Tips for Planning your Elopement
Getting Ready
You’ll most likely be getting ready in the airbnb or hotel that you’re staying in. When booking your stay, try to look for places with good natural light, large windows, and a clean space without clutter. Natural light is the most flattering and whenever possible it is best when we can turn off the artificial lights that cast unnatural colors. Before you start getting ready try to make sure that the space is decluttered and things that won’t be used are put away. This not only makes for prettier photos but can reduce stress by making the things you do need easier to find.
Other things to consider…
When eloping alone, helping each other get ready can be a very sweet time together before your ceremony. If you’d rather not see each other until doing a First Look, Jess has become a pro at buttoning and lacing up wedding dresses.
When eloping with a few guests, this can be a great time to get them involved. Mom can button up your dress and best friend can help put on your necklace. Involving your special guests in this way makes for great memories and photos.
Will you hire someone to do your hair and makeup or do it yourself?
Is a “First Look” right for you? Do you imagine spending the morning slowly getting ready together? Or do you want to see each other all dressed up for the first time surrounded by beautiful scenery?
Your Elopement Ceremony
How do you envision your ceremony? Are there cultural or spiritual traditions that are important to you? This is your elopement, so it should be exactly what you want. That’s one of the amazing things about elopements; they are all about the two of you and what you really want your day to be about. It can be short and sweet or include as many special touches as you’d like.
To get ideas for your ceremony you can ask family members if they did anything special during their wedding ceremony or even just do some internet searching to see if there are things out there that you would have never thought of but are representative of your commitment to each other.
Other things to consider…
Will you hire an officiant to perform the ceremony or get legally married in your hometown before and just read hand written vows to each other?
Are there permits required for your ceremony site? Most State Parks and National Parks require permits to be obtained prior to the ceremony.
