June 17, 2024
Bryan Terschan
How to Plan an Elopement: From Start to Finish
How to Plan an Elopement
Do you feel overwhelmed by the idea of planning a traditional wedding? You’re not alone. Many couples are choosing to elope to avoid the stress and truly make their day special. If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” on a mountaintop at sunset without all eyes on you, free from the stress and chaos, then eloping might be for you! But now you’re left wondering, where do I begin to plan the elopement of my dreams? Well don’t worry, I got you!
I’ve been photographing elopements for awhile now and I get that the process can feel just as overwhelming as traditional wedding planning at the start. I’ve helped countless couples plan and have an elopement that is truly unforgettable and authentic to them. Elopements don’t have the same boundaries that traditional weddings do and this new found freedom can feel daunting. The good news? You are already one step ahead by finding this guide!
On this page you will find everything you need to get you started planning your elopement from start to finish; including advice, tips for finding a location, how to create your perfect elopement timeline, and so much more. Even if you don’t have any ideas yet! Let’s turn this dream into a reality by planning your perfect elopement.
The 5 Step Process
- Brainstorming: Crafting Your Elopement Vision
- Key Ingredient: Deciding the Perfect Location
- The Essentials: Logistics and Vendors
- Final Touches: Leading Up To The Elopement Day
- The Elopement: Staying Present and Connected
Crafting Your Elopement Vision
Dream Big
Every epic elopement begins with a spark of an idea and a dream, so that’s exactly what this section is about! If you already have a vision but need help with the details, skip ahead. If not, keep reading to find out how to hone in on your own elopement vision.
First things first, let go of any boundaries that you have about your wedding day. My elopement definition is a wedding experience without boundaries. Get out of the mindset that you “can’t” do something for your wedding and into the mindset that you “can” do anything you want. Don’t think about what is feasible right now, we will get to that later! Seriously, dream big at the start and you will end up with an epic elopement.
Something that is so great about elopements and intimate weddings is that no two are the same. And that makes sense because no two couples are the same either! So when you are dreaming of your best day, don’t limit yourself to things friends and family have done or what you see on social media. This day isn’t about what everyone else has done, it’s about what YOU want to do. It is about creating a day that makes you feel happy, relaxed, in the moment, and madly in-love with each other. Let your imagination run wild! So how do you think of these ideas? Well, I’ve got some prompts for you to start!
Questions to Help Inspire You
- When you think about the best adventures you have been on together, what comes to mind? What did you do and where were you?
- What do your surroundings on your elopement look like? Mountainous? Desert? Lake or river? Ocean? Rocky cliffs? Treehouse in the woods? Waterfall? Beaches?
- What activities bring us the most joy when we’re together?
- What time of day do we picture ourselves saying our vows—sunrise, sunset, or under the stars?
- If we could have any kind of weather on our elopement day, what would it be—sunny, snowy, rainy, or something else?
- Who do you want to be there to celebrate with you? Your family? Your friends? Your pets? Or just the two of you?
- What’s a dream moment we’ve always envisioned sharing together that we could include in our elopement?
- If we could choose any mode of transportation to arrive at our elopement spot, what would it be—hiking, helicopter, boat, or something else?
- If we could write our vows in any setting, where would it be—on a mountaintop, beside a waterfall, in a cozy cabin?
- What kind of music or soundtrack would we want to describe our day?
- Think about how you want to feel during your elopement. Are you relaxed? Excited? Free of stress? Happy? What do you want to feel?
All of these questions are designed to help you get the ball rolling on your ideal elopement day! Remember this day is truly about YOU and your vision together. Don’t limit yourself and don’t think about what anyone else would want.
Taking the answers to these questions can help you start to envision one of the most important parts of your elopement planning: the location. And that’s where we are headed next!
Deciding on the Perfect Location
You’re inspired and you have an idea of what type of location you want to elope at! How exciting! Deciding where you want to elope is one of the most important aspects that will determine the experience of your elopement day. Your location should be somewhere where you feel the happiest, the most alive, and the most like you. You should choose somewhere that allows you and your partner to focus on each other and truly be in the moment of your elopement day. How exactly do you make that happen? I’ve broken it down into 6 easy considerations for picking your perfect location.
1. Type of Scenery
This is where those brainstorming exercises are going to come into play. Think back to the types of places that you and your partner discussed. Choosing the type of scenery is about what makes both of your hearts sing! Do you dream of saying your vows with waves crashing behind you, hearing the gentle sounds of a secluded forest, or standing atop a mountain with panoramic views? What places feel the most like you? What scenery will truly make your elopement dream a reality?
