How Do Couples Personalize Elopements in Unexpected Ways?

1. Writing Dual Vows Instead of One Set;

Traditional weddings often include one formal set of vows.

Elopements? They break that structure beautifully.

How couples make this unexpected:

• One set of vows is tender and emotional
• A second set is playful, inside-joke filled, or handwritten on a scrap of paper
• Couples read “future vows” that they plan to revisit in 5 or 10 years
• Some write vows for different moments of the day (sunrise vows + sunset promises)

This layering of words creates a cinematic story arc—and as an elopement photographer in Melbourne, I often capture these as quiet, intimate, deeply real moments.

2. Wearing Outfits That Have Nothing to Do With Wedding Fashion;

One of the most refreshing elopement trends:

Couples ditch wedding wear entirely.

Instead, they choose clothing that matches their identity, lifestyle, or the place they’re eloping.

Unexpected outfit choices include:

• Hiking boots + denim jackets with embroidered initials
• Vintage thrifted outfits
• Linen beachwear for coastal elopements
• All-black city elopement fashion
• Suits with colourful sneakers
• Flowing dresses with slits perfect for rock climbing
• Statement coats for winter mountain elopements

This makes your photos authentic, modern, and timeless rather than overly “bridal.”

3. Bringing Cultural Rituals into Nature;

One of the most meaningful ways couples personalize elopements is by weaving in rituals from their family or heritage but reimagined outdoors.

Beautiful examples I’ve photographed:

• Lighting candles at sunrise to honour ancestors
• Wearing family jewellery or heirloom fabric
• Incorporating smudging or cleansing rituals
• Exchanging garlands instead of rings
• Sharing traditional foods or drinks
• Playing cultural music during private vows

These elements don’t just personalize your elopement; they anchor your story in generations of love before you.

4. Turning Their “Shared Hobby” Into the Ceremony Space;

Want the most unique personalization?

Choose a space that reflects what you do together.

Real examples couples love:

• Eloping on a mountaintop they hike every anniversary
• At a favourite beach where they had their first date
• Inside a cosy cabin where they escape every winter
• In a botanical garden because they’re plant lovers
• At a bookshop or library for literature-obsessed couples

This way, your elopement isn’t staged it’s lived, felt, and deeply connected to who you are.

5. Creating a “Just Us” Timeline With Zero Expectations;

One of the most underrated ways couples personalize an elopement is by designing a day that feels… human.

Instead of packing a schedule, they plan moments intentionally:

• Sunrise vows
• Midday nap
• Coffee date
• A slow forest walk
• Champagne in the car
• A picnic with comfort food
• Stargazing to end the night

This freedom to pause, breathe, laugh, wander creates natural, unposed photos that augmented arts weddings is known for capturing in an emotive, documentary way.

6. Bringing Their Pets as Witnesses (Yes, Really);

Pets show up at elopements more than ever and not just as cute accessories.

Unexpected roles pets take on:

• “Ring carrier” dog with a pouch clipped to the harness
• Cat in a backpack carrier (yes, it's happened!)
• Horses included in the ceremony
• Couple adopting a new pet on their elopement day

It’s emotional, chaotic, joyful and it makes photos unforgettable.







7. Swapping Rings for Creative Alternatives;

While rings are traditional, many eloping couples want to symbolize their commitment differently.

Unique alternatives include:

• Tattoos (tiny, symbolic, or matching linework)
• Handfasting with a custom-made ribbon
• Exchanging love letters in sealed envelopes
• Gifting each other handmade jewellery
• Swapping watches (this trend is rising fast!)
• Sharing their favourite poem and keeping it as the “token”



As an elopement photographer in Melbourne, these moments often stand out as the most emotionally honest and personal parts of the day.

8. Personalised Music Playlists for Each Part of the Day;

Music is an emotional storyteller and couples are using it powerfully in their elopements.

Couples create playlists for:

• Getting ready
• The ceremony
• A slow-dance moment
• The drive to the location
• Sunset celebration
• Post-vow champagne
• The journey home

Some even exchange playlists instead of letters raw, intimate, and so personal.

9. Turning Their Elopement Into a “Day in the Life”;

One beautiful trend I see at augmented arts weddings is couples letting their elopement look like their best, most meaningful normal day just elevated.

“Day in the Life” elopement moments include:

• Making breakfast together
• Reading favourite books before getting ready
• Doing skincare routines for calming moments
• Playing board games
• Stopping for their favourite snacks on the drive
• Writing vows together at a café
• Ending the day with takeaway food on a blanket

Capturing these quiet rituals makes their gallery feel nostalgic and real like a memory instead of a photoshoot.

10. Incorporating a “Surprise Moment”;

Some couples love adding one secret moment into the day something emotional or hilarious.

Unexpected surprises include:

• Handwritten notes hidden inside shoes or pockets
• A partner secretly learning a song to play
• A surprise first look
• Friends sending video messages
• A surprise mini picnic or dessert box
• One partner gifting the other a keepsake they’ve saved for years

Every time, these moments become the emotional peak of the day.

11. Choosing Transport That Matches Their Personality:

When couples elope, even transportation can be an expression of personality.

Memorable entries I’ve photographed:

• Vintage Kombi vans
• Retro convertibles
• Motorcycles
• Bicycles with flower baskets
• A simple Uber (because why not?
• Walking barefoot from a beach cottage

It adds character, whimsy, and storytelling power to the gallery.

12. Bringing Family & Friends in Creative, Non-Traditional Ways;

Eloping doesn’t have to mean excluding people.

It just means choosing intentional connection.

Couples personalize this by:

• Video calls during the ceremony
• Letters from loved ones read aloud
• Family dinners the night before or after
• Parents signing as witnesses
• Sibling “first looks”
• Friends surprising the couple with voice notes or gifts

This preserves intimacy without sacrificing support.