One of the most beautiful things about elopements is how free they are — free from rules, traditions you don’t resonate with, and the pressure to do things a certain way. And when it comes to the ceremony itself, there’s no single “right” way to do it.

A question I often get from couples is:
“Do we need a celebrant for our elopement ceremony?”

The short answer? Not necessarily.
The long answer? It depends on the experience you want to create.

What is a Celebrant?

A celebrant is someone who leads the ceremony — not as a legal or religious official, but as a storyteller and guide. Their role is to create a meaningful, symbolic experience tailored to you and your journey as a couple.

Celebrants are perfect for couples who want to add a more structured, spoken element to their elopement — something more than just reading vows to each other, but still deeply personal and relaxed.

They often write a customized script based on your story, values, and vision for the day. The result is a beautiful ceremony that feels heartfelt and intimate, without being overly formal.

Eloping Without a Celebrant

That said, many couples choose to skip the celebrant entirely — and that’s totally okay.

Saying your vows privately to each other, in the middle of the mountains or by a quiet lake, can be incredibly emotional and powerful. In fact, it often feels even more intimate because there’s no one else involved — just the two of you, in a moment that’s entirely yours.

Some couples are nervous they might get too emotional to say everything they planned, and that’s completely normal too. Elopements are about embracing those real, raw moments — not performing.

If you’re more private, or simply prefer the idea of keeping things minimal and spontaneous, just the two of you exchanging vows might be exactly what your day needs.

So… Celebrant or No Celebrant?

There’s no wrong choice — only the one that feels right to you.

With a celebrant, you get a personalized, symbolic script and a guided structure that can include rituals or readings if you want. This adds presence without the formality or legalities of a traditional ceremony.

Without a celebrant, the focus is purely on your vows, giving you freedom to say what you want, when you want. It’s more spontaneous, intimate, and deeply personal.

If you decide you’d like a celebrant, and you already know your location, it might be easier to find someone local to keep logistics simple. I also work with a wonderful celebrant I can recommend.

And if you decide to keep it just the two of you — I’ll be there to quietly capture it all.

Because whatever you choose, your love is the heart of it — and that’s all that really matters.

Thinking About Eloping?

Whether you dream of exchanging vows on a mountaintop, by a lake, or in a quiet forest clearing, I’d love to help you create a day that feels real, intentional, and 100% yours.

Have questions about planning, celebrants, or locations? Just reach out — I’m here to help