Do I need an altar?

We have the same set up. No alter. We just have a focal point with some pillars of flowers.

Nope. We did this.

We are doing a make shift alter with just a white sheet

Some sort of table is helpful. You can put the readings, any unity supplies, rings, etc. there. But a plain table with a tablecloth or sheet over it works fine. And if you don't have anything you need to put there, you can skip it entirely.

We didn't have any alter. We got married outside and didn't want anything blocking the beautiful view of the river. We didn't even have a table, no need, we didn't have a unity candle/sand/etc ceremony. The best mad just held the rings in his pocket.

Thank you everyone for your advice. This has helped a bunch.

View Quoted Comment Looking back do you think you made the right choice? We’re having a short elopement on the beach on our first stop during a family cruise to the Bahamas. Trying to decide if I want any decor. We are having a large ceremony next year with all of our family and friends- my parents won’t be there so I want my Dad to walk me down the aisle!