How to Have a Meaningful, Low-Cost Reception After Your Elopement
Choosing one specific day to memorialize your love story can be tricky, but there are multiple options that can help you find the perfect fit!
A Post Elopement Party that’s Low Stress & Low Cost
Y’all, hear me when I say this: Eloping doesn’t mean skipping the celebration, it just means you get to celebrate your way. A lot of couples choose an elopement because they want something intimate, intentional, and true to who they are… but they still want that moment of sharing joy with their people! That’s where the oh-so-wonderful elopement reception (or post elopement party) comes in.
It’s the best of both worlds: a meaningful “just us” wedding experience and a relaxed, low-pressure gathering with family and friends. No formal seating charts. No awkward small talk with your dad’s coworkers. Just good food, good people, and a moment to be celebrated however you envision it.
I’ve helped couples craft both a private, meaningful ceremony and a relaxed post-elopement party that fits their vision, budget, and personalities so nothing is lost between the adventure of the day and the celebration with loved ones. Below are some simple ways to plan a meaningful, low-cost reception after you elope, plus the three most common timing options so you can choose the flow (and size) that feels right for you.
Key Takeaways
Celebrate your love in two meaningful ways : Eloping gives you intimacy and presence for the ceremony, while a post-elopement reception lets you share joy with more family and friends without time constraints or energy stress.
Timing is flexible, and intentional planning makes it effortless : Whether you choose to elope and have a reception all in one day, over two back-to-back days, or weeks/months later, thoughtful planning ensures nothing is lost and both experiences feel rich and personal.
A reception doesn’t have to break the bank : A cozy post-elopement party can be deeply meaningful, fun, and memorable even on a smaller budget with simple touches, intentional moments, and a focus on what truly matters.
Here’s What We’ll Cover:
Why Couples Choose to Elope and Have a Reception
3 Different Ways to Time Your Elopement Reception
Heartfelt Ways to Keep Costs Low
What to do at Your Post Elopement Party
My Favorite Low-key Reception Venues in Asheville
How to Talk to Your Family About Doing It This Way
Reasons to have your Photographer/Videographer at your Reception
Why Couples Choose an Elopement and a Reception
Understandably so, most of the couples I work with want the best of both worlds: a day that feels deeply personal and a way to celebrate with their favorite people. An elopement & reception gives them space for both and we love that! Here are some benefits:
Intimacy without losing connection
You want to slow down, be present, and actually feel the day, just the two of you, while still getting to share the joy with the people who’ve supported you along the way.
Way less pressure, way more intention
Eloping takes the stress out of the “big wedding” expectations. Having a post elopement party means you can celebrate without the timeline, the production, or the overwhelm. It’s just… easier. In the best way.
A meaningful celebration that doesn’t break the bank
Most couples want to gather their people, but not spend tens of thousands to do it. A simple, low-cost elopement reception lets you celebrate in a way that feels real and grounded, without the wedding-price version of everything.
Two totally different vibes to enjoy
Your elopement day can be quiet, emotional, adventurous - Really anything that feels true to you (though I like to add a mix of all that for my couples elopements). Your reception can be cozy and relaxed or fun and lively. You don’t have to choose one “type” of wedding day; you get to have the kind of celebration that fits each moment. A dream, right?
3 Different Ways to Time Your Elopement Reception
There’s no “right” way to do this y’all! At the end of the day it’s just what feels natural, joyful, and doable for your life. But, to get you started, here are the three most common ways couples structure their elopement and reception:
1. Celebrate it all in One Day
Elope → celebrate → relax.
Some couples elope in the morning or early afternoon, then meet up with their people later that day for a simple dinner, backyard hangout, brewery gathering, or a small party at an Airbnb.
Why it works:
Feels like a full wedding day without the pressure
Great if most guests are local
Keeps planning simple and affordable
You stay in the “just married” glow all day
Things to consider:
You might feel tired after a full elopement adventure
The day can feel more structured instead of slow and spacious
Travel time between locations matters
This one’s for you if you love simplicity and want the best of both worlds without spreading it across multiple days. I work with couples to plan a timeline that balances adventure, intimacy, and connection, so you don’t have to worry about missing moments while switching between your elopement and reception.
2. Elope & Party Back-to-Back Over Two Days
Elope one day → party the next.
This is the most popular option among my couples. You get to soak up your ENTIRE elopement day without rushing. Plus you can get your rest sleeping in the next morning and celebrate feeling refreshed with all your people.
