Updated February 26, 2025
Thinking about ditching the traditional wedding and planning an elopement instead? Whether you want an intimate ceremony in the mountains, on a secluded beach, or in a new country, eloping gives you the freedom to celebrate your love in a way that feels true to you. But where do you even start?
This elopement planning guide will walk you through 9 easy steps for how to elope, covering everything from choosing a location to making it legally official, and all the steps in between.
Step 1: Decide What Kind of Elopement You Want
Your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a wedding day that is entirely about you. Since you’re skipping the traditional big wedding, that means you can do literally anything else. There are no rules, no expectations, and no pressure to follow a certain format. Instead, this is your chance to dream big and design a day that feels exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Take a moment to imagine what your ideal elopement day looks like. Ask yourself:
- Do you want just the two of you or a small group of guests?
- Are you drawn to adventure, like hiking to a mountaintop or flying in a helicopter?
- Would you prefer a laid-back elopement in a national park or a remote wilderness setting?
- Do you want an intimate ceremony or a multi-day experience?
Your wedding day should be an experience, not just an event. Whether that means waking up in a cozy cabin before saying your vows on a windswept cliffside, kayaking to a hidden cove for an intimate ceremony, or hopping on a plane to exchange vows in a dream international destination, your elopement is yours to create. Once you have a general idea of what feels right, it’s easier to make decisions for the rest of the planning process.
Step 2: Book Your Elopement Photographer
One of the first and most important steps in elopement planning is booking an experienced elopement photographer. Before you even choose a date, your photographer can help guide you through selecting the best time of year and ideal locations based on weather, accessibility, and lighting.
At Scenic Vows, we offer a done-for-you planning approach on top of capturing every moment of your elopement. We don’t just show up with a camera, we help you with:
- Choosing your elopement date based on ideal weather, crowd levels, and lighting.
- Location scouting to find the perfect backdrop that fits your vision and adventure level.
- Timeline creation so your day flows smoothly while maximizing the best lighting for photos.
- Permits and logistics so you don’t have to stress about the details.
- Personalized recommendations for other vendors, like florists or private chefs, to enhance your experience.
- Full-day storytelling with stunning photography and candid poses so you look and feel like you.
Your elopement is about more than just beautiful photos, it’s about creating an experience that feels true to you. Having a photographer who truly understands the elopement process will make all the difference in making your day feel natural, stress-free, and unforgettable. At the end of the day, your photos will be what you look back on, so make sure you have someone there documenting the whole thing!
Pro tip: Book your photographer early in the process, even before setting a date! We help couples select the perfect date based on location accessibility, ideal lighting, and weather conditions. Elopement specialists book up fast, so reaching out early ensures you get the best experience possible.
Step 3: Choose the Best Location to Elope
The elopement location you choose sets the tone for the entire experience, so take a moment to think about what kind of setting makes you feel most alive. Do you imagine yourselves standing on a rugged cliffside with waves crashing below? Or maybe you see yourselves tucked away in a secluded forest, surrounded by towering pines. Perhaps you’re drawn to wide-open landscapes, where mountains stretch endlessly into the distance (anyone else picturing the show Yellowstone?!), or a quiet desert with golden sand dunes under a glowing sunset.
Think about places that hold meaning to you as a couple. Have you always dreamed of visiting a certain national park? Do you love the ocean and want the sound of waves to be part of your vows? Are you adventure seekers who want to say “I do” on a mountain top after an epic sunrise hike? Choosing a location isn’t just about the scenery, it’s about finding a place that speaks to your relationship and the kind of experience you want to have on your wedding day.
Some of the best places to elope include:
- National Parks: Grand Teton, Yosemite, and Glacier offer stunning backdrops.
- International Destinations: Iceland, Bali, Portugal, or New Zealand for jaw-dropping landscapes.
- Secluded Beaches: Think Hawaii, the Oregon Coast, or the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
- Remote Wilderness Areas: Explore the untouched beauty of Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, or Patagonia.
Make sure to check permit requirements and accessibility before finalizing your choice!
There are so many incredible elopement locations out there, so if you’re feeling stressed, get in touch with us! We’re here to help! We’ve got some great ways to help you two find your dream location!
Step 4: Choose Your Date and Time
Selecting your elopement date is a key part of the planning process, and it’s about more than just picking a day that sounds good. Since elopements are so flexible, you have the opportunity to choose a date that aligns with the best weather, lighting, and overall experience for your chosen location. Some places are breathtaking in the fall when the leaves change, while others are best visited in the summer when snow has melted and trails are accessible. If you dream of a private and intimate experience, weekdays are often less crowded than weekends.
We work closely with our couples to help them select the perfect date based on these factors, ensuring they have the best possible experience. Being flexible with your date can also make a big difference, especially if you find an elopement photographer you love. If you’re unsure when to elope, we’re here to help provide expert guidance for your specific elopement location.
When picking your elopement date, consider.
- Local events: Avoid peak tourist seasons or major events that could impact your experience.
- Weather & seasons: Summer may bring crowds, while winter could mean snow-covered landscapes.
- Best lighting for photos: Sunrise and sunset offer dreamy, golden-hour lighting.
