I’m genuinely thrilled by how much elopements have surged in popularity recently. Seeing so many couples toss out the old rulebook to create days that feel completely personal and authentic to them fills me with joy. The best celebrations are the ones where couples focus on their own dreams and desires—which is exactly why I’ve put together this guide with 12 fresh ways to break wedding traditions on your elopement day.
For each tradition, I’ll share a unique elopement alternative along with real stories from couples I’ve had the privilege to work with.
2025 is your year to say “to heck with tradition” and design a wedding day that fits your relationship perfectly. Leave behind what doesn’t serve you, and keep only what feels right. Your elopement can be anything you want it to be, and I hope these examples inspire you to see just how limitless the possibilities are.
Remember: elopements aren’t just about rejecting traditions—they’re about carving out space for what truly matters. No expectations, no distractions, just the two of you. Whether you keep a few traditions or toss them all aside, there’s no wrong way to do this. If any suggestion doesn’t feel good to you, feel free to ignore it!
Wedding Tradition: Big Group Dinner with Your Guests
Elopement Alternative: Cozy Private Dinner in Nature
Traditional weddings often wrap up with a big dinner surrounded by dozens or hundreds of guests. But with an elopement, you have the freedom to create a meal that’s just for you—intimate, meaningful, and deeply personal. Imagine a beautifully set table tucked away in a quiet forest, the glow of candles flickering as you enjoy a gourmet meal catered just for two.
Many couples still choose to celebrate with a group meal, but if you prefer quiet and connection, a private dinner in a natural setting might be the perfect ending to your day. Add special touches like fresh flowers, elegant tableware, or a cozy blanket picnic to make it uniquely yours.
Real Couple Story: Chase and Samantha opted for a candlelit dinner in a twilight forest, surrounded by towering trees and floral arrangements. The peacefulness of the forest and the soft glow of candlelight made for a truly magical end to their elopement day.
Bonus Idea: Love cooking? Consider making your own meal together at your Airbnb! Kari and Sean wrapped up their coastal elopement by preparing a home-cooked dinner while soaking in the spectacular sunset from their backyard.
Wedding Tradition: First Dance in Front of All Your Guests
Elopement Alternative: Private First Dance Just for Two
Not everyone loves the spotlight of a traditional first dance—and that’s totally okay. If a first dance feels special to you, keep it intimate by sharing it privately, whether after your ceremony or later in the day. It removes the pressure of performing and lets you simply enjoy the moment with your partner.
Many couples choose to dance during a portrait session or back at their Airbnb. Karley and Kam, for example, shared a romantic first dance in the rain on the Oregon Coast, creating a memory they’ll cherish forever.
Wedding Tradition: Packing Everything Into One Rushed Day
Elopement Alternative: Spread Your Celebration Over Several Days
Big weddings often cram every activity into a single day, but elopements don’t have to follow that rule. Stretching your celebration over multiple days allows you to slow down, savor each moment, and truly be present.
You might dedicate one day to celebrating with loved ones and another just for the two of you, or simply enjoy a multi-day adventure that includes your ceremony and other meaningful experiences.
Wedding Tradition: Expensive Wedding Favors for Guests
Elopement Alternative: Meaningful, Lasting Keepsakes for You
Forget generic favors that guests might toss aside. Use that budget to create permanent, meaningful mementos for yourselves—like matching tattoos! Karley and Kam ended their elopement by getting inked together by a tattoo artist who came right to their Airbnb. It was fun, unique, and a lasting reminder of their day.
Wedding Tradition: Decorations Based on Trends or Pinterest
Elopement Alternative: Decor Inspired by Your Passions
Instead of following fleeting trends, decorate your elopement around a hobby or passion you share. Nicole and Nigel, for example, infused their Oregon campsite wedding with antique finds and vintage attire, reflecting their love for all things historic. Their celebration was as timeless as their style.
Wedding Tradition: Spending the Whole Day with Guests
Elopement Alternative: Split Time Between Guests and Private Moments
If a multi-day elopement isn’t possible, split your celebration within a single day—spend part of the day with guests, then retreat for quiet moments just the two of you. Luisa and Grace wrote letters and did yoga on the beach alone before their ceremony and then enjoyed a sunset celebration with close friends.
Wedding Tradition: Booking Large Venues for Guests
Elopement Alternative: Cozy Cabins or Campsites for Intimate Gatherings
If inviting guests, choose smaller, affordable venues like cabins or campsites. These create relaxed environments perfect for picnics, bonfires, or catered dinners in nature without the stress and expense of traditional venues.
Wedding Tradition: Ceremony in Front of Everyone
Elopement Alternative: Private Vow Exchange Just Between You Two
For couples who want to avoid the nerves of speaking before a crowd, a private ceremony is a beautiful option. You can even exchange personal vows during a first look, then share more traditional vows at a later, public celebration.
Wedding Tradition: Getting Ready Separately
Elopement Alternative: Slow Morning Getting Ready Together
Many eloping couples enjoy spending the morning together, helping each other prepare and sharing meaningful moments. Ashley and Tanner included their dogs on a morning walk, then helped each other with final touches—a calm, emotional way to start the day.
Wedding Tradition: Kids as Flower Girl or Ring Bearer
Elopement Alternative: Include Kids in Fun, Authentic Ways
Instead of traditional roles, involve your kids in activities they love. Abby and Royce played beach baseball with their children before their ceremony—creating joyful memories that felt genuine to their family.
Wedding Tradition: Rushing Through the Day
Elopement Alternative: Slow Down and Savor the Little Moments
Don’t cram every minute. The sweetest memories often come from quiet moments between events—holding hands, sipping coffee, or exploring together. One couple found secret swings, cruised on longboards, and enjoyed spontaneous adventures that made their day unforgettable.
Wedding Tradition: Hiring an Officiant You Don’t Know
Elopement Alternative: Have Your Photographer Officiate
Here’s a fun tip: I’m ordained and can officiate your ceremony! I’ll help find the perfect spot, capture every moment, sign your paperwork, and even recruit witnesses if needed. It’s cost-effective and keeps your day flowing smoothly without juggling extra vendors.
Final Thoughts
I’m Dawn, an elopement and micro-wedding photographer who loves helping couples design days that feel 100% true to their story. If you’re ready to ditch tradition and create your dream elopement, I’d love to connect and bring your vision to life. Reach out anytime—I can’t wait to help make magic with you.