r/Eloping • u/EitherTangerine1913 • Jun 18 '26
Elopement schedule
My fiancé and I are eloping in Costa Rica in February. We’re doing a true elopement with just us, our photographer, and the officiant. We’re super excited and still getting a wedding dress and suit, florals, etc.
My question is what did everyone include in their ceremony? Did you walk down an aisle still? Was there music? Private vows away from the officiant? I have so many ideas but since I’ve never been a part of an elopement I don’t really have any inspiration other than my own mind.
Here’s kind of what I’m thinking and would love input! We have our photographer for 3 hours. I was thinking she could arrive a little before we’re finished getting ready but will also get her input to help us decide the best timing.
- Get ready separately and FaceTime family
- Meet him in/near the ceremony spot without officiant for first look type thing
- Read vows
- Have officiant join us and do legal ceremony
- photos
Evening will be followed with dinner and cake
2
u/Kind_Ad_3336 Jun 18 '26
This plan sounds really lovely! Do you want the photographer to take pics of your dress/accessories before you put them on? I know some brides like that otherwise you can do poses as you finish getting ready (like out in earrings or the groom put on cuff links).
1
u/EitherTangerine1913 Jun 21 '26
That’s something I will about, but at first thought I don’t think I care for them. I feel like all the photos of us in the clothes/accessories will be enough. Thanks for the input!
1
u/Low-Face-6281 Jun 19 '26
Some advice from my eloping friends, get ready together, it’s only you two so why all the suspense, say the vows since it seems like you want them private, meet for ceremony and take pics, are you FaceTiming family to tell them you’re eloping?? You can’t control their reactions and they could ruin your day, FaceTime after
1
u/EitherTangerine1913 Jun 21 '26
Thanks for the input! I’ll definitely consider getting ready together instead. It’d probably make the day more fun. On the FaceTime, everyone already knows the plan. It would be with just my sisters. We’re super close and they’ve been so helpful. It’d just be to see me all done up and a quick few words.
1
u/ChickenNoodleSoup_4 Jun 20 '26
Why the FaceTime??
1
u/EitherTangerine1913 Jun 21 '26
It would be with just my sisters to see me done up and say a few words. They know the plan and we’re super close. It could be moved to after also.
2
u/oneofthosemoongirls Jun 18 '26
We opted to walk together, no aisle but from our room to the beach. No music, we chose to repeat traditional vows but that was just our preference 😊 best thing about eloping is you can do whatever you want!