When you look for elopement inspiration, you’ll find gorgeous photos of couples on mountaintops or beside the beach, saying their vows with stars in their eyes. You probably want those intimate moments and stunning photos as well, but your ceremony will take only a small portion of your day. What about the rest of the day?
Without rules, traditions or expectations, your elopement day can be anything you want!
Design your perfect wedding morning
A great day starts with a great morning, and your wedding day is no different! You’ll have some excited jitters, so plan to sleep well and wake up with time to enjoy every part of your day. Plan for your favorite healthy breakfast to start with a boost of energy.
If you and your partner are waking up together, give yourselves time to ease into the day. Cuddle, enjoy your morning together, and revel in the fact that it’s your wedding day! If you aren’t staying together the night before, decide if you want to spend your morning on your own, or if you want some close friends or family to hang out while you get ready.
Think about how you can start your day in a way that makes you feel happy, relaxed and totally like yourself. Maybe that means taking a bath or long hot shower, giving yourself a spa morning. If you love to stay active, go for your morning run or yoga practice. Spend the morning reading, listening to your favorite music, painting, writing a letter to your soon-to-be spouse – whatever brings joy.
And of course, make sure you have plenty of time to get all dolled up before making your way to the ceremony!
Ideas to enjoy before your elopement ceremony
A ceremony may traditionally be the first activity on a wedding day, but the freedom of eloping means you can start your celebration however you want. If you’ll have a few guests at your ceremony, you can do a group activity that brings everyone together beforehand. If you’re eloping without any guests, you and your partner may want to enjoy some time together, doing a favorite activity.
Are there any places near your ceremony site that are special to your relationship? Consider taking a walk down memory lane with your partner, having a meal at the first restaurant you ate at together, visiting a park you went to on an early date. Think about anything you might want to do that highlights how incredible your love story is, and make it happen!
If you’re including a meal or activity beforehand, such as lunch or pre-ceremony drinks, think about if you want your photographer to capture those moments – even if that means a super cute, in-home session while getting ready with your fur-babies.
Have fun after your elopement ceremony
Once you’ve had your first kiss as life-partners, it’s time to revel! Whether or not you had guests for your ceremony, you can celebrate on your own or with others.
If you booked a venue or ceremony site, you may have the opportunity to stay on location. Otherwise, you can continue the celebration wherever you like, in as many ways as you want. Perhaps you want to follow up the ceremony with one of your favorite activites – anything that bring you enjoyment and feels authentic to your relationship.
If you resonate with any wedding traditions, find ways to include them! A cake cutting and first dance are still sweet and special without an audience, and a bottle of champagne is always encouraged. You’ll want to have a meal after your ceremony, which can be anything from a picnic for two to a catered meal with table and place settings for your intimate guest list.
You can always celebrate your marriage with a meal or activity at another location, as well. Whether they were at the ceremony or not, you can have an intimate group meet you at your favorite bar, a fancy restaurant, or even a bowling alley.
If excitement makes your heart sing, plan for a fun activity. Take a trip white water rafting, jump out of a plane, or hit up a tattoo shop. Do a brewery tour or bar crawl, try something new together, explore your surroundings.
Whatever you choose to do on your wedding day, be true to your relationship as you dive into life’s greatest adventure together.
All photos by Anna Danielle Photography during ElopeNC’s March 2023 sponsored styled shoot. Venue: Bella Collina Mansion. Planner: Rose Gold Bridal Events. Hair and Makeup: Updo’s Studio. Bridal Attire: Rust and Roses Bridal. Florist: Borrow the Blooms.