If you’re considering an intimate celebration all about you and your beloved, then let’s think about that. Maybe your perfect match is an elopement wedding. There is nothing wrong with having a traditional wedding, but nowadays more and more couples are looking for a little more intimacy in their ceremony.
Elopement weddings can be all about you: picking out that timeless terracotta bridesmaid selections, the perfect elopement destination, whatever it is between, elopement weddings combine the romance, spontaneity and personalization to make your special day all about you.
What is an Elopement Wedding?
An elopement is your love story reduced to its purest essence. Unlike the typical traditional wedding with a long guest list and meticulous planning, an elopement is different entirely because an elopement puts the heart of marriage first: two hearts.
You’ll usually hold it at a place that’s meaningful to you, and it’s usually a small ceremony with few if any, guests. The modern elopement is no longer a ‘running away to get married’ kind of thing; it’s now about micro celebrations of the personal and authentic over social obligation.
15 Ways To Have a Perfect Elopement Wedding
Everything you need in the guide to planning an unforgettable elopement for those seeking sophisticated rose gold bridesmaid looks and all sorts of unique details. These 15 steps will help you plan the intimate wedding of your dreams, whatever kind of venue you’ve got your eye on: or anything in between, from a mountaintop ceremony to a beachside exchange of vows.
1. Choose Your Perfect Location
Consider places that symbolize the two of you as a couple. Everything from sun-kissed beaches to historic European cities are dependent on your venue. Learn what the local marriage laws, weather patterns, and accessibility are. After all, the perfect spot should be the same for it: the place that will give you some beautiful photo opportunities, that will fit into your budget and style preferences.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Break down your expenses into categories: Accommodation, attire, travel, photography and celebration details. The thing some people love about elopements is that they are a much cheaper option for a wedding, but a buffer never hurts either in case there are unexpected expenses. Think about luxury accommodation, think about professional photography, and splurge on the things that matter most to you.
3. Handle the Legal Requirements
Find out about research marriage licenses, residency requirements and what documentation is required to live in the area you will be living in. Countries require waiting periods or witnesses. If international requirements are too difficult, think first about having a legal ceremony at home. If you work with a local wedding planner or coordinator, there’s a good chance they’re familiar with the local regulations.
4. Find the Right Photographer
Your photographer becomes one of the most important vendors for an elopement. Get pictures taken by someone who has intimate ceremony experience, staged and candid. Go and check their portfolio and see if they’ve eloped and if they offer the style you are looking for. If they don’t have the whole day booked, you can book them for the whole day to get ready moments and post-ceremony party time.
5. Plan Your Timeline
Look for a relaxed schedule which can be flexible. Traditional weddings are very rigid, whereas elopements are a lot more flexible. There will be time to get hair and makeup done, get dressed, ceremony, photos and celebration. Don’t forget to plan sunrise or sunset timing if you want specific lighting for your photos. Provide a built-in buffer for weather changes or other unexpected events.
6. Choose Your Attire
Select wedding attire that matches your location and what you are going to do. While thinking about comfort and practicality, don’t forget style. If you’re hiking to a ceremony spot, then choose appropriate footwear and portable attire. Make sure you don’t forget any weather-appropriate layers and accessories. But remember, your outfit should feel awesome and as though you can do your best all day.
7. Include Meaningful Details
Add in little bits to make it personal to you, but still make your elopement what you want it to be. Use heartfelt vows, or put family heirlooms or new traditions. Perhaps you’ll want to bring some small meaningful objects or have a symbolic ritual. These details help tie your ceremony to you and to make your ceremony yours.
8. Plan the Ceremony
Your relationship should be reflected in the ceremony design. Readings, music and rituals you both choose to make choices about. Decide whether you want an officiant or if you just want to self-solemnize anywhere legal. Write personal vows if you want to, and if you are adopting cultural or family traditions that are meaningful to you, then do that.
9. Arrange Accommodations
To have a great experience, book your special lodging. There’s plenty to consider in terms of luxury hotels, unique Airbnbs, boutique properties… whatever you can think of. Look for spots with romantic accessories and beautiful getting-ready rooms. However, some of the venues include some elopement packages, where you might be provided with accommodation or such services.
10. Consider Vendors
Find out who you need besides photography. Your day doesn’t have to be an expensive one, just get a hair and makeup artist, florist, or video person who can make it. Research vendors who know about elopements in your chosen location are the kind of people you want to ask. Be sure to book ahead in particular for popular destinations and high season.
11. Plan Your Celebration
Decide how you will exchange vows and then celebrate. If you want to book a romantic dinner, book a picnic or arrange a small reception, do it as soon as possible. Perhaps it’s wine tasting, hiking, or sunsets together. You will need to reserve your special restaurant or experience well in advance.
12. Notify Loved Ones
Work out when and how you’re going to tell family and friends. Maybe send out announcement cards or have a post-elopement party. You’re going to get all different kinds of reactions, and you’re going to have to stand your ground. What if you were looking for ways to bring loved ones around without them physically knowing? Maybe live streaming the ceremony and then sharing the video later or something like that.
13. Create a Backup Plan
Being prepared for unexpected weather or other complications is best. Have indoor alternatives to outdoor ceremonies. Consider travel insurance and vendor contracts which protect your investment. Also, important documents and contact information are easily accessible.
14. Pack Thoughtfully
Make a great and big list of what you’re going to pack with the wedding attire and all of the accessories, and all of the documentation. Don’t forget your marriage license, passports and again any required paperwork. Things to pack in an emergency kit should be safety pins, weather protection and touch-up makeup.
15. Document Your Journey
Journal, snap yourself or collect little mementos. You can either create a time capsule or a memory box with things from your day. These personal touches really just do nothing but help you relive the magic of your elopement for so many years to come.
Conclusion
In Elopement Weddings, your love can be celebrated in the most personal way. If you can put aside everything else and focus on what really matters, the commitment you have for each other, then the experience you create is totally unforgettable and perfectly fits with your relationship. Remember, though, that there is no right or wrong way to elope, the most important ceremony is the one that feels authentic to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does an elopement wedding cost on average?For elopement, if the costs were planned and elopement cost between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on location, travel expenses and preferred services.
- Can we still invite a few guests to our elopement?Modern elopements tend to be accompanied by a small group of closest family members or friends.
- How far in advance should we plan our elopement?Most couples plan their elopement six to twelve months out, use that time to research location, requirements, etc.
- If we’re eloping, should we hire a wedding planner?It can be useful for a planner if it’s destination elopements or a place where you don’t know a lot about the location or requirements.
