Let’s be honest, most traditional wedding ceremonies aren’t really you, right?

You want something real. Intimate. Emotional. Maybe even a little bit magical.
That’s precisely what a symbolic elopement ceremony is all about — and yes, it all starts with the script.

At Elope in Portugal, we create a ceremony that feels like your love story, told your way—no boring templates. No clichés. Just real words, genuine emotions, and meaningful moments.

Let us walk you through how it works. 👇

Step 1: We Get to Know You 💌

Before anything, we want to know who you are as a couple.
We’ll ask you some fun (and deep) questions, like:

• How did you meet?
• What’s something only you two understand?
• What made you realise this is it?
• What vibe do you want for the ceremony — romantic? Chill? Playful? Poetic?

You can share this over email or on a quick video call — whatever’s easiest for you.

Step 2: Add Meaningful Moments 🕯

This is where we incorporate symbolic rituals that hold meaning for you. You don’t have to include any — but if you do, we’ll help you choose what fits.

Here are a few faves:

🪢 Infinity Knot / Handfasting

We gently tie your hands together with a cord or ribbon as a symbol of your bond.
It’s ancient, beautiful, and totally IG-worthy.
Each knot can represent something special: love, trust, forever.

🧹 Jumping the Broom

An old tradition symbolising stepping into your new life together.
You literally hold hands and jump over a broom — fun, bold, symbolic.

⏳ Time Capsule

You each write a letter to your future selves or to each other.
Add small keepsakes, seal it during the ceremony, and open it in 5 or 10 years.
Cue the tears 🥹.

You pick what speaks to you. We’ll weave it all into the script, smoothly and meaningfully.

Step 3: We Write Your Script ✍️

Now the magic happens. We take everything you’ve shared and turn it into a personalised ceremony script that flows like poetry — but still sounds like you.

Your script usually includes:

• A sweet intro + welcome
• A mini version of your love story
• Your chosen symbolic ritual(s)
• Your vows
• Exchange of rings
• Final words + a special moment to seal it all (like a kiss or a jump or a toast!)

You’ll get a draft to read in advance. Don’t like something? We tweak it.
Want to write your own vows? We’ll help you shape them (or leave space for you to go full improv if that’s your style).

💍 Ring Exchange = Major Feels

This part is always a highlight. No crowd. No pressure. Just the two of you.

We guide it with simple words like:

“These rings are a symbol of your forever — no beginning, no end, just you two choosing each other, always.”

Then you say your ring words. You can keep it classic:

• “With this ring, I promise to love you, always.”

Or make it fun, heartfelt, or unique.

Or say nothing at all. Just smile. Breathe. And slide that ring on.

Step 4: The Ceremony Itself 🌄

When the day arrives, the energy is calm, emotional, and full of love.
No performance. No audience. Just you, your partner, and the beauty of Portugal holding space for this huge moment.

We guide you through everything.
You don’t have to memorise lines.
You don’t have to “do it right.”
You have to be there — fully present, entirely in love.

Why Symbolic?

Because you get to do it your way.
A symbolic ceremony isn’t about legal language — it’s about emotions, rituals, and memories that actually matter.

It’s for couples who want:

✅ Freedom
✅ Connection
✅ Intention
✅ A ceremony that feels right

Ready to Create Something Beautiful?

If you're dreaming of a ceremony that's intimate, emotional, and so you, we’ve got you.
Let’s make magic in the hills, forests, cliffs or wherever your hearts take you.

💌 Want to know more?
Slide into our inbox or check out more on our blog. Your story starts here.