The Definitive, Downloadable Elopement Checklist

Planning an Elopement – Where Do You Start?

You’ve decided that eloping is the right choice for you and your partner, but where the heck do you start? The amazing thing about eloping is that the possibilities are endless, but that can be really overwhelming, too.

I spent the majority of my career in marketing communications, producing major projects, events, and wrangling people and vendors to make a single vision come to life. And I. Love. Planning. I live and breathe checklists, and my goal here is to give you a very basic starting point for your elopement. The rest of the details will vary significantly based on what kinds of activities you’re interested in, whether or not you’re bringing guests, etc. But oftentimes the biggest hurdle is just laying a foundation, which is where this elopement checklist comes in.

Elopement Checklist for Couples

1. Set your budget. This is going to dictate the rest of your planning process.
2. Where would you like to go? I’d start with thinking about the backdrop. Do you want mountains? Coastlines? A fun urban setting? Or a location that offers all 3? What kind of weather are you hoping for? And are there cultural considerations (i.e. does the location feel safe for queer couples? Do you feel free to practice your own religious practices there? And so on).
3. Find your photographer. Photographers who specialize in elopements (like myself) are experts at helping you with steps 2 and 4. They typically provide more hands-on help than traditional wedding photographers, and will be instrumental in finalizing your location, understanding local laws, picking activities, and finalizing your timeline.
4. Once you know “where,” you need to consider legality. This includes:
   • Where you’ll be legally married. If you’re planning on eloping abroad, I highly recommend getting legally married in your country of residence. The logistics of getting legally married abroad and transferring that to your home country can be a huge headache.
   • And if you are getting married in your home country, be sure to review local laws. In the US, each state has different rules around how to get a marriage license, what the waiting period is, how long the license is valid, etc.
   • Do you need a permit to elope in your preferred location? Even if you aren’t legally marrying in that location, some locations still require a permit to dress up and take photos there.
5. Decide what to do about friends and family. Will you invite some? None? Will you let them know you’re eloping, or surprise them afterward? I have a few ideas for incorporating friends and family into your elopement that might be helpful.
   • Note: Some states require up to two witnesses to sign your marriage license. If you’re hoping to keep your elopement totally private, your photographer can help you find witnesses.
6. If applicable, try to send invites at least six months ahead of time. This might mean scheduling an engagement shoot at least 8 months ahead of time, if you’d like photos of the two of you on the invites.
7. Start booking travel and lodging at least 6 – 8 months ahead of time. Consider:
   • The attractiveness of the space, if you want photos there.
   • If you’re planning on eloping at your venue, note that Airbnbs do not technically allow events. Consider different platforms for booking lodging if that is really important to you (VRBO has a checkbox for “Events Allowed,” for example).
   • The logistics of getting yourselves and your guests there, if needed.
8. Once lodging is booked, start looking for:
   • Hair and makeup artists.
   • Your officiant, if needed. (Psst, I’m ordained and can marry you if we’re in the US).
   • Someone to provide flowers.
   • Private chefs, or restaurants where you can book space for the two of you or you and your guests.
   • Any activities you want to book: Helicopter rides, kayaks, rock climbing, trains to different locations, private picnics.
9. Start your packing list at least 2 months ahead of time. It might include:
   • Your wedding attire, as well as garment bags to keep it safe/clean.
   • Any hair / makeup tools that are really important to you (don’t count on them being available at your final destination).
   • Backup gear for the weather. If you’re eloping outdoors, especially in the mountains, always bring attire for rain and cold weather, regardless of the time of year.
   • All of your small details in one bag: Rings, invites, perfumes, family heirlooms. (Do NOT check these – carry them on the airline with you).
   • Printed itineraries, copies of your passports, and cash – just in case.

Copy My Elopement Checklist

Need something to check off? Same. Use this list to start your planning process, track your budget, and pave your way to a stress free elopement.

Copy this free Google doc here.

Looking for a photographer who can help you plan your dream elopement? Let’s connect!