How to Elope: The Ultimate Guide

Last updated on October 18th, 2026

Eloping is a way to get married that focuses on your relationship instead of traditional wedding expectations. To elope, you’ll decide what kind of celebration you want, choose a date and location, set a budget, handle any legal requirements, and plan a day that feels like you. Whether that’s exchanging vows at a courthouse, spending the day exploring nature, or celebrating with a handful of loved ones, there’s no one right way to elope.

As a queer elopement photographer who’s documented elopements for many years, I’ve helped couples turn their ideas into meaningful wedding days. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to plan an elopement step by step, from marriage licenses and budgets to locations, timelines, and everything in between. 

Note: I sprinkle little tips here and there for my queer couples, but if you want a more detailed, LGBTQ+-specific elopement guide, check out my other article, The Ultimate Guide to LGBTQ+ Elopements.

TL;DR

• Start with your vision: Decide where, when, and how you want to celebrate, whether it’s just the two of you or with a few loved ones.
• Handle the logistics: Set your budget, book vendors, research marriage license requirements and permits, and plan your travel.
• Make it yours: Create a relaxed timeline, include activities you love, and prepare a backup plan so you can enjoy the experience.

What is Eloping?

Eloping means choosing a small, intimate wedding experience that focuses on you and your relationship rather than the expectations of a traditional wedding. While eloping used to mean secretly running away to get married, that’s not necessarily what it looks like today!

You can elope at a courthouse, exchange vows in a national park, rent a cozy cabin, or celebrate with a few of your favorite people. You don’t have to keep it a secret, hike 10 miles up a mountain, or even travel far from home.

Generally speaking, elopements are known to be more intimate, often having fewer than 30 people at the ceremony or no guests at all.

How to Elope: 12 Steps to Plan Your Elopement

Planning an elopement might be simpler than organizing a traditional wedding, but there’s still some preparation involved! You’ll need to figure out the legal requirements, choose a location, and work through a few logistics to bring your day together.

I generally recommend starting your planning process around 5–12 months in advance, especially if you want a popular destination or specific vendors. But don’t worry if you’re working with less time. You can absolutely plan an elopement on a shorter timeline, depending on your location and what you want to include.

Here’s how to elope in 12 steps.

1. Decide What You Want Your Elopement to Look Like

Before choosing a location or booking anything, spend some time figuring out what kind of experience you actually want.

I always encourage couples to start by thinking about how they want to feel on their elopement day rather than focusing on what it should look like in photos.

Get cozy with your partner, grab your favorite drinks, and talk through a few questions:

• What would our ideal wedding day feel like? Relaxed, adventurous, intimate, playful, or a little of everything?
• What activities do we love doing together?
• Do we want to spend the day alone or invite a few loved ones?
• Are there any wedding traditions we want to keep, change, or skip?
• If we could celebrate our relationship however we wanted, what would that look like?

Try answering these questions individually first, then compare your ideas. Figure out your shared priorities, what you’re flexible about, and what’s non-negotiable.

And remember, you don’t have to recreate someone else’s elopement. If it’s important to you, it’ll be a meaningful elopement—whether your ideal day involves coffee at your favorite cafe, a walk through the woods, and a quiet ceremony by the lake.

2. Choose Your Date and General Location

Now that you’ve figured out the kind of experience you want, it’s time to think about when and where you’d like to elope.

You don’t need to pick an exact ceremony spot just yet. Start with a general region or environment that fits your vision, such as:

• Mountains, forests, lakes, or beaches
• National or state parks
• A favorite city or meaningful place
• Somewhere you’ve always wanted to travel
• A cozy cabin or private property

Next, think about the season. Weather, daylight hours, crowds, and accessibility can all affect your experience. For example, a forest trail that’s easy to access in summer might be covered in snow during winter.

Weekdays can also be worth considering, especially if you’re hoping for a quieter experience at a popular outdoor location

For my LGBTQIA+ couples: I also encourage you to research how welcoming and affirming your destination is. Your safety and comfort matter, and you deserve to celebrate somewhere you can be yourselves. To get you started, I compiled a list of LGBTQIA+-friendly countries and states.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out to me, either! If your inquiry says something like “somewhere along Lake Superior” or “a forest with a cute cabin nearby,” that’s more than enough for us to start exploring location possibilities together.

