If you’re ready to start planning your elopement, I can’t wait to help you! As an elopement photographer who also eloped for my wedding, I know how special elopements should be. Below, I’ll share a step-by-step guide on how to elope so you can have your dream wedding day.

My favorite part of eloping is that you can ditch the traditions and what others expect of you to create an authentic, enjoyable experience. The following steps can help you plan your perfect elopement:

• Step 1: Visualize your elopement day
• Step 2: Determine your budget
• Step 3: Hire an elopement photographer with planning assistance
• Step 4: Choose a location and time of year
• Step 5: Hire vendors
• Step 6: Book travel and accommodations
• Step 7: Plan your elopement timeline
• Step 8: Get wedding attire, accessories, and decor
• Step 9: Apply for your marriage license 
• Step 10: Write your vows

Step 1: Visualize Your Elopement Day

The first step in figuring out how to elope is knowing what you want your experience to be like. Most couples who elope dream of a fun and stress-free wedding. If that’s you, start by visualizing your perfect elopement day.

Make this a date for you and your partner. Spend quality time together over dinner, on a hike, or at a coffee shop and chat about what you genuinely want to experience together for your wedding.

These questions can help you visualize your ideal elopement:

• How do you want to feel during your elopement experience?
• Is there a specific location that’s special to you?
• Do you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony?
• What kind of scenery do you want for your pictures?
• When do you want to elope?
• Do you want to invite loved ones or celebrate with them before or after?
• Do you want a relaxing or adventurous elopement experience or a bit of both?

Step 2: Determine Your Budget

In 2023, the average wedding was $30,119, but eloping can cost far less or more. Many couples elope because it’s more affordable than a traditional wedding.

No matter your reason for eloping or how much you want to spend, determining your budget can help guide the planning process. 

Start by deciding your ideal budget and the maximum you can or want to spend. Knowing both of these numbers gives you something to base your planning on.

Typical expenses for eloping include:

• Venue – Elopement locations and permit prices can range from free or affordable to thousands of dollars if you want to splurge
• Travel and accommodations – If you’re planning a destination elopement, consider the costs of accommodations, flights, car rentals, and transportation to your ceremony location if you aren’t driving
• Meals – This includes your meals and any hosted meals if you’re inviting guests
• Vendors – You can keep it minimal with a photographer or do more with a planner, florist, chef, hair and makeup artist(s), musician(s), etc.
• Wedding attire and decor – This can also be as simple or extravagant as you’d like
• Events – This can include your elopement activities, a wedding shower, a reception, or a celebration after your elopement
• Invitations – If you’re inviting loved ones to the ceremony or a celebration after, you can send invitations via mail or e-invites

Step 3: Hire an Elopement Photographer with Planning Assistance

Many couples I work with hire me as their only vendor or in addition to other vendors. As an elopement photographer, I’m there to capture all the special moments on your big day.

I also offer planning assistance to help couples plan and execute their dream elopement. My goal is to help you bring your vision to life. This includes location scouting, timeline planning, vendor recommendations, and beautiful photos.

Hiring an elopement photographer who helps with planning can help you have a fun experience without unnecessary stress.

Step 4: Choose a Location and Time of Year

Knowing the time of year you want to elope can help you choose a suitable location, especially if you have an outdoor ceremony and/or pictures. If you already have a specific place in mind, you can research the best time of year for that location, which is something I can also help couples with.

If you’re looking at outdoor locations, don’t forget to consider your ideal weather and scenery. You’ll also need to look into permits you might need for eloping and taking pictures, which a photographer who offers planning assistance can help with.

Colorado is one of my favorite elopement locations because it’s gorgeous year-round, affordable, and you can self-solemnize your wedding. There are also many small indoor and outdoor venues, plus hiking and dog-friendly elopement locations.

Here are a few of my favorites in Colorado and some around the world:

• Rocky Mountain National Park, CO – endless gorgeous scenery
• Crested Butte, CO – an incredible hiking elopement experience
• Brainard Lake, CO – perfect for an accessible, dog-friendly elopement
• Garden of the Gods, CO – a unique park with magical red rock formations
• Yosemite National Park, CA – stunning natural beauty and fun adventures
• Moab, UT – a cute downtown area and two famous national parks
• Dolomites, Italy – ideal for adventurous couples who want to travel

Step 5: Hire Vendors

Depending on your ideal elopement experience, you might want to book other vendors. Some couples want to keep it simple with a photographer, while others want a bigger elopement or intimate wedding with multiple vendors. 

