How to Elope

Your Guide To Your Intimate Wedding Experience

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    A Note From Me

    Hey you two! I can’t tell you how excited I am that you and your partner have chosen to throw tradition to the wind, grab hold of what’s important to both of you, and create an incredibly unique wedding experience that’s a true reflection of who you are. There aren’t many couples brave enough to follow their hearts instead of following the “rules,” so, I’ll just say it outright—congrats on being pretty badass.

    The most amazing thing about choosing to elope is that you can forget all expectations, opinions, and obligations about what you’re “supposed” to do, and instead focus entirely on what matters most to you two, with nothing holding you back. All of this freedom can be a bit overwhelming though—when there’s no longer any “rules” or “formula” on what your wedding day is “supposed” to be, then how do you plan it?

    That’s where me & this guide come in—to help make the process of dreaming and planning your unique wedding day as simple and stress-free as possible. I’m here for you every step of the way. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the process of creating a wedding experience that you’ll love every minute of. I can’t wait to get to know you two better and help you create an incredible elopement day!

    xx Julie

    How This Works

    6 Steps to planning your elopement

    Just like there’s not just one way to elope, there’s also not just one way to plan an elopement.

    So while these are generally the steps to follow, it’s not always a linear process. And if you need help along the way, I’m here for you!

    • The first step in any great creative process is to dream & brainstorm. This is where you and your partner explore all of the possibilities of what your day could look like—without being hindered by details or logistics yet.

    • Once you have an overall vision for what you two want out of your day, it’s time to make the biggest decisions that will affect your elopement experience the most: who are you inviting, where are you going, and how long you’re going for.

    • The next step is plan out all of your details for your day including booking your travel and a place to stay, choosing your vendors, deciding on activities, picking out your wedding day attire, and gathering any other items or gear you may need.

    • Once you have all of the details decided on, it’s time to put your vision all together and create a timeline for your elopement or intimate wedding day (or multiple days) that fits everything you want to experience.

    • Now the planning is done and you just need to gather everything you need, pack for your trip, make sure you communicate with your guests (if you have any), and get ready to have an amazing day!

    • You did it! Your day is here. Relax and soak in every moment and be fully present with your partner. Enjoy the incredible experience you created together as you say your vows and commit your lives to each other.

     

    1)Dream up your Big Day

    WHAT WOULD YOUR WEDDING DAY LOOK LIKE IF THERE WERE NO BOUNDARIES?

    I wholeheartedly believe that no single elopement or intimate wedding is exactly like another. There's no couple out there that's exactly the same. Forget about any restrictions for a moment and just dream big. Your wedding day is about creating a day that's going to make you feel the most alive, happy, relaxed, and in-love.

    Pro Tip: Make brainstorming about your best wedding experience a date night!

    You don't need to know specifics to give this experiment a go. Grab your partner's hand (seriously, do it!) and shut your eyes. Think hard about the day you're going to stand next to each other, holding each other's hands like you're doing right now, and saying your vows. Try to picture it all.

    Prompts to inspire you as you brainstorm

     

    Pro Tip: Write down all of the ideas that are sparked during this process so that you can refer back to them later

     

     

     

    2)Make the Big Decisions First

    Once you have come up with the overall vision for your day, the next step of the planning process is about making the biggest decisions that will most affect your elopement experience:

    who you’re inviting, where you’re getting married, and how long your whole trip is going to be.

    Take your time with these and make sure what you choose is in alignment with what you two decided you wanted out of your wedding experience when you were brainstorming.

     
     

    Decide on “Who”

    Are you inviting any friends or family?

    For some couples, this is a super easy question to answer—and for others, it’s more of a debate. The truth is—an elopement doesn’t have to be just two people. You can definitely still have an intimate elopement experience and a day that’s fully centered on your relationship with your closest friends and/or family involved.

    However, if you do decide to invite family or friends along, whether it’s just a celebratory meal, the getting ready portion of the day, just the ceremony, or the whole day, make sure they’re fully on board with your vision and understand that you’re not having a big traditional wedding—but a unique celebration that’s authentic to your relationship.

    As you decide, remember that there are many beautiful ways to include family or friends in your “getting married” experience, even if they’re not physically present when you say your vows. There’s no right or wrong answer here as you’re following your heart. Don’t compromise. Don’t fall victim to expectations. Don’t let anyone else tell you how to have your day (that’s what big weddings are for).

    Things to consider when considering eloping with family or friends

    • Out of the people you’re considering inviting, is everyone on that list going to be just as excited as you about the experience and be fully on board for what you have envisioned for your day?

    • Is there someone who you think it would be really meaningful to hear your vows, or would you rather read them privately to your partner without anyone else listening?

    • Do you feel like inviting a few people could result in a “snowball effect” where you have to continue to invite more, or is there a clearly defined “short list” that you don’t imagine would spiral out of control?

    • Is there anyone you’re planning to invite that may try to take over or take control of your experience, try to shift focus away from what matters to the two of you, or who makes you uncomfortable, nervous, or stressed out?

    • How accessible do you envision your ceremony location is going to be? Can everyone you want to invite physically make it to that kind of spot?

    • What about transportation and lodging? Where is everyone traveling from and is it possible for them to get to and from your location? Are there going to be suitable places for everyone to stay nearby?

    How to Involve Friends and Family on your Elopement Day

    Have one, intimate ceremony

    Planning a single ceremony to include your family and friends in your elopement is a beautiful way to have the people closest to you standing right by your side as you commit your lives to each other. The only caveat is that you might have to consider making compromises about the ceremony location to make sure to accommodate everyone’s needs.

    Split up the day

    If you want to involve your family and friends in your ceremony, but don’t want to make compromises on your ceremony location you can have a private vow-reading with just you and your partner, and then have another ceremony with your family and friends during a different part of the day. You can choose to read the same vows for both ceremonies or you can keep your vows private and have a different type of ceremony in front of your family and friends. This way, you get to read your vows in total privacy, in the exact location you’re envisioning, but also have a meaningful ceremony with your closest people next to you.

    Spread it over two days

    If you like the idea of doing two ceremonies but feel like that would make for a very long day—spreading your elopement experience over two days can be the perfect solution to really being able to relax and not feel super rushed or exhausted. You can include your friends and family on the first day, and then have a second day all to yourselves. Or, you can have your dream 2-person elopement experience on Day 1, and then celebrate and take photos with your friends and family on the following day.

    Include in other intimate moments

    Your family and friends can be physically present and involved in your wedding day, even if you don’t necessarily want to have a ceremony with them. You can invite them to help you get ready or see your first look, before sending you off to have an entirely private ceremony by yourselves. Or you can invite them to just take some formal portraits with you afterward and have a celebratory dinner in the evening.

    How to Involve Friends + Family if They’re not Physically Present

    If you choose to have a “just us” 2-person wedding, or if you have family members or friends who aren’t able to be physically present—you can still involve them in the process of you getting married in many creative and beautiful ways.

     

    • Throw an engagement party

    • Ask them to help you pick out your wedding attire

    • Invite them to watch you sign your marriage license before you leave for your trip

    • Include family heirlooms as detail items in your day

    • Facetime, Skype, or Zoom them on your day

    • Invite them to write letters that you’ll read during your ceremony

     
     

    • Invite them to write letters that you’ll read during your day

    • Send them photos, videos, and selfies during your day

    • Open gifts or cards from them on your day

    • Bring something back for them from your trip

    • Have a party or reception with them after your elopement

    • Share your full gallery of photos with them (you can even have a photo reveal party!)