3. Set Your Elopement Budget

Eloping can be more affordable than a large wedding, but it doesn’t automatically mean spending next to nothing. You can plan a simple courthouse ceremony or invest in an entire weekend of travel, activities, and experiences.

Start by discussing how much you’re comfortable spending and what matters most to you.

Some common elopement expenses include:

• Marriage license and ceremony permits
• Photography and other vendors
• Travel, transportation, and lodging
• Wedding outfits and accessories
• Flowers, food, and activities
• Guest-related expenses, if applicable

Once you’ve identified your priorities, divide your budget accordingly. Maybe photography and a meaningful location are at the top of your list, while elaborate decorations aren’t important to you. Or perhaps you’d rather invest in a memorable experience together than traditional wedding details.

Whatever you choose, leave a little extra room for unexpected costs.

I’ve also created a free Elopement Budget Spreadsheet to help you organize estimated expenses, track payments, and keep everything in one place.

4. Book Your Elopement Vendors

One of the nice things about eloping is that you often don’t need as many vendors as a traditional wedding. You can keep your team as small or as involved as you’d like!

Depending on your plans, you might consider hiring:

• An elopement photographer
• A wedding officiant
• A videographer
• A hair and makeup artist
• A florist
• An elopement planner or day-of coordinator

I recommend booking your priority vendors early, especially if you’re hoping to elope during a popular season.

As an elopement photographer, I help my couples with things beyond taking photos, including location suggestions, personalized timeline guidance, packing advice, and recommendations for other vendors. So, if you don’t know your exact elopement plan or location when you inquire with me, that’s okay!

When choosing vendors, pay attention to their experience, communication, and whether you genuinely feel comfortable around them.

For LGBTQ+ couples in particular, finding affirming vendors can make a huge difference. You deserve to work with people who celebrate your relationship without making assumptions about your identities, pronouns, or the roles you’ll have during your wedding.

Read More: Elopement Vendors: What to Look For

5. Choose Your Ceremony Location

Once you’ve narrowed down your general destination and connected with your vendors, it’s time to find the actual spot where you’ll exchange your vows.

Of course, scenery matters, but I encourage you to think beyond how beautiful a location looks in photos.

Consider:

• Accessibility: How far is it from parking? Are there stairs, uneven trails, or mobility considerations?
• Privacy: Is this a popular tourist destination, or somewhere quieter?
• Seasonal conditions: Will the location be accessible during your chosen month?
• Guest needs: If you’re inviting loved ones, can everyone comfortably reach the ceremony site?
• Travel time: How close is the location to your lodging or other activities?
• Restrictions: Are ceremonies allowed, and are there limits on group size, decorations, or equipment?

You don’t need to hike miles into the wilderness to find a beautiful spot. Some of my favorite elopement locations are a short walk from parking or have accessible overlooks with incredible scenery.

And if you want something more adventurous, that’s an option, too!

Just remember that choosing a public location doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have it to yourselves. Consider weekday ceremonies, quieter times of day, or alternative locations if privacy is important.

I also recommend having a second location in mind, which we’ll talk more about in step 10.

6. Research Permits and Marriage Requirements

This might not be the most exciting part of planning your elopement, but it’s one of the most important!

If you want to become legally married during your elopement, you’ll need to follow the marriage requirements of the state or country where your ceremony takes place.

Depending on the location, you may need to:

• Apply for a marriage license
• Follow any required waiting periods
• Have a legally authorized officiant
• Arrange for witnesses
• Complete and submit your marriage paperwork

Some U.S. jurisdictions allow self-solemnization, meaning couples may be able to marry without a separate officiant. However, rules vary, so always confirm the exact requirements with the appropriate government office.

If you’d rather skip the paperwork during your adventure, another option is to complete the legal marriage process separately and have a symbolic ceremony at your dream destination.

And don’t forget about location permits!

National parks, state parks, public lands, and private properties may have their own ceremony restrictions and permit requirements. Photography and commercial-use requirements can also differ from ceremony permits.

