Adventure Elopement Guide

Imagine a wedding day just focused on you two. More and more couples are skipping the big weddings in exchange for an authentic experience! Eloping gives you the opportunity to enjoy every intentional moment.
Plan your wedding on a mountain, in the woods, by a lake or at the local courthouse! The options are endless. Elopements have no rules, which is beautiful and part of the allurement but that much freedom can feel overwhelming at first! The unknown can feel scary so lets break it down so the process can go smoothly and you can have the wedding of your dreams!

Eloping doesn’t have to mean no one is there to witness you getting married. You can still have your closest friends or family there. Taking out all the traditions from a typical wedding means you get to get married however, wherever and with whoever you both want!
Here’s 6 tips and some dos and don’ts to help you plan your dream elopement!

1. Plan your where. Do you want to hike 10 miles to get married on top of a mountain? Do you want sand beneath your toes? Is the desert calling your name? Do you want a courthouse wedding? Discuss together what location inspires you and best signifies your relationship!
2. Determine your budget. Be realistic with your expectations and your budget. Eloping still has costs. Flights, permits, photographer, dress, makeup….. depending on which vendors you are choosing to use and not use. Discuss your budget together and leave a little extra funds for unexpected costs that might come up!
3. Laws. All states and countries will have different laws to legally recognize your marriage. Do you need a licence? How long does it take to get? Are you having it officiated? Can a friend be the officiant? All things that need to be determined beforehand. Some may choose to do their legal marriage at home before or after their adventure ceremony. If you are having no guests, consider using your photographer as a legal witness! If getting married in a national park, they may have permits that need purchasing by you or your photographer.
4. Vendors. It might be worth reaching out to a local wedding planner for a list of hair and make up artists or florists they would suggest in the area, they can help guide you. Google reviews or social media is also a great place to find a vendor with good reviews!
5. Finding your perfect elopement photographer. An established professional photographer will have a website filled with their past work and reviews. Inquire with several to find out availability and pricing. Once you have found one that has the style you love! Schedule a zoom or phone consultation to have all your questions answered. Have a signed contract! Photographers can be a wealth of knowledge of unique and beautiful elopement locations in the area!
6. Post elopement announcement/party. This is a great way to celebrate post elopement! Gather your family and closest friends and share your video or maybe rent a projector and share your favourite photos showcasing the elopement! It’s a great time to maybe throw in a few traditional moments such as a first dance! What bride doesn’t want a second chance to wear their wedding dress? If you choose not have a post party, maybe consider sending out some photos via gallery or a video announcing your marriage!

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO KNOW WHY YOU ARE CHOOSING TO ELOPE
DON’T FEEL BAD ABOUT IT
DO PLAN AHEAD
DON’T FORGET TO TAKE CARE OF THE LEGALITIES
DO THINK ABOUT THE DESTINATION
DON’T FORGET TO HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER/
VIDEOGRAPHER TO DOCUMENT YOUR DAY
DO EXPECT SOME COSTS
DON’T EXCLUDE YOUR LOVED ONES FROM YOUR BIG NEWS
DO ENJOY THE MOMENT
DON’T COMPROMISE ON YOUR WISHES
DO FOCUS ON EACH OTHER