Eloping is the perfect way to celebrate your love in an intimate, meaningful, and stress-free way. In recent years, more couples are choosing to elope rather than plan traditional weddings, opting for a personal and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountain-top ceremony, a quiet beach getaway, or a secluded forest elopement, this guide will walk you through the process of how to elope—from choosing the perfect location to creating your own vows!
If planning something so limitless seems impossible, we help design and document elopements all across the globe! The Love Uncharted Team can help you every step of the way- from finding the perfect destination to capturing your wild adventure!
Why Eloping is the New Trend
Eloping allows couples to avoid the stress and pressure of planning a large wedding. It’s an intimate and personal celebration that focuses solely on you and your partner. The flexibility of eloping allows couples to:
- Prioritize Spending: Elopements are usually more affordable than traditional weddings. They also allow you to prioritize where your money is spent, such as on a photographer, lodging, and experiences.
- Customize the experience: You can choose any location and personalize the ceremony to reflect your unique love story. You can also fill the remainder of your day (or even multiple days) doing fun activities!
- Avoid stress: Skip the drama, the guest list issues, and the pressure of organizing a large event.
Ready to elope? Here’s everything you need to know.
Step-by-Step Guide to Eloping
Step 1: Decide on Your Elopement Style and Vision
The first step in planning your elopement is deciding how you want it to look. Do you envision a quiet ceremony in the woods, or a tropical oasis? Here are some things to consider:
- Guest list: Will you elope just the two of you, or invite a few close family members or friends?
- The Foundation: What would your dream vacation look like? What would you do, and where would you go? This can be a good starting point for planning your epic elopement.
Step 2: Choose the Perfect Location
One of the best parts of eloping is the flexibility of choosing a unique location. Whether it’s a beach at sunrise, a mountain top, or your favorite cozy spot, the options are endless.
- Local or destination: Will you elope close to home, or do you want to travel to a beautiful location?
- Permits: Make sure to check if you need a permit for your elopement location, especially for national parks or other public spaces.
- Accessibility: Consider how easy it will be to reach your elopement location (think about travel, accommodations, and any physical challenges).
Step 3: Get Your Marriage License
Even if you’re eloping, you’ll still need a legal marriage license to make it official. The requirements vary by location, so it’s essential to research your destination’s specific rules. You can also choose to handle the legalities in your home state/ country, and then have a commitment ceremony on your elopement day! Generally, here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
- Age requirement: In most places, you must be at least 18 years old to get married.
- Marriage license fees: Costs typically range from $50-$100, depending on where you’re eloping.
- Officiant: A licensed officiant is required in most places to perform the ceremony, but some areas allow self-solemnization.
Step 4: Hire Vendors and Professionals
While an elopement is typically small and intimate, you can still hire vendors to make it even more memorable. Here are some vendors you may want to consider:
- Elopement photographer/videographer: The most essential part to planning a truly personalized and epic elopement- your photo/ video team will also be there to help plan the entire experience!
- Officiant: A local officiant can help personalize your vows and make the ceremony official.
- Florist: Choose a beautiful bouquet or arrangements to complement the vibe of your elopement.
- Hair and makeup artist: If you want to look and feel your best, consider booking a pro to do your hair and makeup.
Step 5: Plan Your Elopement Details
Your elopement day will be unique to you and your partner. Think about what makes your relationship special and how you can incorporate that into your ceremony. Here are some details to think about:
- Vows: Write personal vows that reflect your relationship and your love for each other.
- Music: Consider having a playlist for your ceremony or a special song for your first dance.
- Attire: Choose something that makes you feel amazing. Elopement wedding dresses come in all styles, from boho chic to classic elegance.
Step 6: Make Travel Arrangements (If Applicable)
If you’re traveling to your elopement destination, be sure to arrange flights, accommodations, and transportation well in advance. Research the best options for travel to make the experience stress-free.
- Flights: Book early to get the best rates.
- Accommodation: Choose a cozy Airbnb, a boutique hotel, or a charming cabin to stay at.
- Transportation: Depending on your location, consider renting a car, booking a ride-share, or even arranging a private driver.
Step 7: Celebrate Your Elopement (After the Big Day)
After your ceremony, you’ll want to celebrate! Consider the following options:
- Mini reception: Celebrate with a private dinner, champagne toast, or cake cutting.
- Share your elopement with loved ones: Send out digital wedding announcements or share your experience on social media to keep friends and family in the loop.
Elopement Checklist: Don’t Forget These Key Details
Here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure everything is taken care of for your elopement:
Pre-Elopement Planning
- Choose your elopement style
- Create a list of people you may want to invite
- Choose your elopement location and check for permits
- Obtain your marriage license (check local requirements)
- Hire vendors (photographer, officiant, florist, etc.)
- Write personal vows
- Plan your travel (flights, accommodations, transportation)
Elopement Day
- Pack your wedding attire (dress, suit, accessories)
- Bring marriage license and ID
- Bring your ring(s)
- Check in with your vendors (confirm times, locations, etc.)
- Enjoy the moment and say “I do!”
Post-Elopement
- Share your elopement announcement with family and friends
- Plan a post-elopement celebration or honeymoon
- Receive your photos and videos from your photographer
- Change your name (if applicable)
Tips for an Unforgettable Elopement Experience
- Go off the beaten path: Choose a unique location that speaks to both of you.
- Make it about the two of you: Forget about tradition and make your elopement a reflection of your relationship.
- Stay flexible: Things may not go according to plan, but that’s part of the fun of eloping.
- Create lasting memories: Take photos, write love letters to each other, and treasure the moments.
Your Dream Elopement Awaits
Eloping is a beautiful way to celebrate your love without the stress and chaos of a traditional wedding. By following these steps and using our detailed checklist, you can plan a seamless, unforgettable elopement experience, Whether you choose a breathtaking mountaintop or a hidden beach, your elopement will be a one-of-a-kind celebration of your love story.
Want to sit back and forget about the stress of planning a truly personal and epic elopement? Click here to learn more Love Uncharted team, and allow us to help you plan the experience of a lifetime!