Always check directly with whoever manages your location before finalizing plans. Some applications take weeks or months to process.

I’ll cover marriage licenses, officiants, witnesses, and permits in more detail later in this guide.

7. Plan Travel, Lodging, and Guest Logistics

Now that your major decisions are coming together, it’s time to work through the logistics.

If you’re traveling, book your accommodations, transportation, and any necessary flights or rental cars. Consider how close your lodging is to your ceremony location and whether it’s somewhere you’ll enjoy spending time before and after your vows.

A cozy cabin or Airbnb can be a fun part of the experience, whether you’re making breakfast together, getting ready, or relaxing after a full day of exploring. Just make sure the property’s rules allow any activities or gatherings you’re planning.

If you’re inviting guests, think about their experience, too.

• How will everyone get to the ceremony?
• Are there accessible transportation or parking options?
• Will guests need accommodations?
• Does your ceremony location have group-size restrictions?
• Will you spend the whole day together or just share the ceremony?

And if you’re eloping without guests, that’s completely okay! If you still want to include people in some way, you can always celebrate with loved ones afterward, whether that’s a backyard barbecue, dinner, or a larger reception.

You also get to decide when and how to tell people about your elopement. You aren’t obligated to announce your plans before you’re ready, especially if doing so could create unnecessary stress or compromise your sense of safety.

Read More:

• Do You Have to Invite Guests to Your Elopement?
• How to Announce Your Elopement

8. Personalize Your Ceremony and Activities

Here’s where I think things get especially fun!

Your elopement doesn’t have to follow a traditional wedding schedule. You can create a day filled with adventures, activities, and meaningful moments that reflect who you are together.

Some elopement activity ideas include:

• Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding
• Making breakfast together at your cabin
• Having a picnic by the lake
• Exploring a nearby town or stopping at a favorite cafe
• Taking a scenic drive
• Playing games or sharing a favorite hobby
• Booking a spa treatment.
• Enjoying a celebratory dinner
• Watching the sunset or stargazing

You can also personalize the ceremony itself.

Maybe you’ll write your own vows, exchange rings or another meaningful symbol, include a reading, or incorporate a ritual that reflects your relationship and cultural traditions. Some unique ceremony elements include:

• Writing and exchanging private vows
• Reflecting on your emotions through journaling
• Writing time capsule letters and sealing them to be opened on a future anniversary

For LGBTQ+ couples, ceremony customization is also an opportunity to leave behind gendered wedding traditions or ceremony language that doesn’t feel right. You can choose the titles, pronouns, roles, and traditions that actually reflect your relationship.

9. Create Your Timeline

Once you’ve chosen your ceremony, activities, and locations, you can start putting everything together into a timeline.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to fit too much into one day. Your timeline should give you enough time to enjoy each experience without feeling like you’re constantly racing to the next thing. Make sure you account for:

• Getting ready and first looks
• Driving or hiking between locations
• Your ceremony and exchanging vows
• Photos with each other or guests
• Meals, snacks, and water breaks
• Activities and downtime
• Sunrise, sunset, and lighting conditions

I always encourage couples to include extra time between activities. Traffic happens, trails take longer than expected, and sometimes you’ll simply want to stay somewhere a little longer.

As your photographer, I can help create a personalized timeline that balances your priorities with practical considerations like travel and lighting.

What Does an Elopement Day Actually Look Like?

Here are three example elopement timelines to give you an idea of what’s possible.

Example 1: Simple Courthouse Elopement

• Best for: Couples who want a low-key celebration without a full day of activities

Time	Activity
10:00 AM	Get ready together
11:00 AM	Courthouse ceremony
11:30 AM	Couples photos around town
12:30 AM	Celebratory lunch
1:30 PM	Explore, relax, or head home

Example 2: Cozy Outdoor Elopement

• Best for: Couples who want a relaxed day surrounded by nature.

Time	Activity
9:00 AM	Make breakfast and enjoy coffee together
10:30 AM	Get ready at your cabin
12:00 PM	First look and photos
1:00 PM	Travel to your ceremony location
2:00 PM	Exchange vows by the lake
3:00 PM	Picnic and explore nearby trails
5:00 PM	Head back for dinner
7:00 PM	Sunset photos and cozy evening together

Example 3: Full-Day Adventure Elopement

• Best for: Couples who want an experience-filled day with multiple activities.

