10 Non-Traditional Ideas to Make Your Elopement Even Better
Written by: Brandi Lynns
April 24, 2025
April 24, 2025
Eloping in itself is already considered non-traditional, but hey, why stop there?! Your day does not have to follow any sort of rules. One of the best parts of eloping is the freedom to create a day that feels exactly like you. Whether that’s hiking your favorite trail, bringing your dog, or getting ready side-by-side, your elopement is your chance to throw out the rulebook and do something different.
Here are 10 non-traditional and unique elopement ideas to inspire your personalized elopement day.
The List: 10 Non-Traditional Elopement Ideas
1. Write Your Vows Together
Turn vow writing into a date night before your elopement day—light some candles, pour a drink, and reflect on your life together. Don’t worry, you don’t have to share the exact vows before the ceremony. But writing side-by-side can be a low-stress + fun experience.
2. Get Ready Together
Who says you have to spend the morning apart? Share coffee, a cozy breakfast, and help each other get dressed—it’s the sweetest way to start your day side-by-side.
3. Include Your Dog(s)
Your furry friend is family! Include them in portraits, dress them up in a cute bandana, or have them walk down the “aisle” with you—pets bring so much joy to elopement days.
4. Visit Your Favorite Places Together
Turn your elopement into a little love tour: stop at the coffee shop where you had your first date, your favorite trail, or the place where you always grab ice cream. These personal touches tell your story.
5. Have a First Dance in the Wild
Bring a speaker, cue up your song, and dance under the open sky. This moment is always unforgettable.
6. Bring Letters from Loved Ones
If you’re eloping without guests or even with limited guests, ask friends or family to write letters for you to read after your ceremony. This is such a heartfelt way to include them.
7. Walk hand in hand down the aisle
Who says one of you has to stay at the end of the aisle and watch you walk down. Why not go on the journey and walk together, hand in hand.
8. Skip the Dress/Suit Combo
Wear something totally you—jumpsuits, colorful outfits, boots, hats, or vintage pieces. Elopements are the perfect excuse to ditch tradition and go bold.
9. Eat whatever the heck you want
What are your favorite foods? Maybe plan a luxury picnic or private dinner experience in a beautiful location. Or eat pizza and beer from your favorite spot. It just has to be what you want it to.
10. Make It a Multi-Day Adventure
Stretch your elopement into a weekend or multi-day trip. Think sunset hikes, waterfall swims, and cozy evenings at a cabin. You get both the romance and the memories.
Want to know the beautiful thing, there’s no wrong way to elope—only your way! Whether you’re adding little non-traditional touches or building a totally unique experience, the most important thing is that your elopement reflects your relationship as a couple. If you need help dreaming up ideas or planning your Michigan elopement, I’d love to chat and help you bring your vision to life!
Meet your Michigan Elopement photographer!
Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to creating a positive atmosphere for my couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com
My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding.
Eloping in itself is already considered non-traditional, but hey, why stop there?! Your day does not have to follow any sort of rules. One of the best parts of eloping is the freedom to create a day that feels exactly like you. Whether that’s hiking your favorite trail, bringing your dog, or getting ready side-by-side, your elopement is your chance to throw out the rulebook and do something different.
Here are 10 non-traditional and unique elopement ideas to inspire your personalized elopement day.
The List: 10 Non-Traditional Elopement Ideas
1. Write Your Vows Together
Turn vow writing into a date night before your elopement day—light some candles, pour a drink, and reflect on your life together. Don’t worry, you don’t have to share the exact vows before the ceremony. But writing side-by-side can be a low-stress + fun experience.
2. Get Ready Together
Who says you have to spend the morning apart? Share coffee, a cozy breakfast, and help each other get dressed—it’s the sweetest way to start your day side-by-side.
3. Include Your Dog(s)
Your furry friend is family! Include them in portraits, dress them up in a cute bandana, or have them walk down the “aisle” with you—pets bring so much joy to elopement days.
4. Visit Your Favorite Places Together
Turn your elopement into a little love tour: stop at the coffee shop where you had your first date, your favorite trail, or the place where you always grab ice cream. These personal touches tell your story.
5. Have a First Dance in the Wild
Bring a speaker, cue up your song, and dance under the open sky. This moment is always unforgettable.
6. Bring Letters from Loved Ones
If you’re eloping without guests or even with limited guests, ask friends or family to write letters for you to read after your ceremony. This is such a heartfelt way to include them.
7. Walk hand in hand down the aisle
Who says one of you has to stay at the end of the aisle and watch you walk down. Why not go on the journey and walk together, hand in hand.
8. Skip the Dress/Suit Combo
Wear something totally you—jumpsuits, colorful outfits, boots, hats, or vintage pieces. Elopements are the perfect excuse to ditch tradition and go bold.
9. Eat whatever the heck you want
What are your favorite foods? Maybe plan a luxury picnic or private dinner experience in a beautiful location. Or eat pizza and beer from your favorite spot. It just has to be what you want it to.
10. Make It a Multi-Day Adventure
Stretch your elopement into a weekend or multi-day trip. Think sunset hikes, waterfall swims, and cozy evenings at a cabin. You get both the romance and the memories.
Want to know the beautiful thing, there’s no wrong way to elope—only your way! Whether you’re adding little non-traditional touches or building a totally unique experience, the most important thing is that your elopement reflects your relationship as a couple. If you need help dreaming up ideas or planning your Michigan elopement, I’d love to chat and help you bring your vision to life!
Meet your Michigan Elopement photographer!
Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to creating a positive atmosphere for my couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com
My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding.
