adventure elopement photographer + coordinator
Welcome to my elopement planning guide!
First of all, I'm incredibly happy for you that you're making this decision to get married how you want instead of caving into pressure to have a traditional wedding.
You now have the ultimate freedom to get married however you want.
Elopements may be smaller than an ordinary wedding bash, but there are still many details to be put into your elopement. With this freedom to get married however you want, you might be wondering, "Where in the world do I start?!"
If you're unsure on where to begin, don't worry, you're in the right place!
I'm Courtney and I'm an experienced Elopement Photographer. I've helped many couples plan out the ultimate elopement experience. I'm here to guide you through every step, give you all the advice and create an epic and laid back experience for you!
I'm SO stoked you're here!!
Absolutely! Eloping is a very intentional way of getting married and that includes who you choose or don't choose to bring along with you. I limited the max group I work with to 20 people, so that the focus of your wedding day can remain on the two of you and not turn into a day all about the family.
The average process takes about 4-9 months, but I have completed this process over longer like a year and half and shorter periods like 4 weeks. The sooner you bring on an specialist like me the smoother everything will go down!
This is YOUR wedding day! You can do literally whatever you want. You can take a helicopter ride, go surfing, skiing, take a canoe on a lake or kayak down a river, hiking, backpacking, rock-climbing, simply take a drive through a mountain pass, or drive down a fun 4x4 road, take a quad through the dessert, ride skateboards, etc. You get the idea! Literally whatever you want.
Much cheaper than a traditional wedding that's for sure! A quick Google search will let you know that the average traditional wedding costs a whopping $34,000. You can plan an epic elopement for less than half! You can expect to spend about 50%-70% on photography and the allocating the rest of your budget on travel, attire, or other vendors like hair and make up artist, officiant, florist, fun activities, food and your marriage license.
Can I elope with friends and/or family?
how long is the planning processs?
How much does it cost to elope?
What can i do during my elopement?
A few common questions
Start to dream up a vision of how you want your day to look like. This includes things like what part of the world you want to elope in (a general area like the PNW, a few particular states, Europe, etc.), what you want the scenery to look like , what activities you might want to do and what time of year and weather you're hoping for!
01. start brainstorming what you want your day to look like
This is where a big part where you'll start to turn your dream into reality and find how what's exactly possible and how to go about planning it all out. This is where an experienced elopement photographer will be huge help and relieve any confusion and stress throughout the rest of the planning process.
02. Think about the logistics & do the research
Now it's time to make your official decisions on your location and start booking any necessary flights, accommodations, and apply for any necessary permits for your location.
03. Make your official decisions
Go pick out your attire, comfortable shoes, plan out your elopement activities, put together a timeline and have a back up plan, and book any additional vendors.
04. nail out the details
After all the work of planning out your elopement it's time to live it out and enjoy every single moment to the fullest.
05. live out your dream elopement
The steps needed to plan out your dream elopement
01. start brainstorming what you want your day to look like
The end goal of this stage is to start to create a general vision of what you want for your elopement day! Everything from the type of scenery you're looking for, a general area and the weather and season you'd love to get married in!
Think about what ultimate adventure you want to go on!
Dream big!
Remember, there are no rules for eloping!
As you start to dream and create your vision ask yourself these important questions!
What would be my dream backdrop for my vows?
Do you want sweeping mountain views? Do you want to be surrounded by trees or on a cliff overlooking the ocean?
Are there any particular ceremony traditions I want to include?
Are there any religious aspects you want to include? Do you want to write your own vows?
What season is it?
Do you love or hate being cold? Do you love or hate being hot?
What type of activities do I want to include?
Do you both love hiking? Are there any particular outdoor activities you love doing together?
How much time do I have for this trip?
Do you want to make a vacation/honeymoon trip out of this?
How far am I willing to travel?
Do you want to stay domestic or do you want to elope internationally?
Do I want to include others or have a 'just us' experience?
