How To Make Your Elopement Unique To You

Savanna Sherstad
Jan 6
3 min read

Bride and groom on a dark lodge balcony, surrounded by mountains and trees, with a moody sky. Bride's veil is flowing. savanna marlee photography — Crystal Mountain Resort, WA

Elopements have come a long way from the old idea of running away in secret. Today, elopements are intentional, meaningful, and deeply personal—designed around you instead of expectations, traditions, or timelines that don’t fit your relationship. If you’re planning an elopement and wondering how to make it truly yours, this guide will help you create a day that feels authentic, memorable, and uniquely you.

1. Start With Why

Before choosing a location, outfits, or even a date, take time to talk about why you’re eloping.

Ask each other:

What do we want to feel on our wedding day?
What parts of a traditional wedding don’t resonate with us?
What moments matter most to us as a couple?

Your answers will guide every decision that follows. Whether your why is intimacy, adventure, freedom, or simplicity, anchoring your plans in intention is the foundation of a unique elopement.

2. Choose a Location That Means Something

Your elopement location doesn’t need to be trendy or iconic—it just needs to feel right to you.

Consider:

A place you’ve already shared memories together
A destination that reflects your love for adventure or travel
A landscape that feels grounding, peaceful, or inspiring

Mountains, coastlines, deserts, forests, or even your own backyard—there’s no wrong choice when it aligns with who you are or a view you love!

Ali & Anders picked Crystal Mountain not just because it is an EPIC location but because it is one of their favorite places to ski in the winter season. How amazing is it they got to get married there too??

3. Build a Day, Not Just a Ceremony

One of the biggest advantages of eloping is freedom from a rigid timeline. Instead of focusing only on the ceremony, think about how you want to spend the entire day.

Ideas to personalize your elopement day:

Sunrise coffee together before getting ready
A scenic hike or jeep ride to your ceremony spot
Sharing private vows somewhere quiet and meaningful
A picnic, campfire, or celebratory meal afterward
Stargazing, soaking in a hot spring, or slow dancing under the stars
Getting pizza at the end of the night

Your elopement can be an experience—not just a moment.

4. Write Vows That Are Honest and Unfiltered

Your vows are one of the most intimate parts of your elopement. This is your chance to speak freely—without an audience, pressure, or expectations.

Tips for personal vows:

Speak from your own voice, not what you think vows should sound like
Include memories, inside jokes, and promises that matter to you
Don’t worry about being polished—focus on being real

These words will be something you carry with you long after the day ends.

5. Include (or Don’t Include) Loved Ones—Your Way

Elopements aren’t all-or-nothing. You can include family and friends in ways that still protect the intimacy of your day.

Some ideas:

Invite a small group for the ceremony
Have a private vow exchange, then meet loved ones later
Plan a post-elopement dinner or celebration
Share letters, FaceTime calls, or photos afterward
The only wrong way to elope is to do what you don't want to do.

6. Incorporate Meaningful Details

It’s the small, intentional details that make an elopement feel personal.

Consider including:

Handwritten letters to each other
Family heirlooms or sentimental items
A shared ritual (pouring champagne, lighting a candle, reading poetry)
Music that represents your relationship

These moments often become the most memorable parts of the day.

Bride in white dress holding bouquet, enveloped in flowing veil. Black and white photo conveys elegance and subtle emotion. elopement florals.

7. Choose Vendors Who Support Your Vision (hello!)

Your photographer, officiant, and other vendors play a huge role in shaping your experience. Choose people who:

Encourage you to break tradition
Prioritize your comfort and connection
Understand elopements as experiences, not just events
Make you feel understood with your plans and help you emphasize them

Having a team that supports your vision allows you to be fully present and relaxed.

8. Let Go of Expectations

The most unique elopements happen when couples stop worrying about what they should do and focus on what they want to do.

Release the pressure to:

Make everyone happy
Follow trends
Justify your choices

Your elopement is about your relationship—nothing more, nothing less.

Final Thoughts

A unique elopement isn’t about doing something extreme or unconventional—it’s about being intentional. When you plan a day that reflects your values, your love, and your story, it will naturally be one-of-a-kind.

If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels authentic, meaningful, and deeply personal, start by trusting yourselves. The rest will fall into place.

Looking for guidance, location ideas, or an elopement photographer who believes in intentional, story-driven days? Reach out—I’d love to help you create something unforgettable.