You’re finally engaged and ready to tie the knot! Now What? I’m sure you’re here because a traditional wedding day didn’t match your wedding vision and you’d rather experience a wedding that is intentional and true to your relationship. You’ve learned about the amazing idea of eloping and how stress free & magical choosing to elope truly is. But you have no idea on how to elope.
An elopement definition use to be considered running off to the courthouse or Las Vegas and getting married quick and easy before telling anyone. Elopements are more than signing a paper in secret. Here at Escape and Adventure, we define elopements as another way to say I do and experience a wedding day that is a true reflection of who you are as a couple.
If you imagine your day full of adventure, activities that are true to you, love, happy tears, and crossing off your bucket list with non-stop adventure, then you’ve come to the right place!
Here are some helpful wedding planning tips to plan your ‘just us’ wedding experience.
The First Step in Elopement Planning
I met up with some talented elopement photographers and asked them ‘what is the first step you recommend couples take after they decide they want to elope?’. This is what they recommend for any couple who decides they want to elope:
Kaitlin from Summit and Co Photo said “Celebrate! When you decide to elope, you have said “yes” to a day that is intentional, authentic, emotionally safe, and FUN! That is a huge step! After that, couples should have an open brainstorming session, meaning all options are on the table. You should think about how you want to feel on your day, what kind of adventures do you want to have, what kind of weather do you want to experience, do you want anyone else involved, do you want your elopement to last multiple days, what kind of scenery do you want to see, etc.
Once you know how you want to feel on your day and what you want to experience, you photographer can help this vision come to life. Elopements have many moving parts, and planning this can be tricky! Many of us (photographers/videographers) are adventure elopement planners as well. Lean on us as a resource to help your vision come to life!”
Brandi from Brandi Vanderwolf Photography said “I really believe that the first thing that a couple should do after deciding to elope is to just take time for the two of them to celebrate and talk about “all the things” with no judgement and restrictions. What do they each want from their wedding day? What is the most important part of the day to them? Is there anything they need to have, or absolutely don’t want to have? Throwing out ideas and brainstorming will lead to the absolute perfect day if the couple collaborates in the planning process.”
Karen from Karen Agurto Photography said “If a couple has hired their photographer, and chosen their elopement location, the next step is to determine what activities they’d like to experience. I recommend having a discussion on the kind of say you’d like to experience, whether that’s relaxed and chill, or adventurous. It could also be a mixture of both! For example, a short 1/2 mile hike to a picnic by an alpine lake.
Once you’ve gotten a sense of what you’re leaning towards, begin researching what there is to do in your chosen area. Use Pinterest to type in your location with things such as, “things to do in location” or “outdoor location.” Ask your photographer for suggestions as they’ve probably have done some research by this point. I recommend choosing no more than 2 big activities for your elopement day to avoid jam packing it. Once you’ve determined your activities, hire any vendors or book any reservations way in advance to make sure it’s ready for your elopement day.”
Malin from Wild Souls United (elopement planner) and MA Love Photography (elopement photographer) said “Define Your Vision: Discuss what you both envision for your elopement day. Consider the atmosphere, style, and overall vibe you want to create. Make a collage perhaps, write down with words. Then contact an elopement photographer that can put your vision to life and help you creating the most magical day of your life!”
I (Kelcee from Escape and Adventure) added “The first step you should take before starting any wedding planning is to celebrate! Enjoy the “holy crap, we’re engaged” feels.
After taking in all the happiness and emotions, sit down with your partner and think about what you’d want your elopement to look like. What do you want to feel during your day? What would you like to see? Are there items on your bucketlist you’d like to cross off during your wedding day like skydiving or flying over an iceburg on a helicopter?
After creating an idea of what your elopement vision looks like, reach out to some photographers who can help find the perfect location for your elopement ideas and help turn your wedding dreams into a reality.”
1. Set an Elopement Date
The first step to planning your elopement is choosing your elopement date. Your date does not have to be set in stone but it is highly preferred when scheduling meetings with your wedding vendors.
Weather is a big factor to take into consideration when planning your wedding. Eloping in Arizona during the summer between May and August is not a good time because of how hot it can get during the day (up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit). But other states like Colorado, Washington, or Oregon are great places to elope during the summer.
Another tip when choosing your wedding day–will it be busy where you want to get married? Are you going to be in a high traffic / tourist location? Eloping in Sedona for example, the busy tourist season is around April – October. If you’re wanting a more intimate wedding with no by passers interrupting your vow exchange or portraits, ask your photographer / planner when they suggest a good time eloping would be.
Once you have your wedding date officially reserved on the calendar, then you can start wedding planning!
2. Hire an Elopement Photographer and Videographer
Hiring a photographer and videographer is the first thing we at Escape and Adventure recommend crossing off on your wedding planning checklist. You’ve probably never planned an elopement before and are experiencing mixed nerves of stress and excitement. Having an elopement team of professionals that have done this many times will work with you closely when planning your dream elopement day.