    • Gift them prints or an album

    How to Tell Friends and Family of your Plans

    TIP 1: Drop Hints And Be Obvious

    Dropping hints before getting engaged or announcing your elopement can ease friends and family into the idea of you eloping without you formally having to tell them yet reducing objections and any surprises. If there are certain people you expect will be more skeptical of the idea of an elopement, you can also ask other friends and family members to help you drop hints too.

    TIP 2: Tell Them Face To Face (Or on a Video Call)

    Many couples opt for telling their friends and family that they are eloping in-person because it makes it easier to explain why you are choosing an elopement and to share your genuine excitement through your expression and voice. If they don’t live close by, video chat is the closest replacement to telling them in-person.

    TIP 3: Share Your Reasons Why

    Some friends and family members might react to your plans based upon the misconception that your elopement means excluding them—and explaining your reasoning behind why you decided to elope can help relieve those negative feelings.

    A few common reasons you can share are:

    • We wanted to do something incredibly meaningful to us on our wedding day

    • We wanted our wedding day to be truly intimate and not performative

    • We wanted to spend as much time together on our wedding day, making each other happy instead of any guests

    • We wanted to say our vows in a beautiful and private place that just won’t fit a huge group

    • We wanted the process of getting married to be as stress-free as possible

    • We don’t want to wait to plan and pay for a big traditional wedding, and we are ready to celebrate our love sooner by eloping

    • We decided to save for a house, a travel experience, or another investment instead of spending that money on a party

    TIP 4: Keep Them Involved & Share As Many Details As You Can

    Asking your friends and family to participate in your planning process can help them feel like they are still involved in your big day in some way while also reassuring them that they are not being excluded. Telling your friends and family about all the details of your elopement day can help them understand the time, energy, effort, and thought that you’ve put into creating your elopement ceremony—and why it’s perfect for you and your relationship. Keeping them informed allows them to feel involved and excited since they know what you are planning.

    TIP 5: Share Your Photos With Them

    Some couples reveal their elopement with their friends and family by surprising them with the elopement pictures—which are the best and most tangible way to show how much fun you had on your actual elopement day. Sharing your photos can help those who weren’t present understand what your elopement was all about because they can see your joy, your happiness, and overall how incredible the day was for you and your partner.

    TIP 6: Remember The Day Is For You

    It’s good to empathize with friends and family who may be initially disappointed in your plans—but don’t forget that your wedding day is a celebration of your love with your partner (not anybody else) and that you deserve to have the day that feels right and authentic to you

     

    Decide on “Where”

    Where do you want to say your vows?

    There are a ton of factors that will affect your elopement day, but picking your location is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle that will determine the experience of your elopement day.

    Your location should feel right for you—it should be somewhere you feel overwhelmingly happy, somewhere you feel absolutely alive, somewhere you know you and your partner can focus on each other and truly be in the moment.

    Factors to Consider When Picking Your Location

    • What type of scenery do you and your partner feel connected to? What views fill you with a sense of happiness, inspiration, and peace? Where would feel the most “you” to say your vows? Remember back to your brainstorming stage of the process and what you two determined about your vision for your day. What scenery would fulfil that experience that you’re dreaming of?

    • Some types of scenery and landscapes really shine at certain times of year—so consider the season you’ve chosen to elope, and what types of scenery are best at that time of year. If you’re getting married in the spring, waterfalls tend to be flowing there best, there’s usually a lot of snow at high altitudes, and the desert can be quite pleasant. If you’re eloping in the middle of summer, you could go somewhere with blooming wildflowers and high-elevations are more accessible. If you’re eloping in the fall, consider where the best fall colors may be.

    • How accessible your location is will greatly affect your elopement-day experience. What types of transportation are you and any potential guests willing to take to get to your spot? A long car ride? A bumpy 4x4 road? A bush plane, float plane, helicopter, gondola, or ferry? Are you (and any potential guests) excited about hiking to a location? Make sure you deeply consider what experience would be the most fun, relaxing and totally “you.” How accessible you want your spot to be can help you narrow down your location options. Also keep in mind any other guests that might be attending and their capacity to travel or hike.

    • In a perfect world—your elopement location would ideally have world-class postcard scenery, super easy accessibility, and total seclusion—but most of the time you usually have to prioritize two out of those three. Some locations that are easier to access usually have less privacy because of it. The general rule of thumb (although not a set rule) is that the further you are willing to travel, the more secluded your spot will probably be—so ask yourself how many people you would be comfortable having around or how much privacy you would be willing to give up for a Instagram-trending view. You can also find great seclusion at “hidden gem” locations that are just as gorgeous as the Instagram trendy spots—just less well known. Eloping at sunrise is another way to get more privacy at a typically busy spot.

    • Be intentional about the place you decide on and the significance it has to you now or could have to you in the future. Maybe it is a favorite place to travel to with your partner, a place you’ve always wanted to go, or a place that you could travel back to every year to celebrate your anniversary.

    • Beyond saying your vows and taking portraits, what else do you want to do on your elopement day (or weekend or longer)? Whether you want to relax in a hammock between the trees, take a helicopter or float plane ride, go sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, paragliding, wine tasting, or stargazing—some locations will lend themselves better to certain activities. When you are planning these activities as a part of your day and your overall trip, keep in mind realistically how long they will take and how long it might take to get from one to the next (with a buffer just in case)! If you have your heart set on a particular activity—this could help you narrow down where you choose to elope.

    • Do you want others to be involved in your elopement or just you and your partner? If you do opt to invite guests, be intentional with how many people you invite, aware of any accessibility or travel needs, and decide on how much of the day they will be involved in. Figuring out the number of guests involved is an important component of choosing a location since some locations have very specific limits on the number of guests that can be in attendance—but don’t be discouraged because there are gorgeous places out there that can accommodate more guests! Just be certain that you are setting realistic expectations with any guests in attendance about how much traveling is involved and how much they are going to be involved with your elopement day.

    Tips for Picking the Best Location for You!

    Location Tip #1

    Prioritize Your Experience

    You’ve chose to elope in the first place because you and your partner wanted to be true to your authentic selves and have a fun, stress-free day—so don’t pick a location that isn’t aligned with what you two know about yourselves and what you really enjoy doing together on an everyday basis. There are endless beautiful places in the world—so don’t feel any pressure to travel too far, hike too far, or do anything that isn’t you, just to get to a certain backdrop. The most important thing is that you two enjoy your day—so make sure the spot you pick and what’s required to get there, is aligned with that.

     

    Location Tip #2

    Don’t Rule Out a Multi-Location Elopement

    Can’t decide on a single spot for your elopement location? Then don’t! Going to more than one location is a really great way to get a ton of variety of scenery, activities, and experiences. If you two love touring around, sightseeing, and soaking in as much as possible—a multi-location elopement could be perfect for you! Also remember that you don’t have to fit your elopement experience into one single day—if there are several spots you want to visit and see together, don’t be afraid to spread your experience across more than one day.

     

    Location Tip #3

    START THINKING ABOUT BACKUP LOCATIONS

    While it’s important to consider all of the factors that will help you narrow down to the most ideal elopement location—it’s just as important to think about backup locations. When deciding on your first choice location, remember that sometimes conditions can be unpredictable (like road closures or bad weather)—especially if you want to elope outdoors. Having a flexible attitude toward where exactly you end up saying your vows can really help your wedding day be perfect, no matter what circumstances you run into. I recommend deciding on a few backup options in the early stages of the planning process so you’ll feel super prepared in case they are needed.

