Elopement Wedding Announcement

An elopement wedding announcement is how you share the news with those who weren’t there. It can be a printed card, a social media post, a phone call, or all three. Getting your elopement announcement right is the one thing that makes loved ones feel included in your joy, even if they were not present on the day.

Elopement announcements are more popular than ever. According to The Knot, elopements and micro-weddings accounted for over 25% of all US weddings in 2024. That means millions of couples need to share their news in a personal, thoughtful way. This guide covers everything — wording, cards, timing, invitations, and social media.

Ivan Barrera is a California elopement photographer. His couples consistently say that having professional photos made their elopement wedding announcement something they were proud to send to everyone they love.

Elopement Invitations vs Elopement Announcements: What Is the Difference?

Elopement invitations are sent before the elopement. They invite a small number of people to attend. Think of them the same way you would think of a traditional wedding invitation — they go out 6 to 8 weeks before the date and include ceremony details, location, and RSVP information.

Elopement announcements — also called elopement wedding announcements or we eloped cards — are sent after the fact. They share the news that you are married and often include a photo from the day. They go out to a wider circle than invitations.

Most couples do one or both. They send eloping invitations to a very small group before the day, then follow up with elopement announcement cards for everyone else. The two serve different purposes and can look very different in design and tone.

Quick rule: Elopement invitations go out BEFORE your elopement. Elopement announcements go out AFTER. If you already eloped, you only need the announcement.

When to Send Your Elopement Wedding Announcement

Timing your elopement announcement correctly shows respect for the people you love. Closest family should hear the news first, personally. The wider circle can wait for the cards. Here is a clear guide.

Timing	Method	Who It Is Best For
Same day	Video call or phone	Immediate family only — parents and siblings
Within 1 week	Personal calls or texts	Close friends and extended family
2 to 4 weeks	Elopement announcement cards	Wider network — colleagues, cousins, acquaintances
4 to 6 weeks	Cards plus reception invite	Anyone invited to the post-elopement celebration
6 to 8 weeks	Social media post	Public announcement after all personal contacts are told

Never post on social media before personally telling your parents and closest family. Finding out through Instagram before a personal message is one of the most common sources of hurt feelings after an elopement.

Elopement Announcement Wording: Examples by Tone

Finding the right words for your elopement announcement is the part most couples spend the most time on. Here are examples organised by tone. Pick the style that feels most like you.

Formal Elopement Wedding Announcement Wording

Use formal wording if you are sending printed cards to extended family, older relatives, or professional contacts.

Option 1: We joyfully announce our marriage. [Name] and [Name] were united in a private ceremony on [Date] at [Location]. We look forward to celebrating with you soon.

Option 2: [Name] and [Name] are pleased to announce that they were married on [Date] in an intimate ceremony in [Location]. Their hearts are full and their door is always open.

Option 3: With great joy, we share the news of our marriage. We exchanged vows on [Date] in [Location], surrounded by the beauty of [mountains/ocean/forest]. Please know that you were in our hearts that day.

Warm and Heartfelt Elopement Announcement Wording

Warm wording works well for close friends and family who will appreciate a personal, emotional message.

Option 1: We did it! On [Date], in [Location], we got married. It was everything we dreamed of. We are so grateful for your love and cannot wait to celebrate with you.

Option 2: We slipped away to [Location] on [Date] and said our vows with the [mountains/ocean] as our witness. We are married. We are happy. And we cannot wait to see you.

Option 3: With happy hearts we want to share our news. On [Date], we got married in [Location]. Though you were not there in person, you were with us in every moment. We love you.

Casual We Eloped Cards Wording

Casual wording is perfect for younger crowds, close friends, or couples whose personality is relaxed and fun.

Option 1: Surprise! We eloped on [Date] in [Location]. Best decision we ever made. Party incoming.

Option 2: We eloped. [Date]. [Location]. Zero regrets. So much love. Details and celebration TBD.

Option 3: We did the thing. Officially married on [Date]. Thank you for loving us enough to celebrate even when you were not there.

Funny Elopement Announcement Wording

If humour is part of who you are as a couple, lean into it. Just make sure the closest family hears the serious version first before the funny card arrives.

