Elopement

I'm not sure if you are up to doing a ceremony at a church, for example. There might be another venue that is simple. If you could just do some informal snack foods (no catering) and have some chairs and such, this would be just a casual way for the newlyweds to visit with the guests for a little bit. I attended a ceremony and "reception" that was minimal. The thing that comes to mind is that people coming to the event would at least like that little bit of interaction.

An elopement is typically just the couple and the required number of witnesses. If you’re having guests, the purpose of the reception is to thank them for coming. A simple cake and punch reception could be something that fits with your minimal idea. If your ceremony is at a non-meal time, guests aren’t expecting a full meal.

You need to have something for your guests after as a thankful for attending. It doesn't have to be elaborate or anything, but I would have at least snacks and drinks.

I agree with the previous comments, you will need to provide some sort of thank you to your guests for taking the time out of their schedules to attend your ceremony. If your main concern is lack of motivation/procrastination (and not budget), you could host a simple lunch or dinner (depending on what time you get married) at a nearby restaurant after the ceremony. Then there really would be no planning involved, other than making a reservation-the restaurant would handle the food, servers, clean up, etc.

I wouldn't classify this as an elopement. More of a small wedding. Have a cake and punch reception for your guests who attend as it is a thank you for them to come out and witness the ceremony and "receive" society as a new married couple.

You don't need a dance floor or all the pomp and circumstance. Just some light refreshments (at a non meal time), places to sit and mingle, and maybe some background music. Or rent out a restaurant with a set menu of apps or something small like that

Elopement can refer to a small wedding and celebration. The number of guests is more like a normal wedding event. The additional thought though is that you can plan this minimally but you may add or change details as you like -- if something captures your imagination or someone else adds a detail to it. None of that is needed, though. It is just to say that it is a lot easier if the minimal features are figured out -- and you can say "that is what I want." Then there is no pressure to throw in extras.

It seems even the invites can be through email and phone calls -- or whatever. Tell everyone it is casual to business -- but if you want to be featured in the pictures, wear designer clothes. kidding.

Agree with everyone else. Any more than just the couple + required witnesses is a small wedding, not an elopement. You would need a reception to thank them for coming, but it doesn’t need to be a big affair. Dessert and punch or coffee can suffice.

Hi Erin, a friend of mine just did that very thing. She had a simple ceremony with about 20 people and that was it. No flowers, no dress, no cake - just a ceremony. Nonetheless, it was beautiful. I am eloping in July with no guests. Gonna try and do a Zoom call so our aging mothers will at least be able to view our ceremony. It's your day! Do whatever you feel in your heart. Congratulations!

There is nothing wrong with eloping (marrying your fiancé with only 1-2 legal witnesses as required by your state). However, anyone invited to the ceremony must also be invited to a reception following, often lunch or dinner at a local restaurant.


20 people is a regular wedding, not an elopement.

Also, contrary to popular belief, a legal elopement is an actual real wedding. Many couples say they are getting married legally “but it’s not real”. The law begs to differ and society in general views it as real and will wonder why the couple in question does not, and it backfires when deception is tangled in.

View Quoted Comment Love this idea! Thank you for sharing.

My husband and I just eloped on 12.30. No regrets so far. It was so special and so us. We live in New Zealand and family in Boston and Ireland so that was a factor. We have rented a section of a local bar for 2.25 to celebrate with 35 friends. On 12.30.22 we will be going to Boston for a dinner with our parents and siblings. No one seems to have an issue with these plans and if they do they haven't told us!

Look for venues that offer all-inclusive micro wedding packages. We found one near us that includes 4 hours at the venue, decor, flowers (including bouquet), a small cake for a cake-cutting ceremony, DJ, officiant, photographer, cash bar and light snacks for our guests. We'll have less than 40 guests, and there's going to be very little planning on our part. There are options for the decor, etc. so we can do some customization, but since there are only 5 choices instead of 100 to choose from, I am MUCH LESS STRESSED about it all!