     

    Location Tip #4

    Don’t forget to think about permits

    Many locations on public lands (like National Parks, State Parks, National Forest Land, BLM Land, etc) require permits in order to have a ceremony or have a photographer/videographer document it professionally. Before finalizing your location, make sure you contact the designated person or entity in charge of that location (like a ranger station or park staff in charge of special events, special use, or commercial use permits) and get first-hand information on what’s required for your specific event. Some locations don’t require a permit for smaller events, but it’s important to always check ahead of time.

    Ask about how much time would be needed to secure the permit, possible restrictions of the permits, how many guests that permit would allow for, whether or not the photographer would need to apply for a seperate commercial use permit, and what the costs of the permits are. It’s best to get permit information in writing in case you are asked to show proof.

     

    Location Tip #5

    BE READY TO Leave No Trace

    Leave No Trace is a set of ethics that everyone who recreationally uses the outdoors should strive to practice in order to do their part in protecting the environment. It is made up of 7 principles that guide decisions to leave the least amount of impact possible on outside spaces:

    • Plan Ahead and Prepare

    • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

    • Dispose of Waste Properly

    • Leave What You Find

    • Minimize Campfire Impacts

    • Respect Wildlife

    • Be Considerate of other Visitors

    To best follow Leave No Trace, you should do research beforehand so that you can make a plan to stick to trails and other durable surfaces, be ready to leave everything you find and pack out everything that you bring in, and be prepared in case you encounter any local wildlife.

    Following the Leave No Trace ethics helps preserve outdoor spaces and our access to them by making sure that we use them sustainability and responsibly–so that you can return to whatever location you choose to have a vow renewal or anniversary session and still have it be as pristine as the day that you got married.

     

    Decide on Length of Trip

    The journey from dating to being married can have many steps and “thresholds” that you two cross as a couple—so the final big-picture decision to make about your experience of getting married is how many days your whole trip is going to be and if there’s any additional celebrations you plan to have along the way. Multi-day elopement Many couples choose to spread the joy over multiple days. You may want to consider a multi-day elopement if you want some of your time to be with friends & family, and some of it to be just you two. Make sure the overall trip you are planning includes time for your celebration to extend beyond just one day. Post-Elopement Reception A reception can be anything from a casual BBQ in your backyard to taking over a local brewery or restaurant, to doing something fancy in a catered venue. Deciding to have a reception may change who you want to invite to your actual wedding day, or where you decide to elope. From experience, I'd suggest you plan it 3-6 months afterward, so it's not stressing you out on your real wedding day. Engagement session An engagement session is a fantastic way to enjoy the excitement of being engaged, and practice being relaxed in front of the camera. Engagement photos are also perfect to use in elopement announcements, intimate wedding invitations, guest book, or in decor for your hotel room. If you’d like to chat more about doing an engagement session—just shoot me an email and I’d be stoked to chat about it with you!

     

    3)Plan Out the Details

    Once you've figured out the big picture decisions for your elopement day, it's time to start planning the details!

    You'll need to book your travel, book a place to stay (either for just the two of you or also for your guests), choose what vendors to hire, pick out your wedding day attire, and gather any extra gear you may need. Take your time with all of these decisions and most of all, have fun with it!

    Book Your Travel

    Before booking your trip, make sure you've confirmed your chosen elopement location with me. That way I can make sure everything's squared away and even give you some travel advice that's specific to the spot you're headed. PRO TIP: Along the way, I've picked up a few must-know tips for booking your best travel experience.

     

    TIP 1: Can Get to Your Location Early

    I highly suggest getting to your wedding location as early as your schedule allows. If there's a time change from your home to your destination, giving yourself a few days to get adjusted really helps. If you're going to a high-elevation location, it's extremely helpful to have at least 48-72 hours to acclimate to the altitude.

    TIP 2: Check Flight Sales & Use Rewards (if you have them)

    If you have been collecting travel rewards with credit cards, this could be a great reason to redeem them. Oftentimes, business class or first class flights are a really good value to redeem with points. If you haven't explored credit card rewards for travel yet, exploring these 2 sites is a great place to start!

    thepointsguy.com

    millionmilessecrets.com

    Use them to set up alerts for sales from your local airport or monitor sales for particular routes you are interested in.

    google.com/flights

    kayak.com

    scottscheapflights.com

    Airfarewatchdog.com

    Book Your Lodging

    I personally suggest viewing your lodging as part of your whole wedding experience. Think outside the box and give yourself permission to consider really fun rentals like cute Airbnbs, A-frames in the woods, treehouses, yurts, oceanside villas, or any kind of place that's aesthetically appealing, super enjoyable, and fits the vibe for the rest of your day. Pick somewhere that you two will thoroughly love spending time together.

    PRO TIPS for Booking Lodging:

    • Think about natural light

    • Check Reviews

    • How far is it from your ceremony spot?

    • Think about your own private space before/after

    Need Some Accomodation Inspo?

    Here are a few resources I like to look out for when I'm looking for fun, unique places to stay.

    • Airbnb/VRBO

    • Glamping Hub

    • Boutique Homes

    • Under Canvas

    • InvitedHome

    • Book a Treehouse

    • Castle Rentals

     

    Choose Your Vendors + Details

    The most common vendors that couples hire for elopements & intimate weddings are florists, hair & makeup artists, officiants, chefs & caterers, and videographers. While it's not required to hire any particular vendors for your day, partnering with a few high-quality, amazing vendors can absolutely elevate your experience.

    Here’s my best advice on how to pick the best high-quality vendors:

     

    Things to Consider When Hiring Vendors

    • I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from couples that they were happiest with their photos when they looked closer to their everyday selves. For example, if you typically wear your hair down, a fancy updo might not be the best option for you on your wedding day. Similarly, if you don’t wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis, you might not feel comfortable with a heavy makeup style on your wedding day.

      To keep your skin looking true to life, it’s best to avoid mineral sunscreens, spray tans, and self-tanner on or before your elopement day.

    • Professionally designed florals can add so much color and romantic “wedding vibes” to your day in a way that can be totally customized to your style. The floral arrangements I’ve seen that work the best for elopements need to hold up to transport well and also potential outdoor elements such as hot or cold temperatures or wind. Ask your florist for hearty blooms that aren’t super fragile and look for things like dried flowers, grasses, plants with woody stems, sustainably sourced feathers, and materials that don’t produce seed. Depending on your location, you may need to go with native, non-invasive species.

      When talking with your florist:

      Let them know your budget, color schemes, season, location, and vision for your day.

      Tell them if you are hiking or expect the flower to be jostled around a lot. If so, communicate that you’re looking for a hearty bouquet that will last.

      Send photos and inspiration of what you’re looking for. Are you looking for a more “wild” bouquet, or something more round and traditional?

      Would you like any floral hair pieces? Boutonnieres? Corsages? Additional florals for decorating? Loose stems to use for photos of your details?

      Be sure to trust in the professional and let them guide you through color theory and the creative process. Do your best to remain open to the ideas— a collaborative process always results in the most wonderful outcomes!

    • Marriage laws vary greatly throughout countries and states. For example, in some U.S. states you can legally self-solemnize (marry yourselves), while others may require an officiant and/or witness(es). In some states, you can even have a friend or family member get ordained easily and for free through an organization like the Universal Life Church, which is recognized in most U.S. states. If you do choose to have an officiant, they will play an important role in your ceremony, so it’s important to make sure you find someone you really click and connect with.

