How to plan an elopement

how to plan an elopement yosemite elopement photographer

So you have made the very brave decision to skip the traditional & elope with the love of your life! Check out the next steps to plan your dream elopement day.

10 Steps to plan your dream wedding day!

how to plan an elopement in 10 steps!

Start envisioning your dream elopement day

01

02

Choose a location

Close your eyes and think about waking up on your elopement day with your partner by your side. What do you see? What's the weather feel like? How does the terrain look? What fun activities do you see you and your partner doing that day? When you start to envision what your dream elopement day will look like, all the rest will come together!

I encourage couples to pick their location as a next step. When you have your location planned, you'll be able to better understand what the weather will be like in that spot for different times of year. Keep in mind your day isn't limited to a single setting, though!

Hire your photographer & guide

04

Pick a date

03

Once you have your location, you can start to narrow down your date. Do some research on the location you choose and find out the weather patterns for that time of year, potential crowd sizes, availability of lodging and vendors, etc.

It's very important you and your elopement photographer are a good match! She'll be by your side the entire day of your wedding and helping you to plan all of it. You are sharing a very intimate part of your life with your photographer and it's imperative you all have good vibes and mutual trust!

Research marriage laws

06

Choose other vendors

05

You want to make sure you're getting legally married to your partner and following the laws and requirements for that state. Give this step plenty of time before you leave for your destination. You will want to obtain your marriage license, find out if you need to have witnesses, officiant, etc. Also whether permits are required for your specific location.

Once you have your photographer and guide on board, you need to start thinking about the other vendors you may want to book. These could include florists, caterers, hair and makeup, private chefs, etc. Of course, your photographer and guide can help you think through all of this. :)

08

Plan your personal touches

Find your wedding day outfits

07

Take the time to collect the things that are important and meaningful to you and your partner. Bring pieces that can add unique and personal touches to your day. Things like jewelry, jackets, blankets, picnics, umbrellas, etc. Another idea is to have your friends and family write you notes or letters to open on your elopement day.

There are no rules when it comes to finding your dream elopement look. You can rock a beautiful dress, of course. But you can also don a jumpsuit, pantsuit, separates, romper, or even a swimsuit; the sky's the limit! Keep in mind your outfits need to be practical for the activities you choose to do on your elopement day. So if you need extra layers for a chilly hike, plan ahead. Or you may want a lightweight dress for a warmer climate wedding.

10

Live your best day ever!

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN

09

After all that planning, it is here, it's happening. The day you have waited for! Enjoy every second of your elopement day and let your photographer worry about all the rest!

I can't stress this enough! Always plan for the unexpected. Mother nature doesn't always care about our plans. So be prepared for anything to come your way. Keep an open mind and a good attitude along the way and your day will be as perfect as you imagined it.

Learn what elopement definition here

IF YOU ARE READY TO START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT, I'M HERE TO HELP!

CLICK BELOW TO CONTACT ME TO GET STARTED!

START PLANNING YOUR DREAM ELOPEMENT

SHARE THIS STORY