How To Elope
Ultimate Planning Guide | UPDATED FOR 2024
Are you dreaming of a small, intentional wedding that focuses on you and your partner? Maybe your dream day includes an adventure in the mountains or a trip to a new destination. If so, then eloping sounds like it might be the perfect fit for you! We know most couples have never attended an elopement, let alone planned one.
That’s why we created this guide on how to elope. In it, we’ll walk you through the 15 steps on how to plan an elopement and explain everything you need to know to have the adventure wedding of your dreams!
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Step 1 – Envision Your Ideal Day
The first step when planning an elopement is to dream about what you want your day to look like. No two elopements are the same – they are customized to each couple which is what makes them so unique.
When deciding what you want your day to look like, we recommend sitting down with your partner and talking about your dream day. If you could go anywhere or do anything together, what would that look like? If you’re feeling stuck, here’s a list of the best places to elope in the US. You can also consider this list of elopement ideas and activities for inspiration!
Remember, no ideas are too big or too small. This is your time to let your dreams run wild!
Step 2 – Determine a Budget
When you decide to elope, you get to decide exactly what YOU value and what you want to allocate your money towards.
Before you start planning, decide how much you want to spend on your wedding day and identify what items are most important to you so you can splurge on those while cutting costs on things you don’t care as much about.
Not sure how much you should expect to spend? This guide on how much elopements cost will help! If you’re interested in our services, you may also want to look through our elopement packages.
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Step 3 – Decide Who You Want to Invite (if anyone)
Before you start thinking about your ceremony location, accommodations, etc., first think about whether or not you want to invite any guests.
Choosing a “just us” elopement may free you up to go wherever you’d like while choosing to invite guests may require you to work around other people’s schedules or include an element of hosting in your day. Another consideration is how many guests you invite. The more guests you invite, the more limited you are to location and you may have to book a venue.
There is no right or wrong decision when it comes to inviting loved ones to your elopement. The choice is completely up to you.
Step 4 – CHOOSE A LOCATION
Now it’s time to start narrowing things down. Choosing where to elope is one of the most exciting steps when planning your elopement (but we know it can also be one of the most difficult)! Go back to the vision you created with your partner. Were there any locations or backdrops that stood out to you?
You don’t have to know the exact location where you want to elope, especially if you plan to hire a local photographer. Simply narrow it down to a general area, state, or scenery and your photographer can help provide specific locations or trails based on the type of environment you are looking for. You can look up the best places to elope in Colorado or the area you’re planning to elope to get an idea of the area you’re most interested in!
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Step 5 – Select a Time of Year
Once you’ve chosen a location, it’s time to select a time of year you want to get married.
Again, you don’t have to choose an exact date (this will largely depend on your photographer’s availability and recommendations for the area you choose). You can simply decide which season you want to elope and your photographer will help you narrow down an exact time.
Keep in mind though that not all seasons are the same in all locations. For instance, while March is technically considered Spring, in Colorado it is the snowiest month of the year!
Step 6 – Hire a Photographer
Finding a local elopement photographer in your chosen area can go a long way in ensuring you have a top-notch experience!
A local photographer is more likely to know the ins and outs of your desired location and can help provide recommendations for the best time of year, locations based on the type of scenery you are looking for, and even other local vendors that can help bring your day to life.
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Step 7 – Secure Your Location or Venue
While most elopements don’t require a venue like traditional weddings, you may still need to reserve a location for your ceremony.
If your elopement is taking place on public land, you may need a permit. Wilderness areas often have restrictions on how many people can attend your ceremony, so be sure to pay attention to these details when choosing where to elope or who you want to include.
If your elopement consists of 15 guests or more, consider booking a designated ceremony location or small wedding venue.
Step 8 – Book Travel and Accommodations
As your elopement date approaches, you’ll need to start planning your travel and accommodations.
Be sure to reserve your airfare and accommodations well in advance and include a few extra days before your elopement date to settle in or have some buffer time to accommodate potential delays.
*Pro Tip – book lodging like an A-Frame cabin or unique Airbnb. This allows for even more unique photos and location options for your wedding day.
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Step 9 – Hire any Additional Vendors
Vendors can help bring life to your elopement day! Your photographer should be able to provide a list of local vendors for you, but here are a few vendors you may want to consider for your elopement.
- Elopement planner
- Florist
- Hair / Makeup artist
- Officiant
- Videographer
- Baker
Step 10 – Choose Your Wedding Attire
Choosing what to wear for your elopement is a unique process for everyone! The great thing about eloping is there are no rules. You can wear whatever you want and whatever feels most authentic to you!
No matter what you decide to wear, we suggest keeping your location and chosen activities in mind. If it’s cold, ensure you have extra layers or, if your day includes hiking, be sure to wear proper shoes.
*Pro Tip – If you will be hiking to your ceremony location, you can either hike in your attire or change at the top. We’ve had couples do both, so this is totally up to you and what you are comfortable with.
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Step 11 – Apply for Your Marriage License
The rules for obtaining a marriage license vary from state to state. Once you’ve decided on a location, research the requirements for that area.
Some areas offer online applications, while others require you to apply and pick up your license in person. If you are traveling from out of state, be sure to include extra time to complete this step and account for any waiting periods that may apply.
Step 12 – Plan Your Elopement Timeline and Activities
Your elopement day is so much more than “just a few photos” – it’s a whole experience! One of the best ways to make your elopement day unique to you and your partner is to include a few activities.
Here are a few elopement ideas you can consider. Of course, there are so many other things you can include in your day. Talk with your partner and go back to your elopement vision to decide what activities are important to you.
Once you have an idea of what you want your day to look like, work with your elopement photographer to decide how much time you will need for each activity. They will help you come up with a timeline that includes all the important moments and help you understand what type of photo coverage will work best.
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Step 13 – Gear Up
As your elopement day gets closer, you’ll want to start preparing all the necessary items for your day.
Don’t save this step until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time and buy and set things aside as you think of them. This will help reduce stress and eliminate the possibility of forgetting important items when packing.
We suggest looking through our ultimate elopement checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything!
Step 14 – Elope!
This is by far the most important (not to mention fun) step of all! Once your special day arrives, all you have to do is show up and enjoy it!
Try to enjoy every moment and don’t worry if things don’t go as planned. Elopements are all about embracing the moment and focusing on the love you share with your partner.
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Step 15 – Receive Your Photos/Videos and Order Prints + Albums
Every photographer’s timeline will be a little different when it comes to this step. Most photographers will deliver sneak previews of your gallery within a few days of your elopement with the final gallery being delivered a few months after your day.
Once you get back all the photos, consider ordering prints or albums to display and enjoy as a reminder of your elopement experience.
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Planning checklist
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Elopement FAQs
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Elopement Photographers
Choosing to elope is one of the most exciting decisions you can make! We hope this guide gave you helpful tips on how to elope. If you’re ready to start planning your elopement and are looking for a photographer team, we’d love to hear from you!
planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
