Wedding Traditions to Keep for Your Elopement (IF you want!)

Ok, first thing’s first – I realize that you’re probably eloping in large part because all of those wedding traditions DON’T speak to you. And I totally get that. I also think wedding traditions aren’t ALL bad and maybe you do too? The beauty of eloping is that you get to pick which ones you keep and which ones you toss! So with all that in mind, here is a list of 7 wedding traditions to include in your elopement (but only if you want!)!

1. DO a first look at your elopement

I’m a big fan of first looks for both elopements and traditional weddings. While the pressure of that “walk down the aisle” moment is VERY different for an elopement than it is for a traditional wedding, I still just love giving my couples that magical moment together where they get to see each other all gussied up!

two brides doing first look at Colorado elopement

2. have a first dance

3. pop some bubbly!

If you’d be celebrating with some bubbly at your big traditional wedding, why not do it at your elopement? Not only does it taste delicious but it also makes for really fun photos! If you are bringing champagne (or any beverage) to a backcountry location I always recommend Lexan or plastic glasses instead of glass. Also, please do your best to pack out the cork if it goes flying. Leave no trace, y’all!

Two grooms in suits pop a bottle of champagne at Colorado elopement

4. walk down the “aisle”

So maybe your aisle is a little trail lined with wildflowers instead of a bunch of family and friends but it still counts! I’ve seen couples walk down trails, across rocks, through sand, and across bridges to get to their elopement spot. If it fits the two of you and the vibe of your day, do it!

5. cut (and eat!) the cake

Everyone loves cake and there is NO reason you can’t have one for your elopement! Many bakeries will do small cakes (or you could just pick up a small Chantilly cake at Whole Foods – which I may or may not do for normal occasions because they are SO GOOD!) and with a little bit of ingenuity you can figure out a way to get it anywhere you’re going. I have carried many a wedding cake up many a mountain!

6. invite some guests along

While most people think of elopements only being just the couple, there is no reason you can’t bring a few close friends and family along if that will make things extra special for you! In a lot of ways, modern elopements are more like tiny destination weddings (often with zero guests!) so why not invite a few of your nearest and dearest? Just make sure they are people who will support your decision to do things in a VERY non-traditional way!

It goes without saying that all of these things are COMPLETELY optional but if you’re looking for ways to add a few more layers to your day, these are some ideas for wedding traditions to keep for your elopement!

If you love these ideas and need some help figuring out how to incorporate them into YOUR elopement, get in touch!