Let’s face it—the biggest perk of eloping is also its one and only downside. It’s that you have almost literally no one to celebrate with you! (Or at least you couldn’t until you learned about post-elopement parties!)

If you love the idea of eloping but have people you’d love to clink glasses with following your nuptials, a post-elopement party is a workaround, the loophole, the small wedding hack you need. This Olympic-level wedding planning move gives you a fun party AND happy loved ones, without forcing you to sacrifice the intimate, just-you ceremony of your dreams.

Here’s how to plan a post-elopement party you love!

What Is A Post-Elopement Party?

Okay, first thing first: what actually is a post-elopement party? Let’s get clear.

A post-elopement party or after wedding party is exactly what you think it is: a celebration that happens after you’ve eloped. Eloping and having a reception later means you can invite more guests than just two or five or ten or zero people who attended the actual ceremony. So gather all those family and friends to celebrate your big day. 

Do We Need To Do A Wedding Repeat?

A wedding repeat is where you do another mock wedding ceremony so that your friends and family can watch and feel included. Some couples choose to do this, while others don’t. If you do, keep it short and sweet. The deal’s been sealed so no need for those signing pauses or anything like that!

Planning Your Post-Elopement Party

So now that we’re on the same page about the what and the why, let’s get into the how!

Timing & Dates

Your post-elopement party doesn't need to happen on the same day of your elopement. This is a wedding celebration so you can party after elopement. In fact, it doesn’t even need to happen during the same YEAR! Just like your elopement, your post-elopement party is about doing what’s right by you. It can be next month, next year, or the year after that. Pick a date that works for you—literally whatever date you want!—and just own it. 

Post-Elopement Invitations

Consider sending out your post-elopement party save the dates before your elopement—even if the party takes place two years later. Why, you ask? Well, more often than not, couples host post-elopement parties to soften the blow of a small wedding and make loved ones feel included. This is a nice way to let them know you’ve been thinking of them since the start!

Pro Tip: Ask your photographer for your online photo gallery link in advance so you can include it in your invite! This will help make sure everyone’s totally clear about the fact that you’re already married/eloping and gives them first dibs on viewing your wedding gallery when it’s delivered..

What To Wear

If you see your post-elopement as a mini-wedding reception, a major perk is that you can wear your wedding outfits again! But if you want to treat it more casually than that, that’s totally cool too! Take it as an excuse to go shopping or choose a go-to date night outfit that matches your party’s vibe.

Venue & Reception Style

The type of “reception” you want to have will help you choose your venue. If you’re thinking about something low-key with a food truck, maybe your venue is a backyard. Dreaming of a patio with a great happy hour? Reserve a big table at your local favourite restaurant. Need something big enough for the WHOLE crew? Start looking for more traditional spots.

Then, once you’ve got a location in mind, book it!

Post-Elopement Party Ideas & Tips

Grab a pen and paper because I’m going to fire off my top post-elopement party ideas and tips right….NOW!

#1 F*ck The Rules!

Just because you’re in your backyard or chilling on a patio doesn’t mean you can’t have the traditions, rituals, or ceremony-type moments that are meant to be shared with loved ones. Do literally whatever you want for your post-elopement celebration. 

#2 Keep It Chill

You don’t need to go all out. If you’re a couple who eloped to avoid the extra-ness of a ceremony and reception, remember that you can keep this party simple and laid back. A casual post elopement party can go a long way.

#3 Plan. Or Don’t

Have a timeline or keep it spontaneous. It’s completely up to you.

#4 Consider Decorating

If you’re into the idea of a party and Pinterest is your jam, decorate! You can add flair and personal touches to any location. Even the top of a mountain. Even your local pub.

#5 Do Wedding Things

Remember that even though you eloped, you are still allowed to want traditional wedding moments like father/daughter and mother/son dances! See tip #1 for my stance on the rules.

#6 Clink Glasses

Got a close crew that you can’t wait to celebrate with? Toasts—planned or impromptu—are a fun way to add personal touches to your night no matter where you are and what you have available to you. Words are free and require very little prep!

#7 Hire a DJ or band

Consider hiring a DJ or band and having a big dance party! Even if you’re out in a field somewhere. Even if your post-elopement party is two years after the wedding ceremony.

#8 Photo Booth

If you’ve got a little extra time to save up for it, renting a photo booth for a couple of hours is a fun and easy way to get chill and hilarious group photos with the people you love while they celebrate with you!

Are You Guys Planning To Elope?

Because if you are, I’d love to hear about it! I’m a photographer, so you know I can help you figure out the photo situation. But you might not know that when I photograph elopements, I do all kinds of other things, too! I step in and can serve as your elopement BFF, helping you craft a custom timeline, scout out locations, and decide what to wear. And, I can help you plan everything from casual elopement photos to a wicked post-elopement party. If you’d love some outside input, drop me a line and we’ll find a time to get into ALL the things.