IT’S A HUGE DECISION TO ELOPE OVER HAVING A TRADITIONAL WEDDING!

One of the many benefits of eloping is having a significantly smaller to-do list before your wedding day. Don’t get me wrong, you will still have a list of things to do BUT trust me when I say, there are not quite as many things you need to finalize beforehand. Here is a your go to elopement planning checklist to help you get things started!

You can download your personal downloadable elopement planning checklist HERE or read the article below for more details on the things that are on this planning checklist. 

1 – DETERMINE WHERE TO ELOPE 

Choosing your general location, such as state or city, is the first step of your elopement planning. This will allow you to start looking for vendors, accommodations and activities in this area. 

After deciding which city or state you want to elope, decide what vibe you want your elopement to have. Are you looking for something more urban with a downtown vibe, something more adventurous including hiking, the beach or other extreme activities, or do you want something that gives off more of the home vibes. 

2 – HIRE YOUR GUIDE + PHOTOGRAPHER BESTIE

Most elopement photographers, like myself, will help plan the rest of your elopement with you! Find your photographer by researching local photographers in the area or if you already have a photographer you love be sure to reach out as soon as possible. A lot of elopement photographers book out a few months if not a year in advance. 

When hiring your photographer, be sure to hire someone who is an expert in elopement photography and/or elopements in that area. Research your photographer and make sure you love their photography style, editing style and vibe with them as a person (you will be spending your entire day together). 

When searching for an elopement photographer it is extremely important to narrow your photography search down to around 3 photographers before reaching out and scheduling consultation calls, this way you’re not overwhelmed. 

3- CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT CEREMONY LOCATION

After booking your photographer, this is the time you will want to choose and book your specific ceremony location. Like I mentioned, most elopement photographers will assist in narrowing down specific locations with you and can help obtain all the information you must know about this location. 

4- APPLY FOR REQUIRED PERMITS 

When booking your ceremony location, make sure you are aware if you need a permit or not. Some locations require a permit just for photography while others require a permit to exchange vows. The most common locations that require permits are state or national parks, private beaches, indoor locations such as museums.

When talking about ceremony locations with your photographer, be sure to talk about permits and make sure everything is squared away. 

5 – BOOK REMAINING VENDORS

One of the best things about having an elopement vs a traditional wedding is an elopement requiring less vendors! I highly suggest including these vendors when planning your elopement. 

Officiant – Not all states require you to have an officiant sign your marriage license but most states do. If you choose to elope in Florida and hire me as your photographer, I am ordained and can sign your marriage license. This will give you the feeling of a self solemnization ceremony without having to be in one of the states that allows self solemnization. 

Florist – Hiring a florist gives a little something extra to your photos. Some florals to incorporate into your elopement would be a bouquet, boutonniere or pocket flowers, hair florals, and cake florals. 

Hair & Make up artist – It’s your wedding day, you should pamper yourself and feel as beautiful as you can. This is an optional vendor but highly recommend hiring one. This will also help eliminate the stress of doing your own hair and makeup! 

Videographer – Another optional vendor but a videographer can bring another special touch to your elopement day. Especially if you are booking adventures or are wanting a romantic touch to look back on in the years to come. 

6- BOOK TRAVEL ACCOMIDATIONS 

If you are traveling in for your elopement it is extremely important to book your travel plans as soon as possible. Preferably as soon as you choose a location. In some locations, travel accommodations will fill up fast depending on season. Always arrive a few days before your elopement day. This will allow you to have more time to get settled and to help eliminate the stress if there are any delays in travel. 

When planning your accommodations, keep in mind what you plan on doing during your elopement day. Are you planning on getting ready at an airbnb or hosting a few friends for dinner to celebrate after your ceremony? Finding the best accommodations according to space and overall vibe is extremely important. 

Booking in advance and close to your elopement destination will help decrease your total travel cost. 

7- PLAN & BOOK YOUR FAVORIATE ACTIVITIES

When choosing your locations, I am sure you have already looked into things to do in the area or maybe you booked your locations based on a specific activity. Be sure to book these activities as soon as possible to ensure everything is available and set in stone. 

As you plan your timeline with your elopement photographer, make sure they are aware of the activities you want to include in your day and if something needs to be scheduled be sure to let them know as well! 

If you are looking for some activities to include on your elopement day you can view a list of 50+ activities here! 

8 – GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE

Aside from choosing where you want to get married this is THE MOST important step when planning your elopement. Without a marriage license you cannot legally marry your significant other. You should obtain your marriage license at the city clerk’s office in the town you are planning on eloping. Head onto their website and make sure you know the following

• The price to obtain a marriage license
• ID and age requirements
• Is there a waiting period between obtaining the license and signing 
• Do you need an officiant
• Is a witness signature required, if so how many
• How long do you have to file your marriage license after it is signed

You can obtain all this information on the City Clerk’s website where you are eloping.

9 – GET EXCITED

Finally everything is taken care of, and everything is finally checked off of your elopement planning checklist. Now all you have to do is get excited! Your elopement day is all about you and your partner getting married. Enjoy the time together and have a blast! 

Are you ready to start planning your elopement? Lets start checking things off your elopement checklist together!

BOOK YOUR FLORIDA ELOPEMENT WITH JESSICA!