    • Video can be a great additional way to document your elopement story! When considering adding video to your day, it’s key to find a videographer with a similar shooting approach to your photographer. I personally prefer collaborating with non-intrusive, documentary-style, videographers who don’t turn your day into a production. To keep an intimate and private feel to your elopement day, consider hiring a solo videographer instead of a team of videographers.

    • It’s super important to stay well fed and hydrated during your day, and one of the easiest things to forget about is food! Hiring a private chef to create you a stunning and delicious one-of-a-kind meal is a well-worth-the-indulgence experience that you’ll never forget. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself and remember that this is your wedding day, and while hiring your top-choice chef or caterer might cost more per person than someone would typically spend on a plate of food for a big wedding— with less guests (or just the two of you), it’s something definitely worth considering splurging on!

    • A musician can be a great touch to your elopement day. Having live music can really amplify your elopement day experience-- whether you plan to invite someone to play softly during your ceremony or you hire your favorite local band to perform a private concert as you enjoy dinner and dancing.

      Some considerations:

      Not all locations allow amplified music, especially in National Parks and public spaces, so a live musician can be a great alternative.

      Your lodging can offer a great private space for your wedding concert, especially if amplified music is not permitted at your ceremony site.

      Consider the mood you’re setting. Are you looking for something mellow and acoustic? Or something more upbeat for dancing and celebrations?

      Will you be doing a first dance? Are there specific songs you’d like played?

      Remember, music can be a great source of entertainment for all, especially if there will be some “down time” for guests while you’re out taking portraits.

    • Many eloping couples choose to indulge in some sort of sweets on their wedding day. Hey, why not?! Traditionally the dessert of choice is wedding cake, but you could absolutely think outside of the box and choose any favorite dessert—pies, cookies, cupcakes, ice cream, donuts, etc.!

      Your baker will be able to guide you with portion sizes for the number of guests and will work with you to create the perfect design. Pinterest is a great place to gather some inspiration ahead of time too!

      If this isn’t an area you’d like to splurge on, but you’d still like to enjoy a nice treat, consider going to a nearby bakery or organic grocery store and purchasing a pre-made dessert. You can easily transfer it to a beautiful plate, add some floral decorations around the edges, and have a professional looking dessert in no time!

    • While I love helping couples find amazing outdoor locations for wedding ceremonies & portraits and giving all of the advice I have, I’m not a full-service elopement planner who will book vendors for you. If you need in-depth assistance with booking lodging & catering, would like to have someone do all the coordination with your vendors, or are looking for a day-of coordinator who could help with set up and tear down, I’d suggest reaching out to a full-service planner who specializes in elopement and intimate wedding planning.

    • Some unique ideas to infuse into your wedding day

      A jeweler that will let you make your own rings

      A tattoo artist who will give you wedding day tattoos

      A hot air balloon, helicopter, or float plane pilot

      A professional 4x4 or vintage vehicle driver

      A rock climbing, canyoneering, or mountaineering guide

    Personal Vendor Recommendations

    I do my absolute best to vet everyone who is on this list, but ultimately it's your responsibility to do your own research and contact vendors directly. This is a constantly evolving list, so if you have a personal experience with a vendor that you'd like to share, I'm all ears!

    Vendor: Hair + Makeup

     

    Michigan

    I've been working with EV for 5 years now. Traveling Team

    Colorado

    Vendor: Florist

     

    Michigan

    Her passion for creating beautiful pieces that will withstand nature’s elements.

    Colorado

    Vendor: Officiants

     

    Michigan

    Colorado

    Vendor: Catering + Private Chefs

     

    Michigan

    Colorado

    Vendor: Videographer

     

    Michigan

    Colorado

    Vendor: Planners

     

    Michigan

    Colorado

    Vendor: Desserts + Wedding Cake

     

    Michigan

    Colorado

    Vendor: Musicians

     

    Michigan

    Colorado

    Choose your Activities

     

    Activity Ideas

    There are lots of activities you can do that aren't limited to just a ceremony and reception. This is your chance to craft an entire day together, from start to finish, that is representative of who you are as a couple.

    The best place to start this process? Ask yourselves things like:

    • What are our favorite activities to do together?

    • What do we do for fun on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis?

    • How could we incorporate what we love to do on our elopement day?

    • Is there a new activity that we want to try together on our elopement day?

    Think outside the box! Get creative and don’t be afraid to splurge—it’s your wedding day, after all!

    Hiking + 4x4 Roads

    Hiking

    Nothing says badass elopement like a hiking adventure to your ceremony spot. There are so many trails out there I'd be happy to show you! Whether you love a casual jaunt in the woods to connect with nature or absolutely love tackling a tough hike together, there are trails for you!

    4x4 Roads

    If your ideal spot is on a 4x4 road, consider renting a jeep or hiring a driver so you can access it (and relax and enjoy the ride). You can also access 4x4 locations by renting ATV or UTV vehicles.

    Adrenaline Pumping + Relaxing

    Adrenaline Pumping

    Unless you’re a certified professional, you’re going to want to hire a guide for some of these activities!

    • Paragliding

    • Rappelling

    • Hiking a Via Ferrata

    • Rock Climbing or Bouldering

    • SkyDiving

    • Base Jumping

    • Bungee Jumping

    • Slacklining or Highlining

    • Canyoneering or Caving

    • Sandboarding or Sandsledding

    • Mountain biking

    • Dancing

    Relaxing

    • Sightseeing

    • Laying or walking on a beach

    • Going on a safari

    • Taking a motorcycle ride

    • Riding bikes

    • Horseback riding

    • Soaking in a hot tub

    • Relaxing in a hammock together

    • Doing yoga together

    • Drawing or painting

    • Hanging out in a treehouse

    • Having a picnic

    • Wine Tasting

    • Drink tea or coffee

    • Fishing

    Water + Snow

    Water

    Feel alive on the water? There are so many water activities you can do on your elopement day!

    • Canoes

    • Kayaks

    • Paddleboards

    • White water rafting

    • Fishing

    • Soaking in hot springs

    • Cliff jumping

    • Packrafting

    • Scuba diving or snorkeling

    • Jetskiing

    Snow

    • Eloping in the winter or late spring in the mountains? There are so many water activities you can do on your elopement day!

      • Snowmobiling

      • Snowshoeing

      • Skiing (downhill or cross-country)

      • Snowboarding

      • Sledding

      • Snowball fight

      • Ice Skating

    Night + Camping + Backpacking

    Night

    Just because the sun sets doesn’t mean the fun is over. There are so many night activities you can include in your day!

    • Stargazing

    • Cozying up next to a campfire

    • Making s’mores & cooking a campfire dinner

    • First dance by firelight

    • Night hiking

    CAMPING, Glamping, Backpacking & Glampacking

    If you think it would be fun to camp the night before or after your elopement, you can pitch a tent yourself or rent a glamping experience. You could take a few days to backpack on a trail you’ve always wanted to explore—or book a guided overnight where your stuff is carried for you and camp is all set up (glampacking!).

    Activities with Guests

    Guests

    Want to involve your friends, family, kiddoes or your fur babies in some activities on your day? Here’s a few ideas!

    • Go on a walk with your dog

    • Play yard games

    • Play card games

    • Have a dance party

    • Piñatas

    • Photo or video booth

    • Karaoke

    Plan out your activities

    Some of these ideas don’t require a lot of planning to incorporate them into your wedding day, while others you’re going to want to book in advance or hiring a professional guide. Make sure you schedule enough time for these in your day (or days) so that you can enjoy them fully without feeling rushed.

