From breathtaking locales to epic experiences, keep scrolling for 34 unique elopement ideas to inspire your vow exchange.

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Set Up a Cliffside Picnic

Groom Reading Letter to Bride by the Ocean — Photo by Janet Kaczmarek

When it comes to your elopement ceremony setup, the possibilities are endless. For a creative spin on your service, take cues from this couple who rang in their marriage while enjoying an elaborate picnic on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Puigderros. While perching on plush cushions, the duo further personalized their affair by exchanging handwritten vows in the intimate, scenic setting.

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Trade Vows Atop a Mountain

Bride and groom standing on a cliff in Malibu at sunset — Photo by Clary Pfeiffer Photography

Since your elopement is typically an intimate celebration with just you, your partner, and your officiant, you can choose a venue that doesn't come with a strict headcount. For instance, you can say "I do" on the peak of a mountain like this pair did when they eloped in Malibu. With this one-of-a-kind setting, you'll feel like it's just you and your future spouse on top of the world.

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Express Your Personal Style

Couple Standing in Dessert in Emerald Green Suit and Dress — Photo by Elizabeth Wells Photography

Many couples gravitate toward elopements as a way to customize their celebration, which also applies to their outfit. When this duo tied the knot in the Utah desert, they made a statement in emerald green ensembles rather than the classic white dress and black tuxedo. Since green is the bride's favorite color, she incorporated that personal touch into her special day—and the groom followed suit.

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Invite a Few Guests

Couple Celebrating With Guests With Desert Backdrop — Photo by For Love & Light Photography

While elopements are typically small affairs with just the two of you and a witness, there isn't a rule that prohibits you from inviting some of your closest friends and family members. Just make sure to keep the guest list on the smaller scale, so your affair still maintains its private nature. For example, at their elopement in Joshua Tree National Park, this couple invited their parents and siblings, so their families could witness this special moment.

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Select a Nontraditional Locale

Bride and Groom Holding Hands and Walking on Brooklyn Bridge — Photo by Sasithon Photography

If there's a place that has personal significance to you and your partner, even if it isn't a traditional wedding venue, consider saying "I do" there. Maybe it's the restaurant where you had your first date or the garden where you got engaged. Take this couple, for example, who tied the knot at sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge because walking across the iconic landmark is one of their favorite ways to spend time together.

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Bring Your Pets

Bride and Groom Holding Hands and Walking Down on Beach With Floral Arch Behind Them — Photo by Erich McVey

Are you and your future spouse pet parents? Then, including them in your special day will make the affair feel even more meaningful. When this twosome married one another on the beach in Big Sur, California, the groom and the couple's dog stood at the altar, waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle. After they became husband and wife, their furry friend escorted them during their recessional.

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Plan a First Look

bride and groom embrace after first look in rolling hills setting — Photo by Megan Robinson

Even though elopements are technically nontraditional weddings, that doesn't mean you can't include a few long-standing traditions—as long as they resonate with you. One of these classic rituals is having a first look before you make your marriage official. Revealing your outfits to one another is an emotional and compelling way to kick off the day.

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Choose a Makeshift Venue

Bride and Groom Holding Hands in Front of Priest With Four Guests Facing Them, Seated — Photo by Alex W Photography

If you have your heart set on a certain venue that has limited availability, you can resolve the problem by thinking out of the box. When the only date open at the Santa Barbara Courthouse conflicted with this couple's schedule, they decided to host their ceremony in a nook in the outdoor courtyard, so they enjoyed the historic architecture on their terms.

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Stay at Home

Brides Dressed in White Attire Sharing a Kiss at Home in Front of Piano — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari Love

We can't think of a more cozy, touching way to exchange vows than in the home that you and your partner live in (which is what this couple did at their elopement in Brooklyn)—the setting is private, familiar, and affordable. Plus, some of your fondest memories with your significant other probably take place where you live. For another comparable option, you can also conduct your ceremony at your childhood home.

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Keep It Coastal

Bride and Groom Walking on Lawn by the Ocean With Arms Around One Another — Photo by Alanna Hogan Photography

Marrying your future spouse on the coast, with the sounds of waves crashing on the shore and seagulls cawing in the distance, is an idyllic way to start this new chapter in your relationship. If you or your family has a beach house where you spend many summers together, consider getting married there. This is also an excellent option for those who are moving to the coast as newlyweds, which was this couple's plan after their intimate ceremony in Maine.

