Make Your Elopement Uniquely Yours: Tips for a One-of-a-Kind Day

(A Step-by-Step Guide to an Intentional, Meaningful Wedding Day)

Wedding planning—even for an elopement—can feel overwhelming. There are so many checklists, traditions, and expectations floating around that it’s easy to wonder if you’re “doing it right.” But here’s the truth: there’s no right or wrong way to elope.

Eloping is about stripping away outside pressure and creating a day that feels deeply personal and meaningful. Whether you want a quiet sunrise vow exchange, an epic adventure, or an intimate evening with a handful of your closest people, your elopement should be crafted with intention and filled with moments you’ll want to relive forever.

And here’s the best part: when your elopement reflects who you are, the emotions and energy of the day unfold naturally—creating the most powerful, storytelling-rich photos and GIFs.

This guide will help you think beyond checklists and traditions so you can design an elopement that feels like you.

1. Set the Vision: Making Your Elopement Uniquely Yours

Wedding planning—even for an elopement—can feel overwhelming. There are so many checklists, traditions, and expectations floating around that it’s easy to wonder if you’re “doing it right.” But here’s the truth: there’s no right or wrong way to elope.

Eloping is about stripping away outside pressure and creating a day that feels deeply personal and meaningful. Whether you want a quiet sunrise vow exchange, an epic adventure, or an intimate evening with a handful of your closest people, your elopement should be crafted with intention and filled with moments you’ll want to relive forever.

And here’s the best part: when your elopement reflects who you are, the emotions and energy of the day unfold naturally—creating the most powerful, storytelling-rich photos and GIFs.

This guide will help you think beyond checklists and traditions so you can design an elopement that feels like you.

Strip Away the “Shoulds” & Focus on What Matters Most

Before you start planning the details of your elopement, take a step back and ask yourselves:

• What do we want to feel on our elopement day?
• What kind of experience makes us feel the most alive, connected, and present?
• When we look back on this day years from now, what moments will mean the most?

It’s easy to get caught up in what a wedding should look like—what traditions you’re “supposed” to include, what others might expect of you, or what you’ve seen in other elopements. But eloping means you get to decide what matters. There are no rules, no expectations, and no pressure to do things a certain way.

You don’t need a bouquet, a formal first look, a reception, or even rings if they don’t feel important to you. What you do need is a day that feels right—an experience that reflects your love, your energy, and your story.

Close your eyes and imagine your dream elopement. Are you hiking at sunrise, just the two of you? Standing barefoot on the shore with the waves crashing around you? Reading vows by a campfire, wrapped in blankets under the stars? Whatever it is, start there—with the feeling, the moment, and the experience.

Choose a Location & Experience That Feels Like YOU

One of the most magical things about eloping is that you can get married anywhere—no stuffy venues, no seating charts, no strict timelines. Your elopement can be a true adventure, a peaceful escape, or anything in between.

Start by asking yourselves:

• Do we want our elopement to feel adventurous or slow and intimate?
• What kind of landscapes make us feel the most at home—mountains, forests, waterfalls, cliffs, the ocean?
• Do we want total privacy, or do we want a few loved ones there?
• Is there a place that already holds meaning for us—somewhere we’ve always dreamed of going or a location tied to our story?

Once you have a vision, think about how you want to experience the day. Maybe that means waking up before dawn and hiking to a secluded overlook for sunrise vows. Maybe it’s spending a slow, cozy morning at a cabin before stepping outside for a quiet ceremony in the woods. Maybe it’s taking a road trip together, stopping wherever feels right, and exchanging vows when the moment moves you.

Your elopement isn’t just about a ceremony—it’s about the entire experience. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, off-roading, taking a helicopter ride, or just relaxing together in a beautiful place, your location should feel like home—a place where you can be fully present and connected to each other.

This is your moment to throw out the rulebook and make your elopement as big, bold, quiet, or simple as you want. The only thing that matters? That it feels right for you.

2. Designing Your Ceremony: Personal & Meaningful Moments

Your ceremony is the heart of your elopement—it’s the moment everything else leads up to. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to follow a script.
When you strip away expectations, your ceremony can be anything you want it to be. It can be short and simple or deeply symbolic. It can be spoken aloud or shared in a quiet, private way. It can happen on a windswept mountaintop, by the firelight in a secluded cabin, or knee-deep in the ocean waves.
Think about what would make this moment feel the most like you.