    Purchasing you Attire and Gear

    When picking out your wedding attire, remember that you're likely going to be wearing it all day. Your perfect wedding attire is the one that best "fits" you. Many couples have told me that they started shopping for one particular style in mind and ended up with choosing something completely different. There are no rules—pick what you love most!

     

    Tips for Picking the Dress

    —> Your dress doesn’t have to be white—it can be any color you want!

    —> See how the dress flows and reacts to movement. Pick up the bottom fabric and mimic wind, twirl and spin to see how flowy it is.

    —> If you plan to do a longer hiking elopement, it’s a great idea to pack your dress in a backpack and then change when you get to your ceremony spot—consider avoiding heavier materials like corsets, boning, tulle, and super puffy skirts. Go for something lightweight!

    —> Even if you’re not hiking, you’ll likely want to be able to move around freely. Are you able to take a big upward step in the dress? Will you be able to climb up on a rock or tree stump for an epic photo? Raise both arms up, dance, skip, sit, run, swish it! Make sure it has the movement you love.

     
     

    —> Veils, capes, and shoulder shawls can add extra movement and add tons of drama to your photos.

    —> If your elopement might have colder temperatures, find some cozy shawls or jackets that coordinate with your dress.

    —> Not looking for a dress but still want something sort of flowy? Try looking for skirts and sweaters. Maybe even a jumpsuit!

    —> Think through who will be joining you while shopping and doing fittings. I recommend only inviting people who are supportive of your vision, are totally on your team, and who can give you kind and honest feedback when asked.

    —> Keep in mind that some dress shops can take up to 6 months to actually get a gown in, then you’ll also want to leave yourself with additional time for any necessary alterations.

    —> Never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision. It’s ok to leave a shop having not found the perfect dress. You will find the one!

     
     

    Tips for Picking the Suit/Tux

    —> Your suit doesn’t have to be black and the top doesn’t have to match the bottom! Mixing and matching colors and materials for jackets and pants can be a fun way to add personality to your attire. Don’t be afraid to think outside the traditional box.

    —> Consider fun patterns and materials in your ensemble. It’s okay to go for corduroy pants, a leather jacket, a shirt with penguins on it, or a knitted cardigan. Not everything has to be black tie formal or traditional linen.

    —> Don’t forget about accessories! Adding unique details like suspenders, vests, bolo ties, bow ties, neckerchiefs, scarves, hats, belts, belt-buckles, pocket watches, cufflinks, and pocket squares can be another way to add more interest, detail, and personality into your attire.

    —> Make sure your choices are easy to move around in and don’t fall off too easily. Try taking big strides, squatting down, sitting in a chair, sitting on the ground, stretching, and jumping around. See how easy it is to move in the attire, and make sure it’d be comfortable enough to adventure in!

    —> Consider bringing along a few trusted people to help you make your selection and give you kind feedback on what works best for you.

    —> Consider leaving some additional room to add a base layer underneath your suit if you’ll be in a cold environment on your wedding day.

     

     Tips for Picking the Best Footwear

    • Consider the environment that you’re eloping in. Make sure your footwear is appropriate for where you’re going and will enable you to have the most enjoyable time. I usually recommend going for function over form for shoes—as they don’t tend to be the most important focal point of your photos, but uncomfortable footwear can really hinder your experience.

    • If you’re eloping outdoors, good, solid footwear with actual tread is important when walking or hiking on natural surfaces. There could be great photo spots on top of rocks, boulders, etc. that require stable footing—so unless you plan to spend 100% of your day on flat pavement or a manicured lawn, you’re likely going to want supportive shoes with good grip.

    • For most locations, I personally recommend against wearing heels or dress shoes that are completely smooth on the bottom—good tread and support means more options for exploring and moving around freely without worrying about tripping, falling, sliding, tripping, or twisting an ankle.

    • If your location is cold, you might want to leave extra room in your boots for thick socks and toe warmers. Make sure to get a great pair (and extra pair) of wool socks—which will wick moisture away from your skin and provide better insulation (even when wet). Toe warmers can also be a lifesaver for cold environments. Your extremities are the first to get cold, so I definitely suggest stuffing a few in your boots.

    • If your location has the potential to be snowy or icy, get a pair of traction spikes that fit over your shoes to make sure you won’t slip or fall.

    • If your location is warm, you can consider a supportive open-toed sandal, and if you’re getting married on warm sand, you may even want to consider going barefoot (or wearing barefoot sandals only) for part of the day unless the sand is too hot.

    • For hiking elopements, I recommend wearing the best pair of hiking boots you can find. You can choose to either keep them on for your ceremony and photos or change them out. It’s totally up to you! Just remember, if you opt to switch shoes, they’ll still need good tread if you want to explore around freely for your photos.

    • If you purchase a new pair of hiking boots or shoes for your day, make sure you break them in ahead of time to avoid blisters or finding out day-of that they aren’t comfortable for all-day wear.

    Footwear Recommendations

     

    Shoes

    • REI In person stores scattered throughout the US, including online shopping. My favorite store for all camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and more!

    • Merrell Most great for light hiking. Personally, I have a pair of these and they have pretty good traction.

    • Danners Insulated for Adventure. Don't be afraid to order a Men's size too if you like the style.

    • Lowa Have wider feet? These might work better.

    • Lems Boulder Boot or Nine2Five Shoe

    Accessories

    • Yak Trak Lightweight, affordable, and easy to put on and take off.

    • Crampons Stronger and safer spikes

    Don’t Forget to Layer Up: Layers

    Base

    I highly suggest wearing fleece or wool leggings or yoga pants underneath. More than one layer can be beneficial, too (depending on the time of year and location). If your baselayer matches your skin color, it will blend in well for photos!

    Mid

    Bring something warm like a sweater, shawl, fleece, or down jacket depending on your environment. Consider bringing an option to keep you warm that you won’t mind being photographed in.

    Outer

    This is your primary defense against the elements! A rain shell will protect you from rain, snow, and wind.

    Don’t Forget to Layer Up: Accessories

    Accessories

    Keep those extremities warm! Gloves, mittens, a beanie, ear warmers, a scarf, a buff, etc.

    Blankets

    This is a great option for warming up between exploring and makes for great, cuddly photos, too!

    Hand/Body Warmers

    Total lifesavers, I swear by these! I highly recommend having some to stash in your pockets, gloves, mittens, and to pass out to any guests!

    Adventure Gear Pro Tips

    Some adventures call for a bit more gear—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You might need a few of these things to make your elopement experience even more epic. 

    • If you’re hiking or even just exploring one area, you may want to consider a backpack to hold your extra layers, water, snacks, vow books, etc. If you are carrying quite a bit of weight and/or hiking far, you will want to get one with sturdy hip straps to help take the weight off of your shoulders.

    • A must-have if you’re hiking in the dark! And so great for star photos, too. If you’re hiking or exploring in time to catch a sunrise or after sunset, you each need one of these!

    • Drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated will also help keep you from getting altitude sickness. Bring it along in a hydration pack or water bottle. For longer hikes and overnight backpacking, I recommend bringing along a water filtration system.

    • Don’t forget to pack tons of snacks to keep your energy up. I find for early morning hikes when I don’t have much appetite, runner’s gels or energy chews are great options to get quick calories and energy. Also consider packing a picnic to enjoy and celebrate after saying your vows.

    • Warming up from the inside out in cold conditions is always a treat! Consider bringing along some hot soup or a warm drink like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, a hot toddy, etc. in a thermos.

