8 Steps to Plan Your Dream Destination Elopement
You’ve heard of destination weddings… but have you heard of destination elopements?
A destination elopement is the perfect way to have an intimate ceremony alongside the people who are dearest to you, and also celebrate your marriage at your dream destination.
For some couples, a destination elopement is preferred over a traditional wedding. Destination elopements are great for:
Those who want to get married at a unique destination, but don’t have the budget for a large guest list at that location.
Couples who prefer to have a limited number of guests at their wedding.
Those who don’t necessarily want to plan a large, costly wedding, but still want something special, and beautiful.
Now that you know what a destination elopement is, you may be thinking: “how do I plan one?” Leave the research to me, and follow these 8 steps to plan the perfect destination elopement!
Step 1: Set your guest list
A destination elopement is an elopement-style wedding, which means that it has a small guest list. Guest lists typically range from 2-25 people, but can vary a little depending on the couple. The first step is to have your list of desired guests pre-set before planning venues and arrangements for a hotel stay. Will your guests be elderly, pregnant, or handicapped? Do these special accommodations change where you might look at eloping? (Brides.com). These are all great questions to address before considering a location!
Special notes on guest lists:
Some couples wish to elope under self-solemnization, which means that they don’t wish to have any witnesses or guests present. If you desire your guest list to be at zero, your dream elopement can be a possibility, too! This does not apply to all elopement locations, though, so some research will be required. If you are interested in self-solemnization, take a moment to look at the summarized information below.
Self-solemnization in the United States of America:
(sourced and provided by adventureinstead.com)
Colorado and Washington D.C. allow self-solemnizing marriages without any separate application or conditions.
Wisconsin similarly allows self-solemnization without question – but, requires a form to be signed acknowledging the government cannot guarantee a self-uniting marriage will be acknowledged in all contexts.
Pennsylvania allows it, provided you have 2 witnesses to sign in place of an officiant.
Nevada, Kansas and Maine allow self-solemnizing if you identify as ‘Friends’ or ‘Quakers’ and get married through the avenues typical of those organizations.
Illinois allows self solemnization in accordance with religious or indigenous ceremonies.
California has a separate marriage license application for couples who identify with a “non-clergy” belief system, but still requires two witness signatures.
Self-solemnization in foreign countries:
This form of elopement can be more complicated. Due to this, many couples choose a simpler option, and get their marriage license legally signed and filed by their home country before renewing vows in the foreign country of their choice. If this method isn’t preferred for you and your significant other, make sure to “find a US consulate in the area where you're traveling and file paperwork there” (blueprintregistry.com). More official information on these legalities can be found by clicking the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/marriage-abroad.html#:~:text=Marriages%20performed%20overseas%20are%20considered,marriage%20is%20to%20be%20recognized.
Step 2: Choose your destination, and pick a date
Now for the most fun and exciting part of the destination elopement process– choosing your destination, and booking the venue for your wedding day! There are endless possibilities for an elopement destination, but here are some of the most highly rated and recommended:
The Degas House, New Orleans.
https://marrymecottage.com/pricing-packages
The Dark Hedges & Graciehill House, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/the-dark-hedges-p703291
Step 3: Research your destination, and be aware of Laws
Researching where you are wanting to elope is an important step. Does the space that you are wanting to elope in allow for photographs? Will the location allow for elopements? Does it accommodate the amount of people that you want at your elopement ceremony?
Make sure that you are aware of the rules and regulations of your chosen location, and you have confirmed that the conditions will allow for your elopement plans. You don’t want to have any surprises, or to be caught off guard on the day of your elopement!
If elopements are allowed, “check to see if you'll need [a permit]... State parks, national landmarks or private beaches require permits for legal ceremonies, so consider permit fees when making your wedding budget” (theknot.com). No matter the location, you need a wedding license to be legally married.
**Tip for out-of-country elopements:
As prefaced briefly above, if you are getting married somewhere that is not your country of permanent residence, your task list will be heavier. It will be important to take into account the following: “Some countries don't perform legal marriage ceremonies for non-citizens (Italy is one example). If your chosen country doesn't allow for a legal ceremony, think about having a symbolic ceremony abroad then getting your marriage legalized in your home country—you have the best of both worlds.” (theknot.com)
Step 4: Get in touch with LOCAL vendors at your destination
Just because you’ll have a small group of attendees at your elopement ceremony doesn’t mean you can’t add in traditional elements if you choose. For a destination elopement, some more traditional items to plan for, or consider might be:
A florist to provide floral bouquets
A baker for your wedding cake
Wedding rentals, such as an arbor, tables and/or chairs for guest seating, etc.
