Are you dreaming about planning your own adventure elopement, but not quite sure where to start?
I’m here to let you know that you’re not alone - feeling a bit overwhelmed is so normal. But the good news is you’re here! I created this how to elope checklist to help make planning an elopement easy and fun instead of overwhelming and scary. Because your elopement really can be your best day ever and planning your elopement really can be about planning a day that celebrates you and your person in the exact way you want. So grab your person, your favorite notebook, a beverage of your choice (I’m always down for margs!), and follow along as I walk you through this how to elope checklist. OKAY, let’s do the thing!
Let’s get to the list:
Choose your ideal time of year and elopement location
Does a magical winter wonderland elopement sound like your dream day? Or maybe a summertime sunset adventure in a wildflower-filled alpine meadow with 360-degree snow-capped mountain views is more your vibe? Or maybe you and your love want to say “I do” in a lush, green, fern and pine-filled forest and end your day around an epic bonfire on a wild, desolate coastal beach surrounded by your friends and family? The options for your elopement day are truly endless! (I’m hoping for the pines… but I may be a bit biased!) Choosing a general time of year and then location (or backdrop!) is a great first step in planning your elopement. Not done dreaming (aka need help narrowing down your elopement location)? I’ve got you covered!
Here are some helpful links:
Hire your vendor team (aka dream team!)
Oh hey, hello... I know a great photographer who would be stoked to be part of your elopement adventure (cough, cough)! But for real, hiring your vendor team like your photographer, videographer, planner, caterer, makeup artist, florist and officiant is a really important part of planning your elopement. Although there are some similarities, every vendor does things a bit differently. For example, I help each of my couples craft *their* unique day and share a list of hand-selected vendors who can help make that day a reality, but not all photographers or videographers do this. Some of these vendors (like your photographer) will be with you all day, so you definitely want to find someone you vibe with and trust, who is knowledgeable about the area, weather and rules or regulations for your location, and of course who will take care of you and make you feel comfortable on your best day. You’re basically looking for your tour guide, Junior Park Ranger, and new best friend all in one. My hand is so up! Did I introduce myself (lol)?
Book your travel and place to stay
Want to start your day getting ready at a dreamy a-frame cabin in the woods? Or host your adventure wedding reception at an adobe casita with a swimming pool, hiking trails right from the property, and even miniature donkeys (umm... yes please)? Not only will your accommodations be the home base for your adventuring, but they can also add so much personality and creativity to your day. Truly, the options are limitless with things like Airbnb, campgrounds, and even glampgrounds (aka glamping venues). I always tell my couples to dream big, but it’s also important to keep in mind some logistics, especially if you’re planning to host a reception. Research things like how close it is to your elopement location, how many bathrooms there are, are there noise ordinances in the county, and does the host allow gatherings.
Want to get lost down a beautiful dream hole of Airbnb locations?
Head over to my Ultimate Guide to Planning your Airbnb Elopement, which includes tons of dreamy Airbnbs that would be perfect for your elopement, organized by state.
Get inspired by these Between the Pine weddings:
Pick the perfect wedding attire
Did you know that choosing the perfect wedding attire can really make or break your photos (or day)? If you think about it, you will have these photos forever. My main advice is to choose wedding attire that represents you and makes you feel incredible! It’s also not a bad idea to think about what would complement your chosen landscape. A lot of my couples love to add unique, special touches with their accessories. Things like wide-brim hats, flower crowns, jean or leather jackets, or even a unique shoe choice can add so much personality. Clearly I have a few ideas, huh?! I love helping my couples choose the perfect attire for their elopement, so I could definitely keep going, but I wrote a whole guide to finding the best elopement dress to help you out! If you still can’t decide or want a second opinion, I’d be happy to help you say yes to the dress (or suit, or other dream attire) through the lens of what would photograph best at your chosen location!
Plan your dream adventure elopement day
Does your perfect day start with sunrise at your a-frame cabin in the woods, followed by a trip to the river to catch the prime morning fly fishing hour, and end dancing with your love at sunset on a mountaintop surrounded by your family and friends? Or maybe you start with your vows at sunrise in the desert, with no one around but the cactus and sagebrush and maybe a lone jackrabbit before heading on a horseback trail ride with your sweetheart, and ending the night cuddling under a blanket roasting s’mores around a campfire watching the stars getting brighter and brighter? Each one of my couples gets a unique, customized proposal based on *their* dreams for their day. No two couples’ story is the same and no two elopements look the same either! Want to include family? Or your pup? Or pause mid-hike for a dance break? Or eat your wedding cake while popping champagne on a mountaintop? (Yes, please to all of the above!) There seriously are NO limits here! Helping my couples plan *their* best day ever is one of my favorite parts of my job (sometimes I seriously have to pinch myself that helping you imagine and capture your dream elopement is what I do!). Oh, and I’m so down for a mid-hike dance break! Actually, if I’m being honest, I’m always down for a dance break!
Make it legal: Get your special use permit & marriage license
So while the idea of “making it legal” when it comes to your elopement or adventure wedding might sound complicated, you do NOT need to stress! There are two main things you’ll want to handle here. Some locations, including National Parks, require a photography permit (or Wedding Special Use Permit). All places require a marriage license, although every state is different when it comes to the number of witnesses required, how to apply, and how long the marriage license is valid. But, not to worry! I help my couples with all these details as we plan your elopement. And if you need a witness, I would be honored to sign that dotted line to make your marriage official! (I’m not crying… okay, yes I definitely am!).
Have the best day ever!
Today’s the day! Since you’ve already done everything on this elopement checklist, your day should be filled with your dream adventures with your person (and maybe crew) at your dream location. This really is your best day ever! Now all you have to do is:
» Pop the champagne
» Kiss your hunny
» You did it! You’re married!!
PS. Don’t worry I’ll pack the snacks and take all the photos!
Congrats! You’ve completed your elopement checklist!
Are you looking for more elopement resources, couple adventure logs, or a rad, spontaneous, dance-break-loving elopement photographer…
Check out these helpful pages below:
meet mollie
the adventure log
faqs
elopement resources