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.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Fall Elopement in Michigan

Golden Hours, Golden Leaves, Golden Memories

There’s something about autumn in Michigan that feels like a secret only the locals really understand.

The way the air turns crisp enough to kiss your cheeks, the way the lakes mirror the reds and golds of the trees, the way the wind carries the scent of woodsmoke from a distant cabin.

It’s the season where love feels quieter — and deeper. Where saying your vows under a canopy of color feels less like a performance, and more like a promise.

If you’ve been dreaming of an elopement that’s equal parts adventure, romance, and seasonal magic, fall in Michigan is your moment.

Why Fall is the Perfect Season for a Michigan Elopement

1. The Colors.
Michigan in autumn is pure cinematic gold. The Upper Peninsula bursts into shades of amber, crimson, and copper by late September, while the Lower Peninsula keeps the color show going well into October.

2. The Weather.
Cool mornings for cozy coffee in your cabin. Crisp afternoons for hiking, paddling, or just sitting on a cliff watching the water move. The light stays soft all day — a photographer’s dream.

3. The Crowds.
Summer tourists are gone. Beaches are quiet. Hiking trails are peaceful. It feels like the whole state slows down for you.

4. The Vibe.
Hot cider after your ceremony. A slow canoe ride at sunset. A private chef making dinner while you dance in your socks. Autumn invites intimacy.

Best Fall Elopement Locations in Michigan

📍 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Towering sandstone cliffs. Forest trails bursting with color. Hidden beaches for barefoot vows.

📍 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
For the adventurous. Panoramic views from Lake of the Clouds and miles of untamed forest.

📍 Keweenaw Peninsula
Wild, rugged, and romantic. Think rocky shorelines, historic lighthouses, and winding drives under archways of gold.

📍 Marquette & Presque Isle
Easy access, dramatic lake views, cozy coffee shops for pre-ceremony warm-ups.

📍 Tahquamenon Falls State Park
One of Michigan’s most iconic waterfalls, framed by fiery leaves.

When to Plan Your Fall Elopement

Upper Peninsula Peak Colors: Late September to early October
Northern Lower Peninsula Peak Colors: Early to mid-October

💡 Tip: Book your date based on location first. The UP changes earlier than the Lower Peninsula. I’ll help you lock in the perfect week based on where you want to elope.

What to Wear for a Fall Elopement

• For You: Layers that move — think flowy dresses with warm wraps, wool suits with cozy scarves.

• Colors That Pop: Deep emerald, rust, mustard, navy, ivory.

• Textures: Velvet, lace, knits.

• Shoes: Practical boots or hiking shoes for walking between locations.

Activities to Make Your Day Magical

• Canoe or kayak on a glassy lake at sunrise

• Picnic under a canopy of maple trees

• Private chef dinner at your cabin

• Bonfire on the beach with s’mores

• Hiking to a secluded cliff for sunset vows

• Cozying up in a local café before your ceremony

Why Hire a Photographer Who Specializes in Fall Elopements

Fall light can be tricky. Weather can change fast. And the best colors are often in spots you won’t find in a tourist guide.

When you book me, you’re not just getting someone to take your photos — you’re getting a guide who:

• Scouts the best leaf-peeping spots

• Plans a timeline around the light and weather

• Helps you navigate permits & logistics

• Captures your day in a way that feels authentic and cinematic

Ready to Plan Your Fall Elopement in Michigan?

Your day doesn’t have to be rushed. It doesn’t have to be scripted. It can be a day that unfolds like the season itself — vibrant, intentional, and full of warmth.

Let’s start planning →

How to Know If You Should Elope: 5 Signs You’re Ready to Ditch the Traditional Wedding

So, you're wondering... Should we elope?

You’re not alone. More and more couples are asking this same question — often quietly at first. Maybe it started as a joke. Maybe it bubbled up after yet another overwhelming family conversation. Or maybe it came from a moment of clarity: that your wedding day should feel like you.

If the traditional wedding mold doesn’t feel like a fit, this guide is for you. We're going to explore the top 5 signs you're ready to elope, the emotional and practical reasons couples are choosing intentional, non-traditional wedding days, and how to plan an elopement that reflects who you are.

And yes, there's a free downloadable guide at the end.

Let’s get into it.

What Does It Mean to Elope in 2025?

Eloping in 2025 isn’t about running off in secret (unless you want it to be). It’s about opting out of expectations and choosing a wedding experience that reflects your values, your relationship, and your vision.

Today’s modern elopement might mean:

• Hiking to a mountaintop and exchanging vows at sunrise

• Renting a cabin on Lake Superior and celebrating with a few close loved ones

• Taking a road trip across Ireland and saying "I do" on windswept cliffs

• Or simply having a cozy ceremony for two, followed by tacos and a dance in your living room

An elopement is not a lesser-than version of a wedding. It is a real wedding, just deeply personal and often more intentional.

Why More Couples Are Choosing to Elope

When you strip away the pressure of performing for others, what’s left is something real, romantic, and wildly freeing. That’s why elopements are growing in popularity: they remove the overwhelm and return the focus to the marriage itself.

