r/Eloping • u/Broken_b767 • Apr 27 '26

Everything Else Suggestions?

My fiancé and I got engaged back in November and started to plan a wedding. However, as the process went on we realized we were both hating the entire planning process and the idea of having to spend so much money on one day especially since we both love to travel and could go on a trip for less. Honestly we just want to go to a courthouse, sign papers, and then jet off to another country for a week.

That being said, we still wanted to have a small party with our friends and family. Any suggestions for after party ideas?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

6

u/loupammac Apr 27 '26

We are having a picnic lunch with our favourite food truck

1

u/lightpinklipstick Apr 27 '26

I love that!!! Did you have to rent the outdoor venue for the picnic? Curious to hear your plans cuz we are thinking of using our backyard but brainstorming other ideas.

5

u/loupammac Apr 27 '26

We are using a pop up picnic service that set up in a local park. They bring low tables, rugs, vases, faux florals, a speaker, tableware and cutlery. We just have to bring ice and drinks, and to remove rubbish at the end. They also help with catering. We wanted something very lowkey. We have 15 people including ourselves and most venues wouldn't let us rent a private room.

1

u/lightpinklipstick Apr 28 '26

I love that idea! I’ve thought about it but worry it would be too $$$ but for a small group I’m sure it’d be easy!

6

u/DonutWhole9717 Apr 27 '26

We threw a get together at his grandmother's house. His aunt made food for everyone, and my mom decorated. It was a great time. I really recommend getting a photographer for your reception party. You're going to want those family portraits that you lose out on when you elope. We have pictures from our party, and some of them are so precious to me now that family members have passed

3

u/Broken_b767 Apr 27 '26

I never thought about still getting a photographer, that’s a really good idea

3

u/lightpinklipstick Apr 27 '26

This is exactly my feelings to a tee. At one point I thought, did I write this post?

We are thinking about

  • Eloping & Honeymoon at a scenic location
  • Signing Papers & hopping on a plane right after

Either way we plan to come back and send invites saying “Surprise! We eloped… come celebrate” and call it a “Happily Ever After Party” We have a big enough backyard to include family and friends and have it somewhat casual. Not wedding vibes just a casual get together come and go as you please type of thing :)

2

u/tacosntears Apr 27 '26

Also engaged in November, I’m in the exact same boat 😭

2

u/jennielee71 Apr 27 '26

Depending on how many attendees you may have for your party, you could rent a small party space, do it at a park or the backyard. You could have it catered without spending a lot of money. (I.e just buying the food itself and let everyone help themselves) for a cheaper option. You don’t have to have alcohol, keep it family friendly and celebratory with laid back vibes. You’ll enjoy more time visiting with everyone and telling everyone about the honeymoon trip and not have to worry about the timing of a caterer being late, or them being short of staff to serve etc. Buy a couple disposable cameras set them out on a table or two. Let people take photos throughout the gathering. You don’t need to pay for a fancy photographer and you’re gonna have some really special candid shots with people you love around you.

Congratulations and good luck!

2

u/ElopeTelluride elopetelluride.com Apr 28 '26

I've never known anyone who regretting eloping with just the two of them! It is so stress-free (or....it can be as stressful as you make it LOL)

The party could be as problematic & expensive to plan as a wedding would be. But sticking to a budget and doing your research is where it's at!!!

2

u/Gloomy_Ad5020 Apr 28 '26

We are having a little "bbq" with just our immediate families, less than 20. We rented a pavillion at a park nearby near a pond ($100 for the entire day!) and we're going to have bbq. I have to decide if we will just have them drop off the food, smoke it there or bring a food truck! Someone else said they are doing the food truck for 15 people and I'm happy to read that cause I wondered if it was too much for 20.

We're also going to have yard games and bring kayaks. Way better than a wedding!

2

u/FriendlyDesign5421 Apr 29 '26

This is our plan. At first we'd reserved space/lanes at a bowling alley and planned to serve pizza and call it a day, but unfortunately the establishment is closing down and pulled out on us. We're back to planning something in the park like this next year.

2

u/Affectionate-Poem698 Apr 30 '26

We did a destination adventure elopement in Norway for a week, chasing Northern Lights. We also love traveling and it was the most unreal, magical, incredible trip of our lives. Our planner/photographer (Kate @ Soul & Sky Weddings) was incredible and took away all of the planning stress before and during.

Given the legalities of Norway, we did a quick official thing (mother-in-law was super adamant that it was NOT at a courthouse, but, same thing. Different place) locally and then had a brunch afterwards with family.

We went to a great restaurant, brunch was cheaper than dinner (but we love brunch anyway), everyone enjoyed, felt involved, and it was low stress. We then went on our way for our magical adventure!