Beltane Elopement Ideas with a Real Beltane Elopement

If you find yourself drawn to a Beltane Elopement, this post is for you. These ceremonies are so full of meaning and intention. I had the great privilege to witness and document a special day for Cheyenne & Brandon recently, on Madeline Island. And I wanted to share all the details to inspire you, if you’re also exploring this unique and meaningful kind of experience for your big day.

Let’s go back to the beginning:

What is Beltane?

Rooted in ancient Celtic tradition, it is a time for connection. A connection nature, to your partner, to your intentions. It’s full of symbolism using fire and flowers and nature. Beltane rituals often include handfasting, fire ceremonies, offerings to the earth, and lots of laughter, dancing, and joy.

It’s a celebration of love and new beginnings, making it a deeply meaningful time for a new union.

What are some practical Beltane Elopement Ideas?

If you’re planning an sacred day that’s spiritual, intentional, and connected to the natural world… here are a few ways to incorporate the Beltane energy into your day:

• Handfasting ceremony: Tie your lives together in a symbolic ritual using beautifully crafted cords
• Bonfire or small fire: Celebrate with flame, whether it’s a campfire or candlelight (check local fire rules though).
• Bless your rings: Cleanse them with sunlight, water, or smoke from dried herbs like rosemary or mugwort.
• Plant seeds together: A literal and symbolic way to plant your shared intentions.
• Create a flower circle: Stand or sit in a circle made of blooms. Not only meaningful, but really gorgeous too.
• Incorporate candlelight and lanterns: Add warmth and intimacy to your evening.
• Make floral crowns: Use ethically sourced wildflowers to adorn your hair and connect with the earth.
• Burn written intentions: Set intentions on paper and send them into the universe with fire.
• Ground yourself: Go barefoot, place your hands on trees, breathe in deep…. connect.
• Feast like it’s a holiday (because it is!): Think honey, breads, cakes, meats, cheeses, seasonal fruits & berries, herb-infused foods, and wine.
• Chase the sunrise or sunset: Let the changing light be part of your ceremony.
• Add music (if allowed): A violinist, flutist, or folk musician can add that transportive magic.
• Forage together: Make space for discovery and noticing the small things.
• Dance the May Pole: a long standing way to celebrate.
• Leave an offering: A small token of gratitude to the land. Think: flowers, a whispered blessing, or stillness.

Next let’s talk about location!

Where to go for a Beltane Elopement?

If you want your big day to feel wild and enchanted, here are a few dreamy spots that hold that organic magic:

• Forests: Tall trees, mossy ground, filtered light.
• Waterfalls: The sound of rushing water and mist in the air is undeniably romantic.
• Wildflower meadows: Symbolic of abundance and new beginnings.
• Secluded cabins with firepits: A cozy basecamp for an intentional, nature-filled day.

Want to catch the vision of what this could look like? I want to introduce you to Cheyenne & Brandon.

Cheyenne and Brandon chose to celebrate their elopement on Madeline Island, and their day felt like something out of a Celtic fairytale. We escaped into nature in early May’s quiet season, where they practically had the island to themselves. Just the two of them, their love, and the softest mist settling over the trees. It was sacred and quiet and real.

Their ceremony took place just off the forest path, surrounded by towering evergreens and soft earth underfoot. The water calmly serenading them in the background. After exchanging their vows, they performed a handfasting ritual using a handmade cord from Scotland. This is a sacred, symbolic act that honored their union and the traditions of the season.

After the ceremony, we wandered through the park to explore the island and connect with the Earth. Cheyenne and Brandon grounded themselves in nature. Hand in hand, newly husband and wife, faces turned toward the sky. They were quiet and still together. You can feel it in their pictures. While it was their first time visiting Madeline Island, they immediately felt at home among the trees and water and sky.

Their day was planned and officiated by the amazing team at Lace & Brass Events, with florals by Flora North that add a pop of deep red color, like a blaze of sunset.

This day was the perfect example of a Beltane elopement. I hope you’ll scroll through and feel inspired and calm. As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, it was an honor to capture their quiet moments together.