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There’s no rule book when it comes to eloping – and unlike planning a big wedding, couples often don’t have anyone to turn to for advice, because they don’t know anyone who eloped! So, as you’re going through the elopement planning process you’ll likely have a lot of questions, and you’ll make some mistakes.
As an elopement photographer, I’ve helped countless couples plan their day, and I’m here to share the elopement planning mistakes you’re likely to make, and how to avoid them!
1. Giving in to Pressure
A lot of couples elope because they want to get away from the pressure that the wedding industry puts on engaged couples. They want to have a wedding day that actually reflects them, and that really is the best day of their life.
But, after making the decision to elope, so many couples still fall victim to this pressure! I get it, it’s hard to say no. It can feel like you’ve already disappointed your parents by not throwing a big wedding – so now you feel like the least you can do is listen to them when they make suggestions… or demands.
But remember, this is your wedding day, and it should be exactly how you want it! If an elopement with no guests sounds right, or you want to jet off to another country, or hike to the top of a mountain, don’t let anyone convince you that you’re not making the right decision!
2. Downplaying the Elopement
Eloping doesn’t mean this day is “no big deal,” or that you should only dedicate a few hours to your wedding – a ceremony, exchange rings, and you’re done. This is still the day you get married! And having a smaller ceremony means you’re being more intentional about how you get married, and I think that makes it even more meaningful. So treat your elopement day like it’s your wedding day, and the day that you’re committing your life to the person you love most. Because it is!
3. Not Planning Ahead
Though planning an elopement is much less stressful than planning a traditional wedding, it still takes some work! Make sure you dedicate some time to work out the details of your elopement – this includes coming up with a budget, finding a location, and making bookings.
One thing couples often forget to think about is paperwork! It’s not very exciting – but it is important to ensure that you get legally married. Marriage laws vary so much between countries, and in the US, they can vary a ton between states. Your marriage license needs to be obtained in the state where your ceremony takes place, so when you’re doing your elopement planning, look up the laws for your location well ahead of time so that you know what to expect, when to apply for a marriage license, and if you’ll need to plan your travel to arrive early.
4. Not Getting Elopement Permits
I’ve seen a lot of couples assume that all you need to get married at a park, or outdoors, is to walk up to the spot and say the vows. But, there’s more to it! Even if you’re having a tiny ceremony, you may need a wedding permit. This depends on the location, so you’ll need to do a little research. National parks almost always require a permit, but many public lands do not. You definitely don’t want to have a run in with park rangers on your elopement day, so make sure you have all the right paperwork.
5. Not Following LNT Guidelines
LNT, or Leave No Trace, is essential to adventure elopements. If you aren’t familiar with LNT, you can check out the guidelines here! It’s a set of seven principles that everyone should follow when recreating outdoors – because our presence can cause a lot more damage than we think, and many people aren’t educated about the impact we have.
Many parks have already closed certain spots to elopement ceremonies, or banned elopements altogether, because when LNT principles aren’t followed, the damage can be devastating. Make sure that through the elopement planning process, you learn about the rules for your ceremony location – what’s allowed and what isn’t, and how you can do your part to protect the land. Elopement permits are part of LNT too – that money goes to keeping the parks clean and beautiful!
6. Uncomfortable Attire
An elopement involves a lot more moving around than a traditional wedding – so put that mermaid style dress back! When you’re shopping for suits, or dresses, make sure it’s something that you’ll be able to walk, hike, climb, and do whatever adventure you have planned for your elopement day in it. Nothing spoils the mood like realizing you can’t quite breathe in your outfit – so make sure you’re comfy! When you feel good, you look good – and your photos will reflect that! Make sure that if you buy new shoes, you break them in before the elopement day. You definitely don’t want blisters!
7. Not Hiring an Elopement Photographer
There are tons of wedding photographers out there – and many of them will happily take on elopements too! However, when you’re looking for someone to document your adventure elopement, it’s best to find someone who specializes in what you need – elopements! They’ll have experience being outdoors, and they’ll know not just how to take photos, but how to ensure your elopement day goes smoothly, even if the weather isn’t on your side or your ceremony spot doesn’t work out – the outdoors can be unpredictable!
My job as an elopement photographer is to help couples with elopement planning, which includes finding the perfect location, getting the right permits, figuring out marriage licenses, and creating a timeline. And of course, taking the photos!
If you’re ready to start elopement planning, contact me!