Getting Ready for Your Elopement

Have you picked your elopement destination? Congrats! In my opinion, that’s definitely the hardest part. But now that it’s out of the way, you can start focusing on all of the other little details. From activities you’re going to include during your elopement to the color of your pup’s collar, there are so many details that an elopement is comprised of. Although not as elaborate and overwhelming as a traditional, big wedding, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind when planning the schedule of your elopement day.

One of those things is where you will get ready. Every couple has a unique idea of what their day will look like. Some couples choose to get ready together but others still want that element of surprise when seeing each other for the first time all dressed up. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. But if you’re not quite sure how to go about it, I have a few ideas that might spark something for you. Here are some of the ways couples could choose to get ready for their elopement.

Getting Ready at Your Airbnb

If you’re staying at an Airbnb or hotel, you may be thinking you’ll probably get ready there before you head out for your ceremony. This is the option that most couples choose. It’s probably the simplest and most efficient way to get ready. If you’re choosing to get ready at your Airbnb before your elopement and want to make sure you don’t see each other before the first look, I recommend finding an Airbnb that has multiple rooms suitable for getting ready. This way you’ll each be able to get ready separately if you choose to do so. I would also recommend finding an Airbnb that has large enough rooms to accommodate any guests you may want in the room while you get ready.

Getting Ready on Your Hike

This one is a little more untraditional, but one of my favorites. When you’re going on an adventure elopement, chances are you’re going to want to hike to your ceremony spot. After all, this is how you’ll find the absolute best, most breathtaking views (in my opinion). But how do you get ready when you know you’re going to have to hike several miles to your destination? 

Getting ready on your hike is one of the best options for situations like this. You get to hike in your outdoor gear, but change into your wedding attire when the time is right. Some couples choose to find different areas on the trail to change to keep that element of surprise, others help each other get ready. There’s absolutely no wrong way to do it. If you’re going to be on a more crowded trail, I recommend bringing a pop-up changing tent for privacy.

Getting Ready at a Separate Location

Sometimes you want to stay as separate as possible before you say “I do.” If you’re able to, getting ready at separate locations can be a great option for this. More often than not, this option is best suited for couples who may live close to their elopement destination. This way, you won’t have to break the bank by booking two hotel rooms or Airbnbs. However, there is also nothing wrong with that option either.

Getting ready at separate locations absolutely keeps the element of surprise intact. And it’s a great option for couples who want to include friends and family during their elopement—especially while they get ready. Separate locations allow for each person to have their loved ones with them without your Airbnb, hotel, or house feeling too overcrowded.

Getting Ready Together

Last, but not least, many couples choose to just get ready together. If you’re an eloping couple, chances are you already want to break free from those typical wedding traditions, so you’re no stranger to doing things by your own book. Getting ready together is the perfect way to start off your unique elopement day. This is also a good option for couples who are eloping just the two of them and are staying in a smaller Airbnb or hotel room.

Let’s be honest, you’re marrying the person who makes you feel the most like yourself, and when you’re a little nervous, that’s the person you want to help calm you down. (At least, for me it would be!) Getting ready together can be your way of breaking free from the tradition and help calm each other’s nerves before the big day.

Of course, this is just one part of planning out your perfect elopement schedule. Whatever works best for you is absolutely the right way to do it. There’s nothing better than choosing to get married in the most authentic, meaningful way to you. And if you’re ready to start planning your ideal elopement, contact me today and let’s see if we’re a good fit!