Everything You Need to Know About Planning Your Elopement

You're engaged to the love of your life, and you've got your heart set on eloping, so what's the first step? While planning an elopement isn't nearly as involved, costly, or stressful as a traditional wedding, you still need to put a little bit of thought into it. For starters, you probably have quite a few questions about eloping. Like, how do you even go about planning one? Do you need a witness? What about a photographer?

Don't worry; we've got the answers to some of the most frequently asked elopement questions right here. Plus, I'll walk you through the step-by-step planning process so that you can have the elopement of your dreams.

Are you looking for more one on one guided help with planning your perfect elopement day?

Reach out and let’s get started, I can’t wait to help you every step of the way!

Q: What Does It Mean To Elope?

A: What was once a taboo nontraditional wedding experience, eloping is quickly gaining popularity. Though many still have Las Vegas come to mind when mentioning the word elope, the modern elopement has come a long way! From sneaking out to the local courthouse followed by drinks at your favorite bar to epic day hikes with a self-uniting ceremony at sunset, an elopement is all about the couple + the experience. In the past and in many cases today, the couple would choose to elope without telling any of their friends and family. However, more recently, eloping has come to include a wedding between a small handful of loved ones. No matter the guest count an elopement’s true value lies in creating an intimate and meaningful experience centered around the couple.

Q: What does an elopement ceremony look like?

A: Elopement ceremonies can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be - there are no rules! You can exchange rings, write your own vows, sing a song, share a joint, or do anything else that is special to you and your partner. Any type of ceremony or ritual that is meaningful to you is welcome.

Q: Do we need a witness/or an officiant?

A: This will depend entirely on your state. In most places, you will need at least one witness to sign the marriage license in order for your elopement to be legally binding, and you may need an officiant as well. In Colorado, Washington D.C., Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, you can actually self-solemnize, which means you only need two witnesses (Jp and I have been witnesses for plenty of our couples) and don’t need an officiant to have a legally binding elopement.

Learn all about the ins+outs of self-uniting here

Q: Can we elope in another country?

A: Yes and no. Some countries have some pretty elaborate guidelines in order to be legally married there, but that doesn't have to prevent you from having your ceremony abroad. An average of 9 out of 10 couples choose to have their elopement experience abroad and wait until they return home to finalize the legal documents in their home state.

10 Steps to Planning Your Elopement

1. Dream about it and start brainstorming.
   The first step is probably the most fun - start dreaming about your elopement! What does your ideal elopement look like? Where would you want to go? What type of ceremony would you want to have? Take your time with this one, and don't be afraid to get creative. The more you put into this step, the more likely it is that your elopement will be everything you've always dreamed of. Start bouncing ideas off of each other to see what sticks. Grab your favorite notebook, cozy up with each other and start daydreaming about what your elopement will look like!
   
   

2. Find your location.
   This is probably the most important part of planning your elopement - finding the right place. Do some research and find a location/area that speaks to you. It could be a remote national park, the rocky desert, a mountaintop with vast views, your favorite city, or anywhere else that feels special to you.

   Learn more about picking the perfect elopement location here.
   
   

3. Pick a date.
   Once you have a general idea of what you want, it's time to pick a date (or at least a season). Keep in mind that some locations are more popular than others and may book up far in advance, especially if you're planning on eloping in an exotic location during peak season. 
   
   

4. Decide on a budget together.
   This is a good time to start thinking about your budget. How much are you willing to spend on your elopement? Talk it over with your partner and come up with a number that both of you feel comfortable with.
   
   

5. Hire a photographer.
   A professional photographer will be an essential part of capturing your elopement memories. By eloping, you have an incredible opportunity to get married in some breathtaking outdoor locations. An elopement photographer will have experience shooting in these types of locations and will be up for the adventure to ensure that you get the most out of your photos.
   
   

6. Find other vendors.
   Once you have a photographer, it's time to start thinking about the other vendors you'll need for your elopement. Even though you've decided not to have a traditional wedding, there may still be some vendors you'd like to include:
   
   Hair and Makeup Artist
   Florist
   Videographer
   Private chef or a restaurant reservation
   Wedding Cake Baker
   
   

7. Look at local laws, park permits and research how to get a marriage license.
   Every state has different requirements for getting a marriage license, so it's important to do your research ahead of time. Same is true for State and National Parks when it comes to permits. Some states require that you apply for a license several weeks in advance, while others only require a few days. If you need witnesses and/or an officiant, you'll want to coordinate with them as well.
   
   

8. Purchase attire and other pick details.
   Now it's time to start thinking about what you'll wear on your big day! If you're planning to hike up a mountain or trek through the woods, you'll want to choose clothing that's more comfortable and practical or easy to change into. Although, I have seen some of my brides choose to wear their wedding dress regardless of the terrain, and it made their resulting photos feel even more authentic.
   As for the rest of your attire, it's totally up to you. A veil, a flower crown, or a piece of heirloom jewelry can really elevate your look and add some personal meaning to your elopement photos.
   
   

9. Book your accommodations & travel.
   Once you have all the details ironed out, it's time to start booking your travel and accommodations. If you're eloping in a location that's far from home, this is the time to start looking into airfare and hotels if you haven't already.
   
   

10. Have a plan b and be flexible.
    The best-laid plans can sometimes go awry, so it's always best to have a plan b in case something unexpected comes up. Maybe the weather forecast looks ominous for your elopement date, or one of your vendors falls through at the last minute. By being flexible and having a few backup options, you can rest assured that no matter what happens, you'll still be able to have the elopement of your dreams.

Even with a step-by-step guide, it's understandable if you still feel a little overwhelmed. That’s where I come in!

Hi! I’m Liz, I specialize in Pennsylvania elopement photography and planning. I've helped over 100 couples plan their dream elopements, and I would be honored to help guide you on this exciting adventure. I help couples create an elopement day that’s intentional and stress-free by offering a supportive, knowledgeable and kind experience that includes vendor and location research, a comprehensive elopement resource guide and custom timeline curation, ensuring couples get beautiful photos while having an incredible time.

If you're interested in learning more about how I can help plan your elopement, don’t wait contact me today and let’s get started!