Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing your location to saying your vows. Whether you’re eloping locally or traveling internationally, I’ve got you covered.

Getting Started: The Basics

What is an Elopement?

An elopement is an intimate wedding experience, typically with just the two of you (or a very small group of close family and friends). It’s about intentionality, adventure, and creating a day that feels 100% authentically yours. No guest list stress, no seating charts, no performances. Just real love in a place that matters to you.

Why Choose an Elopement?

Freedom — Design your day exactly how you want it. No compromises, no pleasing everyone else. Your timeline, your location, your rules.

Intimacy — Get married surrounded by the people (or just the person) who matters most. Real connection, real emotion, real you.

Adventure — Turn your wedding day into an adventure. Hike to a hidden waterfall, sail the coastline, explore a new country. Make it an experience.

Budget-Friendly — Elopements can be more affordable than traditional weddings. Fewer guests means lower catering, venue, and decor costs.

Types of Elopements

Just the Two of You — The most intimate option. It’s just you, your person, and the photographer capturing the magic.

With Close Family — Include your parents, siblings, or best friends. Still intimate, but with the people who matter most.

Adventure Elopement — Combine your wedding with an adventure. Hike, kayak, sail, or explore. Make it an experience.

Destination Elopement — Travel to a dream location and get married there. Turn your wedding into a vacation.

Choosing Your Location

Local Elopements (Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming)

If you’re eloping locally, you have incredible options right in your backyard. From the red rocks of Moab to the alpine peaks of the Tetons, Utah and the surrounding region offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

Popular Local Locations:

•Provo Canyon

•Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

•Antelope Island

•Moab, Utah

•Dead Horse Point State Park

•Rocky Mountain National Park

•Bonneville Salt Flats

•Crested Butte, Colorado

•San Juan Mountains

•Mirror Lake

Destination Elopements

Dreaming of getting married somewhere exotic? Destination elopements are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. You get to combine your wedding with a honeymoon, explore a new place, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Popular Destination Locations:

•Hawaii (Kauai, Maui, Big Island)

•Iceland

•Colorado (Crested Butte, Winter Park, Aspen)

•Alaska

•Tuscany, Italy

•Amalfi Coast, Italy

•Milos, Greece

•Scotland

•Puerto Rico

•Portugal

How to Choose Your Location

Think about what matters most to you. Do you want mountains or beaches? Adventure or relaxation? Warm weather or dramatic landscapes? Your location should reflect your personality and your love story.

Consider the season, weather, accessibility, and permit requirements. Talk to your photographer about their experience with your dream location. They can help you scout and plan.

Your Elopement Timeline

6 Months Before

Start dreaming and planning. Discuss your vision with your partner. Research locations. Get inspired. Follow photographers whose work resonates with you.

3 Months Before

Book your photographer. This is your most important vendor. Choose someone whose style aligns with your vision and who has experience with elopements.

2-3 Months Before

Research permits and legal requirements for your location. Apply for permits if needed. Book your other vendors (florist, hair and makeup, videographer, officiant, coordinator).

6-8 Weeks Before

Scout your location if possible. Book travel and accommodations. Finalize your guest list (even if it’s just two). Start thinking about your outfit and styling.

4-6 Weeks Before

Order your wedding dress or suit. Schedule fittings and alterations. Book hair and makeup trials. Create a rough timeline for your day.

1 Month Before

Final vendor confirmations. Plan your outfits and styling. Create a detailed day-of timeline. Prepare any readings or vows.

2 Weeks Before

Final logistics check. Confirm travel arrangements. Break in your wedding shoes. Start packing.

1 Week Before

Final confirmations with all vendors. Pack your bags. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this!

The Day Of

Enjoy every moment. Soak it all in. This is your day. Let yourself feel all the emotions.

Logistics & Permits

Do You Need a Permit?

Whether you need a permit depends on your location. National parks, state parks, and some private properties require permits for photography and ceremonies. Local elopements in Utah typically don’t require permits, but destination elopements often do.

Permit Checklist:

•Research your location’s permit requirements

•Contact the park or property management office

•Understand the permit costs and timeline

•Apply for permits 2-3 months in advance

•Confirm permit details with your photographer

•Keep a copy of your permit with you on the day

Travel Logistics

If you’re traveling for your elopement, planning your logistics is crucial. Here’s what to think about:

Flights & Transportation — Book flights early. Consider arriving a day or two before your elopement to adjust to time zones and scout your location.

Accommodations — Book a beautiful place to stay. Make it part of your experience. Consider staying near your elopement location for easy access.

Rental Car — If driving to your location, book a rental car in advance. Make sure your photographer can easily get to your location.

Travel Insurance — Consider travel insurance in case of unexpected changes. It’s worth the peace of mind.

Pro Tip: Arrive at your destination a few days early. This gives you time to scout your location, get comfortable with the area, and reduce day-of stress.

Budget Planning

Elopement Budget Breakdown

Elopement budgets vary widely depending on your location, travel distance, and vendor choices. Here’s a general breakdown to help you plan:

Photography (30-40% of your budget) — This is the most important investment. Your photos will last forever.

Travel & Accommodations (20-30% of your budget) — Flights, hotels, rental car, meals.

Attire & Styling (10-15% of your budget) — Wedding dress, suit, alterations, hair and makeup.

Flowers & Decor (5-10% of your budget) — Bouquet, boutonniere, simple decor.

