Today’s Elopement-style ceremony has set a tone for a different kind of wedding day celebration. The guest list is smaller, and may range from as little as two witnesses to a dozen family members and close friends. The ceremony may be hosted indoors or out, and may take place at any time of day (i.e. sunrise, sunset or when the clock strikes midnight). And, because you can host an Elopement ceremony almost anywhere, there are so many romantic locations, and very personal scenarios available for a creating your one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony!

There is no seating at an Elopement ceremony; the ceremony is around 20 minutes in length. Frank assembles everyone in a semi-circle facing the couple. Often, following such a private ceremony, other friends are invited to the post wedding festivities. Sometimes, a single musician (Violin, Accordion, and Guitar) may set an ambient soundtrack, if any music needs to be incorporated at all.

Outdoor...An outdoor ceremony may take place at a public venue (a park, a beach, a backyard garden or in a field of flowers) and then move to a family member’s home or private venue for a reception.

Indoor...the ceremony may be a little more formal and be hosted in a suite or private dining room at a nice hotel followed by a dinner and reception activities with all the guests in attendance.

Anywhere...Even today, many Elopement-style ceremonies that take place in unusual places and, like in the past, only include a bride, a groom and two close friends; who sign the legal documents as witnesses and share the experience with you. Often, an intimate ceremony like this is followed with dinner at a favorite restaurant and an evening of celebration.

Some couples decide to take their dream vacation as the setting of their wedding and honeymoon. Others choose to visit a place that has special meaning to them or to incorporate an activity that unites them such as hiking, snow skiing, sun worshiping or wine appreciation. Imagine getting married in a winery, on a mountain side, in a hot air balloon, or on the beach!

Planning Your Elopement Ceremony...Because of the popularity of the Elopement ceremony and how it is being incorporated into family gatherings, private parties and social events, Frank Harlan offers couples a very personalized and romantic wedding ceremony that may be performed at any location.

Every ceremony is unique and Frank will always work with you to personalize your ceremony script so that it is a reflection of your relationship, and supports your ideas of how your wedding ceremony should be. As an Officiant, Frank believes that even if you are having a simple intimate wedding, it should be about you. He prefers that you, as a couple, be involved in creating the ceremony he will perform with you. He even encourages couples to bring their own photographer to shoot before, during and after photos!

Elopement Ceremonies are available for a reduced fee. Please contact Frank to confirm availability.