Why it works:
You get two full days of joy instead of cramming everything into one
No rushing between elopement and reception
Guests that will be at both only need to plan for a single weekend
Your elopement stays calm, meaningful, and spacious, with enough time to spend with everyone
Things to consider:
Requires a weekend or two days off
Still involves some travel coordination for guests
This timing is perfect if you want your elopement day to have a slower pace but still want the celebration close by. I don’t typically capture receptions that my couples have on a separate day, but if you’re interested you can always request it!
3. Elope Now, Celebrate Later
Whether it’s one week, one month, or your first anniversary, this option gives you space (something I always love).
This is such a good choice for couples who want to keep their elopement purely for themselves or who want to save up for a bigger post elopement party.
Why it works:
Gives you time to plan a meaningful, budget-friendly gathering
Guests can actually show up (no last-minute travel)
You can use your wedding photos/film at the party
The celebration becomes its own special moment
My biggest advice:
Go ahead and book the party as soon as you schedule your elopement. Life gets busy fast, and if it’s not on the calendar, it’s too easy to say “we’ll do it later” and then never actually do it. Your celebration deserves space not an afterthought. I’ve helped couples plan post-elopement parties weeks or months later, making sure the memories stay alive, the story is captured beautifully, and their friends and family feel fully included.
“We got married in a small Hindu ceremony and it was a stunning environment and sunset. Our reception was a couple months later, and Kathryn was able to have our video finished by then. We showed it to everyone who couldn't come to the ceremony, and it was such a great way to have a private ceremony while sharing the experience with the world.”
— Kevin & Roopa
Heartfelt Ways to Keep Costs Low
You don’t need a giant budget, a fancy hall, or a long guest list to have a post-elopement celebration that feels deeply meaningful. In fact, the simplest gatherings often leave the biggest impressions. Why? Because they focus on what really matters: connection, laughter, and joy. A low-cost reception isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about being intentional with your choices and creating moments that feel authentic to you and your people.
Small, intentional choices mean your money goes further. Prioritize what matters most, like food, drinks, or capturing the day, over things that don’t actually enhance the experience. When you’re thoughtful about where your budget goes, you get a celebration that feels rich, personal, and meaningful without the stress of overspending.
Choose Simple, Personal Touches
You don’t need extravagant decor or a full-service catering spread to make your post-elopement celebration feel magical. What honestly matters most is intention. Choosing details that reflect you as a couple and make your guests feel connected to the day is key. Even small, thoughtful touches can make your celebration feel special and memorable.
Here are some ways to infuse personality without breaking the bank:
A homemade cake or favorite local dessert
Personalized playlists or meaningful music
Signature drinks or favorite snacks
Activities your guests will actually enjoy
Meaningful decor touches
Memory-sharing moments
Keep the Food and Drinks Casual
You’ve got plenty of options here, but the point is you don’t have to go all out with an expensive catered meal for a reception. Here are some alternative options that cost less:
Picnic-Style
Potluck
Grazing Table or Charcuterie
Food Truck or Local Takeout
DIY Snack Bar or Dessert Table
Brunch Celebration
Focus on Shared Experiences Over Stuff
The most memorable moments at a low-cost reception often come from doing life together, not from how fancy the table settings are. Think about experiences instead of items:
Watching your elopement film together
Sharing stories from your adventure day
Dancing, toasting, and laughing with the people you love
These moments are priceless and they’ll stay with you far longer than anything material ever could.
Incorporate Symbolic and Cultural Factors
Your post-elopement celebration doesn’t have to be just about logistics. It can also be a meaningful reflection of your values, heritage, and shared interests. Incorporating symbolic or cultural elements adds depth and personality to your day, making it feel even more intentional.
Cultural Significance
Moon Phases
Historical Events
Choose your Guests with intention
Though you might be appeasing family with having a reception with all the people they feel “need to be there”, one of the easiest ways to keep a post-elopement reception low-cost and deeply meaningful is to focus on quality over quantity. Inviting just the people who truly matter to you. those who have supported your relationship and celebrate your love. keeps the gathering intimate, joyful, and stress-free.
A smaller guest list lets you:
Spend real time with each person instead of running from table to table.
Choose a more personal, cozy space without breaking the budget.
Focus on meaningful moments like sharing stories, toasts, or a first dance without feeling rushed.
Make the food, drinks, and little touches feel intentional rather than overwhelming.