We’ll help you find the best elopement ceremony and portrait locations that match your wedding vision, or even design a day that you never imagined was possible. Recommend local wedding vendors and fun activities that will help enhance your elopement experience. Create a detailed timeline that includes all the things you’ve planned. And capture your elopement day that is a reflection of your experience, focused on your emotions and the detail surrounding you, and tells your story in a timeless and documentary way.
Think of Escape and Adventure as your professional third wheel. We’re here to tell your story and create an experience you never thought was possible. Hiring a photographer & videographer who helps guide you to the resources you need while planning your elopement will take all the stress off your shoulders and make your elopement planning process much easier.
In Addition to Hiring an Elopement Photographer & Videographer to Plan Your Wedding Day, You’ll Also Receive
3. Choose an Elopement Ceremony Location
If you could go anywhere in the world and do anything without limitations on your wedding day, what would that look like? Do you picture yourself standing on top on of a mountain? Walking across soft sand barefoot on the beach? Hiking in the redwood forest with only a lantern? Maybe even standing at the edge of a crystal clear lake watching the sunrise?
Sometimes the location you envision has multiple terrains you can adventure during your elopement day.
Deciding on where to elope will help influence your decision on when is the best time to elope. Consider the weather where you want to elope. Do you want warmer temperatures? Dream of a foggy and rainy wedding experience? Do you want it to snow? Or would you rather have a picnic in the spring foliage with purple and yellow flowers? Or throw red, orange, and yellow Fall colored leaves in the air?
Your dream elopement location also will factor in when you want to elope! Do you prefer the soft lighting during sunrise? Or bold golden hour and blue hour during sunset? Do you want to stargaze and take astrophotography / star elopement photos?
All of the above when choosing your elopement location are important and tie into the best time to elope. Remember, what’s most important to you and what your heart desires is the first thing you should choose when planning your elopement.
4. Book Your Travel and Lodging
After deciding on where to elope and setting your wedding date the next thing is to book your elopement travel and lodging!
Where you stay can be a big factor of how you experience your elopement day. Have you always wanted to stay in an A-Frame cabin? Experience the luxury of Amangiri? Or stay in a beach front house? While staying a hotel is convenient and more budget friendly, having the privacy and space to yourself in a higher end lodging option is a once in a lifetime experience. Why not experience your bucket list dream come true during your wedding day?!
Where you choose to stay is a part of your wedding memories and will have a big impact on the way your morning feels. If you’re planning to having your getting ready moments captured, hotels and lower costing lodging are not the best lighting or aesthetic wise.
Here are a few things to keep in mind
When planning your travel itinerary, make sure you give yourself buffer space before your elopement to relax and get acclimated to any elevation gain or loss so you don’t get sick the day of your elopement. It is recommended to give yourself 1-3 days before any extensive activity.
If you’re choosing to fly to your destination, make sure you book your flight months in advance. The closer to your elopement date, the more likely it may not be available. Bringing your wedding attire on as a carry on and either asking a flight attendant to put your attire in a private closet or laying them across in the top luggage compartment is the best solution for wrinkles and stress.
5. Include Your Favorite Activities
Because you’re choosing to elope you have the opportunity to experience endless choices for your wedding day. That means you can include unconventional wedding activities such as off-roading, experiencing sunset in a helicopter, or exploring slot canyons.
If some wedding traditions like a first dance or cake cutting are sentimental to you, you still can include them in your elopement timeline! Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t do anything traditional. An elopement is an intimate and intentional wedding experience focused on your love story and celebrating your marriage the way you want while surrounded by nature. Which means you can do anything your heart desires.
Sit down with your partner and talk about some activities you like to do together. Forget about the wedding planning for a minute and think about what is special to your relationship and love language to each other. Do you enjoy hiking? Kayaking? Rock Climbing? Do you enjoy the peace of nature and quiet during a picnic? Why not include your favorite moments together during your elopement day?!
Remember, this is your wedding day, the beginning of a new chapter in your love story. By including your favorite elopement activities into your elopement, you’re not just creating a day to remember. You’re creating a story that reflects your authentic relationship and love for each other. Each moment creates a new memory of your life together, a day of moments you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Explore the endless possibilities, embrace the adventure, and celebrate your love in the most “authentically you” way possible.
Your elopement isn’t just a day; it’s an adventure that represents the story of your relationship.
6. Pick Out Vendors to Help Create Your Dream Elopement
The next step in how to elope is figuring out where you will need to outsource help from vendors. You have a photographer / videographer by your side as your non-traditional wedding planner but do you also need help getting ready and hire a hair & makeup artist? Or a florist to make the perfect bouquet for portraits? What about a private chef to cook a hot meal when you get back at the end of the night?
Our elopement packages are created with our couples in mind with go-to resources when planning an elopement. A 100+ page elopement planning guide is sent to your doorstep and email with endless information on vendor recommendations and fun activity ideas you could include in your wedding day!
