HOW TO ELOPE
AN ELOPEMENT DAY FOR UNCONVENTIONAL
LOVERS
I'm here to tell you that your wedding day does not have to fit into one box! This is your day to celebrate however you want and is less traditional than normal bigger weddings without all that extra added stress. You're probably here because you've thought long and hard and that's just not your vibe!
I'm here to document your love authentically, capturing the essence of your relationship and connection to one another.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ELOPE?
ELOPEMENTS ARE AN INTENTIONAL WAY OF GETTING MARRIED! FORGET ALL THAT RUNNING AWAY BS!! THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOU.
With elopements the main focus is YOU but you can absolutely invite your friends and family to come along on your adventure. It's a way of celebrating your love in a meaningful way that reflects your relationship together! No need to stress over finding the perfect arrangement for tables or cutting back on how many guests you'll need to invite.
IT'S ABOUT CELEBRATING IN A WAY THAT FEELS LIKE YOU!
e·lope [əˈlōp]
Celebrating your marriage in an intimate, personal way thats 100% authentic to you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO ELOPE
+
HOW DO WE LEGALLY ELOPE?
APPLICATION
Many US states require and application for a marriage license in person at a county clerk's office.
DOCUMENTS
For this you'll need as a valid driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
FEES
The fee for getting a marriage license, depends on which state and county you're getting married in.
WAITING PERIOD
Some US states have a waiting period between when the license is issued and can range from 24 hours to several days or not at all!
SELF-SOLEMNIZATION
Some states like Pennsylvania and Colorado allow couples to officiate their own marriage without an officiant.
WITNESS
This varies from state to state. Most states require 2 witnesses but some don't require them.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Marriage licenses are typically valid between 20 to 80 days, during which you will have your ceremony and then return the license to be recorded.
+
WHERE SHOULD WE CHOOSE TO ELOPE?
The first thing I'll tell you to do is do this simple exercise of envisioning where you're standing to say your vows. Are you at the ocean, on top of a mountain, in the woods?
From there you can decide which season you'd like to elope. New England has all 4 but Summer-Fall is the most popular!
If you don't have a date set yet, that's ok! Most of my couples don't know their date yet when they inquire with me but we'll figure that out, don't worry!
+
DO WE NEED WITNESSES FOR OUR ELOPEMENT?
This will depend on which state you're getting married in. Vermont + New Hampshire do not require witnesses while Maine requires at least 2.
+
WHAT GOES ON DURING AN ELOPEMENT?
Elopements are very similar in structure to a wedding day but are looser!
Your day could start out enjoying the morning, going on a walk and spending time together. From there you will get ready either together or separately depending on your preferences. From there you can choose to have a first look (or not!) and then you'll have your ceremony. If you're hiking, make sure to factor in hiking time into your day! After your ceremony and vows we'll dive into couples photos which typically happens around sunset or sunrise depending on your timeline.
+
DO WE NEED AN OFFICIANT?
Yes! In most US states you can get married by a religious figure, judge, justice of the peace, or someone ordained to perform weddings.
ADVENTURE WEDDING IDEAS
1. GO SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING
3. GO BACKPACKING
2. HIKE A MOUNTAIN TOGETHER
4. GO OFF-ROADING
5. GO KAYAKING
6. HAVE A PICNIC
7. RIDE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON
8. PLAY MUSIC TOGETHER
- HOW TO ELOPE -
TIPS ON HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT ELOPEMENT LOCATION
Finding your elopement location might not be easy. There's a lot of factors that go into choosing where you want to say your vows together. This involves some brainstorming conversations - hiring me as your elopement photographer means bringing all those little ideas into one grand adventure where we work together to find the best location you've literally been dreaming of.
If you want some detailed locations in New England or even out West in Colorado or Arizona you can find them here. I'll go anywhere with you to make your elopement dreams happen!
1
SIT DOWN + BRAINSTORM
Before your even start getting all the details together, sit down and envision where you're standing saying your vows. Are you on a mountaintop, at the ocean, in a huge forest? Jot down some of your favorite places that you've gone to together.
2
ENVISION YOURSELF IN PERSON
Once you've figured out the general area you want to elope in I recommend you go to a few locations in person together. Think of it as "touring your venue" in nature. It also gives you an opportunity to get outside in some fresh air!
3
NARROW IT DOWN
Check Accessibility: Make sure the location is accessible and suitable for your needs, whether it requires a hike, drive, or special transportation.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW ALL ABOUT HOW TO ELOPE