Elopement Reception Ideas for Couples Who Want Intimacy + Celebration

When couples first start dreaming about eloping, they sometimes feel like they have to choose: an intimate elopement or a big reception. But I want you to know that you don’t have to choose! You can have both, and in a way that feels authentic to you.

That’s where an elopement reception comes in. 

An elopement reception is simply a celebration with your loved ones that happens after (or sometimes alongside) your elopement day. It’s a chance to share the joy of your big day without sacrificing the intimacy and stress-free vibes of your elopement. And it’s becoming more and more popular as couples look for meaningful, flexible (and slightly more budget-friendly) ways to celebrate.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through some fun elopement reception ideas, when to host your reception, and how to keep it simple, stress-free, and true to your relationship.

Why Add a Reception to Your Elopement?

An elopement reception gives you the freedom to design your wedding experience in a way that actually feels good.

• Your wedding day stays stress-free. You can keep your actual elopement private, personal, and all about you.
  
• You still get to celebrate with loved ones. Hosting a reception later means your people can share in the joy without overshadowing your vows.
  
• It extends the joy of your wedding! You get two amazing experiences instead of one.
  
• Guests love seeing your elopement photos at the reception and feeling like they’re part of the celebration with you.

Honestly, there isn’t a wrong way to celebrate! You can keep it simple, go big, or do something in the middle that feels just right for you!

If you want to celebrate with loved ones but aren’t sure a full reception is right for you, there are also plenty of creative ways to include them in your elopement itself. I put together this guide to unique elopement ideas with family and friends to spark some inspiration!

When to Host Your Elopement Reception

Traditional Post-Elopement Reception 

Many couples host a larger party weeks or months after their elopement, sometimes even on their one-year anniversary.

Usually, these are larger gatherings of 50+ people, and often hosted back in their home state. And it’s a great option if you want to throw a bigger party without complicating your actual elopement day, allowing you to still celebrate with your loved ones.

P.S. While these celebrations are amazing, I typically specialize in the elopement or micro wedding itself (up to 50 guests). So if you’re planning a larger post-elopement reception, I may not be the right fit to document both.

Two-Day Wedding AKA The Best of Both Worlds

This option is becoming more and more popular, and it’s one of my favorite ways to serve couples!

• Day one: Private vows, adventure, “just us” elopement experience.
  
• Day two: An intimate party with family and friends (under 50 guests).

The beauty of a two-day wedding is that it gives you both the intimacy of an elopement and the celebration of a wedding, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Everything stays connected and intentional.

Just imagine, spending the sunrise hiking to a mountaintop in Shenandoah, sharing vows with just the two of you. The next evening, you’re toasting with your family under string lights at a winery overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or imagine a chic DC sunrise elopement on the National Mall, followed by a private rooftop dinner party the next night. 

Still deciding between a traditional wedding and an elopement with a reception? Check out my ultimate guide on elopement vs. wedding for a deeper dive into the pros and cons of both paths.

Some of My Fave Elopement Reception Ideas to Inspire You

Here are a few examples to inspire you. There are honestly SO many wonderful ways to do this, so this is just to get you started!

• Laid-Back Gatherings: backyard BBQs with string lights and lawn games, a brewery hangout with local beer flights, or a picnic in the park complete with charcuterie and cozy blankets.
  
• Elevated Celebrations: rooftop dinners overlooking the city, vineyard parties with sunset views, yacht celebrations, or rustic barn receptions filled with greenery and candles.
  
• Adventure-Inspired: weekend lodge rentals where everyone stays together, campgrounds with a bonfire, or a pavilion tucked into the mountains.
  
• Creative & Unique: brunch receptions with mimosas and waffles, art gallery parties where guests wander between exhibits, or themed events that tie into your favorite fandom, travel spot, or hobby.

Think of your elopement reception as a blank canvas. It can be casual or elegant, indoor or outdoor, cozy or something more extravagant! The only “rule” is that it should feel like you.

Personalizing Your Elopement Reception

Your reception is the perfect chance to weave your story into the celebration. Some of my favorite ways couples have done this:

• Show off your elopement photos with a slideshow or gallery wall. Guests love getting to be a part of the experience this way!
  
• Replay your private vows if you’re comfortable.
  
• Tie in details from your elopement: wildflowers if you married in the mountains, city-chic decor if you eloped downtown, or desserts inspired by your favorite local bakery.
  
• Think of a signature food or drink! Serve your fave cocktails/mocktails or recreate your favorite meal. Some couples even name the drinks after their pets, which is such a cute touch!
  
• You can also invite friends or family to give short toasts, if you’d like to!
  
• Add a meaningful surprise. One of my couples recently shared their pregnancy by slipping a sonogram photo into their elopement slideshow. It was so freaking sweet!

Pro Tip: Traditions are always optional. Keep what feels meaningful, skip the rest, and your reception will feel perfectly you.

Tips for Planning Your Post Elopement Reception Without the Stress

I know it’s not as stressful as planning a full traditional wedding, but even just the reception planning process can feel overwhelming. Guest lists, budgets, venue options, and logistics like food and lodging can pile up quickly. 

Here are a few tips to help you plan your reception:

• Decide on your guest list and budget early.
• Choose between a traditional reception later or a two-day wedding now.
• If you’re planning a two-day wedding, think about guest comfort (lodging, activities, transportation). As your elopement photographer, I can help with timelines and planning, so you don’t have to figure it all out alone!
• Book your photographer intentionally! These are the moments you want to remember forever, and you can absolutely have coverage for both your vows and your post-elopement reception.
• Consider adding fun and personality! Think food trucks, live music, lawn games, or signature cocktails/mocktails, your pets, decor… there’s so much you could do!

DC & Virginia Elopement Reception Ideas

If you’re planning locally, here are some amazing options to consider!

Washington, DC: chic rooftop restaurants, private dining rooms, whole restaurant buyouts, intimate garden wedding venues, or even elegant hotel settings, like the Line Hotel in DC!

Check out these guides on How to Elope in Washington, DC, and the Best Places to Elope in DC for more inspiration!

Virginia: Virginia is home to some really amazing venues! There are Shenandoah micro wedding venues, wineries, rustic barns, and lodges with mountain views! You can also plan and celebrate your elopement in a cozy VRBO!

And if you’re looking for some gorgeous small wedding venues in Virginia, I’ve got you covered!

Hybrid Idea: one day in nature (like the Shenandoah mountains) and one day in the city (exploring the museums, looking at the cityscape from a gorgeous rooftop), giving you two unique experiences within one celebration. Just imagine, a sunrise elopement among the Blue Ridge peaks and exploring the quiet forested trails, and then heading into the city to celebrate over a chic dinner in DC the next evening. It’s the best of both worlds in one wedding weekend!

You Can Truly Have the Best of Both Worlds

You don’t have to choose between adventure and celebration. With an elopement reception, you can keep the intimacy of your vows while still gathering the people who mean the most to you. I’ll help you design a day (or two!) that flows seamlessly, from a sunrise mountaintop ceremony to an elegant celebration in the city.

When you choose me as your elopement photographer, planning and photography go hand in hand, so you can be fully present while I take care of the details and capture every moment.

Ready to plan your intimate elopement or two-day wedding in DC or Virginia? Reach out here and let’s make it happen!