This elopement planning guide is going to go over each step you need to consider for bringing your intimate wedding to life and how to elope. I’m an elopement photographer + planner who created elopement day experiences for couples full time. After shooting 100+ elopements, I think I’ve got it down to a science.

You might be feeling a little overwhelmed while elopement planning or wondering how to elope at all. Lucky for you, that means you’ve chosen a day that’s wide open to possibilites and the world is your oyster. With that being said, having endless options can make it feel hard to start. This planning guide will show you exactly how to get started, and bring your ideas to fruition, and teach you how to elope.

What is an Elopement?

Before we dive into the elopement planning and how to elope, what exactly is an elopement? An elopement is basically an experienced-based wedding day with fewer guests. Elopements used to be about getting married in secret, saving money, or being plastered in Las Vegas.

The modern elopement is all about leaving behind the customs of a conventional large wedding in favor of embracing traditions that truly resonate with you and your partner. That could mean a lot of things, because it basically opens you up to doing whatever the heck you want. Once again, that’s exactly why starting the elopement planning process can feel a little intimidating at first. But rest assured, it’s so worth it. So let’s jump in on the steps for how to elope!

How to Elope in 11 Steps

Once you start looking at your elopement planning as steps, it becomes way easier to digest how to elope. I highly recommend reading over all of the steps to familiarize yourself with the process and how this all will come together, and THEN slowly start working on step 1.

• Brainstorming and coming up with all possible ideas that excite you
• Create and estimated budget
• Come up with an ideal date for your elopement
• Hire an elopement photographer
• Decide on how many guests are joining (if any)
• Choose elopement locations
• Hire any necessary vendors
• Book flights and accommodation
• Timeline planning
• Make it legal! Get permits and marriage license
• Final elopement preparations

1.) Brainstorming Elopement Ideas

This part of elopement planning is easy and fun, and should be treated as such. In the beginning of the planning process, try your best to not to think about what is “tangible” or “possible.” That might seem odd, but trust me on this one. When brainstorming, don’t consider what your family might want. Or, if you have an idea you love, don’t get hung up on it being too hard to plan yourself. Don’t exile any ideas in this planning phase.

One of the best ways to start is to simply close your eyes and see what you picture. Is it an ocean? Is the weather warm? Are you two alone, or surrounded by loved ones? You can also look into a ton of other couples who have eloped and see what strikes you. Check out elopements that I’ve shot here! If you’re still feeling stuck, take my elopement location test!

2.) Creating a Budget for Your Elopement

This is a pretty important step in the planning process. Not only to set a budget that you can stick to, but also so you can allocate funds to the things most important to you. Elopements and weddings are very different, and how you spend your money is one of the big differences. For example, you might want to elope out in nature. A permit might cost you $150 instead of spending $10,000 on a venue. You’re not spending $10,000 feeding 200 guests, so why not spend $800 on a private chef to make you a 5 course meal? Consider what is most important to you during this elopement planning step.

A lot of couples spend the most on their photographer, and their “experience.” You can read how much elopement photography costs here, and what’s included in elopement packages. When I say couples spend a lot on their experiences, that refers to the things they include in their day. A hot air balloon ride, 1st class flight tickets, accommodation somewhere stunning, or maybe a luxury picnic. I would recommend trying to leave some wiggle room in your budget for activities.

3.) Come Up With an Elopement Date

Choosing an elopement date feels like a pretty big step in the elopement planning process. I go very into depth on how to pick an elopement date in this blog post here. But, here are the main things you probably want to consider: Do you want it to be warm? Pick a summer month. Do you want less crowds and more vendor availability? Pick a weekday. Is family traveling to your elopement? Consider a weekend.

You also don’t need to have a firm date to do things like inquire with an elopement photographer. Often times, a photographer can also help guide you to picking a date that would be smart based off of knowing your needs. So if you want to just get a general month in mind, thats okay!

4.) Hire a Elopement Photographer

If you’re thinking “I don’t have enough figured out to hire an elopement photographer,” pause, and read through this entire section. Hiring an experienced elopement photographer is going to be one of the biggest elopement planning steps in this whole process. Why? Because when shooting elopements became a thing, there were no such things as elopement planners. We helped our couples. We learned how to scout out locations, get permits, find other vendors to help us bring ideas to life, give timeline recommendations, and more. Basically, we know the steps on how to elope.

