Eloping doesn’t mean leaving behind the sacredness of marriage—it can be a deeply spiritual and intentional way to honor your faith. If you and your partner feel called to a Christ-centered elopement, you can still incorporate meaningful traditions, scripture, and the presence of God into your intimate wedding day. It still may have you wondering how you can elope as a Christian though right? Here’s how to plan a faith-based elopement while embracing the beauty of God’s creation.
1. Pray About Your Decision to Elope as a Christian
Marriage is a covenant, and choosing to elope should be a prayerful decision. Seek God’s guidance as a couple to ensure your elopement aligns with His will. Ask for wisdom, clarity, and peace as you plan a day that reflects your faith and love. You might also consider fasting or seeking wise counsel from mentors or your church community to confirm your decision. Having peace about your wedding day is something many people don’t get to have (because of all the stress from planning), so when you feel peace about it, thank God for this season of your life you are in as well.
2. Choose a Location That Feels Sacred
One of the biggest blessings of eloping is being surrounded by God’s creation. Honestly, when I am somewhere beautiful surrounded by his atmosphere, I feel him. I can see him through the mountains and valleys, through the meadow and open spaces. Whether it’s a mountain summit, a peaceful beach, or a quiet forest, let your location reflect the majesty of the Lord. Consider a place that has special significance to your relationship or one that reminds you of biblical themes like renewal, peace, and faithfulness.
Here are a few breathtaking locations that can serve as a backdrop for your Christian elopement:
- Mountaintops – Symbolizing drawing closer to God, just as Moses did on Mount Sinai.
- Waterfalls and Rivers – Representing baptism, renewal, and the living water of Christ.
- Fields and Gardens – Evoking the beauty of Eden and God’s original design for love and marriage.
- Deserts and Canyons – Reminding us of biblical journeys and trusting in God’s provision and the many journeys he took.
3. Incorporate Scripture into Your Ceremony
Even with an intimate elopement, you can still have a Christ-centered ceremony. Here are a few ways on how to elope as a Christian by bring scripture into your vows and wedding day:
- Read a passage together – Some favorite wedding scriptures include:
- Ecclesiastes 4:12 (“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”)
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (the love passage)
- Genesis 2:24 (“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”)
- Matthew 19:6 (“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”)
- Write faith-filled vows – Include promises to honor God in your marriage and serve each other as Christ serves the church.
- Have a moment of prayer – Invite God’s presence into your elopement by praying before your vows or holding hands in worship. You might also ask close family members or friends to send recorded prayers or blessings if they can’t be there in person.
4. Ask a Pastor or Christian Officiant to Lead
If you want a traditional element, consider having a pastor, mentor, or Christian officiant lead your ceremony. They can offer a blessing over your marriage, share biblical wisdom, and guide you through a Christ-centered commitment. If an officiant isn’t available, you can self-solemnize in some states or have a close Christian friend lead in prayer and scripture reading. When you decide to elope as a Christian, it doesn’t mean sneaking away or doing something without his permission, it means you’ve focused on what truly matters to him: your covenant to marriage and loving one another.
5. Include a Worship Moment
What better way to celebrate your union than by worshiping together? Sing a hymn, play a worship song during your vows, or take a moment to praise God for the gift of marriage. A simple acoustic version of “How Great Thou Art,” “Oceans,” or “The Blessing” can be incredibly moving in an outdoor setting. You could also have a moment of silent reflection to thank God for bringing you together.
We all know that songs and hymns are a way to express our love and worship to God so why not include that on your wedding day? It can ease any emotions and nervousness you many have as well.
6. Involve Your Church Community
Even if your elopement is intimate, your church family can still be part of the journey. Share your decision with mentors, pastors, or small group leaders who can offer encouragement and prayers. Some couples choose to:
- Host a small pre-elopement prayer gathering where loved ones pray over them before they leave.
- Have a marriage blessing at church upon their return.
- Record a video message for family and friends, sharing their vows and faith journey.
7. Make a Covenant with God
Your wedding day is just the beginning of your marriage journey. As a Christian couple, committing your marriage to God is key. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Take communion together as part of your elopement ceremony, symbolizing your unity in Christ.
- Write a marriage mission statement that reflects your shared faith and values. This could be a short statement about how you plan to honor God through your marriage, serve others, and love each other selflessly.
- Dedicate a moment to pray over your future as husband and wife. Consider keeping a prayer journal where you write down prayers for your marriage and revisit them on anniversaries.
8. Capture the Beauty of God’s Creation
As an elopement photographer, I believe that nature is one of the most beautiful ways to experience God’s presence. Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath towering pines, by a rushing waterfall, or overlooking a vast canyon, every landscape is a reflection of His handiwork. Your elopement photos can serve as a testimony of God’s artistry and the love He has blessed you with. To make your photos even more faith-centered, consider:
- Bringing a Bible and incorporating it into your elopement- even Bible study is a good idea!
- Praying together or over one another while your photographer captures the moment.
- Writing your vows in a special keepsake Bible or journal.
- Choosing a time of day that reminds you of God’s light—such as sunrise or golden hour.
Final Thoughts on How to Elope as a Christian
Eloping as a Christian isn’t about forgoing tradition—it’s about making space for a deeply personal and faith-filled commitment. By seeking God’s guidance, incorporating scripture, and embracing His creation, your elopement can be a sacred and beautiful beginning to your lifelong covenant.
If you’re dreaming of a faith-based elopement and want to capture the beauty of God’s design in your love story, I’d love to help document your special day. Let’s plan a Christ-centered elopement together!
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