How to Write an Elopement Ceremony Script

You are not alone if you’ve decided a large, formal wedding isn’t for you. During the pandemic, eloping has grown significantly in popularity, and this tendency appears to continue. When two people exchange vows privately and in front of no witnesses, something wonderful and romantic happens.

However, once you’ve decided to elope, you might have concerns. Is the ceremony the same as it would be if you had a more formal wedding? Is there anything that needs to be spoken during an elopement ceremony to be considered legal? The script should be planned, or can you wing it?

We asked New Jersey wedding officiant Aretha Gaskin to respond to your queries. Many of her clients work with her to design the perfect elopement ceremony because they have always wanted to. For an example script for an elopement ceremony, we also consulted Colorado-based elopement photography company Adventure Instead.

Traditional ceremony script versus the script for an elopement

Elopement ceremonies, like more conventional wedding ceremonies, must have a declaration. Before the officiant formally pronounces the couple married, the couple must exchange “I do” vows. However, a script for an elopement ceremony can be as close or a hand for a traditional ceremony as the couple desires.

There is no audience to satisfy at an elopement ceremony, which is one of its many benefits. The celebrant is not required to introduce the couple’s friends and family or give a description of their history or love story. To appease a family member, there is no requirement to perform a prayer or ceremony. In other words, the couple can customize everything in the ceremony to reflect their values.

While some couples want a lengthy ceremony filled with poetry and vow exchanges, others choose to keep it simple, saying just a few well-selected words. According to Gaskin, that is exactly what the couple desires. The ceremony script for an elopement can be as straightforward or as ornate and lovely as one for a traditional ceremony.

According to Gaskin, later on, couples who decide to have a traditional wedding usually omit some of the traditional wedding rituals. “The elopement script changed during the epidemic, becoming shorter and simpler with an opening, closing, vows, and perhaps a prayer. All the additional components, including ceremonies and acknowledgments, should be saved for when the couple plans a large wedding in the future.”

FAQs and Tips for Writers

Here are some simple guidelines for crafting the ideal elopement ceremony script and solutions to frequently requested queries.

Who should draught the script for the elopement ceremony?

According to Gaskin, the officiant should always write the ceremony script. “It’s great if the couple wants to work with the officiant, but it’s preferable if the officiant creates the ceremony script,” the officiant said. Your officiant will be able to incorporate your ideas into a ceremony that flows well.

When should the elopement ceremony script be written?

Especially if the date or time is approaching, Gaskin says, “I plunge into the scriptwriting shortly after the couple books the service.” “I never make one up on the fly, and I always show up prepared and on time for the event.”

The script can also be more significant if you give it more time and consideration. “The biggest error couples make is believing that an elopement means it can’t be lovely and special. Even if they save the major wedding for later, it may and should be memorable.”

Is there anything that the elopement ceremony must include?

Any script should always have the declaration, which is the component that is legally needed, according to Gaskin. The rest is all up to you.

What elements shouldn’t be a part of an elopement ceremony?

No, is the response. Couples can do whatever they like, including having the minister deliver a sermon or going down the aisle. Include anything that feels right to you because it’s your big day.

Script for a sample elopement wedding ceremony

You don’t have to start from scratch when composing an elopement ceremony script for yourself or another person. Adventure Instead, a Colorado-based photography business, has produced a comprehensive template specializing in elopement ceremonies.

Introduction

It might be a special time to “check in” before exchanging vows because you’re the only person you’re talking to except your partner. “Are we ready?” or “I can’t wait to marry you” might be used as a check-in voice. You can also physically check in with your spouse by grabbing their hand or arm or hugging them.

Even a grin can calm you both down and give you pause before moving on. A “let’s do this” moment before launching into your vows can let time slow down and let you enjoy the moment, whether you spent the morning getting ready together or choose to meet for the first time at the ceremony.

Vows

Even though it’s just the two of you, this can be customized as you choose! In sickness and health… can still be used in a two-person elopement ceremony. Alternately, you might create unique vows! Discuss your future aspirations, cherished moments, partner’s best traits, or anecdotes that make you smile or laugh with your relationship. You can create “vows” by declaring what you hope the future of your connection will be, or you can share a dream of what life with your partner will be like. Your vows could be anything from nights spent at home watching your favorite movie to trips halfway around the world to visit a location you both long to see!

Announcement and Declaration

Declaring that this person is your partner moving forward, whether or not it is legally binding, is a really sweet way to start the next section of your ceremony. You and your partner physically begin the next chapter of your lives together when you commit to one another. “I do,” “I will,” or “Let’s do this” are all acceptable responses.

Changing rings

Whatever you want—exchange rings, kiss, jump for delight! As soon as you say “I do,” you “seal the deal,” so do whatever it is you want to demonstrate that you’re moving forward.

Presenting

Your private ceremony will conclude whatever you choose. You can approach this moment as you like once the ceremony is over because it is the beginning of your life together as dedicated partners. Since there are no guests, however, you “present” yourselves as a devoted pair is entirely up to the two of you. You can kiss, take a shot, pop some Champagne, or dance to your favorite song.