Funny option 1: Breaking news: we eloped. The two of us, [Location], [Date]. No seating chart. No speeches. No drama. Just love. Party to follow.

Funny option 2: We skipped the big wedding and went straight to the good part. Married on [Date]. Still very much in love. Reception party date TBD.

Funny option 3: Roses are red, violets are blue. We said I do, just without you. We promise to celebrate with you very soon.

📸 Ivan’s note: The single biggest upgrade you can make to any elopement announcement or we eloped card is a great photo. A professional elopement photo changes a card from a piece of stationery into something people keep for years.

How to Create Elopement Announcement Cards: Step by Step

Creating elopement announcement cards is straightforward when you know the process. Here is how to do it from start to finish.

1. Choose your photos. Select 1 to 3 photos from your elopement. A single strong portrait usually works better than a grid. If your photos are not yet edited, ask your photographer for a few quick turnaround selects.
2. Write your wording. Use one of the examples above as a starting point. Add your names, date, and location. Keep it under 50 words — cards are not the place for long paragraphs.
3. Pick a platform to design your elopement announcement cards. See the table below for a comparison of the best options.
4. Choose your card size. Standard sizes are 4×6 and 5×7. Both fit standard envelopes. 5×7 gives more space for photos and text.
5. Order a proof first. Most platforms let you order a single proof before printing the full run. Do this. Colours look different on screen versus print.
6. Address and send. Write addresses by hand if the list is under 30 cards. For larger lists, most platforms offer free digital addressing.

Where to Order Elopement Announcement Cards

Platform	Style	Price Range	Best For
Minted	Premium quality, wide design range	$2.50 to $4.00 per card	Best for polished, editorial look
Artifact Uprising	Minimal, photo-forward layouts	$3.00 to $5.00 per card	Best for couples with strong photos
Zola	Easy online builder, good templates	$1.99 to $3.00 per card	Best for quick turnaround
Etsy	Fully custom, handmade options	$1.50 to $3.50 per card	Best for unique or creative styles
Papier	Stylish modern designs, UK based	$2.00 to $4.00 per card	Best for clean, contemporary look
Shutterfly	Budget friendly, photo uploads easy	$0.89 to $1.50 per card	Best for larger send lists

How Much Do Elopement Announcement Cards Cost?

Most elopement announcement cards cost between $1.00 and $4.00 per card depending on the platform, design complexity, and card stock. A run of 50 standard cards typically costs $75 to $150 including envelopes and shipping.

Budget-saving tip: order only what you need. Many couples send physical cards to 20 to 40 people and use social media or personal messages for everyone else.

We Are Eloping Announcements: Sending Before the Day

We are eloping announcements — also called eloping invitations — are sent before the elopement to the small number of people who will be attending. They serve the same function as a traditional wedding invitation but for a much smaller, more intimate setting.

Elopement invitations should go out 6 to 8 weeks before the date. They need to include the date, time, location, any dress code, and RSVP instructions. Keep the wording simple — a few lines is enough.

Eloping invitation sample: You are warmly invited to join us as we get married. [Names] will exchange vows on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. No gifts necessary. Your presence is the only thing we ask for. RSVP to [contact] by [date].

If you are inviting only 2 to 5 people, a personal call or message is often better than a formal card. Formal elopement invitations work well for groups of 6 or more who need the date and logistics in writing.

Related: See the full guide on how to tell your family you are eloping before sending any invitations -> ivanbarreraphotography.com/how-to-tell-family-youre-eloping

How to Announce Your Elopement on Social Media

Your social media elopement announcement reaches the widest audience. It goes up after all personal contacts have been told. Here are caption examples by style.

Simple: We got married. [Date]. [Location]. Best day of our lives. [Tag photographer]

Warm: Surprise! We eloped on [Date] in [Location]. We are so happy and so grateful for every person who loves us. Celebration coming soon.

Adventure-focused: We hiked [X miles] to the top of [location] and got married at sunrise on [Date]. No big production. Just us, the mountains, and the most perfect light.

Funny: We eloped. No seating chart. No speeches. No regrets. Married on [Date] in [Location]. Party TBD.