    • This is a great option for doing some light cooking in the backcountry (which includes more remote areas that are not heavily trafficked by tourists and other guests). Boil water for a hot cup of tea or coffee, or cook up some oatmeal, scrambled eggs, or a backpacker’s meal!

    • Recommended for long and particularly steep hikes to give your knees a break. They can also help if you are hiking through any snow and need some extra stability!

    • Sunscreen is so important to wear every day, but especially when at high altitudes and on sunny days when in the snow. Depending on your location, bug spray may be a lifesaver as well.

    • When outdoors, it’s important to be prepared if you need to relieve yourself in the woods. I recommend always following Leave No Trace Principles and using Wag Bags or Biffy Bags to dispose of waste when in an area with no bathroom facilities.

     

    4)Craft your Timeline

    Once you have some decisions made, it's time to put everything together and plan out the timeline. This is where your elopement or intimate wedding experience starts to feel super real.

    Don't worry—it's not about scheduling out every minute of your day, but rather making sure that you have time for everything you want to do, see, and experience together.

    How Much Coverage is Enough?

    How Much Coverage is Enough?

    When planning out the timeline for your elopement day (or days), you might be wondering, how much of it should you have documented by me?

    Want my honest opinion? Well here it is:

    Your day deserves just as much documentation as anyone else getting married—and maybe even more.

    Why? Well, here are three reasons.

    More Than 2 Hours

    The day you get married is so much more than that. Your wedding day is going to be the day you remember every year on your anniversary. Everything that happened that day from sun up to sun down is a part of your experience. Couples having big weddings get the entire story of their day, so why shouldn't you?

    Details

    If you’re spending all of this time intentionally planning the absolute best, most authentic experience for you and your partner—don’t you want to be able to relive all of it and remember it precisely, in full-color detail?

    Sharing

    If you’re not having as many people attend your event in-person, the photos of your day are truly the only way to share your experience with others—don’t you want to be able to do that?

    Sunrise Vs. Sunset

    What time of day should you have your elopement ceremony and couples portraits taken? Sunrise and sunset are favorite times among photographers to take pictures because of the golden lighting and vibrant colors. In sunny climates, midday sunlight can create harsh under-eye shadows, which is why the middle of the day is usually recommended for indoor photos. You can do BOTH with FULL DAY or MULTI DAY Elopements!!

     

    Sunrise

    • Can be more secluded

    • Potentially better weather

    • “Alpenglow” On East Facing Locations

    • It’s a great way to start your day

    Sunset

    • Can be secluded

    • You can sleep in

    • Great light for west-facing views

    • You’ll be warmed up

    Getting Ready

    Why getting ready & details photos matter.

    I recommend starting your day off in a relaxed manner, waking up with plenty of time to get ready. During this time I will photograph all of your special wedding details that you've put so much time and effort into.

    These include your wedding attire, rings, jewelry, vow books, florals, invitations or announcements, etc. This is also a great time to give your partner any special gifts.

    Will you get ready together or separately?

    Some couples choose to get ready together, sharing a mirror as you fix your hair. There is no wrong way to do this, it's all up to you and how you envision your day panning out.

    Some of the sweetest photo opportunities include, zipping your partner up into their wedding dress, tying a bow tie, or lacing up boots for each other.

    Tips on how to have the best getting ready + detail photos

    It's important to keep the rooms you are getting ready in neat and do any necessary tidying up the day before. Try to pick up any loose clothing on the floor, move any luggage or miscellaneous items to one side of the room, or out of the rooms altogether. This will allow me to candidly photograph you two without any clutter or distractions in the frame. It will also create a more calm and peaceful environment for you to get ready in.

    Once I arrive, I may do some slight rearranging depending on lighting scenario, but don’t worry, I’ll put everything back in its place for you when we wrap up!

    When searching for photogenic places to stay, here are a few things to keep in mind

    • Always look for a nice, clean, calm, and open space

    • The more natural window light, the better

    • The less busy and distracting the space and decor is, the better

    • Consider the general aesthetics and decor–do they match the vibe you’re going for?

    Amazing & heartfelt moments to incorporate into your getting ready photos

    • Copying your vows into your vow books

    • Writing and reading each other love notes

    • Giving a gift to your partner

    • Reading letters from family or friends

    • Facetiming with loved ones who are not present

    • Reading love notes or cards from early on in your relationship

    • Framed photos set up of loved ones who have passed

    Having your hair and makeup done by a window will enable you to capture getting ready portraits in the most flattering light.

    Having your makeup done in window light will also help ensure it will look natural once you are outdoors.

    Your hair and makeup artist will likely be in search of the best light in the room to apply your makeup anyhow.

    I will be capturing portraits of you before you put on your wedding attire, so consider opting for a nice casual outfit, robe, nightgown, or pajama set rather than sweatpants and a neon-colored graphic tee.

    You'll be just as comfortable but it'll bring that extra something special to your getting ready portraits. Think about what you will be wearing before putting on your dress or wedding attire!

    Consider including details that help illustrate the story of your day that are outside of the norm. These include a postcard from the location you are saying your vows, extra loose flower stems from your florist, and a special ring box or jewelry case.

    How Much Time Do I Need For Getting Ready Photos?

    How many people will be present? Are there any specific moments that you'd like to make sure are included? Generally two hours is enough time for most, enabling me to fully capture the details of most of your day.

     

    Getting Ready Checklist

    • Declutter your space. Tuck all clothing, suitcases, and miscellaneous items away.

    • Collect all details you’d like to have photographed.

    • Create a calm atmosphere with music, candles or incense, and window light.

    • Relax with a warm cup of tea, coffee, hot coco, or a mimosa.

    • Enjoy these precious first moments of your wedding day.

     

    First Look

    What is a First Look?

    Your first look is the moment you see your partner for the first time on your wedding day, all done up and looking incredible. First looks are often emotional at first, followed by a stream of pure excitement and joy. You realize you're right where you're supposed to be, about to have one of your best experiences yet together.

    Why have a first look?

    Having a first look is your opportunity to see your partner for the first time in their wedding attire. It allows you to spend as much time as possible together, even if you want to get ready separately.

    It's a moment where you can fully be present without distraction. Often couples feel less nervous and more excited once they have had their first look to themselves.

    Where do couples have their First Look?

    I love when couples stand there for a moment before the grand reveal, maybe exchanging sweet words as the anticipation builds. Some couples choose to travel separately to their first portrait location or trailhead and do a first look there.

    This is also a great option for sunrise elopements if it has been dark outside up until this point. I'll be happy to help give you guidance on the perfect nearby first look location.

    Planning your Ceremony

     

    Legal Side of your Ceremony

    It's up to you what traditions you want to honor and which ones you would rather leave behind. Your ceremony can be completely personalized to you, your partner, and the relationship that you've built together.

    Other couples will choose to travel separately to their first portrait location or trailhead and do a first look there. This is also a great option for sunrise elopements if it has been dark outside up until this point.

    The legal side of getting married depends entirely on where you live and where you elope–so do your research beforehand and familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations and decide if you want to go through the steps of getting legally married on your actual wedding day, or if you’d prefer to do it before, after, or not at all.

    Options for getting married

    • Officiant + Witness. Most U.S. States require you to have an officiant and witnesses for your ceremony and sign your license. You can hire a professional officiant, ask a friend or family member that's attending to get ordained online (if that's legal in that state). As far as witnesses go, make sure to research the exact regulations for your location. In most states, anyone over 18 can be a witness.

