Thinking About Eloping? Here’s Everything You Need To Know First.
Okay, maybe not everything. I have never claimed to be an all-knowing being… just a 2,000 year old swamp witch that tells lost travelers they have to guess riddles in exchange for bread and cheese.
Rantings of an ADHD queerdo aside, any kind of wedding planning can seem unimaginably overwhelming to start. It is totally normal to feel this way, and I would like to relieve some of that stress by offering a comprehensive list of things to remember for your unique day.
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You’re engaged! Congratulations! Now that the champagne has been had, and the tears have flowed (for the first of many times), it’s time to begin planning.
A question that has more than likely crossed your mind by this point is “what is my budget”? This will be one of the first factors in deciding whether or not eloping is right for you.
In the past, eloping was thought of in more of a faux-pas sort of way. Today’s couple is a lot more conscious of the exorbitant cost of a wedding, and may want to put the focus back on the love they have for their partner and the commitment they are making together.
“But I want all of my friends and family there.” - That is totally valid. Your day should be all about you. I have seen some elopement ceremonies that include a small group of friends and family, and some that are totally isolated. Never forget, no matter what you choose to do, you can still party!
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Most elopements are done in the great outdoors. There is no backdrop like good ol’ mother nature. This does put you at the mercy of the elements to some extent, so taking the season into account is important.
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This part is really more like part 2B. When choosing your date, keep in mind your location.
I like to say that I live in Seattle, and I work anywhere that is beautiful. I know that I am a bit bias to my home, but eloping in the Pacific Northwest is beyond comparison, really.
I also work with couples that are ready for adventure. At any level of accessibility, Washington state offers some of the most spectacular views for your “I do’s”. If you are on my vibe, the rain won’t scare you away in the winter months, but instead you’ll see it as a beautiful opportunity for dramatic, cinematic photos.
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The legal part of getting married can be a bit daunting and confusing, depending on what state you live in, and where you are getting married. Be sure to research the official requirements for your marriage license well in advance as there may be waiting times and/or other hurdles to cross to make it all legal.
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To me, this is the most fun part of an elopement! You’ve selected your location, anywhere from the lush rainforests of the Olympic National Park to the sweeping peaks of the North Cascades. You know your date, sunny and bright, or drizzly and dramatic. Now it’s time to think about the day of.
Depending on your location, you might want to rent an AirBnB cabin in the woods, or perhaps even camp in your pop-up the night before. Perhaps you are traveling out of state, or even abroad for your ceremony. Be aware of this, as popularity of some of these locations may make it difficult to book your stay on too short of a notice.
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This is usually one of the most time consuming parts of planning a wedding. Fortunately, if you are thinking about eloping, you cut down on the amount of vendors you will need.
Things to consider:
What are you wearing: Depending on your location and it’s accessibility, traditional wedding outfits may not be the way to go. In my experience, a lot of brides will ditch their heels for their old, dusty hiking boots, for instance. Another thing to ponder here is the cost of your dress/suit/tux/etc. You absolutely will get dirty if you are eloping.
Do you want a bouquet: Yes, they are nice to have for photos, but I will be honest. If you want a bouquet for your adventure elopement, don’t sink a lot of money into it. It will last for a few photos, and I will do my best to help you preserve it for your ceremony (some of which locations can be accessed mostly by vehicle), but your adventure will soon take its toll on your flowers.
Who is your photographer: I mean, ideally, me. The most important thing to remember here is that the photographs are what are preserving this memory forever. It is vital that you are just as in love with your photographer’s style as you are with your partner!
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As I mentioned before, this is perhaps one of the parts where we deviate from traditional weddings a little bit. You are certainly still able to wear a suit, or a tux, or a dress. Whatever you choose, just be sure it is comfortable, allows for movement, and you have access to extra layers and dry socks in your hiking pack.
Just like the rest of your day, you are highly encouraged to make your outfit as much of an expression of you as your ceremony is: just be sure that you and your partner are coordinated in some kind of way.
Hair and make-up are definitely still a part of your day. In fact, I am sure to always capture the “getting ready” portion of your love story. More on that later, but for now, we will focus on this: be sure to think about this when you are considering vendors, as even some local and independent hairy stylists and make-up artists can have a full schedule well in advance.
Now, I know this is a very simplified version of things wrapped in a nice little “easier said than done” shaped bow, but luckily, when you are working with me, you are getting more than just another wedding photographer. I will help you every step of the way to hopefully demystify some of this daunting process. I might even sign the witness line for you ;)
So no matter if you are frantically searching for an engagement photographer that fits your style, or you are a soon-to-be-fiancee with a hunch and an eye on the small box in their pocket… I hope this checklist offers you a little bit of clarity and a nice jumping off point!
