You want a perfectly private “I do” with zero drama, minimal logistics, and all the feels? Eloping might be your love language. Think meaningful vows, stunning scenery, and no one asking about the seating chart.
You still need a plan though—because even small weddings need a little structure. Let’s build your ultimate elopement checklist so you can focus on the good stuff.
Set Your Vision (AKA: What Does “Perfect” Look Like?)
Know your vibe before you book anything. Do you want a mountaintop sunrise with boots and backpacks?
A chic courthouse ceremony and a rooftop dinner? A beach at golden hour with just you two and a breeze?
- Pick your setting: outdoorsy adventure, city chic, backyard, destination.
- Decide on your guest count: just you two, or a tiny handful of VIPs?
- Choose your season/time of day: sunrise for privacy, sunset for romance, midday if you don’t fear harsh light.
- Define the mood: playful, moody, glam, minimalist.
Pro Tip: Make a Vibe Board
Create a shared album or Pinterest board. Drop in outfits, locations, florals, and lighting you love.
It helps you and any vendors lock in a cohesive look—without a 30-person committee and a shared Google Doc called “final-final-final.”
Legal Stuff (Don’t Skip This Part—Seriously)
You can’t have a wedding without making it legal. The requirements vary wildly by location, so do this early.
- Marriage license: Research lead times, fees, and ID requirements. Some places require a waiting period.
- Witnesses: Some locations require one or two.
No witnesses? Consider a photographer who can double as one.
- Officiant rules: Your friend might need to get ordained, or the area might require a registered officiant.
- Permit and location permissions: Parks often require ceremony permits. FYI, ranger = authority.
Travel + Destination Considerations
If you elope abroad, check residency requirements, translation needs, and whether you’ll do a symbolic ceremony abroad and legal paperwork at home.
IMO, doing the legal part at home keeps things simpler and less stressful.
Location Scouting and Logistics
Dreamy photos don’t happen by accident. You need logistics to match your vision.
- Scout the spot: Google Maps, AllTrails, Instagram location tags. Aim for backups in case of crowds or weather.
- Time it right: Golden hour equals flattering light.
Midday sun equals squints and shiny foreheads.
- Parking and access: How far is the walk? Any accessibility issues?
- Weather Plan B: Umbrellas, layers, and an indoor backup. Mother Nature rarely reads your itinerary.
Micro-Itinerary
Draft a simple timeline so the day flows:
- First look (optional)
- Travel to ceremony spot
- Vows + ring exchange
- Portraits/adventure time
- Private dinner or celebration activity
Keep it flexible.
You want romance, not a military operation.
Outfits, Rings, and the Fun Details
You can go full glam or mountain-casual. Just make sure it suits your location and you feel like yourself.
- Attire: Choose breathable fabrics if hiking, or structured styles for city shots. Bring comfy shoes for walking.
- Rings + accessories: Keep rings secured in a pouch.
Consider a statement piece: cape, hat, jacket, bouquet ribbon.
- Hair and makeup: DIY or pro? Test run if possible. Pack blotting papers and a tiny rescue kit.
- Florals: A bouquet or boutonnière elevates the whole vibe (and photos).
Dried florals travel well.
Emergency Kit (Tiny but Mighty)
- Safety pins, mini sewing kit, fashion tape
- Stain wipes, lint roller, tissues
- Blotting papers, lip balm, travel hairspray
- Band-Aids, pain reliever, sunscreen, bug spray
- Water, snacks (hangry vows are… a choice)
Vendors Who Actually Matter
You don’t need a 12-vendor roster. But a few pros can make the day feel polished and easy.
- Photographer: Prioritize this. Choose someone experienced with elopements and lighting outdoors.
- Officiant: Unless you self-solemnize (legal in some places), book someone aligned with your vibe.
- Hair + makeup: Especially helpful if your location is windy/humid/cold.
- Florist: Ask for hardy blooms and a travel-friendly bouquet.
