How to plan an elopement
A step-by-step guide for couples who don’t know where to start (but know they want something different)
Planning an elopement can feel freeing… and completely overwhelming at the same time.
You probably know what you don’t want — a huge guest list, a rigid timeline, a day that feels like a performance. But when it comes to what you do want? That part can be harder to put into words.
This guide is here to help you move from “We want to elope” to “We actually know how to plan this.” Not by telling you what an elopement should look like — but by giving you a framework to design a day that actually feels like you.
Think of this as your roadmap.
Step 1: Start with the Experience
This is where most couples get stuck.
They start by Googling “best places to elope” and end up overwhelmed by epic photos, permits, seasons, and logistics — before they’ve even figured out what kind of day they want.
Instead, flip the process.
Ask yourselves:
How do we want to feel on our elopement day?
Do we want something calm and slow, or adventurous and active?
Do we want solitude, or a few loved ones nearby?
Do we want this to feel like a single moment — or a full-day experience?
Some examples:
A quiet sunrise, coffee together, a short hike, vows somewhere private.
A full-day adventure with hiking, exploring, changing locations, and celebrating late.
A multi-day experience that blends elopement + honeymoon.
A meaningful place paired with a simple ceremony and a great dinner after.
Once you know the vibe of the day, everything else becomes easier — including location, timeline, and logistics.
Step 2: Decide What You Want to Do on Your Elopement Day
Elopements aren’t just ceremonies — they’re intentionally designed days.
One of the most helpful questions you can ask is:
“If this wasn’t a wedding day at all… how would we want to spend it together?”
That might look like:
Hiking or exploring
Skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding
Scenic drives and short walks
A picnic, campfire, or private dinner
Wandering a mountain town
Stargazing, hot springs, or a slow morning together
You don’t need to do everything.
You just need one or two meaningful anchors that shape the day.
Once you know what you want to do, the where becomes a practical decision instead of a guessing game.
Step 3: Choose a Location That Supports Your Vision
A good elopement location isn’t just beautiful — it supports the experience you’re trying to create.
When choosing a location, consider:
The season and typical weather
Accessibility and terrain
Crowd levels
Travel logistics
Whether it allows ceremonies
Permit requirements (more on that below)
Epic doesn’t have to mean extreme.
A short walk with a big view can be just as meaningful as a long hike — intention matters more than mileage.
Step 4: Understand the Legal Side Early
The legal part of eloping is usually much simpler than couples expect — but it’s important to understand early so there are no surprises.
Things to research:
Marriage license requirements
Waiting periods or expiration dates
Whether an officiant or witnesses are required
Where ceremonies are legally allowed
Some couples:
Legally marry at home and elope symbolically
Handle paperwork on their elopement day
Separate the legal and experiential parts entirely
There’s no wrong choice — just what works best for you.
Step 5: Permits, Rules, and Leave No Trace (This Matters)
This step isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential.
Many outdoor locations require:
Special use permits for ceremonies or photography
Limits on group size
Restrictions on décor, music, or movement
Specific timelines or application windows
Beyond permits, ethical elopements mean:
Respecting fragile landscapes
Staying on durable surfaces
Choosing locations that can handle impact
Being flexible if conditions change
Thoughtful planning protects the places you’re celebrating in — and ensures your day runs smoothly.
Step 6: Build a Timeline That Leaves Room to Breathe
One of the most common mistakes couples make is over-planning the day.
A good elopement timeline:
Includes buffer time
Prioritizes good light and fewer crowds
Allows space for emotion
Feels unhurried and human
Instead of asking:
“How much can we fit in?”
Ask:
“Where do we want to slow down?”
Often, the quiet in-between moments are the most meaningful.
Step 7: Choose Vendors Who Are Actually Built for Elopements
Not every wedding vendor is experienced with elopements — and that matters.
When choosing your photographer (and other vendors), look for someone who:
Understands outdoor logistics
Can adapt to weather and conditions
Helps problem-solve in real time
Values experience over performance
Supports planning, not just documentation
Your elopement team should feel calming, capable, and steady — not like added pressure.
How I Help Couples Turn Ideas Into an Actual Plan
Most couples don’t struggle with wanting an elopement — they struggle with turning a vision into something real and workable.
That’s where I come in.
Elopement planning isn’t just about picking a pretty place. It’s about finding a location that works for your season, priorities, comfort level, and timeline, and making sure the logistics support the experience you want.
Here’s how I help behind the scenes:
Finding the Right Location (and a Backup Plan)
Choosing a location is one of the biggest stress points for couples — there are endless options, but not all of them are right for you.
I help couples by:
Getting clear on the experience they want
Researching locations that fit their vision, season, and logistics
Making thoughtful, personalized recommendations
Narrowing things down until one location clearly feels right
And because nature doesn’t always cooperate, I also help identify a solid backup location. That way, if weather or conditions change, we already have a Plan B that still feels intentional and beautiful — no scrambling, no panic.
Permits and the Not-So-Fun Stuff
Permits are one of the most confusing parts of eloping outdoors.
Every location has different rules, timelines, and requirements — and figuring out:
Whether a permit is needed
Which permit applies
When to apply
What restrictions actually matter
…can be overwhelming.
I help couples by:
Researching permit requirements for their chosen locations
Helping navigate the application process
Making sure timelines and plans align with regulations
Ensuring everything is handled responsibly and ethically
So couples don’t have to stress over fine print — they can focus on the experience.
Step 8: Think About What Comes After the Ceremony
Your elopement doesn’t end when you say “I do.”
Ask yourselves:
How do we want to celebrate after?
Do we want to be alone or with others?
What would feel grounding and joyful?
That might be:
A picnic or champagne toast
A reservation at a favorite restaurant
A campfire and dinner
A cozy night in
Meeting friends or family later
These moments often become some of the most memorable parts of the day.
Step 9: Release the Idea of “Doing It Right”
Elopements work best when you let go of:
Traditional wedding expectations
The pressure to perform
The idea that your day needs to impress anyone
If your elopement feels:
Honest
Intentional
Personal
Grounded in who you are
…then you’re doing it right.
Final Thoughts
Planning an elopement isn’t about shrinking a wedding.
It’s about expanding what’s possible — creating a day that reflects your relationship, your values, and how you want to move through the world together.
You don’t need all the answers right away.
You just need a place to start.
And now — you have one.
Ready to Turn Your Ideas Into a Real Plan?
If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know you want something different. I help couples take loose ideas, half-formed dreams, and “what ifs” — and turn them into an elopement day that actually makes sense and feels right.
Work With Me