Including the search to find the perfect vendors to enhance your wedding day vision in your ‘how to elope checklist’ will help create a stress free wedding planning experience.
7. Choose Your Favorite Wedding Attire
Your elopement attire isn’t just about the clothing, it’s an extension of your individuality and the love story you’re writing together. Want to break tradition and wear a black or hot pink wedding dress? DO IT! Not a fan of dresses and would rather rock a jumpsuit or a sharp suit and tie? GO FOR IT!
YOU CAN WEAR WHATEVER THE HECK YOU WANT!
When selecting your wedding attire — consider the location, weather, and activities planned for your elopement. Make sure you’re covering up if it’s colder weather conditions or not wear a lot of layers if you’re eloping in the Summer. If you’re scaling a mountain to say your vows, opt for something that allows easy movement while keeping you comfortable and stylish. Or consider wearing a bridal buddy!
Ultimately, this is your wedding day, a day to celebrate your love in a way that feels authentically you. So wear what makes you feel incredible and comfortable.
8. Plan Your Elopement Timeline
This is the stage in your wedding planning checklist where everything you’ve been dreaming of for months is about to become a reality. You will not be doing this alone!
As your elopement photographer and planner, my mission is to craft a seamless elopement timeline that mirrors your unique adventure. This timeline is more than just schedules and locations; it’s a reflection of your day and the journey that awaits.
About 3 months before your elopement date we’ll hop on a video chat to talk about everything you have arranged. We’ll map out your travel from that cozy Airbnb to your breathtaking ceremony spot. We’ll account for all the activities you’ve meticulously planned, whether it’s a serene sunrise hike or a sunset champagne toast. Every moment of your day, every detail you’ve envisioned, will find its place in this timeline.
But more than that, it’s a wedding timeline filled with excitement, anticipation, and your love. It’s the story of your commitment to each other and the irreplaceable adventure that lies ahead.
9. Make It Legal
If you’re eloping in the United States, before your elopement you need to pick up your wedding documents at the local courthouse. An appointment may be needed ahead of time so do your research on the rules and regulations and add that to your ‘how to elope – wedding planning checklist.’
In most states you will need an officiant to perform your wedding ceremony and sign your marriage license. Unlike Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin you don’t need an officiant and can perform your own marriage legally. Which means you can have your cat be your witness if you’d like!
If you’re planning to elope internationally, it is recommended to sign your marriage license in the USA before traveling out of country. This is because some countries may require a special marriage visa or not allow it at all. To avoid the stress and extra steps in wedding planning it is best to get legally married at the courthouse beforehand.
Your wedding day is the day you commit your love to each other forever, not the day you sign your marriage license.
You can choose to sign your marriage license before or after your elopement. The most important part of your wedding day is the love you share for each other. If you want to have your marriage recognized by law make sure to sign and turn in your marriage license!
10. Celebrate!
Choosing to elope means you can either have a just us wedding experience or include a few guests to celebrate your adventurous wedding day with you. How you choose to celebrate is completely up to you. Some couples like to include their friends and family in a special activity they enjoy doing together—like off-roading or going out to a local brewery. Or if you’d rather have a ‘just us’ wedding experience with only your partner and your photographer you can do that too!
Just because you eloped doesn’t mean you can’t have a reception to celebrate! You can host a backyard BBQ and project your elopement gallery on a screen for your guests to enjoy during dinner or rent out a wedding venue to have another wedding ceremony and reception with your guests. Who says you can’t have two weddings?!
Another way to celebrate is getting married at your honeymoon location. Planning on having a honeymoon in Hawaii? Get married on one of the beautiful islands and then boat or fly on over to your honeymoon destination the day after you tie the knot.
Either you choose to have a “we eloped” party or not is up to you. What matters most is you are getting married and choosing your happiness and unconventional wedding experience over everything and anyone else.
More Elopement Inspiration & Resources
Hey, I’m Kelcee!
I would love to be your ADVENTURE elopement photographer
I’ve been capturing elopements since 2021, and it’s my passion to help adventurous couples like you create the perfect wedding day.
Your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you deserve the support to make it uniquely yours. Together, we’ll create quality memories that beautifully tell your love story, lasting a lifetime.
Such a great and detailed guide! Your work is beautiful!
I absolutely love this blog post! So much good information!
This is a great guide for couples thinking about eloping!
Nice guide on how to elope! I love that you included example timelines as well!
What a great guide and beautiful photos! Love how straight forward and fun this blog post is! Such great info in an organized manner – love it!
I love how you broke everything down into this awesome elopement guide! The sample timelines are so helpful and I think the idea of a vision board is so great!
such a wonderful guide for couples to get an idea where to start an how to elope 🙂 And above all, your photos are stunning!
Your pictures are gorgeous! I really love the colors that you use and emphasize in them. And this guide is super helpful, in depth, and well laid out 🙂
This is broken down so well, and it will be so helpful to anyone thinking about eloping! And your photos are so beautiful!!