A 12-Month Timeline for Planning Your Elopement

Eloping is a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate your love, and planning your elopement allows you the flexibility to design a day that reflects your personal style and values. Whether you want to exchange vows in a breathtaking mountaintop ceremony or in a cozy, intimate setting, having a well-organized plan will ensure everything goes smoothly. If you’re considering eloping, here’s a 12-month timeline to guide you through the process, from the initial concept to your unforgettable wedding day.

12 Months Before: Set Your Elopement Vision

The first step in planning your elopement is to create a clear vision of what you want the day to look like. This early stage is all about figuring out your goals, priorities, and values for your elopement.

• Discuss Your Vision: Sit down with your partner and talk about the kind of experience you both want. Do you envision a secluded mountain ceremony, a coastal wedding, or an urban elopement? Consider the atmosphere, location, season, and style that reflect your personalities as a couple.
• Establish Your Budget: While elopements can be more affordable than traditional weddings, it’s still important to set a realistic budget. Consider costs for travel, attire, photography, permits, vendors, and any special experiences you want to incorporate, like a celebratory meal or adventure activity.
• Choose a Date: Select a wedding date or a time window for your elopement. Keep in mind that some elopement locations may require advanced booking, especially if you’re planning to marry in a popular or remote area.

10-11 Months Before: Choose a Location and Plan Logistics

Once you have a clear vision, it’s time to dive into the details, starting with choosing a location for your elopement. You’ll want to select a destination that aligns with your vision and fits within your budget.

• Pick a Location: Decide whether you want a local elopement or to travel somewhere special. Popular elopement destinations include national parks, mountains, beaches, or even a meaningful city. Research the location carefully to understand the logistics, weather, and accessibility of the area. Some places may require permits for weddings, so make sure to check on that as well.
• Consider Your Officiant and Legalities: If you’re getting married in a destination location, research what’s required for the legal aspects of your marriage. Different states and countries have varying rules for obtaining a marriage license, and it’s essential to have all the paperwork in order before the big day. You should also decide whether you want an officiant, a close friend or family member to marry you, or if you’re planning a self-solemnizing ceremony.
• Choose Your Vendors: Start considering the vendors you’ll need for your elopement, such as photographers, videographers, hair and makeup artists, florists, or any adventure guides if you’re planning an outdoor experience. Many elopement planners work with a network of trusted vendors, so this is a good time to start looking for recommendations and securing your team.

8-9 Months Before: Finalize the Details

By now, many of the major decisions will be in place, and you’ll be focusing on finalizing the details that make your day truly personal.

• Hire Your Photographer and Videographer: These vendors are especially important for elopements. A photographer will capture the raw emotions, candid moments, and stunning scenery of your day. If you want to capture the full experience on video, now is the time to hire a videographer who specializes in intimate elopements.
• Select Attire: While elopements tend to be more relaxed in style, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear something fabulous. Start shopping for your wedding attire, whether it’s a simple dress, a chic suit, or something unique. Many bridal boutiques now offer special collections for elopement attire, so look for options that fit your vision and feel comfortable in your chosen location.
• Book Accommodation and Travel: If your elopement is taking place in a destination location, finalize your accommodation. Look for cozy cabins, boutique hotels, or charming Airbnb rentals that are close to your ceremony location. If you’re traveling far, ensure you book your flights early to lock in the best prices.

6-7 Months Before: Plan Your Experience

The experience of your elopement is as important as the ceremony itself. This is when you can focus on creating meaningful moments that make your day memorable.

• Personalize Your Ceremony: Work with your officiant or ceremony leader to create personalized vows, rituals, or symbols that reflect your relationship. Some couples choose to include meaningful traditions or cultural elements in their ceremony, like handfasting, jumping the broom, or exchanging symbolic gifts.
• Consider Adventure Activities: Elopements are often about creating one-of-a-kind experiences. If you’re having an outdoor or adventure elopement, think about what activities you’d like to do after the ceremony. You might consider a scenic hike, horseback riding, a private picnic, or even a hot air balloon ride. Make sure to book any excursions early if they require reservations.
• Order Your Flowers and Decor: Depending on your vision, you may want to include flowers, candles, or decor that reflects the season or location. Contact a local florist who specializes in small events to create a bouquet, boutonniere, and other arrangements for the ceremony. If you’re eloping in a remote location, you might opt for a simple bouquet and minimal decor to keep things streamlined and easy.

4-5 Months Before: Final Touches and Legal Preparations

As the day gets closer, it’s time to take care of the final logistics and legal preparations.

• Review Legal Requirements: Double-check that all your paperwork is in order, including your marriage license, permits (if required), and any necessary identification. If you’re eloping abroad, ensure your documents are in order, and if necessary, consider getting an apostille (official certification of your documents for international use). Here’s a helpful FAQ and Tip page!
• Final Attire Fittings: If you haven’t already, have your final fitting for your wedding attire. Make sure everything fits properly, especially if you’re traveling. You may also want to pack your attire and accessories ahead of time to avoid any last-minute packing stress.
• Confirm Your Vendors: Contact your photographer, officiant, and any other vendors to confirm logistics, timelines, and specific requests. It’s important that everyone is on the same page leading up to your elopement.

2-3 Months Before: Begin Your Travel and Packing Plans

With only a few months to go, you’ll start to feel the excitement build. Now it’s time to finalize your travel plans and begin packing for your elopement adventure.

• Finalize Travel Plans: Confirm your travel dates, accommodations, and any other travel-related logistics. If you’re flying to your destination, make sure your flights and accommodations are booked and confirmed.
• Packing: Begin packing for your elopement by including everything you’ll need, from your wedding attire to travel essentials. Don’t forget your marriage license, rings, and any other important documents you’ll need. Consider including any special items you want for the ceremony, such as a journal for writing vows or a family heirloom for your personal ceremony.

1 Month Before: Get Ready for Your Big Day

The final month is all about finalizing everything and making sure you’re ready for the best day of your life.

• Have a Trial Run: If you’re doing your own hair and makeup, schedule a trial run to ensure you’re happy with the look. If you’re hiring a professional, confirm the details with your stylist.
• Pack Your Wedding Day Essentials: As the date draws closer, make sure you have everything packed, including your wedding rings, vows, and any ceremony items. Don’t forget practical items, like comfortable shoes and a backup plan for weather if your ceremony is outdoors.
• Relax and Enjoy the Moment: With everything planned and packed, take a deep breath and enjoy your last few days before your elopement. Spend time with your partner, reflect on your love, and enjoy the journey of your elopement adventure.

Elopement Day: Celebrate Your Love

On your elopement day, remember to breathe and embrace the moment. You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to let the day unfold naturally. Enjoy your intimate ceremony, celebrate your love, and cherish the memories you’re about to create with your partner.

Final Thoughts

Planning your elopement in 12 months allows you ample time to thoughtfully design every aspect of your day. From choosing the perfect location to personalizing your ceremony, this timeline gives you the freedom to enjoy the planning process and focus on creating a day that is uniquely yours. Remember, elopements are about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you, so take your time and enjoy the journey! We want to make sure this is as easy, simple and seamless as it could be. Please reach out so we can help bring this dream elopement to reality!