Is it important to you to have your closest loved ones with you or is is more important to solely focus on just the two of you?
What do I want to wear?
Do you want type of attire are you hoping to wear? A dress? A suit or tux? Something more casual?
Now you have a start to your vision!
no matter how few ideas you have or how fuzzy it is, it's a great place to be!
During Step 1 or 2 is when the majority of most couples choose to get in touch with me!
As an experienced Elopement Photographer & Coordinator I help couples turn their fuzzy vision into their dream elopement!
I'll listen to their vision and give them a clear path on how to complete their vision. We'll start to nail out the logistics and details!
I help with finding the perfect location for them, give them ideas and suggestions that fit their vision and planning tools to make this an easy and fun process!
02. Think about the logistics & do the research
Now that you have your vision it's time to dive into the logistics of that vision.
This is where your vision starts to come to life! You gotta dig into what the weather looks like in the location you chose, if permits are necessary, if there are any regulations, if you need to hire other vendors besides an elopement photographer, etc.
If you need help bringing your vision to life and figuring out the logistics I'd love to help you!
I 100% understand if this part might feel a bit overwhelming.
As you start to dive into the logistics be sure to cover these topics!
What do the marriage laws look like where i'm eloping?
Is my location easily accessible or will I need a special type of transport like a 4x4 vehicle?
do we want our loved ones with us?
what weather can we expect? how are we going to be prepared for eloping outdoors?
Is a photography permit required?
Do i need to purchase a national forest pass or national park pass?
what's the parking situations look like?
what ACTIVITIES did we decide on? how are we going to include them in our day?
where are we staying in relation to our ceremony location?
how are we going to celebrate afterward?
Symbolical vs. legal ceremony
what's the difference?
A symbolical ceremony isn't a legally binding ceremony. That's the only difference. Couples who choose to have a symbolical ceremony will get the paperwork done where they live and not where they elope. Thus, on their elopement day they have a symbolical ceremony.
The couples that go this route - to them the day they say their vows to each other is the day they get married and not the day they simply sign paperwork.
WHY DO COUPLES CHOOSE TO HAVE A SYMBOLICAL CEREMONY?
Marriage Laws differ quite a bit between states and even county! Many States required you to have an officiant and witness. Some have a waiting period on when you can actually use your marriage license.
This can create a headache and can give you something to worry about on your elopement day when worrying about something is the last thing you want!
If it's important to you to be legally married on your elopement day it's definitely possible!!
But, if you want a 'just us' elopement experience without having to worry about witnesses and what not, then a symbolical ceremony is the way to go!
Research weather
look into permits
Be sure to look into weather patterns, average highs and lows, and average snow and rain fall for the time of year & general area that you'd like to elope.
If you're eloping up in the mountains make sure to check if there's any typically winter road closures and stay constantly up-to-date the few weeks before your elopement.
If you decided to elope in spring or fall when the weather is a bit more unpredictable, it's wise to have a back up plan in case an unexpected road closure happens!
No matter when or where you decide to elope anything can happen. This is why it's extremely important to go in with an open mindset for your day!
and always have a backup plan
Always, always do your research on whether or no a permit is need to get married at the location of your choosing. You may need to get a Special Use Permit for your ceremony and a photography permit to allow your photographer to take picutres.
It's better to assume you always need one, reach out to officials and ask!
Plan out your elopement day activites!
Activites during the day
How do you want to celebrate?
what would you like to do immediately following your ceremony?
Do you want to go hiking? Do you both love to long board? Are you into skiing or snowboarding? Do you want to take a 4x4 car up a mountain pass road? Do you want to have a picnic? Think about things you both love to do or a new adventure you'd love to try out together!
Do you want to sit at a bonfire and roast s'mores? Do you love to cook? Do you want to hire a private chef? Do you want to go stargazing? Hit up a pub? The options are endless!
Do you want to share a first dance up in the mountains or in the middle of the forest? Do you want to hire a live musician? Do you want to video call friends/family? Do you want to pop a champagne bottle or have a picnic?