    • Self Solemnize. Some U.S. states like Colorado, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C. allow you to self-solemnize–which is a law that grants you and your partner to legally marry each other without any officiant or witnesses

    • Courthouse. If you're looking to get married, research beforehand whether you need an appointment and have all of your required documents gathered, so that it's not something you need to stress about day-of. You could have your ceremony in a courthouse, or simply swing by and do the paperwork and read your vows in another location on the same day.

    • Commitment Ceremony. Some couples choose to not worry about the legal side of getting married on the day they say their vows. This is called a "commitment ceremony," "symbolic ceremony," or "promise ceremony". It's essentially getting married without a marriage license. Having a commitment ceremony means your wedding day plans are completely unhindered by rules or legalities.

    • Sign Before or After. If you want to get legally married without worrying about an officiant, witnesses, or paperwork on the day you get married, a great option is to go to the courthouse or county clerk and recorder before your trip or after you get back. For some couples, it’s advantageous to get legally married for tax or benefit purposes before the day they read their vows. If you want, you can invite your family or friends to get ordained or be witnesses and make a fun experience out of signing the paperwork back home.

    What to do during your Ceremony

    Here are a few resources I like to look out for when I'm looking for fun, unique places to stay.

    • Read Personal Vows/Letters

    • Exchange Rings or Another Token

    • Incorporate Music

    • Sage Smudging

    • Handfasting

    • Unity Ceremony

    • Surprises + Gifts

    • Create Space for Those Not Present

    Portraits

    Couples Portraits

    It's incredibly common for couples to fear being awkward in front of the camera, but I want to assure you that letting those worries fall away will be easier than you anticipate. My best photos happen when you two actually forget that I'm there and are just wrapped up in each other and the stunning scenery around you will be easier to take! The magic typically begins to happen after spending at least 20-30 minutes at a location. I will speak up and give you two some gentle directions. I'll never leave you hanging or wondering what to do.

    Tips for looking Great!

    • Trust me! I do this professionally, and we have the same goal in mind. I want your photos to look as incredible as you do (if not more).

    • You’ll find yourself quickly forgetting about any cameras the more you focus on being present with your partner and the beautiful scenery around you. That’s what the day is all about, after all.

    • If you’re ever unsure what to do with your hands, reach for your partner.

    • You never have to be statutes, movement is good! Don’t be afraid to interact with one another how you normally would and explore the landscape you are in.

    • Keep each other smiling. Reminisce over all the amazing stories, adventures, and misadventures that brought you to where you are. Remind your partner how great they look and how much you love them often.

    • Have fun and enjoy yourself! Happy looks good on you.

    Family Portraits

    If you have a list of desired family portrait combinations, this can be an easy way to make the process seamless and relatively quick! You can anticipate each family portrait combination taking about 3 minutes to complete.

    • Couple, parents

    • Couple, parents, siblings

    • Couple, siblings

    • Couple, friends

    • Couple, dogs

    • Group photo of everyone

    Tips for your Family Portraits:

    • Have your guests remove all sunglasses and/or transition eyeglasses.

    • Empty all pockets! No phones or wallets making your pockets bulky.

    • Set any purses, bags, or jackets/layers that they don’t want to be photographed in, to the side.

    • Have fun with it! Yes, I will make sure to capture plenty of each group looking at the camera and smiling, but don’t be afraid to get candid after the “serious” photos are captured too. Hugs, laughs, goofy poses, and bunny ears are all welcome.

    Meaningful Activities

    When you are thinking about your elopement timeline, you will also want to consider any other meaningful activities that you might want to incorporate into your day.

    Here are a few ideas for some activities that you don’t necessarily need to book ahead of time but might still want to leave space for in your elopement day:

    Journal

    Dedicating time to write in a journal so that you can capture all of the emotions of the day and revisit how you felt on your wedding day in the future.

    Read Letters

    Reading letters from friends and family members who might not be in attendance during your actual elopement day.

    Instruments

    Playing instruments together—whether you are both talented musicians or just started learning together, this can be a special way to spend time together and communicate your joy through music.

    Create

    Creating something together, like painting a blank canvas together, throwing some pottery, making your own rings, or blending your own wedding-day wine. This will also give you a unique memento from your special day unlike any other.

    Walk

    Spending some time taking a nearby walk or hike to really be present, take in your surroundings, and commit them to memory.

    Tattoo

    Taking a trip to the local tattoo parlor to get matching tattoos in celebration of your new marriage.

    Plant

    Planting trees, flowers, or other foliage (but only in places where it is appropriate to do so!) to represent rooting yourself in your relationship and being ready to grow together.

    Games

    Playing a game–from video games to board games to backyard games, there are so many options, and this is a great activity to include some guests while also having a lot of fun.

    Some activities can take a while to set up, so leave space for travel and transitions when planning out activities. When budgeting time in your day for activities, I recommend leaving some extra space so that you don't feel rushed to "perform" an activity in a short amount of time. Instead, have time to relax and enjoy it.

    Celebratory Dinner or Party?

    A meal is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and simply soak in the excitement of the day. There are many routes you can go to incorporate food into your day. Will you choose a more luxurious route? Or is it more your style to do something casual?

     

    Some Food Related Ideas to Consider

    • Do you want to feel pampered and have a private chef prepare special meals for you?

    • Would you like to pack a picnic and enjoy it someplace scenic?

    • Will you make a charcuterie board of all of your favorite foods?

    • Will you tailgate on the side of a 4x4 road?

    • Would you like to cook something together over a fire?

    • Would you like a more casual potluck style meal with guests at an Airbnb?

    • Will you seek a favorite food? Or try something new?

    • Will you be dining out of a JetBoil outside of your tent?

    • Would you like to swing by a nearby restaurant, distillery or brewery? Maybe reserve a private room or tasting?

    • Is spontaneously finding a random street vendor more your style?

    • Will you be on the go? If so, maybe you’ll prefer to swing by a caterer or restaurant and pick up something prepackaged.

    • Will you celebrate with sparkling water or champagne? Or do you have a favorite beverage you’d like to enjoy together?

    • What would be the most awesome scenario for you two on your wedding day?

     

    If you're having an intimate wedding, you can also use the time around a celebratory meal to have a first dance and toasts. This is a great time to read letters or cards from friends and family who aren't physically there. I highly recommend putting some time aside to enjoy these moments on your wedding day.

    Timeline Examples

    You've already made the brave choice to elope, to throw tradition to the wind, and get married in a way that truly reflects who you are together. It's not a surprise that your timeline will look a little untraditional too. The journey to that moment and how you choose to celebrate afterwards can truly look a million different ways. Use these examples as a jumping off point and to spark your imagination.

     2 Day 2 Person Elopement Day 1 + 2

    There is plenty of room for spontaneity too so feel free to relax while soaking up a beautiful view. Try a helicopter flight into the wilderness, or a day at a vineyard blending your own bottles of wine.

     
     

     2 Day 2 Person Elopement with Family Day 1 + 2

    There is plenty of room for spontaneity too so feel free to relax while soaking up a beautiful view at every stop along the way.

     
     

    All Day 2 Person Elopement

    How much time do you have to tell the story of your elopement day? The gallery will give you just enough time to capture getting ready photos, adventures, and celebrations.

     
     

    All Day Elopement with Family

    Your intimate wedding day can include an adventure for just the two of you. Start with a hike at sunrise or paddleboarding before reuniting with your family for a ceremony and delicious meal. Or opt for an off-roading adventure ending in expansive views, easily accessible for everyone to explore together.

