You know that you don’t want to get married in a big venue, and that a traditional wedding isn’t the way you want to celebrate - and the good news is that you can elope instead! Rather than forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit or keeping your plans within the box of how weddings are “supposed to be,” you can have a day that truly encapsulates the love you share, and what your relationship means to you. But when it comes to how to plan an elopement, there are a million different ways that the way you get married can look - so it can be hard to know where to start!

In this guide, we’ll talk all about planning an adventure elopement, with a step by step plan to create a one of a kind wedding day that’s just right for the two of you.

Before You Plan an Elopement…

Before you start figuring out how to plan an elopement, you need to make the decision to elope! This might sound simple, but it’s often easier said than done. A lot of couples feel nervous about how their loved ones will feel and react, and it’s definitely a big leap, and an important decision!

Our best advice when it comes to deciding to elope is to truly follow your heart and trust your gut. If you know that a traditional wedding isn’t your jam, there's no point trying to force it! Remember - you’re getting married. It should be a day that you truly love, and one that makes you head over heels excited to start planning.

How to Plan an Elopement

Once you’ve made the brave decision to elope, it’s time to start planning! Here are the steps to plan an adventure elopement.

Start Dreaming!

Before you make official plans, take some time to just daydream and let your imagination run wild! Think about all the things you want, or might want, for the day you get married.

Here are some things to think about - but it’s totally okay to stay flexible and not have any answers yet!

When do you want to get married?

First, it can be helpful to start brainstorming potential elopement dates. You don’t have to come up with an exact date yet (in fact, if you don’t, it will be easier to book a photographer), but we recommend having a season or time frame in mind. Think about the weather you want to experience, as well as logistical things like time off of work.

What kind of scenery do you like?

Another thing to think about can be potential elopement locations - but you don’t have to get specific! Just think about what kind of landscapes you want to see and experience. Is there a type of scenery that you’re especially drawn to?

Minnesota North Shore Elopement Photographer

What do you want to do?

Along with dates and locations, think about experiences you might want to have! All three of these can help you narrow down your options - for example, if you want to go hiking in the mountains, you’ll know that you likely want to elope in the summer.

Book an Elopement Photographer and Videographer

Once you have a few ideas for your elopement day, or even once you realize that you’re down for anything and totally flexible, reach out to us! As a husband and wife photo and video team, our job isn’t just to document the day - it’s also to help you plan your elopement.

We’ll make the rest of these steps easier, and be your guides to the perfect wedding day! We provide personalized location recommendations, along with tips and advice for the best vendors, places to stay, and more.

Choose an Elopement Location

One of the first things we’ll do is send you a list of personalized recommendations for places where you can tie the knot! We’ll get to know you, find out what you have in mind for your elopement day, and do all the location scouting, so you don’t have to. Whether you’re looking for a hike or want something chill, you want to elope with family or tie the knot just the two of you, and whatever else would make this day perfect, we’ll send you a list of options.

Get an Elopement Permit

Some locations require a permit for ceremonies - but the rules depend on where you elope, so we’ll help you navigate this! You’ll typically need to apply for your permit at least a month in advance, but more time is best to allow for processing and ensure that you don’t have to stress.

Find Your Elopement Vendors

You’ve already got a photographer and videographer, but there may be other vendors that you want to include in your day! A great team of vendors will make all the difference, so we’ll recommend our favorites in the location that you choose. Some vendors to consider can include an officiant, florist, hair and makeup artist, caterer or chef, and more!

Brush Up on Marriage Laws

Marriage laws in the US depend on the state, and if you travel abroad, each country has its own rules and requirements. A few months out from your elopement date, make sure you know how to get a marriage license! You can usually apply anywhere from a month to a year in advance, depending on the location, so make a plan to apply for, and receive your marriage license - sometimes you can get it by mail, and other times you’ll need to pick it up in person.

Make an Elopement Timeline

Your elopement isn’t just a ceremony - it should be an experience, and an all day adventure! Your day deserves to be celebrated, and that might mean going kayaking, taking a hike, flying in a helicopter, or having a picnic. We’ll get to know you and recommend things to do on the day you get married, and then create a custom timeline for your day! This timeline isn’t like a traditional wedding timeline - it’s not a rigid, strict schedule, but it gives you an idea of what we’re doing and where we’re going. There should be room for flexibility and spontaneous adventures!

Elope!

The last step when it comes to how to plan an elopement, is to elope! A few days before, start packing and make sure you’ve got everything you need, but also take some time to just relax and unwind before the big day.

The day of your elopement, eat breakfast and drink plenty of water to make sure you have a blast, and then we’ll adventure, explore, and you’ll marry your best friend in the magical location that you chose!

Ready to Plan an Elopement?

If you’ve decided that an adventure elopement is for you, contact us to start planning! We’ll be there for you every step of the way, making sure you have a wedding day that’s absolutely perfect for you, and one that you’ll remember forever!