That being said, many experienced elopement photographers are going to help you with your planning. Each is different, so make sure to hire one that helps you with the things that are causing you stress. And remember, newer or cheaper elopement photographers might not offer this. Here’s what I offer: helping with date selection, sending comprehensive custom location recommendations based on your need, vendor recommendations, securing lodging, permits, and your marriage license, as well as timeline curation. If reading that made you feel a weight lift off your chest, chat with me here! My elopement packages do the planning for you. This way, you can get started without worry about “how to elope.”

5.) Decide on Having Guests for Your Elopement

Deciding on your guest count (if any) is a huge elopement planning step that is important to decide early as it will change your possible locations, activities, etc. As a reminder, modern elopements are NOT about getting married in secret. They are about intentional, experience based days. Generally, elopements cap guest counts at 25. This is simply because planning starts to become more about guest experience than the couple. Although, it’s totally possible to have up to 50 guests and still have a more experience focused day. There’s many ways to do this.

For example, you can make an elopement timeline that only includes your guests for half the day. A “split” day, if you will. Couples have also done a “double ceremony.” This is when the couple has a ceremony where the officiant does the heavy lifting, and guests are there. Followed by that, a couple will do a private vow reading later in the day, just them. Finally, there are also multi-day elopements to split up solo time with your partner, and time with your loved ones. So, consider how many guests you truly want, and know its possible to still have a day that’s experience based and prioritizes you and your partner, even with guests.

6.) Choose an Elopement Location

At this point, you should have your elopement photographer, a date you decided on, and an estimated guest count. Having all of these things before choosing an elopement location helps a ton. This is because some locations (National Parks, National Forests, etc,) have a limit on how many people can be there. Some locations have date limitations. Lastly, at this point your elopement photographer should have you booked with a clear vision of what you two are looking for out a location, which will greatly help you find one as they will provide research-based recommendations. (Once again, this is my process, some photographers may not offer this service.)

Choosing your elopement location is going to be the step that really makes it feel like it’s all coming together. From there, it becomes vastly easier to plan. Because, once you know your location, you can easily book lodging, consider activities, and think about what vendors could elevate your experience there! Finally, during this elopement planning step, you will want to think of a plan B. A plan B is important in case it rains, in case of wildfires, or in case there is some kind of access issue to your original location. I help all of my couples come up with a close-by plan B that they also love. This isn’t necessary often, but it is important.

7.) Hire Remaining Vendors

You have your location, photographer, guest list, and you’re starting to see your day really come together and know how to elope. This is the time to hire any vendors you might want during your day. Some examples are a videographer, hair and makeup, florists etc. There are also vendors who can set up rentals for a intimate reception at an Airbnb or small ceremony.

There’s even vendors that can set up luxury glamping, boho picnics, as well as private chefs. They are the final touches for anything specific you might want to bring to life. Get them booked, as each vendor likely has limited availability.

8.) Book Flights and Accommodation

This is another important elopement planning step, because obviously you need to get to your location and have a place to stay. But that aside, some couples use their accommodations for a lot more than couples having a traditional wedding. In the past, I’ve even seen couples book Airbnb’s in stunning locations with private land, and eloped right there. Read more about having an Airbnb elopement here.

This is also important if you’d like to host an intimate reception for guests and don’t want to be on public land or use a venue. If you’re planning on doing this, ALWAYS check with the host first. Finally, maybe you and your partner really want to star-gaze in a hot tub. Maybe you really want to make s’mores by a bonfire, or spend time hammocking eating cheese and drinking wine. Picking a accommodation option that can easily include you desired activities can really help make your day stress-free by having a home base that’s relaxing, and fits the vibe of your day.

Last but not least, some couples want to be close to guests, and not share accommodations. There are cool options such as campgrounds with luxury yurts. I’ve also helped couples find cabin clusters that they can rent for a whole group outside of National Parks, on lakes, with pools, etc. This makes it possibly to have a fun and unique intimate reception.

Want to get some ideas? Here is my list of Oregon elopement Airbnb’s, Alaska elopement Airbnb’s, Utah elopement Airbnb’s, Washington elopement Airbnbs, California elopement Airbnb’s, Hawaii elopement Airbnb’s and Destination elopement Airbnb’s.