Writing Your Own Vows

Your vows aren’t just words—they are the essence of your love, spoken aloud in a moment that you’ll remember forever. Writing your own vows makes your ceremony deeply personal, allowing you to speak from the heart in a way that reflects who you are as a couple. They don’t have to be poetic or overly polished—what matters is that they’re real.

If the idea of writing vows feels overwhelming, start by thinking about what your partner means to you and what promises you want to make for your life together. Here are a few prompts to get you started:

• “From the moment I met you, I knew…”
• “I promise to always…”
• “You make me feel…”
• “No matter what happens, I vow to…”
• “I love you because…”

Your vows don’t have to be long—sometimes the simplest words carry the most meaning. Whether your love is full of laughter, deep conversations, shared adventures, or quiet moments of understanding, your vows should reflect that energy.

You don’t have to read your vows during your ceremony, either! Some couples choose to read their vows at another time during the day at a different location than their ceremony. If you’re inviting guests or witnesses, this gives you a quiet, intimate moment to share your deepest feelings, hopes and dreams.

For even more tips on crafting the perfect vows, check out my full guide Tips For Writing Your Own Wedding Vows.

Incorporating a Meaningful Ritual

Rituals can add depth to your ceremony, making it more than just an exchange of words—they create a felt experience that connects you to each other, the moment, and even something greater than yourselves. Whether you lean toward a spiritual, cultural, or symbolic ritual, here are a few ideas to consider:

Handfasting

Handfasting is an ancient ritual that beautifully symbolizes the binding of two souls—literally tying the knot. Traditionally, couples’ hands are wrapped in a cord or ribbon, symbolizing the joining of their lives, hopes, and dreams. The cords themselves can hold meaning—whether you choose colors that symbolize certain values or materials that are significant to you both. It’s a ritual full of personal connection, making it an ideal way to add depth and intention to your ceremony.

There are so many creative ways to make your handfasting ceremony totally unique:

Colorful Cords: Choose colors that represent aspects of your relationship (like green for growth, red for passion, or blue for peace).


Sentimental Elements: Incorporate a meaningful fabric or decorative item, like a family heirloom or something you wore on your first date.


Natural Elements: Weave in plants, flowers, or herbs from your ceremony spot for an earthy, nature-connected feel.


Crystals & Feathers: Add crystals for their energy (rose quartz for love, amethyst for protection) or feathers for freedom and flight—something that feels meaningful to your relationship.

For custom handfasting cords, check out Ceotha’s Cords or Embracing Cords. You can also make your own using rope, macrame cord, and/or any other thick cord-like material.

Learn how to tie a handfasting cord with this helpful video tutorial.

Exchanging a Special Item

Instead of (or in addition to) rings, consider exchanging something personal: a handmade token, a different piece of jewelry, a stone from a meaningful place, or an item that represents your journey together.

Sharing a Drink

In many cultures, couples share a sip of wine, whiskey, or tea during their ceremony. This can be a fun, symbolic way to represent your union—especially if there’s a drink that holds meaning in your relationship.

Tree Planting Ceremony

Planting a tree together is a timeless way to symbolize the roots you’re laying down as a couple and the growth you’ll experience together over time. Here’s how you can easily perform a tree planting ceremony:

• Bring a pre-potted tree, along with some soil and water.
• During the ceremony, take turns adding soil or water to the tree, symbolizing your shared commitment and growth.
• After your elopement, you can plant the tree in a special place where you can watch it thrive over the years.

Fire and Air Rituals

If you’re drawn to elemental energy, you could write intentions or wishes on paper and release them into a fire, visualizing the smoke carrying your message up to the universe. Or light a unity candle together.

Earth and Water Rituals

Each of you can hold a stone or handful of earth or sand, imbuing it with your intentions before placing it in a keepsake jar or vessel. Or bring a small bowl of water to your ceremony and place your rings in it to be energetically cleansed before the ring exchange.