Either way, I recommend booking your photographer first because many will offer other vendor recommendations.

Other vendors you might want to book for your elopement include:

• Florist
• Caterer or private chef
• Hair and makeup artist
• Musician
• Driver or Local Guide

Step 6: Book Travel and Accommodations

If you’re having a destination elopement, it’s time to book your trip! If you’re flying, you can look at Google Flights to see the most affordable day to fly if you’re flexible and want to save on travel expenses. Then, you can book your flight directly through the airline, which helps if you need to make changes later or have flight issues.

Once your travel days are set, you can book your accommodations. Airbnb, VRBO, hotels, and local campgrounds are all great options, depending on your travel style and the experience you’re looking for.

I’m happy to offer tips and advice on the best flights and accommodation. Let’s chat!

Step 7: Plan Your Elopement Timeline

Whether you’re having a multi-day elopement or a quick ceremony, you’ll want to plan a timeline to ensure your experience is exactly what you hope for.

Consider the following activities when timeline planning:

• Adventures before and after your elopement
• The morning before your ceremony
• Exchanging vows
• A first dance
• Taking photos
• Celebrating with loved ones

When planning your timeline, go back to the dream elopement you visualized in step one and include any ideas that can make your day special. For example, my husband and I had an adventure elopement, just the two of us. We enjoyed a sunrise hike, coffee, and hammocking together. Two weeks later, we celebrated with our loved ones and watched our elopement film together.

Step 8: Get Wedding Attire, Accessories, and Decor

As you get closer to your elopement day, it’s time to plan for your attire and accessories.

Again, consider what you want your elopement day to look like. Are you hiking? You’ll want comfortable shoes. Do you want a simple or fancy wedding dress? Choose the attire that best fits your vibe!

As for rings, some couples who elope go for traditional wedding bands, while others opt for something more unique. 

Choose attire and accessories that suit your style and the experience you’re after. The same goes for decor. If you’re eloping outdoors, nature can be your decoration. You’ll also want to check your venue’s decor guidelines.

Step 9: Apply for Your Marriage License

Before you elope, you’ll want to apply for your marriage license either in your home state or the location where you’re eloping. It’s okay to take care of the legalities where you live and then travel to have your ceremony. 

If you want to legally get married where you’re eloping, you’ll need to consult the local city hall to find out the legal requirements in that location.

Usually, you’ll need to complete an application for your marriage license. Then, you’ll need to present documents like birth certificates and proof of identification. 

Step 10: Write Your Vows

You and your partner can exchange traditional wedding vows or write your own. Most couples who elope like personalizing their vows because it can make the ceremony extra special.

Use these helpful tips when writing your vows: 

• Write your vows in a vow book
• Share special memories and the commitment you want to make
• Be yourself and share what’s on your heart
• Speak directly to your partner in your vows
• Your vows can be as short or as long as you’d like

Enjoy Your Elopement Experience

Ideally, following the steps for how to elope leads to a stress-free and enjoyable experience. And when the day finally comes, you’ll be ready to appreciate the present moment and celebrate the start of a new chapter in your relationship.

I’ve worked with many elopement couples, and here are my best tips for enjoying your elopement day:

• Be prepared but flexible – A plan can help you have your dream day. However, being flexible and okay with unexpected changes, such as weather, can help you stay calm and enjoy whatever the day throws at you.
• Have appropriate clothes – Of course, you want to have your perfect wedding outfits. But remember to pack extra items, especially if you’re having an adventurous elopement and might need comfortable clothing.
• Embrace spontaneity – While you might have a plan, be open to spontaneous moments like going on one more hike, posing for fun photos, or stopping for a coffee together. This is the perfect way to create special wedding day memories.
• Incorporate wedding traditions – Even elopements can incorporate wedding traditions that might be meaningful to you, like a first dance or wedding cake.
• Include loved ones your way – One of the biggest stressors for couples who elope is deciding how to include family and friends. Announce your elopement and celebrate with loved ones in whatever way feels right for you.

Let’s Plan Your Elopement

I hope you found this article on how to elope helpful! If you’re ready to start planning your dream elopement, I’d love to help you.

All of my elopement packages include support with planning, sneak peek photos of your elopement, and a custom online gallery with all-edited high-resolution images.