It’s customary to toast champagne on a wedding day, but at one elopement I photographed, the couple’s guests got a pleasant surprise after the ceremony: from the backpack the couple had toted along, they pulled not only a bottle of champagne but also colorful travel wine glasses for each guest to drink from. It was practical for the celebration deep in the redwood forest and a perfect keepsake to remember the day. It sparked such joy for everyone and was a perfect example of a great elopement guest favor! If you’re looking for or interested in the idea of small wedding or elopement favors, this is the post for you.
Why Consider Guest Favors for Your Elopement?
Unlike traditional weddings where favors often feel obligatory, elopement favors can serve a more meaningful purpose. With fewer guests, you have the opportunity to be more intentional and generous with your choices. The right favor can enhance your guests’ experience, create unexpected moments of connection, and give them a tangible way to remember being part of your day.
Tips for Choosing Your Elopement Favors
Before we dive into specific elopement favor ideas, consider these key points when selecting favors:
- Think about transportation logistics – will guests need to carry these items during hiking or activities, or can they be left behind?
- Focus on quality over quantity since you’re buying fewer items
- Consider how the items might be used during your celebration
- Choose things that reflect your story or celebration location
- Remember that favors are entirely optional – don’t feel pressured to include them!
Experience-Enhancing Favors
Travel Wine Glasses
Colorful travel wine glasses make outdoor elopement toasts feel extra special while giving guests a sustainable keepsake they can use for future celebrations.
- Speckled terrazzo silicone print ($24) (shown)
- Insulated stainless steel tumbler ($15)
Blankets & Wraps
Whether you’re planning a misty mountain elopement or a breezy beach ceremony, cozy outdoor blankets and shawl wraps keep everyone comfortable during intimate ceremonies and make perfect picnic companions afterward.
- Geometric faux-shearling blanket ($10)
- Plaid fleece blanket ($10) (shown)
- Pashmina shawls ($5)
Picnic Blankets
For casual celebration meals, picnic blankets create the perfect setting for dining wherever your adventure elopement takes you: perhaps in a forest, on an ocean cliff, or simply on the lawn outside your elopement Airbnb.
- Denim striped waterproof blanket ($27) (shown)
- Navy pinstriped water and sand proof blanket ($27)
Hydration
Quality reusable water bottles are essential for desert elopement adventures, forest hiking ceremonies and everything in between, while providing practical use for guests long after your wedding day, on their own future adventures!
Memory-Creating Favors
Cameras
Film cameras let your small group of guests capture candid elopement moments from their unique perspectives, creating a collection of memories that are special in their own right.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini (instant print) ($67)
- Kodak half-frame film camera ($60, film included) (shown)
Writing
Small wedding notebooks give guests a place to write their thoughts, well wishes, or favorite moments from your intimate celebration. Or, to take home and use in their personal life. Another idea: you could use this elopement favor for a group writing exercise during your celebration; check out this post for some elopement journaling prompt ideas.
- Spiral notebooks with colorful print covers ($18)
- Personalized fabric-bound journal ($26) (shown)
Travel Watercolor Sets
For the artistic couple, compact watercolor sets offer a creative way to invite guests to capture the beauty of your outdoor wedding location, wherever you’re eloping. Watercolor is a great entry-level medium, so don’t be afraid of not having painting experience! Additionally, these sets come with a water ‘pen’ so it’s easy to cap and stow before you’re on your way.
- Set of 12 colors with companion watercolor paper sketchbook ($30) (shown)
- Set of 48 colors in metal tin ($30)
Practical Keepsake Favors
Custom Luggage Tags
Custom luggage tags make perfect destination elopement favors, especially for guests traveling to celebrate with you. I recommend customizing these with either the guest’s name or a nod to the location you’re eloping in (perhaps a tree or ocean cliff outline, or catchphrase). Or even both!
- ‘Bon voyage’ tag ($5) (shown)
- Double-sided personalized leather tag ($27)
Reusable Tote Bags
High-quality reusable bags serve as eco-friendly wedding favors that guests can use both on the day of your elopement (maybe you include another item from this list to stow inside it?) and long after your celebration.
- Personalized print totes ($38) (shown)
- Durable canvas tote ($35; +$8 monogram available)
Enamel Mugs
Enamel mugs are a classic choice! They work beautifully for both outdoor wedding celebrations and future camping adventures.
- Off-road camp mug ($24)
- Personalized leather-wrapped mug ($28) (shown)
- Colorful patterned mugs (all $28)
Wine Glass Charms
Custom wine glass charms add a personal touch to your elopement toast while giving guests a small token to remember your intimate wedding.
- Custom cursive name charm ($10) (shown)
- Personalized leather glass tag ($5 each, min set of 4)
Handmade Soap
Handmade soaps in scents inspired by your wedding location (or your overall preferences) provide a sensory reminder of your special day that guests can enjoy at home.
- 20-piece soap & flower set ($72) (shown)
- Handmade organic and vegan soap ($6 each)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elopement Favors
How many favors should I buy for my elopement?
Plan for one per guest, plus 2-3 extras as backup (or for you to keep for yourselves!). For items like blankets or picnic supplies, you might only need one per couple or small group to share.
What’s an appropriate budget for elopement favors?
Since elopements have fewer guests, many couples spend $15-40 per person on quality items. However, there’s no required amount – focus on what feels right for your celebration and budget.
When should I give out the favors during my elopement?
This depends on the item! Practical items like blankets or water bottles should be available at the start of the day. Memory-creating items like cameras could be given during the celebration, while keepsakes might be best saved for the end.
Do I need to provide favors for an elopement?
Absolutely not! While favors can add a special touch to your day, they’re completely optional. Many couples choose to skip favors entirely and that’s perfectly fine.
Can I ship favors to guests after the elopement instead?
Yes! If you’re having a destination elopement or including items that might be difficult to transport, sending favors afterward is a great option. You could even include a photo from your day with each gift.
Remember, the best elopement guest favors are those that feel natural within your celebration – not forced or overly formal. Whether you choose something from this list or come up with your own unique idea, let it be an authentic expression of you as a couple and your elopement experience!