Top reasons to elope:

• The stress of wedding planning has become too much

• You want a day that feels like a shared experience, not a production

• You care more about marriage than a party

• You want to honor your values and preferences without compromise

5 Signs You’re Ready to Elope

These signs are based on real stories from couples I’ve worked with over the years as a full-day elopement photographer and filmmaker. They knew the traditional route wasn’t right — even if they couldn’t fully articulate it at first.

1. You care more about your marriage than the party.

If you're more excited about writing your vows than planning a seating chart, that’s a clue. You’re here for the deep stuff — the promises, the connection, the lifetime you’re building. You don’t want to lose sight of that by getting caught in Pinterest boards and obligations.

2. The guest list gives you anxiety.

Every time you try to write one, you freeze. You’re trying not to offend anyone, but what you really want is something small, intimate, or even just the two of you. Eloping lets you escape the pressure to perform or include people who don’t feel aligned.

3. You want your day to feel like an experience, not a performance.

You want to wake up slow. Go on an adventure. Sip coffee, take a deep breath, and savor every minute. You don’t want to be ushered from event to event by a timeline that was built for someone else.

Eloping means you get to choose how the day unfolds. It can be just as full as a traditional wedding — or even more so. It's just curated by you.

4. You don’t fit the traditional mold (and never have).

You never saw yourself in the classic wedding image. The big dress. The big venue. The big cost. Maybe you’re introverted. Maybe you’re wildly creative. Maybe you just never dreamed of a ballroom.

An elopement is your permission slip to do something different, and to be unapologetically yourself.

5. You want your wedding to reflect your values.

Whether that means sustainability, simplicity, authenticity, or adventure, eloping gives you the space to infuse your day with meaning. This isn’t about skipping out — it’s about showing up fully.

Elopement vs Traditional Wedding: Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here are a few questions that might help:

• Do you feel more energized by a crowd or one-on-one connection?

• Is your budget going toward what matters most to you — or everyone else?

• Are you excited about planning or just overwhelmed?

If you find yourself choosing intimacy, creativity, or peace of mind — you might already know the answer.

How to Plan an Elopement That Feels Like You

Planning an elopement doesn’t mean winging it. In fact, some of the most beautiful, cinematic, emotionally-rich elopements are the result of careful, thoughtful planning.

Step 1: Get Clear on the Vibe

Before you pick a date or destination, ask yourselves:

• How do we want to feel on our wedding day?

• What kind of locations make us feel most alive?

• Do we want to be alone, or with a small group of people we love?

Step 2: Choose a Photographer Who Helps Plan

Some photographers (like me!) help couples plan every part of the experience — not just show up and shoot. From location scouting to timelines to activity ideas, your elopement photographer should be your creative guide.

Step 3: Make It an All-Day Story

Don’t limit yourself to a 30-minute ceremony. This is your wedding day. Fill it with things that light you up: a sunrise canoe ride, a mountaintop hike, a cozy brunch, a private dinner, a slow dance under the stars.

Elopements aren’t short. They’re intimate. And they deserve the full attention and documentation of your love story.

Step 4: Legally Elope (Wherever You Are)

The legal stuff is super doable. Different states and countries have different rules, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work. Some couples even do the paperwork quietly at home and save the ceremony for the day that matters most.

Elopement Myths (That Aren’t True!)

Let’s break a few misconceptions:

• Myth: Eloping is only for couples on a budget.

• Truth: Eloping allows you to spend money on what matters most — whether that’s travel, photography, or the experience itself.

• Myth: Elopements are rushed or casual.

• Truth: Elopements can be slow, luxurious, adventurous, or emotional. The key is that you choose.

• Myth: Eloping means excluding people.

• Truth: Many couples include a few guests or do a celebration later. It’s not about exclusion — it’s about intention.

Free Resource: 5 Signs You’re Ready to Elope (Downloadable Guide)

If this blog post resonated, I made you something.

My free guide “5 Signs You’re Ready to Elope (Even If You’re Still on the Fence)” includes:

• A self-check quiz

• Real-life stories

• Journal prompts to help you make your decision

• Planning tips for elopements in Michigan, Colorado, Ireland + more

• Bonus tips on how to plan a full-day elopement experience

→ [Download Coming Soon]

This guide is perfect for couples who are dreaming of a non-traditional wedding and just need clarity, language, and permission to choose what’s true.

Next Steps

Choosing to elope isn’t about running away. It’s about running toward the kind of love story that actually feels like yours. It’s about trusting your gut and crafting a day that reflects who you are and what you value most.

So if you’ve been googling things like:

• "Should we elope?"

• "How to plan an elopement"

• "Elopement vs traditional wedding"

• "Reasons to elope instead of a big wedding"

...this is your sign.

You’re not alone. You’re not selfish. You’re not doing it wrong.

You might just be ready to elope.

Let’s plan something unforgettable together.

• Tiff Nutt
  Elopement Photographer & Filmmaker
  Based in Marquette, MI | Available worldwide