You’re excited about the idea of stepping away from a traditional wedding — but what exactly should your elopement ceremony look like?
Here’s the good news: your elopement ceremony can look almost any way you want it to. There’s no single format, no required script, and no expectation that it has to resemble any other wedding.
At its core, an elopement ceremony is simply a moment where you intentionally commit to each other. Everything else — where it happens, who’s there, and how it unfolds — is flexible. That said, most couples appreciate a little guidance when it comes to shaping their ceremony, which is where working with an experienced elopement photographer can be incredibly helpful.
What’s Actually Required to Get Married in Vermont?
Before getting into the creative side, it helps to understand the legal basics. Vermont keeps things refreshingly simple.
To get legally married in Vermont, you’ll need:
- A marriage license and application
- An officiant (witnesses are not required)
- A Declaration of Intent (the “Do you take so-and-so…” moment)
- A Pronouncement (“You’re married!”)
That’s it. Everything beyond those elements is optional, which gives you a lot of freedom when planning your ceremony.
Who Leads the Ceremony?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether you want someone to guide the ceremony, or whether you’d rather lead it yourselves. This choice often shapes how structured or relaxed the experience feels.
Courthouse Ceremony
Some couples choose to get legally married at the courthouse and then plan the rest of their elopement day around celebrating. This is a straightforward option, especially if you want to separate the legal portion from the rest of your experience.
If you’re planning photo coverage, it’s helpful to think about nearby locations so the day flows smoothly.
Hiring an Officiant
When you hire an officiant, they work with you to create a ceremony that reflects who you are. You can decide how long it is, whether you want to include personal vows or readings, and how involved you want the structure to be.
This option is ideal for couples who want someone experienced to guide the moment so they can stay fully present without worrying about what comes next.
A Self-Guided, Self-Solemnizing Ceremony
I’m an ordained officiant, but I don’t perform traditional wedding ceremonies. Couples who choose this route plan a self-guided ceremony.
Often, this means simply sharing vows with each other. You might playfully decide who goes first with rock/paper/scissors, keep things solemn and simple, or let the moment unfold naturally.
As your “officiant,” I handle the legal parts outlined above — but this option is really about you and your partner leading the experience. This approach is especially meaningful for couples who want the ceremony to feel intimate, flexible, and fully their own.
Who Can Be at An Elopement?
Eloping doesn’t automatically mean being alone!
Some couples choose to keep the ceremony private, just the two of them. Others invite a few close friends or family members to be part of the experience. For couples with kids, the ceremony often becomes about the family unit as a whole.
There’s no right or wrong choice here. What matters most is deciding who you want to share that moment with — if anyone at all.
Where Does an Elopement Ceremony Happen?
One of the biggest advantages of eloping is flexibility around location. Your ceremony can take place almost anywhere:
- A courthouse
- A traditional wedding venue (many offer elopement packages)
- Your home, a rental, or another meaningful space
- Outdoors — a mountaintop, forest, town park, or other public space
The right location depends on the time of year, accessibility, how many people you’re bringing, and what kind of experience you want the day to hold.
What Does the Ceremony Itself Feel Like?
Your ceremony can be structured or minimal. You can include readings, music, or rituals — or skip them entirely. Most couples choose to exchange vows, whether they’re written ahead of time or spoken more spontaneously.
Some couples incorporate symbolic moments like hand fasting or watering a tree. Others are playful (think: making a PB&J together as a symbol of joining their lives). There’s no single right way to do this.
It can be helpful to think about:
- What you’ve liked (or disliked) about weddings you’ve attended
- Whether there are family or cultural traditions that matter to you
- What feels most like you as a couple
It’s also incredibly helpful for the flow of the day to think intentionally about the moments before and after the ceremony. This is often where couples pause and think, “Okay… now what?” — especially during an elopement, where there isn’t a strict timeline guiding each moment.
You might consider:
- How you want the ceremony to begin (a song, walking in together, a short reading, a quiet pause)
- How you want to mark the moment after the pronouncement — a kiss, popping a bottle, confetti, or simply taking a breath together
Making space for those transitions helps the ceremony feel complete, rather than rushed or abrupt.
Finally, don’t think of your elopement as a photoshoot! Think of it as an experience you’re moving through together. I’m there to document it as it unfolds — not to stage or direct it.
A Final Thought on Elopement Ceremonies
Your elopement ceremony doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. It can be simple or adventurous, quiet or playful, planned or spontaneous.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to shape your ceremony — or those in-between moments — that’s completely normal. I’m here to help you create a day that feels intentional, grounded, and truly your own!
