Planning / Post elopement party

Post-Elopement Party

Ideas for hosting a wedding reception after eloping

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post elopement party reception

Congrats!

If you’ve made it here that means you’ve decided elope.

Eloping is all about focusing on what truly matters—your love and commitment to each other—without the stress of a big, traditional wedding. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip the celebration entirely. A post elopement party is the perfect way to share your joy with the people who mean the most to you, on your terms.

As elopement photographers who’ve worked with countless adventurous & untraditional couples, we’ve seen firsthand how special these elopement receptions can be. Whether you want an intimate dinner, a casual backyard celebration, or a full-blown reception, we’re here to guide you through hosting a post elopement party that feels authentic to you. 

What is a post-elopement party?


The best of both worlds.

elope, THEN have an elopement reception with guests!

A post elopement party is exactly what it sounds like—a celebration after your elopement! Whether you call it a post-elopement party, elopement reception, gathering, or just dinner- it’s just a celebration of your marriage on your terms. Think of it as your chance to include your family and friends into your elopement, even if it’s not on the actual day you get married.

“You can have a wedding reception after you elope?!”

Absolutely! One of the best parts of eloping is that there are no rules. You can elope just the two of you, then throw a party later that includes everyone you want to celebrate with.

learn what eloping means
Post elopement party

Reasons To Host A Wedding Reception After Eloping

Include your friends & family without compromising on your elopement day

Enjoy the intimacy and adventure of your elopement and still have the chance to celebrate with a larger group of loved ones. A post-elopement party lets you experience both the freedom of an elopement and a group celebration.

A post-elopement party allows you to celebrate with friends and family who couldn’t be part of your ceremony. It’s a chance to make them feel included, and potentially soften the blow of announcing that you’re eloping. It’s also an opportunity to get your families together, especially if they don’t live in the same area and may have not even met yet. 

A traditional wedding comes with a lot of planning, stress, and expectations. By eloping, you get to enjoy a stress-free, intimate ceremony, and the post-elopement party allows you to celebrate later in a more relaxed, pressure-free, way.

Traditional wedding venues that combine the ceremony and reception are often one of the most expensive parts of a wedding. By eloping first, you can significantly reduce costs while still having the opportunity to celebrate in a meaningful way. Separating your ceremony from the party allows for far greater flexibility—you can elope in a stunning location, then choose a more budget-friendly or creative space for your celebration. This approach lets you prioritize what matters most without being tied to the high costs and restrictions of traditional venues!

Elopement Reception VS traditional wedding reception 

What’s the difference?

So, what makes a post-elopement party different from a wedding reception? The main difference is that the guests you’re inviting to the party, may not have been invited to the ceremony.

guests may not be invited to the ceremony

Additionally, post-elopement parties are usually smaller and more intimate, with just close friends and family (though they don’t have to be), while wedding receptions often include a larger, more formal guest list. 

it may take place on a different day

Post-elopement parties can happen anytime—right after your elopement, weeks later, or even on your anniversary. Wedding receptions are typically held immediately after the ceremony on the same day, with the same guests in attendance.

Vibe

Post-elopement parties are usually more relaxed and casual, while traditional wedding receptions tend to be very formal. Your party can be as casual or as formal as you’d like! It’s 100% customizable.

When to Host Your Post-Elopement Party

The beauty of a post-elopement party is that it can happen whenever it works best for you. You don’t have to stick to a specific timeline. A post-elopement party can be held immediately after your elopement, weeks later, or even on your first anniversary—whenever it feels right for you. Some ideas include:

01

The Same Day

You could choose to host your celebration on the same day as your elopement. This could look like spending the morning with just the two of you, exchanging private vows at sunrise and adventuring to locations that might not be accessible/suitable for your guests. Then, gather with friends and family in the evening to celebrate your marriage. This option allows you to have the best of both worlds all in one day.

02

Within The Week

If you want your elopement day to focus entirely on you and your partner, consider hosting your party later that week. This is a great option for destination elopements where you invite guests to join the celebration. Dedicate one day to your private elopement ceremony and then spend another day celebrating with loved ones. It gives you time to soak in your elopement while still keeping the celebrations close together. You could even consider getting a big vacation rental for you all to stay together! 