9.) Timeline Planning

When elopement planning, your timeline start to organically come together. And by that I mean you start to envision what your day is going to look like, and everything you’re going to include. This is the part where we intentionally put everything together. It’s important to be meticulous about your timeline planning. You want to add buffer time so that you don’t ever have to feel rushed or stressed. You’ll also share this timeline with your guests and vendors so everyone is in the loop.

I have my clients fill out a questionnaire that helps me figure out what they want their day to look like. Then, I send a timeline first draft with activity recommendations, the best times for each event, and so on. We go over it together, make any desired changes, and suddenly you have an entire day-of timeline that emulates the kind of elopement experience you want to have.

10.) Make it Legal, Obtain Permits and Marriage License

The hard work of elopement planning is done, and it’s time to make everything legally legit. When I scout your elopement locations, I make sure up front that we are legally allowed to be there. But, most permits you can only get within around 90 days in advance. So that’s why we don’t secure them until about 2-3 months out. Each location is different. Some permits you can get 6 months in advance, and it’s a good idea to do so for popular locations. But rest assured, I help you with all of this. All you have to do is fill out the permit application I send you.

Getting your marriage license is pretty easy and straightforward. You’ll want to apply through the count clerks office within the county that you plan on getting married in. Then, you will have to pick it up in person and bring valid ID. Your marriage license is then ready to go in three days. If you want it sooner, we will call and pay fee to waive the three day waiting period.

11.) Final Elopement Preparations

Some of these things you can do as soon as you want in the elopement planning process. This includes: getting wedding attire, writing vows, getting any extra gear such as vow books, veils, signs, whatever you envision in for your day. You’ll also want a packing list. This should include EVERYTHING you might need. If you’re out in nature you might need bug spray, layers, handwarmers, headlamps, hiking gear, backpacks etc. I send all of my clients a thorough packing list based on their location and what they need.

This is also the part of the elopement planning process where you check in with your vendors one more time, check in with guests, send your timeline to everyone, and make sure everything is set to go.

Tips For Planning Your Elopement

Check in with yourself often. Make sure as you’re planning, this is the type of day you want and make sure you and your partner are prioritizing yourselves. It’s okay to change a few things up as you start planning. I have had many couples tell me “hi! we actually want to use our plan b location instead,” or “we want to invite a few more guests” and even “we really want to add in this activity”, and they follow up with “is that okay?” I’m always mind-blown that my couples are asking me if I’m okay with changes.

Elopements exist these days so that couples can truly bask in a wedding day experience that is intentional and feels how THEY want it to feel. Make sure to put yourselves first, as this day is all about you and the unique way you choose to celebrate it.

Oregon Elopement Packages

Oregon elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:

• Explore anywhere within Oregon, all travel fees included in the price!
• Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
• Recieve a customized location list
• Included timeline design and activity recommendations
• Help obtaining your permits and marriage license
• A planning checklist
• Unlimited planning support calls
• All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
• Day of polaroid sneak peeks

Oregon elopement packages starting at $4400. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here

USA Elopement Packages

USA elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:

• Explore anywhere within USA, all travel fees included in the price!
• Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
• Recieve a customized location list
• Included timeline design and activity recommendations
• Help obtaining your permits and marriage license
• A planning checklist
• Unlimited planning support calls
• All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
• Day of polaroid sneak peeks

USA elopement packages starting at $6400. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here

International Elopement Packages

International elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:

• Explore anywhere in the world, all travel fees included in the price!
• Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
• Recieve a customized location list
• Included timeline design and activity recommendations
• Help obtaining your permits and marriage license
• A planning checklist
• Unlimited planning support calls
• All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
• Day of polaroid sneak peeks

International elopement packages starting at $7800. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here

Ready to Start Elopement Planning?

If you read this entire blog post, you know by now all the planning I do for my eloping couples and how to elope! As a reminder, you do not have to have it figured out to book a call with me! My consults are low pressure where we do some brainstorming together, answer any and ALL of your questions, share more about my process, and get to know you. After our call, you can absolutely choose to go in whatever direction you’d like.

Diving into the elopement planning process can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to help. Chat with me here!