How to Elope in 5 Easy Steps

I’ve been booking a lot of elopements lately which is so fun! Elopements are definitely one of my favorite things to photograph! I love how intimate + laid-back they usually are. They really focus on the couple + their love. Now with COVID-19 interrupting many wedding plans this year, a lot of couples are choosing to elope. So I thought I would share some tips on how to easily plan your elopement!

– PICK A DATE – 

Is there a specific date that means something to both of you? Maybe it’s the anniversary of when you first started dating or the first time you said I love you to each other, etc. Choosing a date that

Bonus Tip: Choosing a weekday is usually a great option! You probably won’t have any trouble booking your favorite vendors since they are typically booked for weekend dates (especially if your elopement last minute). Choosing a weekday day can help guarantee that there will be less people around if you elope in a popular outdoor location (like a National Park or a well known local hike).

– PICK A LOCATION –

My favorite is when my clients rent a cool Airbnb to get ready in + then go on a hike to a waterfall or up a mountain for their ceremony + portraits. You could also just rent an Airbnb to get ready in + then get married outside of it if the area is pretty. You could also skip the getting ready photos + just have your ceremony + portraits at a National or State Park.

– HIRE VENDORS –

You’ll most likely need / want the following vendors:

Officiant 

Hair + Makeup Artist

Media Team (Photographer + Videographer)

Florist (A Bouquet + Boutonniere)

A Hand Lettering Artist (For a cute announcement sign!)

– BUY YOUR WEDDING ATTIRE –

An elopement dress for a bride(s) – This doesn’t have to be expensive! You can find so many great, cheaper options online at places like Lulus, ASOS, Etsy, Reclamation, etc. Make sure your elopement dress is comfortable + easy to move in!

A suit or dress pants + a dress shirt with a tie for a groom(s) – Make sure the colors you choose go well with your florals.

– GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE –

Make sure you go to your county / city clerk to get this at least a week before your elopement. You can’t legally get married without this! Once you have your ceremony, your officiant will sign it then whoever you have for a witness (or witnesses depending on what your state requires) will sign it as well. Sometimes your officiant will mail it in for you or if not, you’ll mail it in yourself or drop it back off where you got it.

I hope these tips were helpful for planning your elopement!

If you’re looking to elope in the Adirondacks, I’d love to chat with you more about capturing it! Fill out the form on my Contact Page to reach out.