03

Up to a year later

There’s really no timeline for when you should have your celebration, but it’s common for it to be one month to a year after the elopement. If you are eloping somewhere outside of your home state, you may choose to elope just the two of you and then have a reception back home later.  You could combine your celebration with your one year anniversary!

Where to host a wedding reception after eloping

Choosing the right venue sets the tone for your post-elopement celebration. Whether you’re looking for something casual and budget-friendly or a more formal and elaborate setting, here are some options to inspire your planning:

backyard elopement reception

A backyard party is one of the most affordable and customizable options for a post-elopement party. It’s perfect for couples who want a cozy, intimate gathering surrounded by friends and family.

Add personal touches like string lights, lanterns, or floral arrangements to create a magical atmosphere. You can set up a DIY bar, hire a local caterer, or even fire up the grill. Bonus: you’ll save on venue costs and have the freedom to celebrate however you like!

post elopement party at a picnic site

Nature lovers, this one’s for you! Reserve a scenic overlook, group shelter, campground, picnic site, etc! Many parks offer affordable reservation options and provide built-in amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and covered areas. Just be sure to check with the park about any permits or restrictions for hosting events.

If you’re considering Colorado, check out the best places to elope and best small venues for your event.

Post elopement party

For small gatherings, a vacation rental wedding reception is a fantastic option. VRBO lets you filter properties with the “events allowed” feature, making it easy to find a space that allows celebrations.

Imagine hosting your post-elopement party in a mountain cabin or beachside villa! This option is perfect if you want to extend your celebration over a weekend or combine it with a mini getaway for you and your guests.

post elopement party at a winery

Host your post-elopement party at a local winery or brewery for a laid-back vibe. These venues often offer scenic backdrops, cozy indoor spaces, and customizable drink options, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed gathering with friends and family.

Plus, you can incorporate wine or beer tastings into the celebration for a unique and memorable experience!

wedding reception after eloping

If you want a stress-free option with incredible food, hosting your post-elopement party at a restaurant is a great choice. Many restaurants offer private dining rooms or sections for larger groups, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about setup or cleanup.

Pro tip: Work with the restaurant to create a customized menu or signature cocktail to add a personal touch to the experience.

wedding reception after eloping

If you’re planning a bigger gathering or a formal reception, renting an event venue is a great option. Many come with everything you need, like tables, chairs, and a dance floor, plus staff to handle the setup. You can choose whatever matches your style.

While it’s a pricier choice, it gives you the flexibility to go all out with live music, a full meal, and beautiful decor, creating the reception vibe you want without the stress of a traditional wedding.

elopement party

How much does a post elopement party cost?

Post elopement parties are much more affordable than traditional weddings. This is because you have the option to select a low-cost event space and avoid typical wedding fees like food and beverage minimums. The average cost of a wedding in the US is about $30,000, while hosting a wedding reception after eloping typically cost around $5,000.

The total cost of your event will depend on the venue you choose, how many guests you invite, and if you hire vendors like a florist, DJ, etc. A small backyard gathering might cost as little as $500, while a more elaborate event could run upwards of $10,000.

If you’re splurging on your elopement, you could try to be more frugal for your reception and vice versa. So you may want to look at how much it costs to elope before planning your party. Prioritize your must-haves and allocate your budget accordingly!

elopement cost breakdown

Post Elopement Party Ideas

Not sure what to do during your party? Here are some post elopement ideas to make your event feel special and memorable.

Include traditional events

If you skipped certain traditions during your elopement, like first dances, toasts, cake cutting, etc. a post-elopement party gives you the opportunity to include those traditional wedding activities.

show off your elopement photos & videos

During your reception you could play your elopement video or photo slideshow to show everyone what your elopement was like! Also consider printing your photos and displaying them as decor.

Entertainment & Games

Keep the party lively with fun and interactive activities like lawn games. Cornhole, giant Jenga, croquet, bocce ball, and ring toss are perfect, especially for outdoor celebrations. You could also consider a Photo Booth or disposable cameras!

