A Step-by-Step Guide to Designing a Day That’s Truly Yours
Eloping isn’t about skipping a big wedding, it’s about intentionally creating a meaningful experience that reflects who you are as a couple. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, city hall, or your backyard, this guide walks you through how to plan an unforgettable elopement day that is authentic to your relationship.
1. Decide What Eloping Means to You
There’s no “right” way to elope. Ask yourselves:
- Do we want to be completely alone, or invite a few guests?
- Should it be a multi-day adventure or a short and sweet ceremony?
- Do we want a legal ceremony, a symbolic one, or both?
It’s important to define your vision before jumping into logistics.
2. Choose a Location That Reflects Your Love
Think about: Where do we feel most alive together?
Ideas to help you brainstorm:
- National parks or state forests
- A favorite vacation destination
- A cozy cabin or Airbnb
- A meaningful local spot (beach, trail, city skyline)
Tips:
- Check permit and marriage license requirements.
- Consider the best season for weather, foliage, or privacy.
^This is something I love helping my elopement clients research!
3. Pick a Date + Create a Loose Timeline
Elopements are flexible, but a bit of structure can always help. When booking your elopement package with me we can go through all the details of your dream elopement and choose a date that would be perfect for what you’re looking for! I will design a timeline that aligns with your celebrations.
- Sunrise or sunset can offer the best light and quiet surroundings.
- Give yourselves time to soak in the experience.
- Include meaningful rituals (letters, vows, first dance, meal together).
4. Handle the Legal Stuff
Each location has its own marriage license requirements. As your elopement photographer and custom experience designer I am here to take on research so you don’t have to!
Things to know:
- Do we need a permit to elope there?
- Will we need an officiant and witnesses?
- Should we legally marry before/after the elopement and keep the ceremony symbolic?
5. Hire Your Dream Team 📸
Every elopement will benefit from great vendors.
Here is a list of a few to think about:
- Photographer: Hiii!
I would be so honored to capture those real and raw moments between you two and help you build your legacy with dreamy images of you both on your most important day. - Planner (optional): Helpful for elopements, but if you find the right photographer you might already have someone that’s there to help with this! (aka me, Laced Honey Photography ✨)
- Hair & makeup artist: I know of some incredible DMV & traveling artists I can recommend!
- Florist: Whether you want a bouquet, a floral arrangement for your ceremony space, your luxury picnic center pieces, etc. florists can truly add so much to the vibe of your elopement day!
- Officiant (unless self-solemnizing): When booking your elopement package with me you have the option to add an officiant (currently free of additional fees)!
6. Plan the Details That Matter to You
This is your once in a lifetime elopement experience! Considering your values during the planning process will help align your celebrations to your dream elopement day. As your elopement photographer I will give you questions to brainstorm over and we can dream up every detail!
Things to consider:
- Vows: (do you think you will write your own?)
- Outfit(s): There are endless opportunities to tie in your uniqueness and make your personality shine through your outfit or outfits!
- Travel + lodging: What kind of accommodations are appealing to you both? Could it be a treehouse with dreamy string lights, or an eclectic hotel with a stunning view?
- Meals or celebratory treats: (picnic, private chef, local food)
- Music: Do you want to share a dance in nature to your favorite song?
- Activities: (hike, swim, kayak, stargaze, the options are never-ending!)
Don’t be afraid to splurge on what matters and skip what doesn’t. This is your elopement day and it doesn’t need to fit into any cookie-cutter expectations! Let’s make it your own ✨
7. Honor the Moment
Your elopement is about connection. Make space to:
- Be fully present.
- Slow down.
- Laugh, cry, & celebrate.
Create moments just for the two of you—this is your day.
Bonus: Leave No Trace
If you’re eloping in nature it is so important to learn about leaving no trace, here are a few tips (to learn more about the 7 principles visit Leave No Trace):
- Stick to marked trails.
- Pack out all trash (even biodegradable items).
- Don’t disturb plants, rocks, or wildlife.
Let’s keep wild spaces beautiful.
Ready to start designing your dream elopement? Contact me and let’s get to it!