Take a look at some Georgia Elopement Locations
2. Seasons and Weather
Choosing the scenery and season can often go together since some places are incredible during certain seasons. If you want vibrant greens and flowing waterfalls wherever you are going, choose to elope in the spring. If you want long days and to elope at some higher elevations when it isn’t freezing, then the middle of summer would be a good choice. If you want moody morning fog and beautiful fall colors, eloping in autumn is for you. If you want snow covered ground and that cozy cabin feeling, then choose a winter elopement. Each season brings its own beauty and challenges, so consider what kind of weather you’re comfortable with and how it aligns with your vision for your day.
3. Accessibility and Seclusion
Accessibility and seclusion are crucial factors in choosing the perfect elopement location. If you’re dreaming of a secluded, off-the-beaten-path location, think about how easy or difficult it will be to get there. Usually, a good rule of thumb is the more accessible a location is, the less secluded it is. Of course, this is not always the case! Consider the physical abilities or limitations of you and your partner, as well as any guests. A secluded spot can offer privacy and intimacy, allowing you to focus solely on each other without distractions. A more accessible location might be necessary if you’re including loved ones who can’t handle rough terrain. If you are looking for a more secluded location, I can definitely help you find one no matter where you want to elope!
4. Meaning and Significance
One of the reasons you are choosing to elope is probably the intentionality of it all. So choosing a location should also be intentional. The location you choose should hold a special meaning for you as a couple. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be somewhere you have been before. It could be a place where you first met, a spot that represents your shared interests, somewhere on your travel bucket list, or somewhere you want to visit for your anniversary every year.
5. Activities Being Considered
Thinking about the activities you want to do on your elopement day can help you choose an appropriate location. Are you adventurous souls who want to hike, canoe, ski, or rock climb? Are you wanting a more relaxed elopement with some coffee in the morning, a cozy cabin, a picnic, or a campfire and smores’? Some locations will be better for certain activities and is a good way to narrow down your potential elopement location.
6. Guest That Are Coming (Or Not)
If you have decided you want to have a “just-us” experience, you can skip this step entirely. However, if you are planning to have a few guests, their needs and comfort should be part of your decision-making process. Consider the logistics of getting them to the location, their accommodations, and how the setting will work for a small group. This is also an important part of the location selection process because some locations only allow for a certain number of people to be present at the elopement (particularly in National and State Parks). You want to keep your guests comfortable, while keeping the experience the intimate gathering you desire.
Permits and Legal Requirements
There it is, the dreaded legal requirements! Not to worry, I help my couples out a ton when it comes to this research and here I will lay out the answers to some common questions I get about this.
Q: How do I legally elope? Is it even legal?
A: The short answer is yes, eloping is a perfectly legal way to get married. An elopement is legal as long as you are abiding by the rules and regulations set in place by the country or state that you are getting married in. That being said, your elopement day doesn’t actually have to be the day the government says you are married. Your elopement day is the day you choose to commit your lives to one another and say your vows. If your plans don’t align with the legal requirements of the state or country, you don’t have to get legally married there but can still have your day there. The paperwork and all the legal stuff can come before or after your epic adventure together.
Q: Do we need a wedding officiant for our elopement day?
A: Well here it comes again, it depends. Some states and countries require that one be present in order to legally get married that day, while others do not. Another option is to have a friend or family member get ordained online and have them perform the legal parts of the ceremony (which is only two sentences by the way). Finally, the other option is to read your vows and have a commitment ceremony on your elopement day and save the legal stuff for another day.
Q: But what if we want to be legally married on our elopement day?
A: Do it! And I will help you figure out exactly what is required along the way. You can definitely have an adventurous and epic elopement day and get legally married the same day. You just need to make sure to do your research and abide by the local rules and regulations. Most of the time in the United States, the regulations will be waiting periods, legal officiants, and/or witnesses required to be present.
Q: What if we don’t want to bother with all the fuss and don’t get legally married on our elopement day?
A: The truth of the matter is that the paperwork probably isn’t why you are choosing to get married. If you are getting married somewhere that you don’t like the requirements and regulations for getting legally married there then don’t bother getting legally married there. It’s that simple. No this doesn’t mean your marriage is invalid, it just means the government doesn’t think you are together. I am a firm believer in doing whatever you want on your wedding day and then getting legally married another time. Bottom line is, don’t let the legalities and paperwork stress you out and prevent you from having the elopement day of your dreams in the location of your dreams.