     
     

    No matter how you structure your elopement day keep in mind these couple of tips. Leave room for spontaneity. Give yourself lots of extra cushion in your day for transitions

    Be uniquely you. Consider carving out time to enjoy an experience together that may be a bit unusual for a wedding day but is important to you.

    Is your favorite way to spend a morning making french toast and hanging with your doggos? Do it! Love to play an instrument and want to surprise your partner with a song? Go for it!

     

    5)Get Ready to Go

    Gather Everything you need to Pack

    It's time to start packing! Use this checklist to pull together everything you need for your big day. The sooner you begin to set things aside, the less stressed you'll be when it comes to actually going through with it.

    Packing Checklist

     

    • Permit (if needed)

      All important travel ID’s & documents

      Marriage license

      Water bottle & water

      Snacks

      Sunscreen

      Sunglasses

      Bug spray

      Extra socks

      Boots/shoes with good tread

    • Vows

      Rings

      Ring box

      Paper invites, announcements, or postcards

      Flowers

      Wedding attire for partner 1 (dress, suit, jumpsuit, skirt, undergarments, etc)

      Wedding attire for partner 2 (dress, suit, jumpsuit, skirt, undergarments, etc)

      Accessories partner 1 (jewelry, veil, cape, watch, cufflinks, tie, bowtie, socks, pocket square, lapel pin, hair piece, etc)

      Accessories partner 2 (jewelry, veil, cape, watch, cufflinks, tie, bowtie, socks, pocket square, lapel pin, hair piece, etc)

      Perfume or cologne

      Makeup & hair supplies

      Garment bags for wedding attire during travel

      Champagne or sparkling water

      Plastic champagne flutes

      Tissues or hankie

      Speaker for music

    • Backpack(s)

      Rain jacket

      Jacket (very warm & windproof)

      Warm layers (skin-toned fleece leggings)

      Hand Warmers + Body Warmers + Toe Warmers

      Traction (YakTrax, microspikes, and/or snowshoes)

      Gloves/mittens

      Headlamps

      Umbrellas

      Blanket to sit on

    DON’T FORGET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE!!

    You will need to attain your marriage license in advance. Even if you are having myself or another officiant sign, you are required to apply for a marriage license yourself. Marriage license requirements vary state by state and country-by-country, so it is always important to research your location's requirements ahead of time.

     

    Prepare your Guests

    In order to have your guests be as prepared as possible for your elopement day and to avoid any awkward situations that could arise from miscommunications, you should consider sending your guests a pre-wedding email that preps them on the following:

    • What to bring, including what sort of attire they might need to be comfortable in the climate, season, and time of day at your chosen location

    • What not to bring, such as pets (if your location is not pet-friendly) or distracting electronics

    • Timeline information of your day and when they need to be ready and when they need to arrive at certain locations

    • Directions and location information including any maps, GPS coordinates they might need and a description of the accessibility and terrain of the spot that you’ve chosen.

    • Whether or not the area you picked has cell phone reception (and if they will need to download any maps onto their phone ahead of time because of it)

    • Parking instructions, especially if there is not a designated lot

    • Safety information, including any wildlife that might be nearby, difficult travel conditions, or potentially unfavorable weather

    • What restroom facilities are around–or especially let them know if there aren’t any nearby

    • Leave No Trace considerations, such as what materials you absolutely cannot have at your location (i.e. rice or confetti), any place that you might not be able to go because it would violate Leave No Trace ethics, and what you need to make sure that you pack out

     
     

    Unplugged Weddings

    For many reasons, I highly recommend asking guests to “unplug” and be fully present for your wedding day, especially when it comes to your ceremony.

    When your guests are distracted by taking photos or recording videos, it’s difficult for them to also be focused on what is going on around them—you know, you getting married!! Cell phones, iPads, and other electronic devices will stand out and be a distraction in your photos. It also makes it very difficult for me to get candid photos of your guests’ reactions and emotions.

    I’ve found it’s most effective to give your guests a heads up that this will be an unplugged experience in the days or weeks leading up to your wedding day. There are numerous gentle and kind ways to tell them this. Consider also reminding them just before your ceremony begins. Let them know that you would like them to be fully present with you, and that your photographer will do all the work to capture beautiful photos which they will be able to access through an online photo gallery. Remind them that they will have a sneak peek of beautiful and professional photos to enjoy very soon.

     

    Final Tips!

    • Start packing early and pack over a few days, so as you remember items you want to bring. You’ll have plenty of time to add them to your bag and make sure you don’t forget anything important.

    • If you're flying to your wedding, make sure you carry on the most important details of your wedding day with you.

    • If you’re traveling somewhere that’s a drier climate than you’re used to or a higher elevation, be sure to drink tons of water and take care of yourself and get acclimated.

    • In the days leading up to your elopement, make sure you eat, hydrate well, relax, and get plenty of sleep—you’ll want plenty of energy on your day.

    • Most of all, RELAX—you’re about to have the best elopement day ever. You’ve planned a day that’s a true reflection of the two of you, it’s going to be amazing.

     

    6)Have the Best Day Ever!

    Be present, be you, & let your authentic emotions soar.

    Soak in every moment and enjoy your intentional, meaningful, perfect for you day together.

    Remember, your day might not go exactly according to plan, but that's half the adventure.

    Relax, breathe, and don’t stress about anything, photos included.

    If you have a beautiful experience together and feel alive throughout your day, great photos will follow.

    What Happens Next?

    After your elopement or intimate wedding

     

    You’ve done it! You’ve had an incredible wedding day and I’ve taken photos of it all so you can remember every bit of it. Your next step is to sit back and relax while I carefully curate and edit your full gallery of photos from your day. This usually takes between 8-10 weeks for completion, but I will make sure you two have a sneak peek of 3-5 images within 1 week of your wedding day so you can make any announcements and begin to share glimpses of your day with your family and friends. Woohoo!

    The images will be delivered as high-resolution jpegs via an online gallery. That way you’ll have access to them wherever you are. You’ll be able to easily print, share, and relive the awesomeness over and over. Feel free to share the gallery link with family and friends too! Anyone with the link will be able to access the gallery, make prints, order products, and download the images for themselves.

    It’s important to make sure you download your full gallery and back up the images in multiple safe places. I recommend using both external hard drives and online cloud storage to make sure the files stay safe and sound for years to come.

    Prints and Albums

    “An image isn’t a photograph until it’s printed.”

    - Andrew Funderburg

    It's time for you to print your photos and get your very own wedding album. After you have received your online photo gallery, I will help you design the wedding album that's just right for you. Everything will arrive beautifully packaged like the gifts they are, right to your home.

    Creative ways to share and display your photos:

    • “We Eloped” announcements, postcards, & thank you cards

    • A wedding album for the two of you

    • A “parent album” for family & friends

    • Unique prints on wood, canvas, or metal

    • Framed leaning prints displayed on a mantel, bookshelf, or picture frame shelf

    • Photo gallery accent wall

    • Panoramic prints

    Tada! You now have holiday gift ideas for everyone you know.

    Thank You!

    Congratulations—you’ve made it to the end! I know that this information might feel like a lot all at once, but Eloping is about enjoying the process of getting married and making decisions that are most "you".

    There's truly no better job in the whole world, and it's because of incredible couples like you who aren't afraid to abandon expectations that don't fit who you are, that I get to live this dream.

    I can’t wait to meet you—and, in the meantime, I’ll be right here to answer any questions you have and help you plan your elopement or intimate wedding every single step of the way.