Whoo-hoo!!
What did you discover about the general area you're eloping?
This part can be a bit confusing to dig into the logistics as there's SO much different information out there!
If you feel lost or unsure on what to do, reach out for help! Hire an experience Elopement Photographer who can help you with this. This is will all affect your elopement day, so it's definitely worth getting the extra hands and knowledge to help you out!
If you want someone to help you deal with planning out the logistics I'd be stoked to help you!
I'll save you loads of time, make your life so much easier and make it a fun and simple process for you!
03. Make your official decisions
You've taken the time to decide what you want to include in your day and now it's time to start to bring your vision to life!
This is where you're going to make official decisions and start booking your travel, accommodation, additional vendors, get your car rentals, etc.
Your details will be nailed out in Step 4, but this is where the big things will be completed!
First things first
Pick your date
Decide on your location
You've done all your research on weather and the seasons so now it's time to decide on what date you'd like to elope! Before you get super set on a date be sure to check that the date is available with your photographer and works for your loved ones if you decide to have them there!
Also, I would 100% suggest to elope on a weekday to avoid crowds!
It's time to decide on the location where you want to say your vows! Pick out the hike you want to go on or the overlook you want to stop at.
You don't need a super specific spot, but if there's a particular ledge, mountain peak or forest area you want to say your vows at that's a great place to start.
Once you reach your destination you'll be able to see where to perfect place to stand and hold your ceremony will be!
Start booking
book your accomodation
book your transportation
Book your flights if needed
Check out websites like Airbnb, VRBO, Google maps, etc. to find the perfect place for you to stay during your elopement! Be sure to look at how far of a drive it is from your ceremony location or trail-head. The closer the better, but sometimes it will be a decent drive depending on how remote the location you chose is!
Also, be sure to pay attention to have much room there is in the Airbnb and how much you think you're going to need. If you want to get ready separately, are there separate bedrooms to get ready in? Are you having family stay with you? How many bathrooms are there?
Now that you have your location and accommodation booked it's time to book your transportation! Do you need a 4x4 car to get to your location? Are you comfortable driving a precarious road or do you need to hire a professional driver? If you're having your loved ones there, how much vehicles do you need? What's the parking situation look like? Did you decide on a remote location that's best reached by a helicopter tour?
Time to book your flights if you need to! If you're getting legally married be sure to look into the waiting period to use your marriage license when you pick it up so you know how many days you need to arrive beforehand. You can also make a fun trip and honeymoon out of it if you'd like!
Alright! The hardest parts are now complete!
At this point, your date should be set in stone, you're location has been picked, your activities have been decided on, and you've booked your travel arrangements and accommodation!
Are you getting excited?! You should be!!
04. nail out the details
You've gotten the main parts of your day set in place and now it's time to make sure you get the details and little things nailed out for your special day!
Make sure your details are in place!
Make sure you have your dress picked out and schedule any necessary fittings! There are so many incredible online dresses as well. A few of my personal favorites are Rue de Seine, Reclamation, Grace Loves Lace, and Daci Gowns. On the cheaper end of the spectrum Lulus has some great gowns as well!
Pick out your suit/dress
Get your shoes
Take along jackets & baselayers
Accessories
I cannot begin to stress enough how important it is to have proper shoes for your elopement day. Even if you aren't hiking I highly recommend hiking boots or running shoes so that you'll be super comfortable and won't get blisters from all the walking and moving around you'll be doing!
Decide if you want to wear any accessories or bring anything small along that is meaningful to you!
If you're eloping during winter, late fall or early spring be sure to wear base layers and buy a jacket you wouldn't mind having pictures taken in! If you're eloping at time you're not anticipating cool weather, be sure to pack them and take them along just in case. Even during summer months, if you're up in the mountains and high elevation it can still be pretty cold!
