“How to plan an elopement” is a hot topic among newly engaged couples, especially throughout the pandemic! And it is true that usually elopements require less planning than a traditional wedding. After all, there’s a lot less involved! No worrying about décor, invitations, bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s cool socks or table seating charts. (Not to mention all the other things that make your guests happy at this big party.)
And it’s true that elopements are intentionally designed to be focused on the couple. But don’t forget that they still include getting dressed, hair and makeup and other special traditions! Because of this, planning is still needed to make the day run smoothly.
So Here Are a Few Things to Consider When Figuring Out How to Plan an Elopement.
Consider These Questions When You Are First Planning Out What Your Elopement Day is Going to Look Like!
1. & 2. Time of Year and Weather.
Some of you will already have a date or time of year in mind and that’s great! You should plan your elopement around the things you love. If you know what you want, go for it! That’s what I did. I knew from day 1 that I wanted to get married in the fall since it’s my favorite season. But there’s more to consider than just your favorite location or season.
For example, maybe you love Montana, but you’re also set on getting married in December. In this situation you should be considering your photos, hiking through the snow, finding a cute coat to wear over your elopement attire, some winter boots and planning a skiing honeymoon!
The point being that if you are beach people, or warm climate people, or lake, or mountain, or hot chocolate people, consider adjusting the time of year to fit your activities. (Unless you want to travel across the world of course! Iceland 2022 anyone?)
3. The Activities!
Think about what you want to do on your elopement day. What activities will best reflect the perfect day for you as a couple? Think about what would make up your most epic day!
What do you guys love doing together? Well, plan to do that! Let’s say you and your better half love coffee, hiking, and the alpine lakes. (It just so happens that these might be some of my favorite things.) Plan for a sunrise hike, make some coffee at a beautiful alpine lake where you can watch the sun come up together. (Maybe even exchange vows there!) Maybe you’d like to hike some more? Or you’re tired? Head home for a nap! Or you want to check out a local brewery or nearby town?
The sky is truly the limit, make the day a celebration of you both. Just think about what you want!
4. Number of people.
I love that the definition of elopement is changing. It no longer has to mean just the 2 of you. You can choose to have people be there supporting you and celebrating the special moment with you. But it’s key to keep it intentionally limited in the number of guests. Keep it focused on you and your partner and be sure that the guests that do come are there in support of you.
PERIOD!
The number of people you invite can limit the location or activities you do. (If you want to include them in all of them!)
Another option is to choose a ceremony stop location that’s accommodating to your group. Then, go on a hike or adventure where it’s just the two of you. This is a great option to allow you to do both. The guests that are present for you will figure out what to do while you are out enjoying your day!
5. You and your guest’s physical abilities.
Do you have loved ones with physical limitations?
For me, if my grandparents were alive, they would have been at my wedding. And I still wish they could have been there! But if they had been able to attend, I would’ve made a conscious effort to make the ceremony location as accessible to them as possible.
So be sure to consider the physical abilities of those important people. Find a beautiful location that will be easy for them to be present. (Maybe bring some chairs for them to rest!) And then when you’re sure they’ll be comfortable and taken care of, go off on your epic adventure with no worries!
This is a very basic list of things to think about before planning your day. There is much more to consider when figuring out how to plan an elopement!
Such as, are you bringing your dog(s)? Do you have a specific idea of your ceremony spot? Where are you staying? How far is the location to where you are staying? Where are you getting ready? And so much more!
Also, keep in mind that depending on the location you choose for your elopement, there will be things unique to those locations to consider!
These could include things such as:
Permits! These are not only possibly unique to the state but the location. (Such as national parks or forests)
Finding local vendors to support your needs. And vendors that understand what is important to you. This one takes some research but is definitely worth it in the long run! (Most photographers or planners will have a list they can provide you with!)
Drafting timelines. An elopement timeline will be very different to your typical wedding timeline! (Feel free to check out my blog posts on example half day elopements and full day elopements.)
Scouting locations before hand (or finding a planner or photographer that will!) You don’t want to wander around on your elopement day without a plan! This one ties in nicely with drafting a timeline!
Plan the legal part beforehand if you are traveling from another state. That way you don’t find yourself stressing on the day of!
How is planning your elopement going?
Hit me up, I’m happy to help craft your dream day!