Food & Drinks

Add a champagne tower for a great photo-op. Pair it with a dessert table featuring cupcakes, donuts, or even a build-your-own sundae bar. For dining, food trucks or local catering bring a fun and customizable experience to your party. Don’t forget signature cocktails inspired by your elopement to add a personal touch!

post elopement party ideas with champagne tower

Elopement Party Invitations

Since this isn’t a traditional wedding invitation, you may be wondering how to word it, what to include and when to send the elopement party invitations out.

Here’s everything you need to know about inviting people and wording your post-elopement party invitations!

Before finalizing your guest list, think about the vibe you want for your elopement party. A smaller guest list creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere, while a larger one feels more like a big, traditional wedding celebration. No matter what you choose, the key is to invite people who genuinely support and celebrate your marriage.

Make sure your invitations clearly communicate the details of your event. Include:

Who: Your names and any mention of your elopement (optionally include a photo)
What: The purpose of the gathering (e.g., post-elopement party, celebration of marriage).
When: Date and time of the party.
Where: The location or venue, with an address.
Dress Code: If applicable, let guests know what to wear.
RSVP Information: Include a deadline and contact info for responses.

Don’t overthink it! Announce that you eloped, and now you’re inviting them to join you to celebrate. Here are some ideas:

“We eloped! Now it’s time to celebrate. Please join us for a post-elopement reception on [date] at [location].”

“Surprise! We eloped! But it wouldn’t be official without celebrating with our favorite people. Come party with us on [date] at [location]!”

For a formal or semi-formal party, printed invitations are a classic choice. Services like Minted or Zola allow you to design custom invites that reflect your style and give guests a tangible reminder of the event. If your celebration is more casual, e-vites are a convenient and budget-friendly option. Platforms like Paperless Post or Evite let you send beautifully designed digital invitations. For smaller, intimate gatherings, you can keep things personal by sending thoughtful emails, texts, or handwritten notes to each guest.

Timing your invitations depends on the type of party you’re hosting. For smaller, casual celebrations, sending invitations 4–6 weeks in advance is typically enough notice for your guests. If you’re planning a larger, more formal event, aim to send them at least 8 weeks ahead to give guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements or clear their schedules. This ensures everyone has enough time to join in celebrating your marriage!

What to wear to a post-elopement party


wear your wedding attire or something totally different

You’ve got options here! You can wear your wedding attire to show off the outfits you got married in (and get more use out of them), a special new outfit, or you can go more casual. Wear whatever feels comfortable and reflects the party’s vibe!

For example, instead of a formal wedding dress you could consider a more casual white dress, such as a short dress or satin, or even a white jumpsuit. Instead of a full suit you could go with a nice shirt and chinos. 

If you want guests to dress a certain way, include a dress code on your invitations.

elopement dress ideas

faqs about

Post-Elopement Parties & Receptions

A post-elopement party is a celebration held after your elopement to share your joy with loved ones who couldn’t attend the ceremony. It’s a chance to gather friends and family to celebrate your marriage in a casual or formal setting.

The cost varies based on the size, venue, and style of your celebration. A small backyard gathering could cost as little as $500, while a larger, formal reception might range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. The flexibility of a post-elopement party allows you to plan according to your budget.

The party after a wedding is often called a reception. In the case of an elopement, it’s typically referred to as a post-elopement party or a celebration of marriage.

An elopement is typically a very small, intimate ceremony with just the couple or a handful of guests (often fewer than 10). It focuses on the couple and their commitment without the structure of a traditional wedding

Yes! An elopement is a type of wedding, just with a smaller guest count and often more focus on the couple. It’s a valid and beautiful way to get married, with all the same significance as a traditional wedding.

You can if you want! Many couples choose to wear their wedding attire again, but it’s not required. You could also opt for a new outfit that suits the vibe of your party.

A party celebrating an elopement is commonly called a post-elopement party or post-elopement reception. Other names include a marriage celebration or wedding celebration.

Yes! While your marriage is already official, you can hold a symbolic ceremony during your post-elopement party for loved ones to witness. This can include exchanging vows or having a unity ritual.

The second wedding after an elopement is often called a vow renewal, symbolic ceremony, or post-elopement celebration. It’s a chance to share your vows or have a more formal ceremony for loved ones after you’ve already legally married.

Not at all! If friends or family want to throw you a bridal shower, it’s a lovely way to celebrate your upcoming marriage. Just be mindful of including guests who are close to you.

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