You can be more spontaneous: The fewer people involved in your marriage ceremony, the less adhering to a strict timeline really matters. We can watch the weather, and decide to wait 1/2 an hour for more favourable conditions, or you can make an impromptu decision to take portraits in our canoe on the pond, after walking around the property. You can bump your dinner reservation back and get to make more in-the-moment decisions about what would make your elopement ceremony feel the most special. 
The pressure to perform is off: We think a lot of people dread the idea of people watching them. If you are already not attracted to that, why would you want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on that? With an elopement, the only eyes on you in what can be an extremely vulnerable moment will be those of your beloved. Without external pressure to behave a certain way, you’ll be free to act in and experience the ceremony as your true self.
Having a good quality photographer and, if you can afford it, a videographer is really important. Especially because, if no guests will be attending your wedding, the inclination to share it after the fact may be stronger than usual. And, without errant cell phone photos and video from attendees to fall back on, your vendor’s work will be your only souvenirs from the day—so you’ll want to be doubly sure they’re trustworthy and talented.
You'll have more freedom: ​People who elope today are mature and confident. They might already live together and have started to build a life together. They’re not going to be guilted into doing something just because everyone is expecting them to. This means: If you’d rather save for a down payment on a home, pay off credit card debt, or use the cash it requires to pull off a reception on something else entirely, do it. And, because you are not spending a large amount of money on your reception, your ceremony can take place where you want. And because fewer people will be involved in your day, you’ll have fewer expectations to feel the need to live up to. That means you can bend and shape traditions entirely as you see fit without worrying what anyone else will think of them.

​Did you know at Pondarosa Elopements you can opt for an upgrade to your elopement package and have beautiful wedding photos taken at Cobourg Beach and Boardwalk? Doesn't this Bride and Groom look stunning? 

​If you're considering eloping instead of having a traditional wedding, you're not alone. The popularity of elopement ceremonies has increased during the pandemic and it looks like the trend will continue. Eloping can be a magical and romantic way to exchange vows with just each other present. If you've decided to elope, you may have questions about how to create a meaningful ceremony. Is there a specific script that needs to be followed to make the ceremony legally binding? Can you plan the ceremony in advance or should you wing it? To help answer these questions, we've asked wedding officiant Joanne Wright to share her tips for creating a memorable elopement ceremony script.

Elopement Ceremony Script vs. Traditional Ceremony Script
Elopement ceremonies, like traditional wedding ceremonies, require three things that must be declared in order for the couple to be legally married.  These are
1) freely agreeing to marry each other; 2) the vows (I do, etc); and
​3) the proclamation at the end of the ceremony stating they are legally wed by the authority of the Province of Ontario. These are the legally binding part of the wedding ceremony and therefore cannot be excluded. Since there is no audience to please, the couple can choose to include or exclude elements such as vows, poems, and rituals based on what is meaningful to them. The elopement ceremony script can be as simple or elaborate as the couple desires. 

​Who writes the elopement ceremony script?
​I write the script in collaboration with the couple and I can help weave their thoughts together into a ceremony that flows nicely. My first contact is by email or phone to chat and a personal meeting if necessary, so that we can become familiar with each other. I give them my email as well so that they can contact me with any forgotten questions, etc. I give them some time to decide what they want to say in the ceremony and then I meet with them a few weeks before their ceremony to go over their notes wishes and desires.

When should you write the elopement ceremony script?
​As soon as a couple books my services, I begin working on the script for their elopement ceremony. I never try to create a ceremony on the spot because I want to be fully prepared when the day arrives. Taking the time to carefully plan and write the script can make the ceremony more meaningful for the couple. It's a common misconception that because it's an elopement, the ceremony can't be beautiful and memorable. In fact, it should be just as memorable as any other wedding ceremony.

Is there anything that shouldn't be included in an elopement ceremony?
​No, there are no specific requirements for an elopement ceremony beyond the legally required declaration. Couples are free to include or exclude any elements they wish, such as having the officiant give a sermon or walking down the aisle. The most important thing is to include whatever feels right and meaningful to the couple on their special day.

There are several reasons why couples may choose to elope instead of having a traditional wedding. These include:

• Cost savings: Elopements are often less expensive because they don't require paying for a venue, catering, and other wedding expenses. This can be beneficial if you're on a tight budget or want to save money for other purposes.
• Intimacy: Elopements are usually more intimate because you only invite a few close friends and family members, if any. This can make the ceremony feel more special and meaningful.
• Flexibility: With a traditional wedding, you may be limited by a venue, guest list, and schedule. But with an elopement, you have the freedom to do things your own way and choose a location that holds special meaning to you. You can even plan a mini-honeymoon right after the ceremony.
• Reduced stress: Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially if you're trying to please a large group of people. An elopement allows you to focus on what matters most to you and your partner without worrying about making everything perfect for others. Overall, eloping can be an ideal option for couples who want a more intimate, personal, and stress-free way to celebrate their love. It may be worth considering if you're open to something different.

​

Writing your own elopement vows can be a special and intimate way to express your love and commitment to your partner. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Brainstorm: Consider what you want to say and why you're choosing to marry your partner. What are their best qualities? What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Write down as many ideas as you can, even if they seem silly or unrelated at first.
• Personalize your vows: Your vows should be unique to you and your relationship. Avoid using cliches or copying vows from others. Instead, try to use your own words and experiences to convey your feelings.
• Keep it simple: It's easy to get carried away when writing vows, but remember that you'll be speaking them in front of your partner (and possibly a few others). Keep your vows concise and to the point. A few well-chosen words can be just as powerful as a long speech.
• Practice: Once you have a draft of your vows, practice saying them out loud. This will help you get a feel for how they flow and whether they sound natural when spoken. You may also want to get feedback from a close friend or family member to see if they have any suggestions for improvement.
• Make it official: Don't forget to bring a copy of your vows to your elopement ceremony. You may also want to have a friend or family member act as a witness and sign the document to make it official. The most important thing is that your vows come from the heart. As long as you're sincere and honest, your partner will surely appreciate the effort you put into them.

Eloping instead of having a traditional wedding can have several benefits. Some of these include:

• Being more budget-friendly: Elopements are often less expensive because you don't have to pay for a venue, catering, or other expenses that come with a full wedding. This can be helpful if you're on a tight budget or want to save money for other things.
• Being more intimate: Elopements are typically more intimate because you only invite a few close friends and family members, if any. This can make the ceremony feel more special and meaningful.
• Being more flexible: With a traditional wedding, you may be limited by a venue, guest list, and schedule. But with an elopement, you have the freedom to do things your own way and choose a location that has special meaning to you. You can even plan a mini-honeymoon right after the ceremony.
• Being less stressful: Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially if you're trying to please a large group of people. An elopement allows you to focus on what matters most to you and your partner without worrying about making everything perfect for others. Overall, eloping can be a great choice for couples who want a more intimate, personal, and stress-free way to celebrate their love. It's worth considering if you're open to something different.

Welcome to the beautiful and serene location of our new elopement venue! Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Northumberland hills, our venue offers a unique and intimate setting for couples to exchange their vows and begin their journey together.
Our venue is surrounded by lush foliage and trees, with a picturesque pond providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. It's the perfect space for a more rustic and outdoor-inspired ceremony.
We understand that planning an elopement can be a daunting task, which is why we offer a range of services to help make your day as stress-free as possible. From a simplistic ceremony with our Officiant, to package add-ons that make your elopement extra special, we are here to help with every aspect of your wedding.
Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your elopement is everything you've dreamed of and more. We are excited to work with you and help make your elopement a truly memorable and meaningful experience. Thank you for considering our venue for your special day.