If none of these feel right, create your own ritual—something that feels symbolic of your love and commitment. It doesn’t have to be traditional or widely known; it just has to be meaningful to you.

Handfasting is such a beautiful and flexible tradition—whether you want to honor its ancient roots or add your own modern twist, it’s sure to make your ceremony even more personal and magical.

Unity Ceremonies for Your Wedding

Unity ceremonies are a beautiful way to symbolize your bond and commitment during your elopement. These rituals go beyond words, creating a lasting, meaningful moment that connects you to each other—and often to nature, which fits perfectly with your outdoor, nature-centered vibe. Whether you’re planting a tree, lighting a candle, or sharing intentions through a rock blessing, unity ceremonies offer a memorable and unique touch to your day.

Plant a Tree – Tree Planting Ceremony

Planting a tree together is a timeless way to symbolize the roots you’re laying down as a couple and the growth you’ll experience together over time. It’s a simple yet incredibly powerful act. Here’s how you can easily perform a tree planting ceremony:

• Bring a pre-potted tree (perfect for traveling), along with some soil and water.
• During the ceremony, take turns adding soil or water to the tree, symbolizing your shared commitment and growth.
• After your elopement, you can plant the tree in a special place where you can watch it thrive over the years.

Check out this stunning example from one of my past couples who incorporated a tree planting ceremony into their day at Black Rocks: Black Rocks Elopement – Tree Planting Ceremony.

Candle Ceremony

Each of you lights a candle and together, you use the flames to light a larger, central candle. It’s a beautiful way to represent the joining of your lives and your shared future—your individual lights coming together as one.

Rock Blessing

For something a little different, a rock blessing ceremony is a fun and sentimental choice. Each of you writes a wish, hope, or intention on a small stone, then places it in a container (like a jar or basket) to take home as a keepsake. Over time, you can add more stones and wishes, watching your collection grow as your relationship evolves. It’s also a great way to involve nature by foraging for the stones on-site.

Water Blending Ceremony

For a unique and symbolic ceremony, you can each bring water from a meaningful place—perhaps from your childhood home, a favorite lake, or a place you’ve traveled together. During the ceremony, you pour the waters into a single vessel, symbolizing the merging of your pasts into your shared future.

Sand Ceremony

A sand ceremony is a beautiful way to visually represent the blending of two lives. Each of you pours sand of a different color into a shared vessel, creating a layered effect that symbolizes the inseparability of your bond.

Unity ceremonies add a personal, symbolic moment to your elopement that you’ll remember forever. Whether you’re planting a tree, lighting a candle, or sharing a blessing with nature, it’s all about celebrating the union you’re creating.

3. Planning the Full Experience: Beyond the Ceremony

Your elopement isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s about the entire experience. One of the biggest misconceptions about eloping is that it’s just a quick exchange of vows, but in reality, it can be a full-day (or even multi-day) adventure that reflects your personalities, passions, and love story.

Think about how you want to spend the day together from start to finish. Instead of just focusing on the moment you say “I do,” consider how you want to wake up, what you want to feel throughout the day, and how you want to celebrate after your vows.

Or maybe slow and simple feels more like you. A picnic by a lake, a sunset drive down a quiet road, a cozy dinner at your cabin—your elopement doesn’t have to be about adrenaline and adventure. It can be about being present and savoring every little moment together.

After the ceremony, think about how you want to celebrate. Pop a bottle of champagne, share your favorite meal, light a fire and toast marshmallows, or lay out under the stars and soak in the magic of what you just did. There’s no need for a traditional reception unless you want one—just choose whatever feels like a natural and meaningful way to close the day.

An elopement isn’t just a one-hour event. It’s a fully immersive, intentional experience—one that gives you the freedom to create a wedding day that’s filled with meaning from start to finish.

Creating a Memorable Day

Your elopement is more than just the moment you say your vows—it’s a full experience that should be filled with excitement, meaning, and fun! This is your opportunity to craft a day that feels intentional, stress-free, and deeply connected to your love story. Instead of rushing through a timeline, think about how you want to feel from the moment you wake up to the moment you wind down.