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Sunrise hike or scenic adventure
8:00 AM	Breakfast together
10:00 AM	Relax and get ready
12:00 PM	First look and travel
1:00 PM	Elopement ceremony
2:00 PM	Explore, kayak, or enjoy another activity
5:00 PM	Celebratory meal
7:00 PM	Sunset photos
8:30 PM	Campfire, stargazing, or relaxing at your cabin

10. Order Outfits and Accessories

Once you have a solid idea of how your elopement day will look, you can bring your attire dreams to life. The secret to feeling good is putting together an outfit that reflects your personal style. I won’t even attempt to provide specific outfit ideas — you’re all beautifully unique in your own ways. Instead, here are some general tips to keep in mind:

• Embrace the location vibes: Let your location inspire your outfit choices. If you’re eloping amidst breathtaking mountains, this might call for something different than a laid-back lakeside vibe. 
• Express your identity: Whether traditional wedding attire is up your alley or you prefer to wear something never seen before, all that matters is that it expresses who you are!
• Coordinate with each other: While not mandatory, color or style coordination can make your elopement photos aesthetically pleasing.
• Order ahead of time: If any items need to be ordered, tailored, or made from scratch, plan ahead to ensure everything’s ready for your elopement day.

During this step of the planning process, it would also be a good idea to decide how you’d like to symbolize your commitment. This can include traditional rings or alternatives like tattoos, family heirlooms, or other symbolic tokens. Or, if all the symbolism stuff isn’t for you, do what feels most comfortable for you and your partner!

Read More: Unique Elopement Outfit Ideas

11. Create Your Packing List

What you’ll need depends on your destination, season, and activities, but some common essentials include your marriage paperwork, rings or meaningful accessories, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate layers, food, water, and a small emergency kit.

If you’re planning an outdoor elopement, also consider navigation, first-aid supplies, and any location-specific safety equipment.

You can use my Ultimate Elopement Packing List to make sure nothing important gets left behind.

12. Finalize Your Plans and Prepare a Backup

Even with the most thoughtful planning, there will always be a few things outside your control. Weather can change, roads can close, and unexpected hiccups can happen. That’s why I always encourage couples to have a backup plan before their elopement day.

Your Plan B might include:

• An alternative ceremony location: Choose a backup spot nearby in case your original location becomes inaccessible or unsafe.
• A weather backup: Consider an indoor or sheltered location for heavy rain, extreme heat, storms, or other unfavorable conditions (your cozy cabin/Airbnb could be a good option!).
• A flexible timeline: Leave extra time between activities in case travel takes longer than expected or you want to spend more time somewhere.
• Transportation alternatives: Research road conditions, parking options, and alternate routes, especially for remote locations.
• Vendor communication: Make sure everyone involved knows your backup plans and how you’ll communicate any last-minute changes.

As your elopement day approaches, double-check your reservations, confirm details with vendors, review your marriage paperwork and permits, and make sure everything on your packing list is ready to go.

Read More: How to Make an Elopement Backup Plan

How to Legally Elope

As long as you follow the marriage laws where you’re getting married, eloping is just as legal as a traditional wedding. The exact requirements vary depending on the state or country, but most couples will need a marriage license, an authorized officiant (unless an exception applies), and possibly witnesses. You might also need a permit for your ceremony location. Before making things official, here’s what you need to know:

Read More: Legal Considerations for LGBTQIA+ Elopements

Get Your Marriage License

A marriage license is the legal document that gives you permission to get married. You’ll typically apply through a county clerk or another local government office in the state where your ceremony will take place.
Before applying, double-check:

• Application requirements: Some locations require both partners to apply in person, while others offer online or remote options.
• Identification: You may need government-issued identification, proof of age, or additional documents.
• Waiting periods: Some states require you to wait before using your marriage license.
• Expiration dates: Marriage licenses are only valid for a certain amount of time.
• Filing requirements: Make sure you know who needs to return your completed marriage paperwork and when.

