Your Step-by-Step Guide to Ditching the Rulebook and Creating a Day That Feels Like You. Plan your elopement to be the day you thought you could only dream of.
Plan Your Elopement & Avoid the Overwhelm
So, you want to elope—but you have no idea where to start.
Maybe you’ve spent hours scrolling Pinterest and still don’t know the vibe you’re going for. Maybe your parents aren’t on board and it’s totally draining the joy out of planning.
Whatever it is, if you’re feeling behind because you don’t have a color-coded spreadsheet and 15 tabs open… you’re not alone. And more importantly? You don’t need any of that.
If all you know is that you don’t want a big wedding and you do want your day to feel like you—that’s enough to start. Let’s build from there.
What Do You Want This Day to Feel Like? Plan YOUR elopement Your Way
Start With the Feeling, Not the Timeline
Before you dive into the logistics, get clear on the vibe.
Ask yourself (and yes, go ahead and write it down—visual girl here too!): How do we want this day to feel?
- Cozy and slow?
- Romantic and tear-filled?
- Euphoric and playful?
- Nostalgic and family-centered?
Maybe it looks like renting a summer camp and spending the weekend canoeing and roasting s’mores with your favorite people. Or maybe it’s just the two of you, barefoot on a quiet beach at sunrise.
Start here:
“What would our favorite day together look like… if no one was watching?”
Pick a Location That Matches Your Energy
Choose the Vibe, Then the Venue
You don’t need to know the exact spot yet—just the feeling.
Do you know you need to be outside? Do you crave the ocean? Is the city your happy place, complete with your favorite pizza and a park stroll?
A few ideas to spark inspiration:
- City elopement with moody, editorial photos
- Sunrise beach picnic and handwritten vows
- Backyard garden dinner at an Airbnb with your closest friends
Still not sure? Curating romantic, made-for-you days is literally my jam. My pre-session questionnaire helps me get to know you, and I’ll send location ideas that match your love story.
Truth is—your everyday hobbies might just become the most romantic elopement day you could’ve dreamed up.
Elopement ≠ Alone (Unless You Want It To)
Decide Who (If Anyone) Is Coming
It’s totally okay to include people—or keep it private.
Tips to help you decide:
- Who brings peace vs. pressure?
- Who supports your choices instead of questioning them?
- What level of intimacy feels best for the two of you?
Plan Your Elopement to Include Loved Ones—Even If They’re Not There
Make Space for Connection Without Compromise
If your elopement is just the two of you, there are still sweet ways to share the experience:
- Throw a casual reception or dinner later
- Share your photo + video gallery (that’s why choosing the right photographer matters!)
- Record personal video messages for your closest people
- Write letters to family to read after your day
Your Photographer Should Be More Than a Vendor
They’re Your Creative Partner (And Emotional Support)
Your photographer doesn’t just show up with a camera—they help you plan, suggest timelines, scout dreamy spots, and handle the unexpected.
Basically, we’re the third wheel you actually want.
And we’re in it with you—heart, soul, and lens.
How to Find the Right Elopement Photographer
The One Who Gets You
Look for someone who lives and breathes elopements—not someone squeezing them in between 300-person weddings.
Make sure:
- Their website & social speak to your heart
- Their galleries include unique, personalized elopements—not just Pinterest-y trends
- They ask the right questions and get genuinely excited about your ideas
- They don’t push a one-size-fits-all approach
And yes—if you’re skipping the hike and skipping the crowd? Find someone who celebrates that with you (hi 👋).
The Little Details Matter—But Only the Ones You Love
Add Intention, Not Pressure
You don’t need 300 pins on your mood board. Just a few simple, heartfelt touches go a long way:
- Personal vow books
- A custom playlist
- A cake for two
- Champagne or coffee ritual
- First dance under the stars or a pine tree
- Film photos or a vintage camcorder
This is where it starts to feel real—and yours.
You’re Not Behind—You’re Just Beginning
Forget the Rules. Create the Magic.
This is your story—not your mom’s, not your best friend’s, not Instagram’s.
And that means you get to do it your way.
The first step? Let go of what you thought a wedding had to look like.
You can be barefoot, fancy, loud, quiet, surrounded by guests, or totally alone. It just has to feel like you.
Still feeling stuck?
I’d love to help you dream this thing up.
👉 [Let’s Plan Your Elopement Together]
👉 [Explore Underrated Places to Elope in Wyoming]