Structuring Your Elopement Day

A great way to create a memorable experience is by structuring your elopement day with a blend of adventure, relaxation, and celebration. Here are some ways to make the most of your special day:

• Start the day intentionally – Take a slow morning to enjoy coffee together, write last-minute love notes, or simply sit in peaceful reflection before the day unfolds.
• Include an activity you love – Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, taking a scenic drive, or having a picnic, incorporating something you both enjoy makes the day feel even more special.
• Plan a meal to celebrate – You can have a private chef at your Airbnb, a cozy fireside dinner, or a spread of your favorite snacks under the stars.
• Wind down in a meaningful way – Toast with a glass of champagne, stargaze, or simply take a quiet moment together to soak in the experience.

Incorporating Special Activities

Your elopement day is all about you, so why not fill it with fun and meaningful activities that reflect your shared passions and sense of adventure? Whether you’re hiking in your wedding attire, toasting with a local brew, or stargazing by a campfire, the options are endless. This is your chance to create unforgettable moments that you’ll always cherish—besides just saying “I do.” Think about ways to make your day uniquely you with activities that create unforgettable memories. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Reading Love Letters

Exchanging heartfelt letters is a beautiful way to capture the emotions of the day. Whether you read them during your ceremony or find a quiet moment together before or after, these personal letters allow you to speak from the heart in a way that’s private and intimate. You can express your love, reflect on your journey together, and share your hopes for the future. It’s a quiet yet powerful way to connect before saying your vows—and it always brings all the feels.

Exchanging Gifts

Giving each other a meaningful gift adds a sweet and sentimental touch to your elopement. It doesn’t have to be big or extravagant—maybe it’s something tied to your day, like a handmade item or a small token that represents your relationship. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a keepsake from your travels, or something simple but full of meaning, exchanging gifts is a lovely way to create a personal, lasting memory.

Hike Together

There’s something magical about hitting a scenic trail in your wedding gear, hand in hand, taking in the beauty of the great outdoors. The Upper Peninsula (UP) is full of incredible trails to explore. Consider checking out Hunter’s Point Park or the breathtaking views from Brockway Mountain Drive—both perfect for a post-ceremony hike that will leave you feeling connected to each other and nature.

Have a Picnic

Pack your favorite snacks or have a local caterer prepare a delicious spread, and enjoy a cozy picnic with epic views. Lay down a blanket, pop some bubbly, and soak in the peacefulness of the moment. Places like McLain State Park or Great Sand Bay offer perfect backdrops for a laid-back, scenic meal.

Rock Hunting or Foraging

Embrace your wild side by going rock hunting or foraging for natural treasures! Whether it’s hunting for Yooperlites along the shores of Lake Superior or foraging for wild mushrooms or berries in the forest, you’ll have an adventure while collecting mementos from the land. Imagine taking a piece of your elopement day back home with you—a natural souvenir with real meaning.

Have a first dance in the wild

Play a special song on a portable speaker and sway together in a beautiful spot.

Capture memories in a creative way

Hire a live painter, create a time capsule, or bring along a vintage Polaroid camera to snap fun, candid shots.

Fun and memorable activities in your wedding attire

Why not embrace the day and do some activities in your wedding attire like hiking, canoeing, going out for a drink, or anything that would make fun and memorable moments?

Wine or Beer Tasting

Celebrate your elopement by visiting local wineries or breweries, savoring tastings in your wedding outfits. There’s something special about raising a glass to your love! Stop by local favorites like Brickside Brewery in Copper Harbor for craft beer or toast with a glass of wine. Bonus: you’ll have some great local recommendations to share with friends later!

Rent a Canoe

For a peaceful, adventurous vibe, rent a canoe and paddle across one of Michigan’s many calm lakes. Whether it’s Lake Fanny Hooe or Lake Medora, canoeing together in your wedding attire creates a picture-perfect moment full of serenity and adventure—imagine the stillness of the water, the sound of your paddles, and the two of you sharing a quiet, connected moment.

Campfire

There’s no better way to end your elopement day than gathered around a campfire under the Michigan night sky. Roast s’mores, share stories, and look up at the stars as the flames flicker and crackle. Whether you’re by the shores of Lake Superior or tucked into the woods, a campfire creates the perfect cozy, intimate setting to reflect on your day.

