8 Steps to the Perfect Elopement | Adventure Elopement Photographer

Where do we start?

When you decide to elope, you're deciding to go about your wedding in a non-traditional way. Just because every elopement is unique doesn't mean there are not easy steps to follow to help with planning. Hey, I even say the planning process can be fun!

Unless you've been here before, you're probably wondering what in the world these next months will look like. The great thing is although you may feel new to this, I've got you covered. With experience both planning and photographing elopements, I'll walk you through each step of planning AND enjoying your special day.

The Process

Step 1:

It's time to begin to dream. Whether you've imagined eloping ever since you found out it was a thing or are just now envisioning what an elopement day can be like, you get to imagine what can be and let your mind run wild with ideas. Sure, you'll have to reign yourself in eventually but in the initial planning stages, the sky is the limit.

Some tools to help as you begin to dream can be Pinterest (searching for the “state you're thinking of eloping to” + "elopement" can be great for starting to imagine locations.) As you think up the perfect spot, remember that many couples don't have a specific place in mind when they book with me. They can just give me the general area (such as "Great Smoky Mountains National Park"), and I'll create a personalized list of potential locations to say your vows (more on that later.)

As you imagine, don't forget that this elopement can be as detailed as you want. If you really care about the flowers and color scheme, find the perfect florist to bring your vision to life. If you want a picnic on top of a mountain top with English china and tea, totally make that happen. Elopements don't have to be casually thrown together; instead they can be crafted with love and attention to make the day truly epic.

Step 2:

Once you've begun to dream, it's time to begin finding the perfect vendors. A photographer might be the most important because often they're the only vendor you'll be interacting with on your elopement day. Look for someone whose style you love and personality you know you'll gel with perfectly. After booking, your photographer will work with you to understand the vision you have for your wedding day, and they can even point you in the right direction for finding other vendors.

To avoid getting overwhelmed, decide to contact only 2-4 of your favorite vendors per category. Talk with them all about your day and explore how they can help make your dreams a reality.

Step 3:

After doing your homework, confidently choose your favorite vendors that fit within your budget. While you've already begun sharing your wedding day ideas with them, your vendors will want to learn even more and might send out a questionnaire for you to fill out.

As your photographer, some questions I ask include "What is one word that you've picked to describe your day?" or "Will you be including any pets?" Just like any session, I hope answering these questions brings you two closer together and helps put into words what you're envisioning for your wedding day.

Step 4:

It's time to start making location decisions and your photographer can be a fabulous resource. For my couples, I prepare a detailed list of specific information on each of the top locations they're considering and if they're not sure of where to elope, we chat about the possibilities. We'll work together to figure out if there's any hoops to jump through (such as needing a permit for hosting a group of more than 10 people) or anything important to consider (a road being potentially blocked because of snow for a December wedding.)

As you continue conversing with vendors about what you want to add to your wedding day to make it one-of-a-kind, you'll start feeling more confident in the details of your wedding day.

Step 5:

After finalizing the location, you can begin to book travel and lodging. Finding the perfect spot to get ready at is important to some couples, but AirBnB and Vrbo are just some of the great online resources. Booking the perfect florist (or ordering a wood, paper, or faux flower), trying on gowns or suits, and deciding the yummiest food often happen around this time as well. However, don't forget: your wedding day can include or not include whatever you desire!

As everything comes together, a timeline for the day will start to take shape. I help my couples figure out the best way to fit in everything they want to do into one amazingly, awesome-filled day. You don't need to figure out how long the first look should be or if we'll have time to roast marshmallows beneath the stars; I'm going to help with suggesting the perfect time frame for all of these things.

Step 6:

Last minute details are coming together! Now is the time to start organizing anything you're planning to bring to your elopement. The cute bow tie for your dog? Your wedding day gifts to each other? The ribbon you're wanting to tie to your bouquet? Yes, all those things need to be in a specific box so that you won't forget them in the excitement of heading off to your elopement.

Step 7:

Your elopement day will draw near faster than you expect but wow, what an amazing day it will be! You may start early, before the sun is up, to catch the perfect sunrise or be out until after dark to stargaze. A 5 mile hike might be in store or just a 1/2 mile walk. You may be riding in a car, a Jeep, or a ferry. The possibilities are limitless because who you are as a couple is unlike anyone else. It'll be a day of love and celebration, and your photographer will be there every step of the way capturing your joy. Remember to stay in the moment and take your own snapshots (Jim and Pam style) so you don't miss a thing.

Step 8:

This last step is often forgotten but something I always encourage couples to do. When you receive your wedding gallery, resist the urge to open it right away and instead plan a special date night to reminisce. Each of my clients get a message from me that their gallery is ready to be delivered, but I wait for them to prepare to sit down and view their images before I send off the gallery. Grab your favorite beverage and takeout from your favorite restaurant and enjoy reliving the moment where you both said "I do!"

Are you excited to begin crafting this one-of-a-kind wedding day?!

↓ Explore these blog posts filled with more elopement and wedding inspiration ↓