Smaller doesn’t mean less special. If you can swing it, when your celebration is filled only with people who truly care, it often feels richer, warmer, and more memorable than a large, traditional wedding could.
What to do at Your Post Elopement Party
The best part about planning an elopement reception is that there are zero rules. You don’t need a DJ, a seating chart, or a perfectly timed “grand entrance.” You just need a space where you can celebrate with the people you love. Here are some simple, low-cost ideas that still feel intentional and memorable:
• Share your ceremony photos or highlight film
This is usually the moment everyone tears up (in the best way). It lets your guests actually experience your elopement day with you—without recreating it.
• Have a casual meal together
Anything goes: a backyard barbecue, a big family-style dinner, a picnic spread, takeout from your favorite restaurant, or a potluck where everyone brings something they love.
• Offer one signature drink instead of a full bar
It’s affordable, fun, and keeps things simple. Think: one cocktail, one mocktail, and some easy beverages.
• Do a toast (or let someone else do one)
It doesn’t have to be formal. A few sweet words, a clink of glasses, and you’re good.
• Have a first dance, or two, or three!
Do it on the porch, in the living room, in your backyard, or wherever feels right. It’s intimate and sweet, not a performance.
• Bring in a small but fun activity
Things like:
a bonfire with s’mores
yard games
Polaroids or a guestbook
a DIY photo wall
a simple playlist you can just let run
These little things give your guests something to do without it feeling like a “program.”
• Cut your cake (or dream up donut tower or homemade pumpkin pies)
Dessert + a quick moment to gather everyone = perfect.
• Share a few stories about your elopement day
People love hearing about where you went, what you did, the funny mishaps, or the little moments that made it meaningful.
• Keep it simple
Some of the most beautiful post elopement parties are basically: “eat, talk, laugh, hang out.” That’s it. It doesn’t have to be a big production to feel special. The candid moments will happen either way, though having activities definitely help.
“One of the significant challenges we ran into was putting together the day's itinerary between two different locations. Kathryn was patient to help answer questions, helped us find the perfect spot, and make the itinerary that felt right for our day.”
— Brooke & Drew
My Favorite Low-key (But Lovely) Reception Venues in Asheville
If you’re eloping in the Blue Ridge Mountains and want to keep the celebration simple, cozy, and budget-friendly, Asheville has so many great spots for a laid-back elopement reception. Here are a few of my favorites that stay true to that warm, intentional, come-as-you-are vibe:
A Local Brewery or Cocktail Lounge (Asheville has endless good ones!)
Breweries and cocktail bars are perfect for post-elopement parties because they’re casual, spacious, and easy for guests. Many have private or semi-private spaces you can reserve without spending thousands.
My favorites for receptions include: Burial’s Forestry Camp, Sierra Nevada, Highland Brewery, The Montford, and more!
A Cozy Airbnb or Vacation Rental
If you want something relaxed and personal, renting a cute cabin or modern mountain home is such a good option. Host a backyard dinner, share your elopement photos, play music, and keep everything low-key. Just check the house rules before booking, y’all!
A Farm, Garden, or a Pavilion on National Forest Land
For couples who still want something outdoorsy and scenic, a covered pavilion lets you celebrate in nature without needing a full venue. It keeps costs low while still feeling special. Check out my blog on flower farms for ideas in that realm!
Some options include Pink Beds picnic area, Asheville Botanical Garden, or Olivette Riverside pavilion.
A Small Local Venue or Gathering Space
Asheville has tons of small community-style spaces and creative studios that are perfect for intimate gatherings without wedding-level pricing.
Think: Small event spaces, artist studios, book stores or coffee shops after hours, co-op venues, or neighborhood hangouts.
A Restaurant with a Private Room
If you want good food without the catering cost, a private dining room at a favorite Asheville restaurant is a fantastic way to host a celebration. It’s simple, delicious, and way more affordable than a traditional reception venue.
Some of my favorites include Luminosa, Circa 29, The Rhu, Soprana, and many many more! My goodness, we’ve got so many good places in this town.
A Backyard (Yours or a Friend’s!)
Honestly? Some of the most meaningful receptions I’ve seen have been backyard hangs with string lights, good food, a homemade cake, and the people who matter most. Zero pressure and legit maximum joy.
How to Talk to Your Family About Doing It This Way
If you're excited about eloping and having a low-key reception, but you're not sure how your family will react… you’re definitely not the only one. Almost every couple I work with has at least one moment of, “Okay, but how do we actually explain this to people?”