- Private chef or restaurant: Celebrate with an intentional meal; no banquet hall required.
Contracts and Communication
Confirm arrival times, exact locations, cell coverage issues, and backup plans.
Share your micro-itinerary and pin drops. And yes, bring screenshots in case signal disappears. FYI: mountains do not care about your LTE.
Personal Touches That Make It Yours
This is where elopements shine.
You can ditch traditions or remix them.
- Vows: Write your own. Keep them on a vow book or card for aesthetics and practicality.
- Music: A portable speaker, a favorite playlist, or even live music if permitted.
- Meaningful rituals: Handfasting, unity cocktails, letters to each other, champagne toast.
- Mementos: A polaroid camera, pressed flower kit, or a custom map print of the location.
How to Include Loved Ones (Without Inviting Everyone)
- Live stream the ceremony if it fits the moment.
- Read letters from family before vows.
- Host a casual party later and show a highlight reel.
- Bring heirlooms: tie a locket to the bouquet or wear Grandma’s pendant.
Travel and Packing Checklist
If you’re traveling for your elopement, treat it like a mini expedition with romance.
- Documents: IDs, marriage license, permits, vendor contracts, insurance cards.
- Outfits: Garment bag, wrinkle-release spray, spare socks/tights, weather layers.
- Rings + accessories: Keep them in your carry-on, not checked baggage.
- Beauty + grooming: Your usual routine plus touch-up kit.
- Tech: Phone, chargers, portable battery, Bluetooth speaker, camera.
- Adventure gear (if applicable): Hiking shoes, microspikes, headlamp, blanket, hand warmers.
- Food + drink: Water, snacks, celebratory beverage, biodegradable cups.
Safety and Comfort
Check the forecast. Share your location with a trusted friend.
Save the nearest urgent care (just in case). Small wedding, big grown-up energy.
Post-Elopement To-Dos
After the confetti (or sea breeze) settles, a quick wrap-up keeps the glow going.
- File your license: Follow the instructions so your marriage becomes official.
- Name change (if applicable): Update Social Security, DMV, passport, bank accounts.
- Photo backup: Save your images in multiple places. Cloud + hard drive = peace of mind.
- Announcement: Send a cute photo to friends/family.
Or don’t. Your call.
- Celebrate: Plan a dinner, mini-moon, or a cozy weekend at home. IMO, a slow morning after just hits different.
FAQs
How far in advance should we plan an elopement?
You can plan in a few weeks, but two to six months gives you time to secure permits, the best photographer, and travel deals.
If you want a weekend sunset at a popular national park, book earlier—those dates evaporate fast.
Do we need witnesses for an elopement?
It depends on the location. Some places require one or two witnesses; others don’t. If you need witnesses and you’re eloping alone, ask your photographer or hire an elopement planner who can provide them.
Easy fix.
What’s a reasonable elopement budget?
Totally flexible. Many couples spend on photography, attire, travel, and a special meal. A tight, beautiful elopement can land between $1,500–$8,000, but you can scale up or down.
Spend where you’ll remember it most (photos and experiences, IMO).
Can we elope and have a party later?
Absolutely. Do the private ceremony now, then host a reception later with your people. Show photos or a ceremony video and relive it without the pressure of a full wedding day.
What do we wear for an outdoor elopement?
Choose outfits that move and breathe.
For trails or rocky spots, swap heels for boots and bring a second pair for photos if needed. Add layers like a chic jacket or shawl so you look good and stay warm. Function can be cute—promise.
Do we need a planner for an elopement?
Not always, but a planner or coordinator helps with permits, timelines, and local vendor recommendations.
If you’re traveling to a complex location (looking at you, remote trails), a local pro can save headaches.
Conclusion
Eloping gives you freedom: fewer rules, more meaning, and a day focused on the two of you. Build your checklist, lock in the legal bits, and choose details that feel like your relationship. Keep it simple, keep it intentional, and say “I do” exactly the way you want.
The rest? Just good stories and great photos.