Since I’m based in Minnesota, here’s an example: Minnesota marriage licenses can be obtained through a county registrar and used for ceremonies anywhere within the state. They’re valid for six months after issuance.

My Tip: Start researching marriage licenses early, but don’t necessarily apply right away! You want to make sure your license will still be valid on your elopement date.

Do You Need an Officiant or Witnesses to Elope?

That depends on where you’re getting married!

Most states require someone legally authorized to perform your marriage ceremony. This might be a judge, religious officiant, wedding celebrant with appropriate legal authorization, or another qualified individual.

Some states also allow self-solemnization, which means couples can legally marry without a separate officiant. However, the rules and eligibility requirements vary, so you’ll need to verify whether this is an option where you’re eloping.

Witness requirements also differ. Some states require two witnesses, others require one, and some don’t require any.

For example, in Minnesota, couples generally need an authorized officiant and two witnesses who are at least 16 years old.

If you want an intimate ceremony without additional guests, ask whether your photographer or another vendor can act as a witness, provided they meet the local legal requirements.

Can You Have a Symbolic Elopement Ceremony?

Absolutely! If you want to exchange vows somewhere that makes the legal process complicated, you can complete the marriage paperwork separately at home and have a symbolic ceremony at your chosen destination.

For example, you might legally marry at your local courthouse and then travel to Ireland to exchange personal vows overlooking the ocean.

This option can be especially helpful for international elopements or couples who want a private ceremony without an officiant or witnesses present.

Do You Need a Permit to Elope?

Depending on your ceremony location, you might need a permit even if you’re only inviting a few people.

National parks, state parks, and other public lands can have specific rules about weddings and elopements. These might include:

• Designated ceremony locations
• Guest limits
• Restrictions on decorations, chairs, or equipment
• Application deadlines and permit fees
• Photography or other commercial activity requirements

Always contact the organization managing your location to confirm what’s required. You don’t want to arrive on your wedding day only to discover your ceremony isn’t permitted!

And if you’re planning a destination elopement, remember that marriage laws and permits may differ from what you’re used to at home.

I’ll happily share location and permit resources as part of your photography experience, but it’s still important to verify the final legal requirements with the appropriate government office.

Types of Elopements

There isn’t just one way to elope! Some couples want a simple courthouse ceremony, while others dream of traveling somewhere new or spending their wedding day outdoors.

Here are a few popular types of elopements to help you figure out what feels right.

Courthouse Eloping

If you’re looking for something simple and straightforward, a courthouse elopement might be perfect. You can exchange vows during a civil ceremony, take some photos, and spend the rest of the day celebrating however you’d like.

Outdoor Eloping

My personal favorite! From lakeshores and forests to beaches and scenic overlooks, outdoor elopements allow you to exchange vows surrounded by nature. You can choose somewhere meaningful close to home or explore a completely new place.

Listen: The Scientific Benefits of Eloping Outdoors

Adventure Eloping

Adventure elopements are built around an experience rather than a traditional wedding timeline. You might go hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, or exploring somewhere new.

But remember, adventure doesn’t have to mean something physically demanding! Renting a cabin, taking a scenic drive, or exploring a new town can be an adventure, too.

Read more: Adventure Elopement Guide

Sustainable Eloping

Sustainable or eco-friendly elopements can take various shapes and forms, but at the core of it all, it’s all about being intentional with how you use the space and environment around you. When you elope sustainably, you’re likely going to practice Leave No Trace principles. You might also choose to wear ethically-made or second-hand clothes, support a local business, or opt for an eco-conscious mode of transportation. One thing to keep in mind here is that both small and big choices count. Sustainable elopements don’t need to be all-or-nothing!

Read More: Sustainable Elopement Guide

Destination Eloping

As the name might suggest, destination elopements involve getting married in a place that is meaningful for you (whether it’s a new place or a spot you visited before). You can travel to the next closest city or book a trip across the globe; it doesn’t matter how close or far from home. This type of elopement is also nice because you can turn the trip into an extended vacation or even a honeymoon!