The good news: most families just want to feel included and reassured. With a little intention, you can hopefully help them understand your “why” without getting pulled into too much pressure or guilt.
Here’s how to approach the conversation in a way that feels honest, loving, and grounded:
Start with your why
Instead of beginning with logistics, start with what this choice means to you.
Something as simple as:
“We’ve thought a lot about it, and we really need our ceremony to feel relaxed, personal and unique to us, and this is the best way for us to do that.”
Leading with your genuine heart and intentions usually sets the tone for everything else.
2. Reassure them that they are part of the celebration
Most hesitation from family comes from the fear of being left out. Let them know they’ll still get to be part of your wedding—just in a different way.
Your post-elopement party is where they’ll:
• hug you,
• toast you,
• see your photos and film,
• and share in the joy of everything you experienced.
When they understand where they fit in, the resistance often softens. If you aren’t quite sure how you want to include your loved ones yet, you can explore some ideas on another blog post I’ve written: Ideas for Planning an Elopement with Family
3. Focus on connection, not justification
You don’t have to defend your choices or offer a full presentation.
Instead, invite them into the parts of the experience that include them:
a cozy reception
a backyard dinner
a toast
watching your highlight film together
sharing stories from the day
It helps them visualize the moments you want to share with them, rather than focusing on the parts you’re keeping private.
4. Set your boundaries with kindness
It’s completely okay to say:
“We love you, and we want to celebrate with you. But for our ceremony, we’re keeping it just us.”
Clear. Warm. Respectful.
You can be firm and loving at the same time.
5. Give them something meaningful to look forward to
A lot of family members feel better when they know they’ll still get to experience your elopement, just not in real time.
Sharing that you'll show your photos or highlight film at the reception helps bridge that emotional gap.
They’ll still get the story—they just get it in a more relaxed, meaningful setting.
If Your Family Is Helping Pay for the Celebration
Money can make these conversations feel a little more layered. Even with the best intentions, financial involvement can create pressure. These grounded, steady statements can help you communicate clearly and keep things aligned with what you truly want.
Here are some ways to phrase it that feel honest, respectful, and anchored in your values:
Gentle + grounded:
“We’re really grateful you’re helping us celebrate. It means so much. We’ve realized that keeping the ceremony private is the best way for us to actually be present with each other. What we’d love is to use the budget toward the reception—somewhere we can all relax, be together, and really enjoy the moment with you.”
Clear + compassionate:
“We appreciate your support so much. The ceremony is something we’re keeping small and personal, but the reception is where we really want to celebrate with everyone. That’s where your contribution would make the biggest impact.”
Grounded emotional honesty:
“We know this might feel different than what you pictured, and we truly value your help. Having a private ceremony feels right for us. And we want the celebration with you to feel meaningful—not rushed or added on. That’s where we’d love to put the resources.”
If They’re Offering Money With Strings Attached
You can stay kind and still hold the line:
• Option 1: “We hear how important this is to you, and we want you to feel included. The ceremony will be private, but the celebration afterward is where we’d really love your support. If contributing to that feels good, we’d be honored. If not, we understand and will plan within our own budget.”
• Option 2: “We don’t want anyone to feel obligated. We’re committed to a private ceremony, but we’d love for you to be part of the celebration. If helping with that feels right, wonderful. If not, that’s okay too.”
And if you want more support…
Navigating family dynamics is a whole journey on its own. I support couples in planning these moments with family in mind, so the day feels calm, intentional, and beautifully photographed and filmed—without extra stress. I also wrote an entire post on how to elope with family, include them intentionally, and manage the emotional pieces of all of this. You can read it here: How to Elope Without Offending Family: Inclusion Tips & Talking Points
Reasons to have your Photographer/Videographer at your Reception
The reception is where the magic shifts—after the vows are said, everyone finally exhales, relaxes, and settles into being together. That’s when the sweetest, most unexpected moments unfold: your grandma squeezing your hand, your best friend tearing up during a toast, your partner laughing in a way only your people can pull out of them.
Having your photographer/videographer there means you get to keep those moments, too—not just the ceremony, not just the portraits, but the full celebration of your people showing up for you.
If you want a reception that feels intentional and joyful, capturing it is such a meaningful way to remember how it all felt, long after the night ends.
If this post has you dreaming up your own elopement and post-elopement reception, I’d love to help you plan it and document it in a way that feels true to you every step of the way.