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Escape to the Mountains

Blonde Bride Kissing Brunette Bride's Forehead in Field With Mountain Backdrop — Photo by Hailey Pierce

What's more romantic than whisking your partner away to a stunning locale in the mountains? This breathtaking spot is perfect for those who love nature and the great outdoors, which is why this couple planned their charming affair in the Colorado mountains.

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Return to Your Roots

Brides with bouquets and coats facing one another with the Brooklyn Bridge — Photo by Krisanne Johnson for Eloping Is Fun

For a full-circle moment, why not get married in the location where your love story began? Although they relocated to the West Coast, these brides first met in Brooklyn, so they decided to have their nuptials in an artsy loft space in the Manhattan borough—complete with a photo shoot in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, of course.

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Get Married Pronto

Two Brides Looking into Each Other's Eyes on Balcony Overlooking City — Photo by Hector Javier Photography

Elopements are usually no-frills affairs, so they don't require much planning. That's why it's the perfect option for couples who don't want to wait to become newlyweds. Since these brides dated long-distance for six years, they decided to forgo a traditional wedding in favor of an elopement on the High Line.

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Embrace Las Vegas

Bride in Rainbow Dress Holding Hands With Groom in Electric Blue Suit in Las Vegas — Photo by Freerelief

Las Vegas is the stereotypical place where couples elope—but it's popular for a reason. With vibrant nightlife, luxurious accommodations, and cool attractions, Sin City is an energetic spot for elopements. At their intimate wedding, this couple decided to match the energy of the city by dressing in bright colors.

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Visit a Dream Destination

Bride and Groom Holding Hands While Standing on Roof Overlooking Ocean and Sunset — Photo by Days Made of Love

Is there a bucket-list destination you've been dying to visit? Then, why not host your elopement there? You'll marry your person in an extraordinary place that you've never seen before, and you'll start your marriage in the most memorable way. You can even extend your elopement, turning it into a vacation.

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Head to the Courthouse

Bride and Groom Standing in Front of Justice of the Peace Counter — Photo by Mo Davis Photography

Another trend that couples often embrace is heading to the courthouse for their civil ceremony before hosting a larger, traditional wedding with all of their friends and family. That's exactly what this couple did at an Austin courthouse a year before they celebrated with an elegant garden wedding. After getting ready together, the bride and groom visited the courthouse to exchange vows, and they ended the day, just the two of them, with dinner and Champagne at a nearby restaurant.

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Tie the Knot in a National Park

Bride and Groom Facing Each Other in Front of Cactus and Rock Formations — Photo by India Earl

Not only are elopements at a national park more affordable than a regular venue, but they're also incredibly scenic. Joshua Tree National Park, where this couple tied the knot, is an in-demand choice for elopements due to its intricate rock formations, dry desert landscapes, and visible constellations at night.

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Find an Epic Backdrop

Bride and Groom Standing in Desert With Rocky Mountains Behind Them — Photo by India Earl

Another option that's equally awe-inspiring? The quiet Sedona desert. Its red-hued rocks elicit a sense of serenity and wonder, making it a reverent choice for an intimate elopement, especially for outdoorsy couples.

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Set Aside Time for Photos

Bride and Groom Gazing into One Another's Eyes — Photo by Steph Wahlig Photography

If you want a tangible reminder of your elopement, hire a photographer to document the day. While enlisting a professional will allow the two of you to focus your attention on the ceremony, you can also set up a tripod to capture the moment on your iPhone, which is what this couple did.

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Make It a Family Affair

Bride Holding Daughter's Hand While Facing Groom and Standing in Front of Officiant in Countryside — Photo by Epic Love Photography

Maybe you and your partner had kids before you tied the knot, or perhaps this is your second wedding. Regardless, having your children partake in the ceremony will make your elopement especially meaningful. When this bride and groom eloped to Ireland, they made sure their daughter was present while they vowed to spend the rest of their lives together.

The Ultimate Guide to Elopements

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Coordinate a Surprise

bride and groom standing on rocky beach, about to kiss each other — Photo by Rebecca Yale

For an out-of-the-box elopement that's unforgettable, consider hosting an elopement and traditional wedding all in one. While this bride and groom were hosting a wedding weekend in Hawaii, they stole their immediate families for a surprise elopement before their actual ceremony. "We actually ‘eloped’ on our wedding day and had a micro-wedding with just our immediate families,” the bride explains. “It was really special to have that moment that I knew was just for us.”

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Wed in the Wilderness

Bride and Groom Looking at Each Other and Walking in Forest — Photo by Sam Bufalo

An enchanting forest elopement is a jaw-dropping way to become newlyweds. When this duo had to postpone their nuptials, they decided to plan a spontaneous elopement in the Catskills instead. With just their parents and a few close friends, the bride and groom said "I do" in the wilderness.