Q: What if my location requires a permit? How do I get one?
A: National Parks, Forests, State Parks, etc. often require permits in order to have a wedding ceremony on their land. Sometimes a permit is required for a photographer or videographer to be present as well. Before you schedule your ceremony, make sure you get in touch with the entity in charge of that location. They will have the answers to your questions and of course I will help you navigate through this process should it be necessary.
Remain Authentic To Yourselves
One of the main reasons you chose to elope is you wanted a wedding that felt authentic to you. You wanted to have a stress-free, fun, and intentional wedding day experience. Don’t compromise who you are just to get to that Instagrammable location. Remain authentic to who you are as a couple and what you enjoy doing together. So if you aren’t really big hikers, don’t try to become hikers on your wedding day. If you are extremely adventurous and love to rock climb all the time, choose a location where you can do that! And if after all this, you still don’t have an exact location picked out, not to worry, I help all my couples find a location that speaks to them and their story. It’s actually one of my favorite parts of the job!
The Essentials: Vendors and Logistics
You have a location now, you’ve chosen a date, and you know if you are inviting any guests. Hell yeah! Cue the Mulan music, let’s get down to business!
Some of the things in this section you might skip based on your elopement and how you want your day to be. But after photographing many elopements and helping many couples have the elopement day of their dreams, these are generalized suggestions that are helpful to most of my eloping couples.
Hiring Key Vendors
Photographer
One of the first vendors you will want to hire is a photographer. This is going to be one of the most epic, important, and memorable days of your life, and you are going to want it documented beautifully. Especially with elopements, the personality and the vibe between you and your photographer matters a lot! Your photographer might be the only person that joins you on your elopement adventure. For that reason, you will want to hire someone that you feel comfortable with and is an expert in the space of elopements.
For me personally, I love when couples reach out to me before they have an exact date and location picked out because it allows for more flexibility with our schedules matching up. Whether you have a date and location picked out or you don’t, reach out to me as soon as possible! I love helping couples create their dream elopement!
Other Key Vendors
Elopements can also have wedding vendors! Remember, it’s a wedding experience without boundaries, so you can keep some traditional vendors or all of them if you want. It’s your day!
Couples I work with for elopements and intimate weddings most commonly hire all or some of these vendors:
- Officiants
- Makeup and Hair Artists
- Florists
- Caterers/Chefs
- Videographers
Tips for Picking Vendors
- When you are hiring any vendor for your wedding day, make sure you read plenty of client reviews to make sure they are a good fit with the experience you are looking for.
- Make sure you actually read contracts (I know sometimes they can be long). But this way, you make sure everything is agreed upon and in writing before your day.
- You should try to speak to vendors that are going to be physically present on your day. If they are going to be hanging out with you all day, you want to make sure you vibe with their personality.
- Not sure where to start? You can of course look to me for recommendations of vendors I have worked with before or you can try resources like Zola, Wandering Weddings, Pinterest, or Instagram.
Purchasing or Renting Attire
The number one thing that I tell my couples is to wear something that you are 100% comfortable in and feel happy, beautiful, and confident in. If it is a dress, a jumpsuit, a tux, a suit, or a romper, make sure that you can move and it fits with your location. If it is a warmer location, make sure to choose lightweight fabrics, and if it is a colder location, maybe think about leggings underneath your other clothing.
Travel and Lodging
When booking lodging and travel for your elopement day, think about creating a seamless, stress-free experience that mirrors the adventure you envision. Choose a place that feels special and intimate, whether it’s a cozy cabin, a chic Airbnb, or a rustic lodge close to nature. Consider the logistics—how easy is it to reach your ceremony spot from where you’re staying? Plan for the journey, too—whether it’s a scenic drive, a flight, or a hike, make sure it adds to the excitement and not the stress.
Planning the Ceremony
We’ve already talked about the legal stuff when it comes to eloping in the previous section, but what about the unique parts of your ceremony? Are you going to include spiritual or special traditions? Are you writing your own vows?
I’ve compiled a list of ideas to help make your ceremony unique and special to you.
- Exchange Personalized Vows – You can reflect upon your relationship so far, declare promises to one another, let your emotions come out, and commit your life to your partner. Make it yours!
- Exchange Rings or Tokens – Rings are traditional because they represent infinity with no true beginning or end to them, but you can exchange any token that is important to your relationship or spiritual traditions that you want to uphold.