Step 5: Research the Legal Requirements for Eloping
Before you set your plans in stone, it’s crucial to understand the legal side of eloping. Every location has different marriage license laws, officiant requirements, and waiting periods, so knowing what’s needed ahead of time will save you stress.
If you’re eloping in a national park, forest service land, or another protected area, you may also need a special use permit for your ceremony. These permits can take weeks or even months to process, so applying early is key. We stay up to date with permit requirements and will handle the legal details for you, making sure everything is covered so you can focus on enjoying your day. Plus, Becky is an officiant, so if you need someone to legally marry you, we’ve got you covered!
Here are some key legal questions to consider before your elopement:
- Do you need a marriage license from that specific state or country?
- Yes. You will need to obtain a marriage license in the state you are getting married in.
- Is there a waiting period before you can legally marry?
- This is dependent on the state and county. Some require a 3-day waiting period.
- Do you need an officiant, or can you self-solemnize?
- Also dependent on the state you’re getting married in. Colorado and Washington D.C. are the easiest, as they don’t require any other conditions. California, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin also allow it, but do have some stipulations in order to do it.
- Are witnesses required?
- Sometimes. Each state has different requirements as far as witnesses goes.
- If you’re eloping internationally, will your marriage be recognized back home?
- Generally, yes. We’d help you look into this and make sure everything is good to go before heading off on your elopement!
Step 6: Create Your Elopement Day Timeline (and why it matters)
Elopements are meant to be intentional and stress-free, but that doesn’t mean you have to wing it the entire day. When you start figuring out how to elope, a timeline helps create a smooth experience without making things feel rigid or rushed. The key is finding a balance between structure and flexibility.
Rather than thinking of your timeline as a strict schedule, consider it a guide that allows you to be fully present while making space for spontaneous moments.
Tips for a Well-Planned Yet Relaxed Elopement Day
- Start with your priorities. What moments matter most to you? Getting ready together in your A-frame cabin? A sunrise first look? A post-ceremony picnic? Build your timeline around the experiences you don’t want to miss.
- Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Things always take longer than expected, whether it’s getting ready, hiking to a ceremony spot, or pausing to soak in the view. Adding extra buffer time helps keep everything relaxed.
- Use lighting to your advantage. The best natural light happens around sunrise and sunset. If golden-hour photos are a priority, plan key moments around those times.
- Stay open to the unexpected. Weather changes, last-minute decisions, or a spontaneous detour can shift your plans. Leaving room for flexibility makes the day feel more natural. And those spontaneous detours can sometimes be your most favorite moments of the entire day.
The best timeline is one that supports your vision while giving you space to enjoy every moment. A little planning goes a long way in making sure your elopement feels effortless and unforgettable.
Step 7: Choosing Activities for Your Elopement Day
One of the best ways to make your elopement feel natural, fun, and truly you is by planning activities throughout the day. Instead of just standing around wondering what to do next, having meaningful experiences together creates real, unscripted moments that lead to even better photos.
Think about the things you already love doing together or experiences you have always dreamed of trying. Whether it is something adventurous like kayaking or hiking to a remote ceremony spot, or something simple like sharing a post-ceremony picnic or playing a board game, these moments bring a deeper sense of connection to your day.
Here are a few ways to incorporate activities into your elopement:
- Adventure in nature. Hike to a scenic overlook, take a helicopter tour, paddleboard on an alpine lake, or go horseback riding through the mountains.
- Share a special meal. Pack a gourmet picnic, hire a private chef for a sunset dinner, or toast with your favorite local craft beer at the brewery.
- Try something new together. If you have always wanted to go dogsledding, take a scenic flight, or soak in a natural hot spring, your elopement is the perfect time to make it happen.
- Add personal traditions. Write and exchange letters in the morning, play your favorite board game, or bring along your dog for an epic adventure.
Need ideas? We put together a whole blog post covering 15 unique elopement ideas to help you get inspired.
The best part about eloping is that you get to create a day that feels effortless and exciting. Whether it is filled with adventure or slow, meaningful moments, choosing the right activities makes your elopement even more memorable.
Step 8: Pick Your Elopement Attire & Essentials
When it comes to elopement attire, comfort is key! Unlike traditional weddings, you’re not confined to formalwear that feels stiff or restrictive. Your elopement outfit should allow you to move freely, feel confident, and match the setting you’ve chosen. Whether that means rocking a flowy outfit for a mountain breeze, layering up for a snowy adventure, or wearing something lightweight for a warm beach elopement, the choice is completely yours.
We’ve written a full guide on what to wear for an elopement, but here are a few key things to consider:
- Footwear that fits your adventure: Hiking boots, sandals, or whatever suits your environment.
- Elopement accessories: Bouquets, vow books, meaningful heirlooms, or anything that adds a personal touch.
- Comfort & mobility: Choose clothing that allows you to explore and enjoy your elopement location with ease.
- Weather-appropriate layers: Especially important for mountain, desert, or winter elopements.
9. Get married!
And just like that, your wedding day is here and you are marrying your person. You two can celebrate by watching the sunset over the mountains or with an intimate dinner and champagne! However you decide to celebrate, we’ll be there capturing every second of it! Now that you know how to elope, let us help you plan out the details. Head over to our contact form to get in touch today!
Embark on your journey today! We’re excited to get you started on having the best elopement you could have imagined — and then capturing it all on camera!
