Elopement planning might seem simple, but when you start figuring out the planning and logistics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The most frequently asked question I get from the couples I work with is where do we even start? This ultimate elopement checklist has the answers you’re searching for and is meant to eliminate stress!
As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I wanted to create this comprehensive elopement checklist that’s easy to follow and covers the most important things you need to do as you begin mapping out the details for your celebration!
Read on to learn about what you need to do to start planning your dream elopement!
Your Ultimate Elopement Checklist
Here’s everything you need to do to get ready for your elopement to have the best day possible:
Start by creating your elopement vision
Before deciding on things like your budget, whether you’re going to invite guests, your elopement photographer, etc., the first thing that I want you to do is create your dream elopement vision!
This is the fun part before you dive headfirst into all the planning and logistics. Plus, you and your partner can make an entire date night out of it. Grab your favorite beverage, make dinner together, etc., and then I want you to sit down and start mapping out your dream elopement together.
Is there a place that is meaningful to both of you and that you’ve always wanted to visit? What’s planned for the day? What are you surrounded by – the beach, mountains, an epic waterfall?
Creating an elopement vision will make the rest of your elopement planning wayyy easier versus feeling overwhelmed and having zero idea of what you want your elopement day to look like!
Research and choose a location
Once you have a better idea of how you want your elopement to look, what’s next on the elopement checklist? Research and choosing your location!
If you’re already set on the location you want, you’re ready for the research part of the process! You’ll want to research the time of year and seasons in the location where you want to elope. Furthermore it’s a good idea to search accommodation options, set your budget, and decide if you want to have guests (or not) at your elopement.
Pro tip: To make this part of the planning process easier, you can always hire an elopement planner!
If you don’t know yet where you want to elope, then that’s the first place where you’re going to start. I would encourage you to try exploring a few different options that you and your partner are drawn to. Also keep in mind the time of year that you would like to elope.
How to choose a location
At the end of the day, your elopement location should be international and authentic—remember, this isn’t something that you need to rush into. Also, some of the best advice I can give about choosing a location is to focus on the following: seasons, scenery, peak season vs. off-season, how important privacy and seclusion are to you, and whether you will be inviting any guests.
All of these different factors are going to significantly influence your day. For example, let’s say you’re considering planning an elopement in Zion National Park, and finding a private, secluded location is incredibly important to you and your partner.
After doing some research, you’d discover that early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography. Additionally, these times tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience.
Furthermore, you’d discover the best time of year to elope, spring and fall. The weather is generally mild, and the scenery is stunning. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while fall showcases beautiful foliage, enhancing the backdrop for your photos.
Doing all the research you can upfront, rather than putting it off, will save you a lot of time (and stress)!
Hire your elopement photographer
Now that you know where you want to elope, the time of year, have set your budget, etc, you’re ready to hire your elopement photographer! Your elopement photographer can help you with so many different details and logistics when it comes to planning your elopement. For instance, they can help you secure permits, find unique accommodations, suggest elopement activities, etc.
It’s great if you can find an elopement photographer who is familiar with the location you’ve chosen because they will know the best times to photograph, the hidden gems, and how to get permits if you need them.
However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule – just something to keep in mind as you start interviewing potential photographers.
If we work together, I’ll help you with permits, timelines, elopement planning, and I have lots of elopement resources I always share with my clients, so you can plan an epic elopement experience!
Hire your elopement vendors
After you’ve hired your elopement photographer, you’ll need to decide which additional elopement vendors you want to hire! You don’t have to hire a ton of vendors, but having a handful of vendors takes more off your hands, making things much easier and less stressful.
Here are some elopement vendors I’d recommend:
Elopement Planner
If you are going to hire an elopement planner, this is one of the first things I would recommend you do! If you don’t want to handle the vendor vetting process or find vendors on your own, an elopement planner can help you.
An elopement planner can also help you with travel and accommodation research, guest management, budget planning, strategy, and so much more!
Florist
Having florals at your wedding is such a beautiful, additional touch. Florists can use flowers native to your elopement location to create a stunning bouquet, floral arrangements, a flower crown, or boutonnieres for you.
Officiant
When it comes to hiring your officiant, I recommend hiring an officiant who specializes in elopements.
Hair/ makeup artist
The benefit of hiring a hair/ makeup artist is that you won’t have to worry about your hair coming undone or your makeup smudging. You can even do a test run with them for your engagement session to nail down the exact style you want for your elopement.
Music/live entertainment
Having music/live entertainment will make your celebration feel more meaningful, and you can choose songs that are significant to you and your partner! Even something as simple as a single person playing guitar can create such a beautiful atmosphere for you.
Caterer
When it comes to eloping, there are so many different directions you can take it. For instance, you can plan a luxury picnic, have dinner cooked for you and your partner by a private chef, or have a special meal planned for you and your guests!
The booking stage
The next part of your elopement is what I call the booking stage! During this phase of elopement planning, you’re going to want to:
- Book all of your vendors
- Book your venue
- Book your accommodations
- Book your travel (plane tickets, transportation, etc.)
- Book your elopement activities
Create your elopement timeline
When it comes to creating your elopement timeline, there are no set rules—this day is all about YOU! Your celebration can be as unique as your love story, and you have complete freedom to design it however you envision. Whether you want a laid-back vibe or something more structured, the choice is yours.
To help you craft the perfect elopement timeline that aligns with your elopement vision, check out the resource I made for you here, which has everything you need to know!
And that pretty much covers everything you need to do when it comes to planning your elopement!
Ready to Get Started Planning Your Elopement?
I hope you found this elopement checklist helpful as you get started with your elopement planning. Be sure to bookmark this page so you can easily refer back to it, and also don’t forget to check out some of my other free elopement planning resources – I have lots for you linked below!
And… if you’re still searching for the perfect elopement photographer, I’d love to be there to capture every moment of your adventure with heart and passion.
Your elopement is your day, which means it can be anything you want it to be, so let’s chat about what that looks like. You can contact me here or learn more about my elopement services here.
How to Create an Elopement Timeline
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