Read More: Destination Elopement Guide

Small Venue Elopement

For those who want the perfect blend of intimacy while still having a dedicated space, a small venue elopement may be the ideal choice for you. Small venue elopements are sometimes called micro weddings and usually have fewer than 30 guests. The idea is to allow you to have a booked venue for a select number of guests while creating the perfect atmosphere to focus solely on your love. In many cases, you can even have these elopements close to nature. For example, some national parks have lodges or small venues to accommodate your celebration.

No matter which type of elopement you choose, remember that the most important thing is to ensure it reflects your personalities, preferences, and the unique bond you share as a couple. 

Should You Elope? Pros and Considerations

Eloping can be an incredible alternative to a traditional wedding, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically the right choice for every couple.

If you’re still trying to decide whether to elope, I encourage you to think about what you actually want from your wedding day, rather than what you think you’re supposed to do.

Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits and things worth considering.

Benefits of Eloping	Things to Consider
More freedom to personalize your day	You’ll still need to handle planning and logistics
Your budget is more flexible to do what you want compared to a large wedding	Travel and vendors can still add up
More time to focus on each other	You might miss celebrating with certain loved ones
Smaller guest list or no guests at all	Friends and family may have strong reactions
Flexibility with locations and activities	Outdoor or destination elopements may require extra preparation
Fewer traditional wedding expectations

Read More: Why Eloping is a Good Idea for LGBTQ+ Couples

How Do You Know if Eloping is Right for You?

Start by asking yourselves:

• Would we feel happier celebrating privately or surrounded by a larger group?
• Are there wedding traditions we’re genuinely excited about?
• Would we regret not having certain people present?
• What matters more to us: the experience, the celebration with loved ones, or a combination of both?
• Are we choosing to elope because it’s what we want, or because we’re trying to escape pressure from others?

There’s no wrong answer here.

You can also find a middle ground! Some couples choose a small wedding with their closest loved ones, while others elope privately and host a reception afterward.

My biggest piece of advice? Make sure you’re both excited about the decision. You deserve a wedding experience that feels meaningful to both of you, whether that’s a traditional wedding, an intimate elopement, or something in between.

Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Elopement

With years of experience photographing elopements, I’ve learned that some of the most important planning decisions aren’t necessarily the ones people think about first.

Of course, your location, outfits, and activities matter. But little things like taking care of yourself and being intentional make a huge difference in how your elopement journey actually feels, from planning to the big day.

Here are a few things I always encourage couples to consider.

1. Take Care of Yourself

Elopement planning can bring up a lot of emotions, especially when you’re navigating family expectations, making big decisions, or figuring out logistics.

Throughout the planning process and on your actual elopement day, make time to take care of yourselves. This might mean:

• Getting enough sleep, especially the night before
• Eating nourishing meals and packing plenty of snacks
• Staying hydrated throughout the day
• Taking breaks when planning starts to feel overwhelming
• Leaning on your partner, trusted loved ones, or vendors for support

2. Plan Intentional Moments

One of my favorite things about elopements is the opportunity to slow down and spend meaningful time together.

While planning your day, think about the little moments that make your relationship special. Maybe that’s making coffee together in the morning, reading private letters before your ceremony, sharing your favorite meal, or taking a quiet walk after exchanging vows.

These moments don’t have to be elaborate or even planned down to the minute.

You can also set aside time to be completely alone together, without photographers, vendors, or guests. Put your phones away, take in your surroundings, and enjoy the fact that you just got married!

3. Take the Plan Seriously, But Don’t Overthink It!

Yes, planning matters! Having your marriage paperwork ready, confirming vendors, researching your location, and creating a backup plan can prevent a lot of unnecessary stress.

But once you’ve handled the important details, try to give yourselves permission to let go a little.

Maybe the weather looks different than expected, you’re running a few minutes behind, or an activity doesn’t go exactly as planned. That doesn’t mean your elopement is ruined.

One of the beautiful things about eloping is having the flexibility to adjust your plans without necessarily disrupting an entire wedding full of guests.

Trust the preparation you’ve already done, communicate with your vendors when something changes, and remember that your day doesn’t have to go perfectly to be meaningful.

My biggest piece of advice: Don’t spend your entire elopement worrying about what’s coming next. You’ve planned this day so you can actually enjoy it together!

