HOW TO PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT

You may be back and forth in trying to decide if you should have a traditional wedding for fear of missing out or not knowing really what an elopement is or what it could look like. The truth is that it can look however you want it to, but here are a few tips to begin the planning process.

1. Start with a Vision: Close your eyes and picture your most perfect day, and then make it happen! But seriously, create an inspiration board on Pinterest, do an exercise where you actually physically write what the day could look like from start to finish, start looking at what other people have done that challenge traditions and it will get the ideas flowing.

2. Choose a Place: As you solidify your vision, think about where you would want to elope. Do you want a small backyard wedding? A destination? Town Hall? How do you want it to feel? Do you want to be on a beach or in the mountains? Think about the general feel you want for your big day and then start to explore different locations that fit that picture.

3. Choose Your Vendors: Choose wisely! It can feel overwhelming with all of the different options but not only do you want to pay attention to the quality of their work, reading reviews, getting recommendations, but you also want to pay attention to whether you vibe or not. Most vendors offer discovery calls ( I do!). Take advantage of these! Hop on a call and then listen to your gut, you will know if it feels like a good fit or not.

4. Do Your Research: Each location has different requirements for marriage and different required documentation. If you are considering an elopement out of country consider a symbolic ceremony abroad and doing your paperwork back at home. Keep in mind if you lose your certificate and need another one, you don’t want to deal with needing to contact offices in another country trying to gain access to your vital records!

5. Timeline/Scheduling: Make sure you are intentionally scheduling your day and leaving enough time in between activities and creating space so you don’t feel stressed. Also, with elopements you will really want to consider incorporating different activities to do with your partner, or if you choose to invite some friends and family too.