Post timing matters. Do not post until you have personally called or messaged your parents, siblings, and closest friends. Most couples post within 1 to 2 weeks of the elopement once the photos start coming back from the photographer.

Use hashtags like #JustEloped, #WeEloped, or #ElopementWedding to reach other couples and share your story beyond your existing followers.

How to Include Family Who Were Not at Your Elopement

Sending an elopement announcement card is just the first step. There are other meaningful ways to bring people into your story after the fact.

• Host a post-elopement celebration party. Even a casual dinner or backyard gathering lets people share in your joy. Send a separate celebration invitation along with your elopement announcement.
• Create a photo album or printed book. Order a printed photo book from your elopement gallery and give one to each set of parents. It is one of the most thoughtful post-elopement gifts you can give.
• Share a short video. A 60-second clip of the elopement day — even just a phone video — gives people a window into what the day felt like. Send it as a message or share it privately before the public post.
• Plan a video call or viewing party. Invite close family to watch your elopement photos or video together on a video call. It turns a passive announcement into a shared experience.
• Include a personal note with the card. A handwritten line on the back of the announcement card means more than any printed wording. Even three sentences in your own handwriting makes the card feel personal.

Ready to Plan Your Elopement Wedding Announcement?

The announcement is only possible once you have had your elopement. And the elopement starts with great planning and great photos.

For the legal steps and location planning: read the complete guide on how to elope in California, covering marriage licenses, permits, and the best locations across the state.

For outdoor California adventure locations: Big Sur, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and the Eastern Sierras are all covered in the adventure elopement photographer guide at ivanbarreraphotography.com/adventure-elopement-photographer.

Ready to book your elopement and get the photos that make your announcement unforgettable? Start at ivanbarreraphotography.com/contact-me. Ivan responds within 24 hours.

FAQ: Elopement Wedding Announcement

What is an elopement wedding announcement?

An elopement wedding announcement is a card, post, or message that shares the news of your marriage with people who were not at the ceremony. It is sent after the elopement and typically includes the names, date, location, and a photo from the day. It is different from an elopement invitation, which is sent before the ceremony to people attending.

When should you send elopement announcements?

Send elopement announcements within 2 to 4 weeks of eloping. Same-day calls or messages work for immediate family. Printed elopement announcement cards typically go out within 2 to 4 weeks, once your elopement photos are back from the photographer. If you are hosting a post-elopement party, send the announcement alongside the event invitation at least 6 weeks in advance.

What should elopement announcement cards say?

Elopement announcement cards should include your names, the date you got married, the location, and a short personal message. Keep the wording under 50 words. Add a photo if possible. Tone can be formal, warm, casual, or funny depending on your personality. The most important thing is that it sounds like you, not like a template.

What is the difference between elopement invitations and elopement announcements?

Elopement invitations are sent before the elopement to a small group of people attending the ceremony. They include date, time, location, and RSVP details. Elopement announcements are sent after the elopement to share the news with a wider circle. Most couples do both: invitations to the small ceremony group, announcements to everyone else.

How do you announce an elopement on social media?

Post your social media elopement announcement only after you have personally told your closest family and friends. Use a strong photo and a short, joyful caption. Keep it simple: share where and when you got married, thank the people in your life, and mention any upcoming celebration. Tag your photographer if you worked with one. Avoid over-explaining or justifying the decision.

How much do elopement announcement cards cost?

Most elopement announcement cards cost between $1.00 and $4.00 per card, depending on the platform, design, and card stock. A standard run of 50 cards typically costs $75 to $150, including envelopes and shipping. Budget platforms like Shutterfly start around $0.89 per card. Premium options like Minted or Artifact Uprising range from $2.50 to $5.00 per card.

Your Elopement Wedding Announcement Deserves Great Photos

The best elopement announcement cards and social media posts share one thing: a photo that stops people mid-scroll. A photo that makes people feel the light, the location, and the love — all at once.

That is what professional elopement photography does. It gives you images worth announcing.

Ivan Barrera photographs California elopements in Big Sur, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, and across the state. Documentary style. Real moments. No staging.

Book your California elopement and get photos worth sending. Start at ivanbarreraphotography.com/contact-me.