7 Steps to Planning an Elopement
The 7 steps to Planning an Elopement
I totally understand if the idea of planning an elopement feels overwhelming (look on the bright side though, planning a large wedding can be even more overwhelming!) I hope to help ease you into your elopement planning. When you hire me, I’ll deliver to you a whole elopement planning guide (30+ pages!) But until then 😉 here are the the seven steps breaking down how to plan an elopement in the Midwest.
Brainstorm
Pick a location and date - photographer should be able to help you
Check and apply for permits
Hire other vendors, such as a MUA (make up artist), florals, other services such as arches, food things.
Review the states legal requirement for marriage
Dream and create your dream timeline
ELOPE
Step 1: Brainstorming
Elopement planning is meant to be fun and stress-free. It’s totally about you, and so when you’re in the brainstorming process, I want you to imagine (without limitations) what your most wild, fun and totally epic day would look like FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER.
Step 2: Picking a Location and Date
Now that you’ve done all your brainstorming, have imagined the best day possible, it’s time to decide on a location and date (if you have not chosen a date yet). Based on what you and your partner have decided what would make your day 100% you and amazing, you can choose the best location (and possible date). I mention date because if you’re flexible on date, some locations have better weather at certain times of the year. Plus the date/location can impact the activities that you plan together.
Your photographer should help you to pick the best place to get married based on your desires. Feel free to check out my blog about Places to Elope in the Midwest to get some ideas.
Step 3: Checking & Applying for Permits
If you’re new to elopements, you may not know that some locations require permits. These permits allow you to legally have a wedding and/or an adventure session there. Permit requirements can change quite frequently, so it’s always important to have the most up to date information. Your photographer should help guide you in this field and make sure you apply for the correct permits for you’re desired location. Permit acquirement can also vary in locations. Some places require that you apply for a permits up to six weeks in advance an in as little as two weeks in advance.
Definitely don’t be afraid to open up the conversation about permits with your photographer. While permit fees/rules vary per location, some are more expensive and some are cheaper, the fees are important because they go directly to the park/location. Each state(s) has different rules for different places. National Park Lands have different requirements compared to bureau of Land Management Land (BLM Land), compared to state parks.
Acquiring the correct permits also make your day less stressful. Without proper permits, you (and your photographer) can get fined, and get kicked out. With permits, you can relax and enjoy your time knowing you’re following all the rules. Don’t let the idea of permits be a source of stress, your photographer should be with you every step of the way, guiding you in the correct direction.
Step 4: Hire additional vendors
Now that you have your day planned, you can hire additional vendors. Those vendors can include MUA, decorations, snack vendors (like professional chef’s for after your elopement), florist and more. This step is fun because you get to include as many vendors as you want (or don’t want) on your elopement. If you want your elopement to be just the two of you, but you still need some witnesses, some vendors are gracious enough to come along. If your MUA comes along, they can make sure your makeup is looking fresh all day! Another possibility is hiring a private chef for after your elopement ceremony/hike. Just imagine coming back from a beautiful elopement day only to receive a 5-star, dreamy, total Lady and the Tramp vibe dinner.
Step 5: REview your state marriage laws
There are a couple ways you can choose to get legally married. One way is to legally marry in the state you’re eloping in. Most states do not have any residency requirements for getting married, but some states do have a waiting period for your wedding license. A wedding license is what your apply for and receive prior to when you get married/have your ceremony. After your ceremony and it’s been signed, your officiant (depending on solemnization rules) turns it back into the county. It’s after this that you receive your marriage certificate in the mail.
Essentially, it’s check state laws > apply for marriage license > have ceremony/elope > get the license signed > turn it in > receive marriage certificate.
Check out this resource for each states marriage laws
Another method of eloping is getting married in your home state/county, then having your elopement. Some people like this method because it takes out an aspect of planning. By getting your marriage license in your own state and getting married there, such as in the courthouse, your can enjoy your elopement without the pressure of making sure your doing everything right. Getting married in your own state doesn’t make your elopement any less of an elopement. You can still have the full experience. Elopements are about what’s best for you and your partner, whether that’s getting married in the state you’re eloping in or signing the license beforehand.
Step 6: Create your dream timeline
Creating your timeline will be so fun. With everything your brainstormed, and your location picked out, it’s time to get creating. The amazing thing about elopements is that your duration of activities can be as long or as short as you want. Your photographer should be there with you when creating your timeline because they have the best knowledge on timing. For example, it would not be the best idea to plan a 6 mile hike with a 4 hour timeline. There would not be enough time to enjoy the hike, stop for views and have your ceremony. When planning a hiking elopement, it’s best to estimate - depending on hike terrain, difficulty and your personal abilities -about 1 mile per hour to be safe. This gives enough wiggle room to stop for photos, breaks, views ect…
Based on how long you want your elopement to be and the activities you want, your photographer should help advise you in making the best timeline for your dreamiest day.
Step 7: Elope!
Now that you’ve done all your brainstorming, planning, hiring, etc… the best part comes - and that’s ELOPING! Finally, you can see all your planning come to fruition! This is where you totally relax and fully immerse yourself in the moment of getting married.