4. Learn from Locals

If you’re planning a destination elopement, remember that you’re visiting somewhere other people call home.

Local vendors and businesses can offer valuable insight into the area, including seasonal conditions, accessibility, crowds, and locations that might not be obvious from an online search.

They can also help you understand local customs, regulations, and ways to respectfully enjoy the environment you’re visiting.

Consider supporting local restaurants, accommodations, artists, and other small businesses throughout your trip. And if you’re planning outdoor activities that require specialized knowledge, hiring a qualified local guide can be a great option.

5. Photography Considerations

When capturing the best lighting for the perfect photos, timing is essential. If you’re craving that soft, early morning light for your vows, the backdrop plays a huge role. The way the light hits will be different on top of a mountain compared to at the foot of it or in a pass. If you want to be on a mountaintop, be prepared to wake up early and start hiking in the dark — that’s how we’ll make those magical dreams come true! Just be sure you’re up for it, and pack plenty of coffee.

During your shoots, whether it’s a getting-ready or sunset shoot, my biggest tip to you as a couple is to stay connected in some way at all times. For example, if you’re looking at the beautiful view, can you hold hands or rest a head on a shoulder? If you’re facing each other, could your arms softly grasp each other instead of letting them hang at your side? Taking advantage of any connection point that feels right to you makes the experience less “posed,” more carefree, and ultimately, more natural-looking.

What About An Elopement Reception?

Just because you’ve chosen to elope doesn’t mean you have to forgo an after-party. Traditional weddings often include a reception, and elopements can too—thanks to their flexibility.

A reception after your elopement can be a great way to celebrate with a larger group of friends and family, especially if they weren’t present at the ceremony. It allows you to share your joy and make lasting memories—and keep the party going! Here are some venue options and spaces to consider for your elopement reception:

• Your Airbnb or VRBO: Make sure gatherings are allowed and reach out to the host for approval. On VRBO, you can even filter based on “events allowed.”
• Your Backyard: Create a cozy, intimate setting with string lights and a tent.
• A Restaurant: Book a private room or rent out the entire place for a more formal celebration.
• An Event Hall: Ideal if you’re going big and want a traditional reception vibe.
• A Beach: Perfect for a relaxed, scenic gathering.
• A Local Park: A budget-friendly option with beautiful natural surroundings.
• A Community Center: Great for larger groups and often more affordable.
• A Winery/Brewery: These spaces can often accommodate larger groups, so if you’re into wine or beer, this could be a good option!
• An Apple Orchard: Enjoy the natural beauty and charm of an orchard, perfect for a late summer or fall reception.
• A Rooftop Venue: If you like stunning urban views, a rooftop venue can give a really classy feel.
• A Cabin in the Woods: A secluded and charming option for a cozy reception with all your favorite people.
• Any Other Unique Venue: Rent a unique space tailored to your style and guest count through Peerspace.

The nice thing is that you can tailor elopement receptions to your specific preferences and can even host them weeks or months after your big day to give you some time to relax. And keep in mind that having a reception after your elopement is entirely optional—so if it’s not your vibe, don’t do it!

Read more: Post-Elopement Activity Ideas

Elopement Inspiration

Here are just a few examples of the amazing eloping couples I’ve worked with. While I’m sure you’ll have your own unique spin on things, these can act as points of inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping

Taking the Next Step Towards Your Dream Elopement

And just like that, you know how to elope! Whether you’re curious about eloping or are already knee-deep in the planning process, give yourself a massive high five — this was a lot of information to take in. I created this comprehensive guide because I wanted you to have a step-by-step process that would make planning feel simpler and less daunting. If you feel even slightly at ease, I’ll say I did my job! 

If you’re looking for a photographer to join you on this journey, I’d be honored to come along for the ride. When you book your elopement package with me, you’re signing up for more than stunning photography — I can also help guide you through the entire planning process. Whether you need queer-friendly location recommendations, advice about structuring your day, or photoshoot preparation tips, I’m here to help you embrace the perfect day of love and celebration. Ready to get started? I can’t wait to hear your story!

Your Ultimate Elopement Checklist (Downloadable)