The Complete Elopement Planning Guide
Your adventure begins here. A hand-crafted guide to planning your unforgettable elopement
Before You Start: The Booking Timeline
Planning an elopement is not a race. The best elopements happen when couples have time to dream, plan, and prepare. I recommend booking at least one month in advance, though six to twelve months gives you the most flexibility and peace of mind. If you are dreaming big—an international destination, a specific season, or a particular location—eighteen months in advance is ideal.
The timeline matters because it gives us time to scout locations, plan your day thoughtfully, and ensure every detail reflects your vision. It also gives you time to save, prepare, and build anticipation for the adventure ahead.
The Big Three Decisions
1. Where Do You Want to Get Married?
This is the most important decision. Your location sets the tone for everything else. Do you want mountains or ocean? Desert or forest? A place you have never been or somewhere deeply meaningful to you? Do you want to drive or fly? Do you want solitude or adventure?
Your location determines your season, your budget, your packing list, and the entire experience of your elopement day. Choose a place that makes your heart sing. Choose a place that feels like home or like the adventure you have always dreamed of.
2. When Do You Want to Get Married?
Your date matters. Different seasons offer different light, different weather, different crowds, and different energy. Some destinations are best in spring wildflower season. Others shine in fall golden light. Some are magical in winter snow. Some are perfect year-round.
Your date also determines your budget. Peak season (summer, fall, holidays) typically costs more than shoulder seasons (spring, early winter). If you are flexible on timing, you can often save money and have a more intimate experience by choosing an off-peak date.
3. What Is Your Budget?
Your budget is not a limitation. It is a guide. It helps us make decisions about travel, accommodation, how many hours of coverage you want, and what your elopement day looks like.
My starting packages begin at five thousand dollars for local elopements, sixty-five hundred dollars for US destinations, and ninety-five hundred dollars for international locations. These prices include three to ten hours of photography coverage, a full digital gallery, and a wedding album. From there, we can customize your package based on your vision and budget.
Month-by-Month Destination Guide
Best Destinations: Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Florida, Kauai
What to Expect: Mild temperatures in Europe (40s-50s Fahrenheit). Kauai is warm (70s-80s). Florida is cool but sunny (60s-70s). Crowds are minimal in Europe. Light is golden and intimate.
Best For: Couples who want solitude, dramatic winter light, and fewer tourists. Couples who want to escape cold winters at home.
Best Destinations: Kauai, Florida, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany
What to Expect: Temperatures warming in Europe (50s-60s). Kauai still warm and dry. Spring light is fresh and bright. Crowds beginning to increase.
Best For: Couples who want spring energy without peak season crowds. Couples who want warm weather and emerging wildflowers.
Best Destinations: Kauai, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Milos Greece
What to Expect: Similar to January. Mild temperatures in Europe. Warm in Kauai. Light is still golden. Crowds remain minimal.
Best For: Couples who want intimate, quiet elopements. Couples who want to avoid peak season crowds and prices.
Best Destinations: Ouray, Crested Butte, Grand Tetons, Yosemite, Acadia National Park
What to Expect: Temperatures in the 50s-70s Fahrenheit. Wildflowers in full bloom. Weather more stable than April. Crowds beginning to increase.
Best For: Couples who want wildflower season and spring energy. Couples who want accessible mountain hiking.
Best Destinations: Ouray, Crested Butte, Grand Tetons, Yosemite
What to Expect: Temperatures in the 40s-60s Fahrenheit depending on elevation. Unpredictable weather. Some snow still possible at high elevations. Wildflowers beginning to bloom.
Best For: Couples who want spring energy and emerging wildflowers. Couples who are comfortable with unpredictable mountain weather.
Best Destinations: Ouray, Crested Butte, Telluride, Iceland, Scottish Highlands, Swiss Alps, Norwegian Fjords
What to Expect: Temperatures in the 60s-80s Fahrenheit in mountains. Wildflowers at peak bloom. Longest daylight hours. Crowds at their peak.
Best For: Couples who want peak wildflower season. Couples who want long daylight for photography. Couples who don't mind crowds.
Best Destinations: Washington, Redwoods National Park, Iceland, Scottish Highlands, Swiss Alps
What to Expect: Temperatures in the 60s-80s Fahrenheit. Long daylight hours (up to 20 hours in Iceland and Scotland). Wildflowers still present in some locations. Crowds increasing.
Best For: Couples who want long daylight hours for photography. Couples who want to experience midnight sun in Iceland or Scotland. Couples who want summer energy.
Best Destinations: Ouray, Crested Butte, Telluride, East Tennessee, Acadia National Park, Scottish Highlands, Swiss Alps, Tuscany
What to Expect: Temperatures in the 50s-70s Fahrenheit. Fall colors emerging. Crowds significantly reduced. Light is warm and golden.
Best For: Couples who want fall colors and fewer crowds. Couples who want golden light for photography. Couples who want comfortable temperatures.
Best Destinations: Telluride, Ouray, Crested Butte, Iceland, Scottish Highlands, Swiss Alps, Norwegian Fjords, Tuscany
What to Expect: Temperatures in the 60s-80s Fahrenheit in mountains. Wildflowers still present but fading. Long daylight hours. Crowds still present but beginning to thin.