Honor Loved Ones Who Can’t Be There

Eloping often means celebrating in a way that’s deeply personal and intimate—sometimes just the two of you, sometimes with a small circle of loved ones. But there may be people who can’t be there, whether because of distance, loss, or personal choice. That doesn’t mean they can’t be part of your day.

There are so many meaningful ways to honor and include them:

• Wear something that connects you to them. A piece of jewelry, a watch, a fabric swatch from their clothing sewn into your attire—something small but significant.
• Bring a framed photo or a special keepsake. Place it somewhere meaningful during your ceremony or hold onto it in a quiet moment.
• Read a letter or message from them. If someone close to you has sent words of love and support, take a moment to soak them in.
• Create a small tribute. Light a candle, scatter flowers, or take a quiet moment to honor their presence in your lives.
• Record a post-ceremony video message. After saying your vows, take a few minutes to talk to your loved ones—thank them, share your emotions, and bring them into your day in a personal, heartfelt way.

This doesn’t have to be a heavy or somber moment. It can be joyful, lighthearted, or even playful—whatever feels right. The people who matter most will always be part of your story, no matter where they are.

Other unique ideas for your elopement

When it comes to eloping, the possibilities are truly endless! From creative ways to document your day to fun, unexpected twists, you can make your elopement feel totally you. Whether you’re looking to add a creative touch or want to end your day with something meaningful, these ideas will inspire you to think outside the box and craft an experience that’s as unique as your love story.

Create a Wedding Day Soundtrack

Curate a playlist together of songs that make you feel joyful, nostalgic, and excited for the future.

Having a Live Painter

Imagine an artist capturing the magic of your day as it unfolds, turning those precious moments into a piece of art you’ll cherish forever. Hiring a live painter adds a creative and personal touch to your elopement. As the day goes on, they’ll document the scene—whether it’s your ceremony, your first kiss, or a quiet moment between you two. By the end of the day, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind keepsake that’s not just a photo, but a beautifully crafted memory.

On-Location Catering

Who says you need a formal reception to enjoy delicious food? Getting your favorite dishes catered to your elopement spot adds a fun, personalized touch to your celebration. Whether it’s a cozy picnic-style setup or a full-blown feast, having food brought to your remote or scenic location keeps the vibe laid-back and convenient.

“New Beginnings” Ritual

Mark the start of your new life together by incorporating a “New Beginnings” ritual into your ceremony. This could be something simple and symbolic, like burning herbs to cleanse and welcome fresh energy, releasing sky lanterns into the night, or writing down your intentions for your future and setting them into motion. This ritual is a beautiful way to acknowledge the start of your new chapter, making your elopement feel all the more meaningful.

Unique Sweets and Treats

While a traditional wedding cake or cupcakes are always lovely, there are so many other delicious options. How about handcrafted chocolates, donuts, pastries, or chocolate-covered strawberries? Decadent, delicious, and a perfect little bite of heaven. Your wedding day is the perfect time to indulge! Pies, candy, or even potato chips if you’re into that salty-sweet combo. The options are endless!

Cook Food Together

For couples who love cooking, making your post-ceremony meal together can be a fun and intimate way to wind down after your elopement. Whether you’re at a cozy Airbnb with a great kitchen or cooking up something over an open fire at your scenic spot, cooking together creates a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the day.

Rent a Picturesque Airbnb

Why not make your elopement day even more special by staying at a dreamy Airbnb? A cozy cabin in the woods, a lakeside retreat, or a unique off-the-grid home can make the perfect setting for getting ready and your post-ceremony celebration.

Non-Traditional Wedding Attire

Ditch the norms and wear whatever makes you feel amazing! Whether it’s a unique color or material, fantasy-inspired attire, or an outfit that reflects your love for the outdoors, non-traditional wedding attire lets your personality shine. Don’t be afraid to get creative and wear something that truly reflects who you are as a couple—this is your day, after all!

Trash Your Wedding Attire

If you’re the type who loves adventure and doesn’t mind getting a little messy, consider ending your day by trashing your wedding attire. Whether you jump into a lake, have a mud fight, or even roll down a grassy hill, this fun and carefree activity is all about celebrating your love in the most relaxed, wild way. Plus, the photos? Absolutely epic.

