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Congratulations, you’ve officially decided to elope together! Planning an elopement can be exciting because of how carefree and fun it is compared to planning a traditional wedding, but what should you do after?
The short answer is you can do WHATEVER you both want!
If you read that and you’re still shrugging you’re shoulders, don’t worry. We’re here to give some ideas to help you plan your post-elopement celebration together.
Here are our ideas on what you should do after eloping together:
Announce Your Elopement to Your Family and Friends
Photo by Kortni Maria, LLC | Hand Lettered Signs by Misc. Delights Co.
This may sound stressful if you haven’t already done it, but it can definitely be fun if done right. Get together with your photographer or videographer to capture some epic shots of you both to announce your elopement together.
Ways to Announce Your Elopement:
- Photo or Video Announcement: Share beautiful photos or videos from your elopement on social media with a fun caption like “We did a thing!” or “We Eloped!”
- Elopement Announcement Cards: Send out cards to friends and family as a surprise announcement.
- Surprise Video Chat: Schedule a virtual call with family or friends and casually break the news during the chat!
If you want to announce your elopement within the same day to your family and friends, then get with your photographer to see if he or she can make a quick edit on Lightroom, so you can send a quick group text. Remember to always keep your vendors in the loop of your plans after eloping, so they can help you as much as possible.
Check out these 5 tips when announcing your elopement together.
Make it a Multi-Day Adventure
Photo by Blickwerke
Maybe you’re planning your elopement somewhere super adventurous like the Dolomites, or you want to glamp together on the white sands desert.
If you have a big itinerary for your elopement day, then don’t be afraid to extend your elopement to a multi-day experience.
By extending your adventure time, you don’t have to feel rushed or overwhelmed by what you should do after eloping.
Talk to your photographer about a multi-day package, so you can have them document your adventure.
When you think about what you should do after eloping, keep in mind there is no right or wrong answer to this question.
Just like your actual elopement ceremony, your elopement day and post-elopement plans can be whatever you want them to be.
Enjoy Post Elopement Traditions Together
Photo by Swell & Stone from this Colorful Fall Elopement
Even though you aren’t planning a traditional wedding, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the traditions you love.
After eloping, you both can have your first dance together as the sun sets, or you can cut a mini wedding cake together.
If you want to get together with your loved ones after eloping and take part in some of these traditions, then that’s ok too!
After eloping, you can literally do whatever you want (have we said that already?!)!
Have a Post Elopement Reception
Photo by Run Away Together
A post-elopement reception is one of the best things you should do after eloping! This will allow you to plan something with your loved ones to celebrate your recent union together.
Your post-elopement party can be right after your elopement, or whenever you want! One of our biggest pieces of advice here is to not feel rushed by when you should plan your post-elopement celebration.
This can be as formal or casual as you like, ranging from an intimate dinner to a backyard barbecue or a traditional reception with dancing and speeches. Make sure to include plenty of photos from your elopement day so your guests can relive the magic with you!
Ideas for Post-Elopement Parties:
- Backyard BBQ or picnic
- Cocktail party at your favorite venue
- Intimate dinner with close family and friends
- Destination celebration with a small group
Check out some of these ideas to help you plan your post-elopement celebration together.
Trash Your Dress
Photo by Meagan Puett Photography
If you’re planning a longer elopement adventure or even a post-elopement adventure, then consider trashing your elopement dress!
Yup, you heard us right! What better way to celebrate your marriage together than to embrace your adventure together and not be afraid to really get your dress dirty?
A lot of couples opt for a more relaxing elopement experience and then plan a post-elopement hike the next day or after their post-elopement party with their friends and family.
This way they can get multiple uses out of their wedding dress, from different days, and end it by doing something epic like hiking over 10 miles in it or covering it in sand and water.
Check out these trash-the-dress ideas to help inspire you!
Go on Your Honeymoon!
Photo by Magnolia Photography
This may sound like a “duh” idea, but it really should be that simple. After you both elope, you should go on your honeymoon together! Enjoy that just married feeling together and relax together. Forget about your responsibilities and just bask in your love together.
Honeymoon Ideas:
- A weekend escape to a nearby city
- A beach or mountain retreat
- Camping or glamping adventure
- Spa retreat for a bit of pampering
If your elopement was already an adventure, your honeymoon might be a continuation of your travels. Whether you’re island-hopping or relaxing at a resort, make sure to prioritize this special time together.
If you want to avoid extra traveling from your elopement destination, then check out our top honeymoon destinations for elopers.
Enjoy The Start of Your Next Adventure
Photo by The Hitched Hiker Inc. | Elopement Planning by Alaska Wile Hearts Events
Now that you’re officially married, it’s time to think about the future! What’s your next adventure? Whether that’s buying a home, starting a family, or simply growing together as a couple, take some time to talk about your goals and dreams as newlyweds.
If you’re still not sure what you should do after you elope, then just remember to enjoy it.
Enjoy your elopement day, your honeymoon, and the rest of your lives together. Don’t overthink your wedding portrait “poses”, and don’t focus too much on the details of that day.
What you should do after you elope is to be able to remember the reason why you decided to elope in the first place.
You should look back on your photos and remember every detail from that day because you weren’t overwhelmed by guests or how your flowers looked.
If you’re still in the midst of planning your elopement together, then head over to our elopement planning guide to make sure you have everything covered.
Photo by Kortni Maria, LLC | Hand Lettered Signs by Misc. Delights Co.