Your Elopement Checklist

So you’re ready to elope?! Happy day!!! While planning an elopement is nothing compared to planning a huge traditional wedding, there are still some logistics you’ll want to figure out before the big day arrives. Luckily, I’m not just a photographer, I’m an elopement guide and officiant, as well, so you’ll have all the help you might need. Here are a few things to think about as you plan your elopement.

1. LET’S TALK LOGISTICS Do you have a date picked out? What’s your budget? Do you want to include guests, and if so, how many? Where do you want to elope? What vendors might you need? (Photographer, florist, chef?) Do you need to make travel arrangements? (Don’t worry–I can help with all of this!) When you book me as your elopement photographer and guide, I will send you a questionnaire with lots of these questions so that I can help you to fully plan your perfect elopement. So don’t worry; even though the list can seem daunting, I’ll be there to help you through everything!
2. LOCATION When you picture yourselves getting married, what comes to mind? Are you dreaming of being surrounded by mountains next to an alpine lake at sunset? Does a beach with crystal clear turquoise water sound heavenly? What about eloping in the green grasses of the Scottish Highlands? A black sand beach with wild rock formations on the coast of Iceland? Whatever you’re dreaming of, we’ll make it happen! When you book me as your photographer and guide, one of the first things I’ll do is send you a questionnaire all about your dream location. If you already know where it is, great! If you have no idea, I’ll help you nail down the perfect spot. Remember, the whole world is our playground!
3. MARRIAGE LICENSE There are different requirements for getting a marriage license depending on the city, state, or country in which you’re getting married. These can include everything from a blood test to a waiting period to needing several appointments. So, a few things to consider: Do you need an appointment to pick up your marriage license? Is there a waiting period between getting your marriage license and actually tying the knot? Will you need witnesses or can you self-solemnize? What kind of officiant requirements are there? (I am a legal officiant, too!) You may need paperwork like birth certificates, as well. If you are planning to elope in a different country, you’ll need to get your marriage license beforehand. Again, don’t worry about all of these logistics. I’m here to help with even the smallest of details.

4. TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS If you are leaving the city, state, or country, how are you getting to where you’re going? Be sure to make your travel reservations, whatever they may be. Flights, rental cars, bus, hotel or AirBnb should be arranged ahead of time. Anything additional like a helicopter or hot air balloon ride (yay!) should also be considered ahead of time, as well. As soon as we nail down your date, we’ll start making reservations. I love helping couples to find their ideal place to stay. An AirBnb in the forest makes for a gorgeous first look! We can also do a bonfire after the ceremony back at the AirBnb for S’mores and a first dance by the light of the fire. An epic champagne pop is always a welcome addition to this part of the elopement; it makes for amazing photos!

5. VENDORS There are a host of different vendors that can be included in an elopement, but the most important (IMHO) is your photographer. Do not try to book a budget photographer. For most couples who elope, this is where the bulk of their budget goes. Documenting the most important day of your life is not somewhere you want to skimp. Get to know your photographer. Find out their style and if your personalities mesh. For me, I always end up becoming good friends with my eloping couples. We spend time on the phone or FaceTime or even Zoom getting to know each other and then I’m there while they say their vows, sometimes in front of only each other and me. You definitely want someone who you’ll get along with and you’ll want to have them witness you saying your sacred vows.

On top of a photographer, you may be interested in a videographer. I love elopement wedding videos; they can really bring it all back and be super sentimental. I love working with videographers, as well, so no worries there. You will probably also want wedding flowers! Bouquets really add to the feel and look of an elopement day. Additional flowers can be used as decor. And yes, we can definitely pack a huge bouquet into your hiking pack! (I know the secret method!) Do you want to have a wedding cake? Yes, we can definitely hike that in to enjoy post ceremony! Are you interested in having your hair and makeup (HMUA) done before your ceremony? Book them ahead of time, for sure! What about a private chef cooking you a celebration dinner at your AirBnb? Think about what your dream day looks like and we’ll get to planning from there. I’m happy to help with vendor recommendations, as well! I have a huge network of elopement photographers and vendors that I can use to help you find the perfect match for your elopement day.

6. ATTIRE This is your wedding day. You are going to want to look and feel your best. This includes what you and your partner will be wearing for your elopement. Try to coordinate with your partner on style. If you’re both wearing wedding dresses, this can be done in any number of ways. You can both go with a flowy A-line or maybe a boho vibe, but you definitely don’t have to be matchy-matchy. It can also be cool to play with color; your wedding dress doesn’t have to be white! If you’re doing an adventure elopement, a huge ball gown might not be the best idea if you’re hiking for hours. But it’s totally up to you, and if you think you can pull it off, I’m here to bustle you up and get you going. For guys, try to plan your outfit to match your partner’s. This can include getting both suits from the same place (no clashing colors!) or matching your bride’s vibe. Whatever you choose, make sure that it makes you feel like a million bucks. I’m always happy to share my opinion on your wedding attire and I’m more than happy to share what I’ve learned from the elopements I’ve photographed in the past.

7. POST-CEREMONY PLANS So you did it! You eloped and are now married to the love of your life–YAY!!! Congratulations and hip hip hooray! What now? There are so many options for what to do after the ceremony and portraits. A first dance. Popping champagne. Dancing near a bonfire and drinking wine with s’mores. In addition, some people like to send out “WE ELOPED” announcements with a favorite picture from their elopement day on the front. What sounds like the end of your dream day? Consider what sounds like the best celebration of your life and we’ll make sure it happens.

So, there’s your elopement checklist. Not too bad, right? And don’t forget… When you hire me as your photographer and guide, you get more than just someone to document your day. You get a guide to help with vendors, logistics, permits, and a timeline. So hurry up and get in touch now–Let’s start planning your elopement! I can’t wait to hear from you!

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