How to Plan an Elopement

If you’re one of those couples who isn’t attracted to the chaotic, stressful nature of a traditional wedding, you’ve come to the right place. 

Eloping is an amazing way to celebrate your love with no sacrifices, no chaotic planning, and a whole lot of authenticity. Elopements often get a bad rep, but they’re so much more than running off to Vegas or getting married at the courthouse. They can be just as magical and full of love as a traditional wedding (if not more, in my opinion)! 

A common misconception about elopements is that they don’t require much planning. All you have to do is hire your photographer, head to a pretty location, say your vows, and get on your way, right? Not quite. The best part of elopements is that you can plan as little or as much as you want! You get to center the day around you and your partner’s love for one another—only including things that fit perfectly.

Planning an elopement can be simple or more elaborate, but I’m here to give you my best tips and tricks!

Finding the Perfect Location

One of the best parts of eloping is getting to choose the location. I mean, just imagine getting to say “I Do” at the summit of a mountain while the sun rises—just wow. Arguably, this is one of the most important parts of planning. But how do you choose the perfect location for you and your partner? 

Sit down with your partner, grab a glass of wine, a notebook, and start writing down your favorite activities and locations. Write down how you both envision exchanging your vows. Will you be on the summit of a mountain or overlooking an alpine lake? Put it all together, and you’ll be able to narrow it down to a few locations that accommodate some of your favorite activities and those jaw-dropping views you dream of.

But even if you know exactly what you’re looking for, it can be hard to find the perfect location. You’re in luck because I’m not only a photographer but your right-hand woman when it comes to all things elopement planning! I’ll help you pick out the most enchanting location for those dreamy photos you envision (and even let you in on a few super-secret places).

Choose Your Activities

Okay, so you’ve got your location narrowed down, but now it’s time to plan the activities you want to include on your big day. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. Some eloping couples want the ceremony to be the main and only focus, but others want to hike to a secret waterfall or have wine and cake under the stars. No matter what, you should choose what you and your partner love the most and what represents you as a couple. 

If you’re an adventurous couple eloping in the desert, ATVing might be well worth it to include on your day. If you’re more of a bougie couple, an alpine lake, sunrise ceremony followed by a brunch with your closest family and friends could be the perfect way to celebrate your marriage.

No matter who you are or what you choose, the most important thing is making it all about you and no one else. And if you need some ideas, I’ve got you covered!

Don’t Forget the Little Details

Chances are when you plan an elopement there won’t be near as many little details as planning a big, traditional wedding. However, you don’t want to overlook anything. Don’t forget about those little details such as permits for getting married in specific locations, the officiant, guest list (if you choose to have guests), hair and makeup, your wedding attire, floral vendors, and so much more. 

I can, and absolutely will, help you pick out all these little details down to the color of the bride’s nails if you choose! No detail will be left out and you’ll be able to focus on the more important aspects of your day.

Hire a Photographer

Having enchanting, whimsical photos is a major aspect of planning your elopement. After all, you want to remember the day for the rest of your lives, right? Hiring a photographer is a very personal part of elopement planning. Everyone has a different style of photography and some may be a better fit for you than others. 

But when choosing a photographer, it’s not solely about the photos—it’s about the experience. You want to love your photos, but also feel comfortable with your photographer and excited about them capturing your most intimate day. And if you’re looking for an elopement photographer, I could be your gal!

Like I mentioned before, I am not only a photographer but your elopement day BFF! I’ll help you plan all the little details from your floral vendor to the exact trail you want to take to end up at an insanely gorgeous alpine lake nestled in the mountains of Colorado. Together we’ll plan out the perfect day for you two, making magical memories along the way. So what are you waiting for?! Fill out my contact form today and let’s get planning!