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Surround Yourself With What You Love

Bride and Groom Holding Hands on Bridge in Forest With Bamboo and Greenery — Photo by Apel Photography

When selecting an elopement locale, it's important to choose a destination that means something to you, whether it's the site of a favorite shared activity or a place that's close to home. This couple turned to the lush vegetation of Bali’s rainforests for a secluded ceremony surrounded by nature.

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Showcase the Setting

Bride and Groom Standing at the English Gardens at Greystone Mansion — Photo by Mike Radford

For your elopement, set up your ceremony in a striking setting that matches the profound nature of your love. Besides the beautiful views, you won't have to worry about decorations. For instance, this bride and groom wed in the English gardens of Greystone Mansion, which gave their big day an old-world feel.

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Focus on Your Love Story

With any wedding, even an elopement, something beyond your control can always happen. When a rainy forecast threatened this couple's nuptials at a winery in Georgia, they didn't let the weather deter them. "Plans change, bad weather and pandemics happen, but at the end of the day, your new union is all that matters," the couple says. "Remember that your wedding is all about you as a couple."

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Prerecord Your Officiant

Brides Holding Hands and Laughing on Top of Cliff — Photo by Adventure Instead

Although many couples recruit an officiant to preside over their elopement ceremony, it's totally optional. These brides devised a smart solution to maintain the intimacy of their big day on a mountain in Northern Italy: They prerecorded the ceremony and played it back when the time came to recite their promises.

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Say "I Do" at Sunset

Brides Holding Hands and Having Their Ceremony at Sunset With Officiant — Photo by Seth and Co Photography

Tying the knot while the sun sets and the sky transforms into a medley of dazzling hues is a magical way to marry your soon-to-be spouse, which is how these brides made it official at Yosemite National Park. Elopements at sunset also provide the perfect lighting for photos.

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Include a First Dance

Bride and Groom Holding Hands and Laughing While They Look at One Another — Photo by Amy Lee Photography

For another sweet tradition that will surely elevate your wedding for two, consider including a first dance—like this couple did at their elopement in Las Vegas. After you're pronounced newlyweds, swaying to the music with your spouse is a romantic way to commemorate your new marriage. You can also enhance the moment by toasting with Champagne and cake.

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Celebrate With a Swim

Two People Diving into the Ocean from a Boat — Photo by Bottega 53

Is your elopement venue by the ocean? Jumping into the water is a memorable way to conclude the festivities. After these two wed in Portofino, Italy, the husband-and-wife duo took a celebratory boat ride, followed by a dive into the sea. "We had all of the ingredients of a perfect wedding day," the bride says.

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Coordinate Your Looks

Bride and Groom in All Black, Laughing and Looking into One Another's Eyes — Photo by Sarah Lotus Photography

Choosing matching ensembles is an adorable way to honor your marriage. For their elopement in New Mexico, this bride and groom both wore bold, black ensembles that reflected their personalities and relationship. To them, the color felt more true to them than the traditional wedding attire.

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Consider the City of Love

Bride and Groom Kissing in Front of the Eiffel Tower — Photo by Claire Morris Photography

Dubbed the City of Love, Paris is the ultimate elopement destination to honor your romance. For the quintessential experience, utter personalized promises in front of the Eiffel Tower. Chic attire is also a must.

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Cut a Wedding Cake

Bride and Groom Cutting a Cake on Table Decorated With Flowers and Candles — Photo by Pat Furey Photography

The cake cutting is a symbolic tradition that suits a post-elopement party, even if it's just the two of you. When this pair eloped to Florence with a few friends, they cut into two cakes—one tiramisu and one lemon—after their service, bringing love, commitment, and companionship to their day.

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Drive Away in Style

Wedding Couple Driving in Vintage Car — Photo by Mo Davis Photography

Even if your reception is a party of two, don't forget to escape in a getaway car when the night concludes. Take it from this couple, who did just that during their elopement in Texas. After getting married at the courthouse, they took a ride through the streets of Austin.

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Pair It With a Honeymoon

Bride and Groom Walking on Dock and Kissing at Sunset — Photo by Sarah Falugo

Why not have a destination elopement by combining it with your honeymoon? If your petite vow exchange is taking place in a surreal location, such as this couple's on a private island in Bora Bora, turning it into an extended vacation for two will commence your newlywed lives in a relaxing and restorative way.

The Ultimate Elopement Checklist: Everything You'll Need