How to Elope in 7 Simple Steps

Planning an elopement is a lot different than planning a big wedding with a hundred person guest list. Instead of picking a date, choosing a venue, and then checking off a list of vendors, you start with envisioning the feel of your day FIRST. If you find the term “elopement” elusive but intriguing, then keep reading as I outline how to elope – you might be surprised at how simple it is!

Unlike a larger, more traditional wedding, you don’t need to have all of the details figured out before you start planning an elopement.

It’s actually better if you start with a blank slate. Visualize how you want your day to feel:

• think about your happy place,

• things that you and your partner love to do together,

• and when – and where – you feel most like yourself.

This might sound weird, because when does “think about when you feel most like your true self” come into play during wedding planning?! (Hint – it doesn’t). Planning your elopement day and adventure is a much more intuitive process than wedding planning.

Here’s what to expect when you book with me for your elopement:

How to elope – broken down into 7 simple steps

STEP 1 – GET IN TOUCH

Reach out to let me know where you are in your thought process and any ideas that you have so far! We’ll set up a video chat to “meet” and get to know each other, and I’ll send you some fun questionnaires that you can fill in to get ideas about locations, activities, and what to include in your day.

Once I’ve gone through your questionnaires, I can recommend areas and locations and let you know a rough timeline so you have an idea of where, when, and how long your elopement day – or days! – will be.

STEP 2 – BOOK AND START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT DAY

To book, you choose a package, and pay your retainer and sign your contract online. Once I’ve received your payment and contract, I’ll send you a detailed location list and sample timeline, where to get permit info, and send vendor recommendations.

STEP 3 – BOOK TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT

If you’ve decided on a location that requires travel from where you live, you can start booking your travel! Flights, accommodation, anything that you might need for your day. I can also share my travel tips for getting great deals!

STEP 4 – HIRE ANY OTHER ELOPEMENT VENDORS

I can help you find other vendors that you may need – florists, officiants, hair and makeup artists, acoustic musicians, etc. I’ll also give you recommendations on attire based on where you’re eloping and what activities you’ll be doing!

• Dresses – I outline how to shop and where on this blog post
• Suits – Indochino, ASOS
• Officiants – Weddings by Karin,
• Design + Planning – Mae & Co., Weddings By Brittiny, Heirloom Events
• Calligraphy + Signage – Avi Scribbles Art Co.
• Hair + Makeup – Jacquie K., Chelsea Dawn Chawsky

STEP 5 – FINALIZE YOUR ELOPEMENT TIMELINE

I’ll help you create a timeline so you have a clear vision of the day and all of the details ironed out! You can also start working on your vows and any other details that are special to you that you want to include.

STEP 6 – YOU GET MARRIED!!!

You get to experience an amazing elopement day in an epic location, celebrating with the love of your life (and any other guests, family, or friends that you decide to share it with!).

STEP 7 – REMINISCE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY AS YOU LOOK THROUGH YOUR PHOTOS

I send you sneak peeks within a week in a private online gallery, so you can download or share with family and friends. I’ll send your final gallery of images with an exclusive online print shop attached within 6-8 weeks after your elopement day. I also help you put together a completely custom album of your experience from start to finish so you have a beautiful heirloom to keep forever!

That’s it!! Although small wedding and elopement planning can be a ton of work, it’s often a lot more enjoyable – and less stressful – than planning a big wedding. You get to plan a grand adventure (or a relaxing getaway!), not to mention a chill, fun wedding day that looks however YOU want.

The beauty of having an elopement is that you can craft your own traditions and do things your way. Don’t be afraid to do something brand new that feels most like you.

If you think an elopement may be for but you’re not sure where to start, contact me and I can help!