- Incorporate Music – Play your favorite song on a portable speaker, have one of your friends play the guitar, or surprise your partner by giving a musical performance. You could even have a first dance.
- Any other religious or spiritual tradition – Many couples like to include spiritual or religious traditions that are significant to you.
Creating a Timeline
I’ll admit that this is never a step I will make my couples do by themselves. However, there are still some helpful tips to think about when developing your timeline or even thinking about how much photography coverage you want. Think about the pace you want—do you envision a leisurely morning getting ready together, an adventurous midday hike to your ceremony spot, or a golden hour vow exchange as the sun sets? Factor in the activities you want to enjoy, the travel time between locations, and, most importantly, leave room for spontaneity. This is your adventure, so let it unfold naturally, ensuring every moment feels as extraordinary and authentic as your love.
Final Touches Leading Up to the Elopement Day
The details are nailed down, the location is set, and you are ready to elope… almost! There are still a few things to think about before your elopement to have the most stress-free and epic day.
Packing Lists
Whether you have decided to have an epic hiking elopement, a cozy elopement at a cabin, or a
combination of it all, you are no doubt going to have quite a few things to pack. Here a few items to get you started:
Necessities
- Important travel documents and ID’s
- Marriage License (if you are legally getting married day of)
- Vows and/or vow books
- Rings and ring boxes
- Wedding attire for both of you
- Garment bags
- Tissues
- Speaker if playing music
- Flowers (if any)
Adventure Gear
- Water bottles and water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Extra Socks
- Boots/shoes
- Backpack(s)
- Jacket(s) – warm, rain, or windproof
- Warm layers
- Skin Toned Leggings
- Hand Warmers or Toe Warmers
The sooner you begin to pack everything up, the sooner your elopement day will begin to feel real!
Backup Plans
It’s always smart to have a backup plan, especially for an outdoor ceremony. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and sometimes elopements need to shift due to weather, crowds, or other surprises. When I am location scouting early in the process, I will help you choose some backup locations in the event life happens. Having a plan B ensures you’re prepared for anything—from unexpected crowds to sudden road or park closures, or even wildlife encounters. Being flexible keeps your day stress-free and just as extraordinary as you envisioned. However, at this point in the process we will finalize those plans and it would be a good time to communicate any backup plans with your guests and/or other vendors.
Self-care and Relaxation Before Your Elopement
Leading up to an elopement day stress and anxiety can start to creep back in. I get it! We are all human. The number one tip I have to stay relaxed leading up to your elopement, do activities that recharge you together. Whether that is a hike, some yoga, or a cozy night with your favorite movie – carve out time for these things. Staying hydrated and getting a full night’s rest before your elopement can help you feel your best on your day.
The Elopement: Staying Present and Connected
This is it!
All the planning has led to this moment! You are getting married and are having the most epic day with your forever partner!
Stay present, enjoy the scenery, and stay connected with each other. Soak it all in. Feel the feels. Mentally take these memories with you forever.
Remember that you are going to be looking so freaking good and you will be experiencing the emotions of your wedding day. Letting yourself relax and feel those emotions will shine through in the photographs.
You’ve Done It!
Congratulations! You’ve journeyed through the ins and outs of planning an elopement from start to finish. Look at you, you expert!
You are now equipped with the knowledge to create an unforgettable, unique adventure that tells your story how it deserves to be told.
I want to further help you navigate the elopement experience because I believe they are the most epic way to get married. If you’re feeling excited and inspired, now’s the perfect time to take the next step.
Reach out to me, and let’s start planning your extraordinary elopement together. Let’s turn that vision into a reality!
What My Couples Are Saying About Working With Me
“Bryan was absolutely wonderful throughout the whole process! During our wedding day he was very professional yet it felt like we were just hanging out with a friend! The whole day was super relaxed feeling and he made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. He really seems to put his heart into what he does and I could not recommend him enough! If you are looking for a private elopement photographer look no further!!! He’s your guy!!!”
-Tammy and Stuart-
“Bryan is fantastic at what he does. Our elopement consisted of hiking and canoeing, and Bryan being the adventure seeker like we are spent 8 hours documenting our day through camera. He even brought his kayak so he could capture some epic photos of us in our canoe paddling and exchanging personal vows. Not only is he a talented photographer, but he’s an amazing person! You can tell he loves what he does and truly cares about the couples he photographs.”
-Allie and Howard-
