Deciding to elope is so exciting. Aaaaaaand it can come with lots of decision making. Like where to elope? Who should you tell, if anyone? Detail photos, yay or nay? Once you start googling ideas and answers to your questions, you can end up quite overwhelmed. The world has become your oyster! And that oyster feels really big now. So, where do you begin in planning your elopement? I’m answering your questions in my special 12 step elopement planning guide on how to plan your dream elopement. Check out the elopement tips below that I have recommended to dozens of couples who have made the best decision-to elope!
What are your non-negotiables?
First, start dreaming up your elopement. Think big. Think epic. Really start dreaming up what the perfect day would feel like for both of you. Then list the top 3 most important things that you want for your elopement day. What are your non-negotiables?
Example:
Bride/groom
- Rent a vintage car
- Slow day exploring somewhere new
- Sunset photos on the beach
Bride/groom
- Great photos and video.
- Warmer weather
- Sunset on the beach.
Creating this list helps narrow down some big decisions, like where and when to elope.
Pick 3 locations to elope.
Decide on your top 3 elopement locations. In this case, since the beach is a must, a coastal elopement is a must. If you want it to be warm and have epic sunsets, you might pick San Diego, Malibu, and Big Sur to start exploring for your elopement.
Decide on activities to do during your elopement
There are so many activities you can do during your elopement. And nope, you don’t need to rappel or hike to the top of the tallest mountain. Many couples do short walks to beautiful locations, enjoy stunning picnic setups, rent vintage cars, go off roading, get matching tattoos, enjoy a first look at your AirBnB, or grab coffee at the local coffee shop. Try to choose an activity that reflects you as a couple. If you are not outdoorsy, skip the hike and get matching tats instead. The day is about celebrating you, not copying what someone else did on their elopement day.
Choose a date or a time frame
This will help you when you are contacting vendors, which comes next! Please keep in mind things like weather and park closures during certain times of the year. 🙂 For example, no Death Valley elopements in August.
Hire your elopement photographer
This one is very important. And no, it is not just because I am biased. Your photographer is going to be spending one of the most important days of your life with you. A lot! They should act as your maid of honor, best man, problem solver, professional third wheel. You need to trust them and feel comfortable with them. And they should show you that they are trustworthy far before you book them. A great photographer will guide you and try to get to know you really well beforehand. This will help so much with them capturing how your day feels, the intimacy and connection between both of you, and the big and small moments that matter during your elopement.
Secure your permits
I always suggest getting started on this as soon as you have your date and photographer secured. I’ve helped with securing permits for my couples and some have taken up to 4 months and others in as little as 2 weeks. Better to have this one off the checklist early.
Book your travel plans
Now that you have your date secured and photographer booked, it’s time to start booking travel plans. Book that epic AirBnB, your flights, and rental car. The earlier this is done, the more relaxed you will feel leading up to your big day.
Book your vendors
Ask your photographer for a list of trusted vendors in your elopement destination. Florist, officiant, hair and make up etc. Then reach out and book the ones that fit your vision. Booking early increases the likelihood that they are available on your elopement date.
Order your wedding attire
Depending on if you’re going super traditional in terms of wedding attire, or you’ll be ordering from a more casual site, you still want to give yourself plenty of time for alterations or returns.
Create your elopement timeline
This should be done in tandem with your photographer! They can help give you an idea of how to pace your elopement day and what times are best to be where for lighting, traffic, and crowds. Plus, they can help coordinate with vendors on when and where to set up if needed.
Take care of the legalities
Make sure you have all of the necessary documents and information to get your marriage license. Some states require 1-2 witnesses, while other states require none. You can always call the county clerk’s office of where you’ll be to double check appointments and information you need to make everything legit. Check out the information on getting married in California.
Navigate the family + friend conversation
One of the harder parts of eloping is feeling that you might disappoint your close family and friends by not inviting them. While some close family members of friends might feel this way, it’s important to remember that you are doing this for you, and there is no rush to do this. Deciding to elope means doing things on your terms, so do it when it feels right.
That being said, there are ways to include family and friends into your elopement day if you choose to. If you tell them beforehand, ask them to give gifts to open or write you letters to read aloud on your elopement day. Or afterwards, you can send an announcement with special wording about making it about the 2 of you. Some couples have parties on their anniversary of their elopement, inviting their friends and family to celebrate them, while others choose quiet dinners or nothing at all. I’ve had couples tell no one. Ever.
Thank you for checking out my elopement planning guide! Check out my other helpful blog posts for your dream elopement:
The Ultimate Malibu Elopement Guide