10 step elopement guide

ElopementsResources
Written By Kaitlyn Hill

Eloping is an amazing way to get married as it brings the wedding back to what it’s supposed to be about - you and your partner making a commitment and starting your life as a married couple. 

It allows you to be authentic and true to yourself and your connection. 

It can feel a bit overwhelming planning an elopement because they’re still uncommon. There might not be many people in your circle who can help guide you through the planning process. It’s okay, I’ve got your back!

I’ve created this 10 step elopement planning guide to help you. It will go over what to book and when, what legal aspects you need to be aware of, and a few tips and tricks!

1. Hire your elopement photographer (2-18 months in advance)

You may want to consider hiring your elopement photographer before diving deep into planning. They’ve experienced many different kinds of elopements first hand and are a wealth of information. Many elopement photographers also provide full-service elopement planning guidance and will know of many ‘secret’ locations.

2. Choose your date and location

When choosing your wedding date, keep these in mind:

  • Seasons

  • Dates with meaning to you

  • Weekdays (many vendors & venues will have special rates for weekday elopements)

  • Photographer’s availability

Many couples who elope know exactly who they want to hire as their elopement photographer. Therefore, they plan their elopement date around their photographer’s availability. This can also help reduce the cost of your elopement because many elopement photographers will give couples a special rate if they’re eloping to a destination already in the photographer’s travel plans.

The easiest way to choose a location is to choose a place that holds meaning to you or a place you both want to visit. Many couples choose to start their honeymoon the day after their wedding because they’re already at their honeymoon destination!

3. Apply for your marriage license and other legal documents (Research asap, apply for according to the laws of the province or country)

It’s important to know the marriage laws of the province or country you’re eloping to. Every place will have its own laws and requirements to make your marriage legal. This is another reason to hire your elopement photographer first, as many know the laws and legal requirements needed in multiple countries or will know where to find that information for you.

You may also choose to sign the legal documents in your home province or country and have a symbolic ceremony at your elopement.

If you’re eloping in Alberta, Canada I’ve created a detailed guide on what legal documents are needed, links on where to find these documents, and other legal permits you may need. You can find my Elope in Alberta legally guide here.

4. Book your travel and accommodation (2-4 months in advance)

Once you know when and where you’re eloping to and you have the legal documents in order, it’s time to book your travel and accommodation. Airbnb is an affordable option to find accommodations that are unique and will help make your photos look amazing!

5. Ceremony planning 

Unlike traditional weddings, you probably won’t be having a rehearsal the night before but there are still a few things to consider. 

  • Personalized vows or traditional

  • Special ceremonies like handfasting, sand ceremony, etc.

  • Time of day to have the ceremony

6. Timeline 

Most elopement photographers will help you create a rough timeline. They’re used as a guide to making sure you fit in everything important to you. When I help couples create their timelines, I like to do this earlier than later so that my couples know what time to book their vendors for.

7. Book your vendors (2-18 months in advance)

Common vendors hired for elopements are:

  • Photographer

  • Videographer

  • Florist

  • Hair & makeup artist

  • Marriage commissioner

  • Wedding/elopement planner

  • Driver/helicopter pilot

  • Private chef

  • Etc.

8. Wedding attire (3-12 months in advance)

  • Find the dress of your dreams! Many women choose to forego the dress of their dreams because they’re worried about logistics. But this is your elopement and you deserve to feel absolutely radiant! Go ahead, get the dress! Here’s a guide I put together on How to hike in your wedding dress.

  • Suit up! The same goes for the men, get yourself a suit that makes you feel confident.

  • Get yourself comfortable footwear. As most elopements take place outside, make sure you're wearing shoes that are easy to walk on rugged terrain.

  • Don’t forget the accessories and details. When we see those ‘Pinterest-worthy’ newlyweds and wonder how to get that look, the key is in the accessories and details. Choose items that hold meaning to you like an heirloom or an object that holds an inside joke.

9. Invite your guests!

That’s right! Some couples choose to invite guests to their elopement like a few close friends, parents, and/or siblings. To keep your elopement feeling intimate try not to invite more than 20-30 guests, as that’s when it starts to become more about the guests and less about the couple.

10. Get super excited and elope!!

After you elope

Here’s a short list of things you may need to or want to do after your elopement:

  1. Mail documents (if marriage commissioner doesn’t)

  2. Change your last name

  3. Order photography products (album, wall art, prints)

  4. Send out elopement announcement card

  5. Plan a celebration with loved ones

  6. Live happily ever after 

Kaitlyn Hill
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