Elopement photographer
florsit
Officiant
Live musician
Hair & makeup artist
private chef
If you haven't hired your dream photographer, be sure to reach out and book them! It's important to work with someone that you'll get along great with as they'll be spending the entire day with you!
Do you want to have a bouquet or any other florals made for your day?
Do you want a professional or are you comfortable doing it yourself?
Did you want any type of live music played during a first dance?
Are you going to have a private chef cook you a meal afterward? This comes back to how you decided to celebrate!
Do you need to hire an officiant or do you want to do the ceremony yourselves? Are you going to have a family member officiate for you? Is it going to be legal or symbolical?
Get all your gear ready
create your timeline
Complete ceremony agenda
Make sure you've bought or have all the proper gear you need for your activities! For example, a proper hiking pack, emergency kit, back-up clothing, etc.
Whether you're working with an officiant or not, be sure you know how your ceremony is going down, the order things are being done in and that your vows are written (if you're writing your own!).
Now that everything is in place is time to write out a timeline for your day so that you stay on track with time! Don't forget to plan time for driving, getting in and out of cars, hiking time, and leave room to be spontaneous so you don't have to rush from one thing to another!
Definitely work with your photographer when creating a timeline as it's important to plan certain parts of your day around the best lighting possible!
Days leading up to your elopement
1. PACK ALL YOUR GEAR, CLOTHING, DOCUMENTS, ETC.
2. Keep an eye on the weather
3. Check for road closures
4.Make any necessary adjustments to your timeline
5. Relax, drink lots water, and go to bed on time!
05. live out your dream elopement
AHHH!!! All your hard working has paid off and your dream elopement is finally here!!!
Enjoy your day to the fullest
soak up every minute of your elopement, because it goes by way too fast!!
Take a minute to breathe and embrace your favorite person!
This is it. This is the day that you two commit your lives together!
If you feel like crying, cry. If you feel like laughing, laugh.
This is YOUR day!
Don't worry about a thing and just have fun!
P.S. Do NOT worry about how you're looking in pictures! All you have to do is be real, enjoy yourself and epic images will follow!
1. Throw An Engagement Party
3. SHARE YOUR EPIC IMAGES
2. SHOP FOR YOUR OUTFITS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
You may be eloping, but that doesn’t mean you get to miss out on having that dream dress! Take your mom and your nearest and dearest friends along with you to search for your perfect dress and accessories. This will make them feel special and involved!
This is another reasons having a photographer you love is so important! When you have a photographer there to document your experience from start to finish you'll be able to share your special day with your friends and family. They'll love to flip through pages of an album to see the experience you had on such an incredible day!
A great way to have your family and friends with you on your day without actually having them there is to have them write letters to you for you to open and read on your elopement day! This will make for an incredible moment to share with your new spouse. If letters don't sound like you, then pop on a quick FaceTime call after you said your vows and have a cheers with them!
You may want to celebrate your wedding day with just the two of you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your engagement with your friends and family! Letting your Mom or your best friend plan a party for you will be one less thing for you to worry about all while keeping them involved during this special time
A few ways to keep your family involved during your elopement
without them actually being there
4. WRITE LETTERS
Food for thought if it's important to you!
What to do after eloping
Celebrate with your friends and family!
"ooh" and "ahh" at your photos!
When you get home go celebrate with everyone! Go out to dinner, have a backyard BBQ, have a reception of some kind.
Of course, only if you want to! :)
Take some time and just soak up your incredible images. You can relive your day over and over again recalling every single moment as you looking through them.
I highly recommend ordering an album so that you can have the entire story of your day laid out in physical form.
Print them and hang them up!! There's absolutely no need for them to stay on a hard drive.
I'm so happy for you that you're choosing to get married exactly how you want.
Eloping is such a meaningful and unique way to get married that allows the focus of your wedding day to remain on you!!
At any point you feel you need help or you want someone to guide you through this entire process, I would be SO stoked to work with you and help you!!
I'm here to make this is a super easy process and fun process for you!