Food catering for you and your wedding party post-wedding
Some elopement destinations offer packages that include catering, seating, or wedding decorations on-site for an extra charge. Other destinations only offer a scenic backdrop for your special day. Be sure to check on your elopement destination’s website for potential options.
If you choose to go a more modern route and go out to dinner with your elopement attendees after your ceremony, look into local places that will take reservations, and skip the wait time on your special day altogether!
Step 5: Find on-site or nearby accommodations
Each elopement venue will have their own types of packages. Some include a stay at an adjoined or nearby hotel, while others do not. Looking at the options on their website will be the easiest way to rule out if you need to book alternative lodging for you and your wedding guests. If you’re wanting to get married at a historical location, a state park, or a venue that is rented for the wedding ceremony only, finding accommodations will be a necessary step in your planning process. When looking for accommodations, consider:
How far do I want to have to travel from lodging to venue on the wedding day?
Does the place of accommodation offer transportation to and from the venue? If not, what transportation will I use?
How many nights should I book accommodations for?
Do I want to stay in the same place before the wedding, and on the wedding night?
For parties closer to 25— Does the hotel I am looking at booking offer a Hotel Room Block?
A hotel room block is a group of hotel rooms that are set aside and reserved any event party— in this case, an elopement party.
Hotel Room Blocks can save money by allowing for discounted rates, and can help decrease stress for your guests as they look to book for your elopement.
Step 6: book flights early & prepare for travel
When it comes to booking flights or planning for travel in any way, start early! If you’re booking a flight, do research several months prior to your wedding to find lower rates on tickets to your destination. If you are planning to drive to your destination elopement, go through a checklist to ensure that that your vehicle is ready for the long ride, and can get you all the way to the altar. Here’s a vehicle checklist for you to reference below:
https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/car-checklist-before-road-trip
Step 7: choose your wedding attire
For the Bride and Groom:
When shopping for a wedding dress, or a suit for the groom, it’s important to plan accordingly. I would recommend that you either:
Choose the destination with your wedding attire in mind
OR
Choose the wedding attire with your destination in mind
Planning this way keeps you from falling in love with a silky strapless dress and packing it for a snowy, Colorado wedding, or having your heart set on a long sleeve multi-layer dress when you’ve chosen to elope at a tropical beach. If you are having your wedding in the rockies, you might have to opt for sneakers until you get to the arbor. If your wedding is outside in London, you might want to plan to have an overcoat and an umbrella for rain. For many couples, comfort is a big priority on their wedding day! Plan ahead to ensure that your wedding attire will make you feel amazing, but also fit well with your destination.
**If your heart is set on certain attire and a location that don’t match up well, that’s okay! You might have to be willing to risk some discomfort throughout the day, but in the end, it’s your vision for your wedding day that matters most.
For attendees:
Make sure that your elopement attendees are aware of the typical weather conditions at your destination. Is your destination tropical or snowy? Does it require a steep climb? Be prepared to inform your guests of the conditions and the landscape so that they can come ready to celebrate. Be prepared for the weather forecast by looking ahead to your wedding date when the time of your wedding approaches, and let your guests know promptly if your attire requests shift or change.
step 8: have a plan b
Making a plan B for your wedding ceremony and/or reception is an important step. Although you’ve planned for a specific venue, complications may arise. It’s best to have a back-up plan in place that you and your significant other love just as much. This step is especially important for outdoor weddings in public venues, or state parks. As photographer Paige Webber says: “Mother nature can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for elopements to be moved to a different spot due to overcrowding, weather, or other potential hazards” (paigewebberphotography.com). If you have privately booked a venue, ask if they offer indoor or “rain plan” options in the event of bad weather.
Alright, are your ready to start officially planning?
I know it’s a lot of information to take in, and you are probably looking at a bigger than expected to do list! This is why I am so passionate about helping couples plan their elopement day timelines from a photographer’s perspective. At the end of the day and after all the logistics fall into place, your photos are going to be your primary keepsake from this day.
Let’s plan a fun, beautiful, stress-free elopement day together —