Plan a Multi-Day Experience

Why limit the celebration to just one day? Stretching your elopement over multiple days lets you fully enjoy everything your location has to offer—whether that’s exploring the area, relaxing, or trying out new adventures. Plus, from a photography perspective, a multi-day experience allows you to capture a variety of incredible moments in different settings and lighting. Whether it’s golden hour hikes, morning strolls, or even starry nights, you’ll have a full range of memories beautifully documented. With more time, you can truly soak in the experience and create even more epic photo opportunities that reflect your journey together.

Keep the Magic Alive After Your Elopement

Your elopement is just the beginning. Long after the day is over, you can continue celebrating and holding onto the magic of that experience in ways that feel natural and meaningful to you.

One of the best ways to keep the memories alive is by creating a personal tradition. Revisit your elopement location on your anniversary, re-read your vows to each other every year, or listen to the same playlist you had on that day to bring back all the emotions. If traveling back to your ceremony spot isn’t possible, find other ways to reconnect—hiking somewhere new together, making a meal that reminds you of your wedding night, or simply setting aside time to reminisce and be present with each other.

Turn elements of your elopement into keepsakes. Frame your vows or press flowers from your bouquet into a book. Save a small vial of sand, dirt, or water from your location to keep as a reminder of where you made your promises. If you wrote letters to each other, seal them and open them on a future anniversary.

Time Capsule

A time capsule is a beautiful way to encapsulate the day and your feelings for each other. You can include:

• Letters you’ve written to each other, sharing your thoughts, hopes, and dreams for your future together.
• Photos from the day—either printed ones you bring along or something you add afterward.
• Mementos that represent your day, like a small piece of fabric from your attire, dried flowers from your bouquet, or even a tiny keepsake that symbolizes a shared interest or inside joke.

Seal the time capsule with the promise to open it together on a future anniversary, reliving the magic of your elopement and seeing how far you’ve come as a couple.

Pressing Flowers for a Custom Keepsake

Another beautiful way to preserve your day is by pressing flowers from your bouquet or the ceremony site. You can create a custom keepsake—like a framed piece of pressed flowers or a personalized book with pressed petals from the day. You could even have the flowers incorporated into jewelry or a handmade piece of art that’ll keep those wedding day vibes alive for years to come. Check out these ideas for pressed flower art on Etsy.

If you celebrated alone but still want to include loved ones, you can plan a post-elopement gathering—something relaxed and stress-free. Host a backyard dinner, share your photos and stories over drinks, or take a trip to visit family and relive the moment with them in person. For post-elopement reception tips and ideas, click here.

Your wedding isn’t just one day—it’s the start of something even bigger. By creating traditions and finding small ways to revisit the energy of your elopement, you can keep that feeling alive for years to come.

Make memories

Your elopement is more than just a ceremony—it’s an opportunity to craft a day (or multiple days!) that celebrates your love story in a way that feels deeply personal and true to you. Whether it’s writing custom vows, enjoying adventurous activities in your wedding attire, or ending the night under the stars, the options are endless. This is your day to break free from tradition, make unforgettable memories, and embrace the magic of the moment.

Whatever you choose, let your elopement reflect who you are as a couple—full of meaning, adventure, and those little details that make your love unique. Part of the service I provide is helping couples plan their perfect elopement. Every couple I work with gets access to an exclusive planning guide that walks them through the complete elopement planning process and makes it easy to design an amazing, unforgettable day.

Ready to start planning your dream elopement? Let’s make it happen!

Discover More articles:

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A Guide to Viewing and Photographing the Northern Lights on the Keweenaw Peninsula

5 Essential Things Every Elopement Should Have

Hi! I’m Andrea!

Photographer, storyteller, nature lover

Lume Photography is a creative Michigan elopement photographer & planner based in the Upper Peninsula. Behind the camera, you’ll find me (Andrea) photographer, forager, paranormal enthusiast. My passion is helping free-spirited couples craft their dream wedding in nature, and documenting the moments, emotions, and story in amazing photos. READ MORE ABOUT ME

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