Just Engaged? Here’s Exactly What to Do First (Elopement Edition)
If you’re newly engaged — congratulations!
And if you’re already feeling like a traditional wedding isn’t your thing… you’re in the right place.
This guide is for couples who want something different:
a meaningful, intentional, experience-based elopement.
Before you book anything or dive into logistics, here’s exactly what to do next.
1. Celebrate + slow down
Engagement season is exciting — don’t rush straight into planning.
Take time to celebrate together:
Go on a scenic hike
Have a cozy at-home date night
Plan an engagement session somewhere beautiful
Announce the news in your own way (or keep it private for a bit)
Elopements are all about intention—start with that energy.
2. Have an honest conversation about your vision
Elopements look different for every couple. Sit down and talk about:
Do you want it to be just the two of you? Or 5–10 people?
Do you want to stay close to home or travel?
Are you dreaming of cliffs, forests, coastlines, or mountains?
Do you want your day to be adventurous or slow + sentimental?
There’s no wrong answer — this is the beauty of eloping.
3. Think about your ideal location
This is often the first big decision.
Ask yourselves:
What environments feel like “us”?
Do we prefer warm or cold climates?
Do we want somewhere iconic or private?
Are we open to travel?
Are we drawn to Michigan, Colorado, Greece, Ireland, or somewhere new?
Start a shared Pinterest board and pin anything that inspires you.
4. Choose a rough date or season
You don’t need a specific date yet — just a general timeframe:
Summer: warm sunsets, wildflowers, longer days
Fall: cooler temps, colorful foliage
Winter: cozy vibes, snowy landscapes
Spring: waterfalls, greenery, moody weather
Season impacts:
Permits
Lighting
Travel
Weather
Available activities
5. Book your elopement photographer early
Your photographer is often your guide, planner, timeline expert, location scout, and problem-solver all in one.
This is why couples book early — especially for destination elopements.
As an elopement photographer + videographer, I help couples with:
Custom location recommendations
Permits and logistics
Travel planning
Activity ideas (kayaking, jeep trails, horseback riding, hiking)
Full-day timelines
Styling and outfits
Backup plans
Booking early gives us time to create a day that feels like your relationship.
6. Decide what type of elopement day you want
Elopements can be simple or full-on adventures.
Consider what feels fun + meaningful to you:
Full-Day Adventure Elopement
Sunrise vow exchange
Hiking, kayaking, biking, or horseback riding
Midday break
Picnic or brewery stop
Sunset portraits
Private dinner or campfire
Intimate Micro Wedding
Ceremony with 5–15 loved ones
Group dinner
Adventure or portraits afterward
Two-Day Elopement
Engagement-style adventure day
Elopement ceremony the next day
Perfect for destination locations
There’s no box to fit into — make it your own.
7. Start researching permits + logistics
Especially important for national parks, forests, and adventure locations.
I help couples with:
Permit requirements
Weather considerations
Timeline planning
Backup locations
Transportation + access
Safety info
You don’t need everything figured out right away — that’s what I’m here for.
8. Think about what you want to include in your day
Elopements are not “quick courthouse ceremonies.”
They’re experience-based days built around your relationship.
Ideas include:
A morning coffee ritual
Reading private vows
Exchanging gifts
Cliffside champagne pop
Jeep trails
Kayaking
Waterfall hikes
Private chef dinner
Stargazing
Your elopement day should be an immersive experience, not a rushed timeline.
9. Make your guest list (if any)
If you want loved ones present, decide:
Who you want to invite
Where they’ll stay
How they’ll travel
Whether you want a hybrid (private vows + group dinner)
If you want it to be just the two of you — that’s beautiful, too.
10. Ask for help when you need it
Eloping can feel overwhelming if you’re planning alone.
That’s where I come in.
I’m more than your photographer — I become your teammate throughout the process.
Ready to start planning your dream elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a stress-free, adventurous, meaningful elopement…
👉 Reach out here and let’s design a day that feels like you.