Permits & Licenses (2-5% of your budget) — Marriage license, park permits.

Miscellaneous (5-10% of your budget) — Rings, favors, emergency fund.

Budget Tips

•Prioritize what matters most to you

•Invest in photography — you’ll treasure these images forever

•Consider off-season travel for better rates

•DIY what you can (bouquet, vows, playlist)

•Build in a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses

•Get quotes from multiple vendors

•Remember: an elopement doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful

Finding & Coordinating Vendors

Essential Vendors

Photographer — Your photographer will capture your most important moments and tell the story of your day. Choose someone whose style resonates with you and who has experience with elopements.

Hair & Makeup Artist — Professional hair and makeup ensures you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day. They’ll also help ensure your look lasts through adventure and emotion.

Florist — A thoughtfully designed bouquet and boutonniere are essential to your aesthetic and photos. They add texture, color, and meaning to your day.

Videographer — Highly recommended. A Super 8 highlight film or cinematic video is a beautiful way to relive your day and share your story with loved ones.

Wedding Planner/Coordinator — A coordinator handles logistics, timing, vendor coordination, and day-of details so you can focus on being present and enjoying your day.

Officiant — You’ll need someone legally authorized to marry you. Research your location’s requirements and book early.

How to Find Vendors

•Ask your photographer for recommendations

•Search Instagram and Google for vendors in your location

•Read reviews and check portfolios

•Get multiple quotes

•Ask for references

•Trust your gut! You want to work with people you genuinely like

Styling Your Elopement

Your Attire

Your wedding outfit should make you feel like yourself, but elevated. Whether you’re wearing a traditional dress, a suit, a jumpsuit, or something completely unique, choose something that feels authentically you.

Pro Tips:

•Choose fabrics that move well and are comfortable for adventure

•Consider the weather and terrain of your location

•Break in your shoes before the day

•Choose colors that complement your location and skin tone

•Invest in quality alterations

Flowers & Florals

Your bouquet and boutonniere are more than just pretty accessories, they’re part of your aesthetic and your photos. Work with your florist to create something that reflects your style and the season.

Bouquet Ideas:

•Wildflowers for an adventurous vibe

•Roses and greenery for classic elegance

•Tropical flowers for a destination feel

•Dried flowers for a bohemian aesthetic

•Minimalist single stems for modern simplicity

Hair & Makeup

Professional hair and makeup can make a huge difference in how you feel and how your photos look. Schedule a trial with your makeup artist to find a look that feels like you and will hold up throughout your day.

Pro Tips:

•Bring reference photos to your trial

•Choose long-lasting products

•Consider the weather and your activities

•Practice your first look moment

•Have a touch-up kit on hand

Styling Details

Don’t forget the small details that make your day feel special:

•Jewelry that has meaning

•A special perfume

•Rings that you love

•A veil or no veil

•Meaningful accessories (family heirloom, something blue)

The Day Of: What to Expect

Morning Timeline

6:00 AM — Wake up. Eat a good breakfast. Hydrate. Take a moment to breathe and soak in the reality that today is your wedding day.

7:00 AM — Hair and makeup begins. This is your time to relax, get pampered, and mentally prepare.

8:30 AM — Get dressed. Take some getting-ready photos. Feel all the emotions.

9:00 AM — Final preparations. Confirm timing with your photographer and other vendors.

The Ceremony

Your ceremony should feel like you. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a mountaintop, on a beach, or in a hidden canyon, make it intimate and meaningful.

Pro Tips:

•Write your own vows

•Include meaningful readings

•Choose music that matters to you

•Have tissues ready

•Let yourself cry, laugh, and feel everything

The Celebration

After your ceremony, celebrate! This might look like:

•A champagne toast in nature

•A picnic in a beautiful location

•Adventuring to a new spot

•Intimate portraits with your photographer

•A quiet moment just the two of you

Evening

End your day however feels right to you. Some couples have dinner reservations, others go back to their hotel and order room service. There’s no “right” way to end your elopement day.

After the Elopement

Sharing Your News

You’ve gotten married! Now what? Some couples announce immediately, others wait. Some have a celebration party, others keep it private. There’s no right answer, do what feels right to you!

Your Photos & Video

Your photographer will deliver your edited images within the timeframe you agreed upon. These photos are yours to treasure, share, and display however you want.

Ideas for Your Photos:

•Create a wedding album or coffee table book

•Display prints in your home

•Share on social media

•Create a photo wall

•Make a slideshow for family and friends

Celebrating with Family & Friends

If you want to celebrate with loved ones after your elopement, here are some ideas:

•Host a casual dinner party

•Plan a weekend celebration trip

•Have a “reception” party

•Share a photo slideshow

•Send beautiful printed announcements

Reflecting & Journaling

Take time to reflect on your elopement. Write down your favorite moments, what surprised you, what you’d do differently. These memories are precious.

Final Thoughts

Your elopement is a celebration of your love, your adventure, and your commitment to each other. It’s not about following rules or doing what everyone else does. It’s about creating a day that feels authentically, completely, and beautifully you.

Whether you’re eloping in your backyard or traveling to the other side of the world, whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of loved ones, your elopement is valid, beautiful, and worthy of celebration.

If you’re ready to start planning your adventure, I’d love to help. Let’s create something unforgettable together.

Ready to elope? Let’s talk. [BOOK YOUR DISCOVERY CALL]