So you’re thinking about eloping and need some extra tips for how to plan it? Well, you have come to the right place! As a wedding and elopement photographer, I know the ins and outs of what parts of the planning process are important and necessary. I put together a list of my top 5 tips for planning your elopement. Hopefully, it helps ease some of your stress and gets you on the right track!

To see my top 5 tips for planning your elopement, keep scrolling!

1. Set a Budget and Stick To It

Making a budget that you know is realistic for you and your partner is a great place to start! The cost of an elopement will be a lot less than a traditional wedding, but, it’s still important to make a budget because there are other kinds of expenses, like traveling. One way to stick to your budget is by prioritizing your wishlist. Decide on the things that are most important to you and keep them at the top of your list. If you have been dreaming about having specific flowers at your wedding, put that at the top of your list. If you don’t really care for florals, then have that at the bottom of your list.

2. Splurge on a Photographer + Videographer

As a photographer, I may be a little biased but I feel like this one is the MOST important! Regardless of your budget, make sure you hire a professional that you absolutely LOVE! If it’s in your budget to hire a videographer too, you should definitely do it! Having someone there to capture your day is always something you’ll thank yourself for later. You will be able to look back on the special moments of your day and show all your family and friends too! It’s important that you love their work AND you click with their personality. You will be spending one of the most important days of your lives with this person so be sure you like being in their presence and you feel comfortable with how they direct you. This is why I love including engagement sessions in my wedding & elopement packages. It’s a great chance to work together BEFORE the big day!

3. Remember Marriage Laws are Different in Other Places

This one will take some research but it’s necessary! Make sure to look up the marriage laws where you are going to elope. You don’t want to worry about traveling to the other side of the world with the wrong documents and then not knowing where to go to get your marriage license. I am also an ordained minister ( in all 50 states) so if you want to skip out on the stress of finding a minister to marry you during your elopement, I’m your girl!

4. Decide Which Vendors You Want to Hire

Since you’re not having a big wedding, you won’t need as many vendors. Decide which ones you would love to have at your elopement. Just because you are not having a traditional wedding, doesn’t mean you can’t still have all the vendors you dreamed of. Get those gorgeous flowers and the designer dress. Book that photographer you have been following on Instagram for years. It’s your wedding day so go all out!

5. Get Married + Honeymoon at the Same Location

If you’re looking to save some money, consider honeymooning at the same location. You will likely already be at your dream location so you might as well keep the celebration going! By doing this you’ll not only save money on traveling, which is really convenient, but you also won’t have to experience as much jet lag! If you’re staying in the same location, we could do a “day after” couples session to capture you guys DURING your honeymoon! What special memories to have documented!

I hope these tips for planning your elopement helps you out! For more wedding and elopement inspiration, click here! To save your own inspiration to a board on Pinterest click here! To chat about having me capture your special moments and make memories with you, click here!

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KIND WORDS

“If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to make your day an absolute dream Emi is your girl! She was one of the best parts about our day. She made everything so easy and was so accommodating to all of my wants! She’s so laid back and made taking the pics so fun and relaxing. Her pictures are absolutely incredible and I would recommend her to anyone and will be booking her for all of my future events! 1000/10 couldn’t have loved her or her amazing work more!”

– Emily Kesler