Tips on planning an Elopement

Planning an elopement should be much less stressful then planning a traditional wedding. To make things even easier here are some tips for planning an Elopement and making the most of your day.

~Leave some Wiggle Room

Remember to leave some time for the unexpected. Things always take longer than you expect, like putting things in the car, getting everyone out the door, drive time between locations, unexpected traffic and finding parking. They all add up and can mess up plans for that amazing sunset wedding photo. It is always better to overestimate how much time you’ll need then to stress about running behind.

~Make an Adventure out of the day

This will be a day you will want to remember for the rest of your life, what do you want to do that you will never forget? Do a bucket list hike before you say your vows at the top of the mountain. Explore your favorite city and end the day with a ceremony on the rooftop overlooking a beautiful city skyline. Take a helicopter ride over a teal blue glacier then land and exchange rings in a timeless ice cave. Turn your wedding into an experience focused day. Whether it is something you both love to do together, or something new that you’ve always wanted to try, this is the time to make it happen!

~Have the Ceremony at Sunrise or Sunset

Try to avoid doing important photo op moments during the midday sun. Sunrise is always the least busy time of day, so if you want to avoid crowds’, even the most popular spots will likely be empty! While everyone else is sleeping you’ll get a gorgeous spot all to yourself and a private moment to say your vows.

If sunrise isn’t your thing (I get it), opt for a sunset ceremony! Both sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting – without the harsh shadows that midday sun creates, your photos will be absolutely stunning.

~Hire an Elopement Photographer

Along with the misconception that elopements are a quick ceremony and nothing more, there’s also the idea that elopements don’t require a photographer, or that it’s enough to hire someone for “just a few hours.”

Here’s the deal – your wedding day matters! The fact that you’re eloping doesn’t change that, and if anything, an elopement is even more meaningful because you’ve decided to truly do your wedding, your way. You deserve to have the entire day photographed so that you can look back on your photos and see the full story. From getting ready to running off into the sunset together, your day is important!

Hiring a photographer who specializes in elopements, as opposed to a traditional wedding photographer, ensures that your photographer will be able to help you with all the logistics of eloping. As an elopement expert, they’ll be ready with advice, recommendations, and timeline tips.

*Extra Tip* Click here to check out my elopement photography and planning packages.