Thinking about eloping? Yay! Today we are discussing How to Plan Your Elopement – Inspired Guide For Newbies. Use these ideas to take your elopement planning to the next level! These days there are many reasons why a couple chooses to elope instead of having a traditional wedding but whatever reason you choose is what makes you and your relationship stand out!
Step 1: Create an Inspiration Board (or Vision Board) on Pinterest
Just like traditional wedding planning you need to channel your ideas somewhere. This means you should create yourself an inspiration board or vision board and the best place to do that is on Pinterest. Not only can you create a wedding board, but it is also a very convenient app and website to use for wherever you are.
Use this board to decide what style you want your wedding to be like. It is also fantastic to have if you decide on getting yourself a wedding planner so he or she can get a feel of what you want for your wedding. The best thing about getting eloped is that your options are endless.
Must-haves for a board are:
- Ceremony Locations
- Type of season/ time of day
- Colours
- Decorations
- Flowers
- Attire inspirations
Step 2: Determine Guest List
One of the first things you should think about as a couple is if you are going to include a small group of your closest family and friends or will you embark on this special day with just the two of you? Are you going to include your pets in your ceremony? There is no wrong or right way of doing this. What matters most is that you two are happy with your decision.
Related: How to Figure Out Your Wedding Guest List in 60 Seconds (VIDEO)
Step 3: Set a Budget
Whether you are going for a luxury style filled with decorations or if you are planning on more of a minimalist style, you are still going to need to decide on your budget. What do you feel comfortable spending? This is the start of your wedding planning foundation so that you know what you are working with.
Typically, an average budget for an elopement can range between $2,000-5,000. As much as we may not want to spend too much money there is something you just need to take your wallet out for.
- Venue Permits/Fees
- Marriage License
- Officiant
- Rings
- Attire
- Hair & Makeup
- Photography/Videography
- Decorations & Flowers
- Food & Drink Options
- Travel & Hotel Accommodations
To save money remember that you have the option to DIY many things from your makeup, your decor and even your floral arrangements. Utilize your creative family members and friends’ skills to be able to help you out for your big day.
Step 4: Choose Where You Want to Elope
Location is everything when you are deciding to choose a place to elope! Yes! You are deciding on if you want to elope somewhere with a view, somewhere that is meaningful to you or somewhere that you have always wanted to visit.
The choice is yours and you have the permission to change your mind about where you want it later. So, whether that is in your home, backyard, or desired honeymoon location, it will still be meaningful.
Here are some Eloping Location Ideas:
- Your Home, Backyard or Cabin
- Somewhere You Have Never Traveled To
- Where You Are Going to Honeymoon
- By the Ocean
- Somewhere in Your City with The Best View
- On a Mountain
- A National or State Park
- In a Desert
- During a Sunset or Sunrise
- During Your Favourite Season (Winter, Fall, Spring, Summer)
- On a Boat
- In a Restaurant or Rooftop Patio
- Anywhere You Desire!
Bonus: Ultimate Destination Elopement Locations to Sweep You Off your Feet
If the ideas above didn’t spark enough inspiration then you are going to love these additional cities like Toronto that will surely do the trick. Here are seven additional locations worth considering for your eloping:
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Step 5: Decide on your Vendors
Even though you are planning an elopement, you still need vendors that will help make it run smoothly. Remember that you are still going to need someone with you to document your wedding day and officiate you, so you need to make sure you choose wisely.
To connect with vendors, you must find them. There are plenty of sites you can check out such as The Knot or Wedding Wire however, you can also use social media. Instagram is a great hub to look for vendors from wedding planners, wedding photographers and of course venue locations. Use my S.C.O.U.T vendor method to connect with your dream vendors.
Step 6: Your Wedding Attire and Details
Your wedding attire should match and fit your elopement wedding location. Why? You will want to be comfortable during and after your wedding. Make sure to bring appropriate shoes or alternate clothing if you need to hike up to your location.
Remember that you don’t have to limit yourself to traditional wedding attire, but you have the power to think outside of the box as well. Explore your creativity and embrace your uniqueness! At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you as a couple so your attire should too.
Step 7: Complete the Paperwork
Some paperwork needs to get done and it is recommended to have your paperwork done at least two months away from your elopement day. Depending on where you decide to get married, make sure that you do your research to see what you need.
Here is what you need to get completed:
- Marriage license.
- Your accommodations and travel arrangements
- Any fees and permits for the venue
Step 8: Announce Your Elopement
It is time to cue the confetti and share that you are either getting married or that you are already married. There are so many fun ways to announce it so I wanted to take a moment to share some ideas on how you can share yours:
- Buy a Cute Sign
- Create a sign using a Chalkboard, Letterboard, or Banner
- Include your Pets
- Pop some Champagne
- Show off your Rings
There is no right or wrong way of announcing your elopement. You can choose to keep it a secret and announce it when you get back or share it before you ride off into the sunset to your destination wedding. For more ideas, check out 15 Elopement Announcement Ideas You NEED To Steal.
Final Thoughts
Do not feel guilty about eloping! You are making the best decision for yourselves. Remember that this is a representation of your love and how you want to celebrate it, whether that is just the two of you or along with a few family members or close friends. Are you ready to get planning? Use this article as your guide to help plan your wedding or if you want to print out a checklist, feel free to get my 90-Day Wedding Checklist.
*This post contains no affiliate links. Opinions are 100% my own. For more information, see my disclosures page.*