Best For: Couples who want mountain adventure with good weather. Couples who want to combine mountain and European destinations.
Best Destinations: Kauai, Florida, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Milos Greece, New York City
What to Expect: Temperatures in the 50s-70s Fahrenheit in most locations. Kauai warm (70s-80s). Crowds minimal. Light is still warm but days are getting shorter.
Best For: Couples who want to escape cold winters at home. Couples who want solitude and intimate light.
Best Destinations: East Tennessee, Acadia National Park, Outer Banks, Grand Tetons, Yosemite, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Milos Greece
What to Expect: Temperatures in the 40s-70s Fahrenheit depending on location. Peak fall colors. Minimal crowds. Clear skies and golden light.
Best For: Couples who want peak fall colors. Couples who want solitude and intimate light. Couples who want comfortable temperatures.
General Travel Logistics
Marriage License
Marriage license requirements vary by state and country. I will provide location-specific guidance for your chosen destination. Generally, plan to obtain your license 1-2 weeks before your elopement. Some locations allow self-solemnization (couples marrying themselves). Others require an officiant. We will confirm all requirements when you book.
Travel Documents
For international elopements, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some countries require visas. Research requirements well in advance.
For US elopements, a valid driver's license is sufficient for domestic travel.
Altitude Acclimation
Many of my mountain destinations sit at high elevation. Altitude sickness is real and can impact your elopement day. If your elopement is above 8,000 feet, plan to arrive at least one day early. If flying in from sea level, plan two days if possible.
Stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol the night before. Avoid heavy exercise on arrival day. Know the symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue. If symptoms are severe, descend to a lower elevation.
Flying vs. Driving
Some elopement destinations are best reached by flying. Others are road trip destinations. Consider:
Flying: International destinations, distant US locations, time constraints. Factor in flight costs, rental car, and airport transfers.
Driving: Nearby locations, road trip energy, flexibility. Factor in gas, vehicle rental if needed, and driving time.
Budget Planning
Photography
My starting packages begin at five thousand dollars for local elopements, sixty-five hundred dollars for US destinations, and ninety-five hundred dollars for international locations. These packages include five to twenty hours of photography coverage, a full digital gallery, and a wedding album.
My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love. My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love.
Vendors & Extras
Do you want to hire an officiant? Florist? Videographer? Cake or champagne? These are optional but add to your total cost. Budget for what feels important to you.
A simple bridal bouquet typically starts around $300 USD.
Cake for two can start around $250 USD for a one-layer custom cake.
Hair & Makeup can begin at $300 USD for each service.
Permits & Marriage License
Most locations require a marriage license (typically $30-$100). Some national parks or private venues require permits or fees (typically $0-$500). Budget for these. Private venues (villas, airbnb, cabins, etc.) can cost upwards of $5,000
Travel & Accommodation
My starting packages begin Travel costs vary dramatically depending on your destination and how far you are traveling. Factor in:
Flights (if needed)
Rental car or transportation
Accommodation (1-3 nights typically)
Meals and activities
My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love. My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love.
Packing for Your Elopement
What you pack depends on your destination and season. Here are general guidelines:
Clothing
Wear something that makes you feel beautiful and confident. This might be a traditional wedding dress, a suit, casual adventure wear, or something entirely unique. Wear something that reflects who you are.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes are essential for mountain elopements. Bring backup shoes for celebration afterward.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and sunglasses are essential, especially at high elevation or in desert locations.
Weather-Specific Items
Mountain elopements: Layers, jacket, hat, gloves (even in summer at high elevation)
Beach elopements: Sunscreen, hat, light cover-up, sandals
Desert elopements: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light layers
Winter elopements: Warm coat, hat, gloves, thermal layers
Practical Items
Valid photo ID and marriage license
Phone for emergencies
Water bottle
Snacks
Camera for personal photos
Any medications or personal items
Do you offer extended payment plans?
Is the retainer refundable?
How do I book your services?
What if I need to reschedule?
Can I customize a package?
My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love. My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love.
Do you offer extended payment plans?
Extended payment plans are available upon request. We can go over options during your discovery call!
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My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love. My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love.
Is the retainer refundable?
All retainers are non-refundable. However, deposits may be transferred to a new date, subject to availability and contract terms.
next question
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back to faq's
My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love. My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love.
How do I book your services?
Now that we've gone over the details, shoot me an email and I will get your contract and invoice to you within 2 business days. After that, you'll have 48 hours to sign your contract and submit your retainer.
next question
prev question
back to faq's
My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love. My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love.
What if I need to reschedule?
Life happens! We can discuss rescheduling options based on your specific situation.
next question
prev question
back to faq's
My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love. My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love.
Can I customize a package?
Absolutely! Every couple is different. If you need something specific, let's talk about it.
next question
prev question
back to faq's
My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love. My goal is to capture those moments in a way that feels timeless and true. I want you to look at your photos years from now and feel everything all over again—the butterflies, the laughter, the love.
