A Modern Fairytale: Planning an Elopement That’s True to You
✨ A Not-So-Secret Guide to Planning Your Perfect Elopement
Once upon a time, there were two people madly in love—not with the idea of a big, traditional wedding, but with each other, and with the dream of a wedding day that felt genuinely theirs.
If that sounds a little like your story, you’re in the right place.
Planning an elopement isn’t about cutting corners or tossing tradition out the window just for the sake of it. It’s about intentionally choosing a day that reflects who you are and what matters most to you. It’s less about seating charts and centerpieces, and more about waterfalls, wild vows, wind in your hair, and maybe a favorite trail under your boots.
And no, eloping doesn’t mean zero planning. In fact, creating a meaningful, stress-free day takes just as much heart (and a little strategy) as planning a big wedding—just without the pressure to people-please.
Here’s a little guide to help you get started.
đź’ First: Daydream a Little (or a Lot)
Before you dive into details, take a moment with your partner to imagine. Don’t worry about logistics yet—just let yourselves dream.
Ask each other:
- What does a perfect day together look like?
- Are we hiking a mountain? Sitting on a beach? Exploring a desert canyon?
- What kind of food do we want to eat?
- Do we want to be completely alone, or invite a few close people (or pets)?
- What kinds of moments do we want captured?
- Are there any meaningful rituals or traditions we want to include?
Your answers here are the seeds. The rest of the planning will grow from this.
đź“‹ Next: Start Assembling Your Dream Team
Even if you’re keeping it simple, having the right people on board can make all the difference. Here are some vendors you might want to consider:
- Photographer (pro tip: book this early—many photographers, myself included, help with planning and location ideas!)
- Videographer
- Florist
- Dress/Suit or Attire
- Rings
- Hair & Makeup
- Officiant (or research self-solemnization if you’d rather just the two of you)
- Lodging (consider cabins, Airbnbs, or cool glamping spots!)
- Food (private chef? picnic? tacos?)
- Transportation
- Jewelry & Accessories
- Vow Books
- Elopement Announcements
🗺️ Don’t Forget the Legal Stuff
A few not-so-glamorous but very important things to look into:
- Permits: Some parks and public lands require one for ceremonies or photography.
- Marriage Laws: Do you need an officiant, or can you self-solemnize?
- Pet Policies: Want your pup to be your witness? Make sure they’re allowed at the location.
- Marriage License: Every state (and country) has different requirements—double-check the deadlines.
âś… Make the Magic Official
Once you’ve figured out your vision, start making things official by booking your key vendors and securing your location. Especially when it comes to photographers and permits—dates can fill quickly, especially during peak seasons!
When choosing your vendors, don’t just look for pretty portfolios. Look for people who understand your values, who support things like Leave No Trace, and who genuinely get what you’re trying to create. This day is too personal to settle for anything less.
🌲 Final Thoughts from a Photographer Who’s Been There
Your elopement isn’t a backup plan—it’s the real deal. It’s brave and beautiful and exactly what weddings should be: authentic. Whether your dream day includes hiking boots and vows at sunrise, or cozy cabins and a sunset picnic, the most important thing is that it’s yours.
And when it’s all said and done, what you’ll remember isn’t how perfect the hair or florals were—it’s how it felt to choose each other, fully and freely, in a way that reflects your love.
Let’s make that story unforgettable.
