WHY?
YOU WANT TO ELOPE BECAUSE YOU VALUE A POWERFUL, INTENTIONAL EXPERIENCE. YOU PRIORITIZE BEING IN THE MOMENT, EXPRESSING YOURSELVES AND REMOVING the STRESS AND PRESSURE TO PERFORM.
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT, GO ANYWHERE YOU WANT, WHENEVER YOU WANT. YOU CAN INVITE ANYONE YOU WANT (OR NO ONE AT ALL), TAKE AS MUCH TIME AS YOU WANT AND WEAR WHATEVER YOU WANT.
ELOPING ISN’T ABOUT BEING EXCLUSIVE OR SECRETIVE. it’s ABOUT BEING PRESENT AND FOCUSED, CELEBRATING ONLY THE THINGS THAT ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU.
“IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT ELOPING, DON’T THINK ANY MORE. DO IT!”
WE WERE IN THE MIDST OF PLANNING A TRADITIONAL WEDDING WHEN WE BEGAN TO FEEL STRESSED, OVERWHELMED, AND LOST sight OF WHAT THE DAY WAS TRULY ABOUT — THE TWO OF US AND THE LOVE WE SHARED FOR EACH OTHER. AS WE WERE GOING BACK AND FORTH ABOUT CATERING MENU ITEMS, BAR SELECTIONS, AND WHAT OUR GUESTS WOULD PREFER, WE THOUGHT, “THIS IS CRAZY!” AFTER VERY LITTLE DEBATE, WE CANCELED EVERYTHING. THE AMOUNT OF RELIEF WE FELT ONCE WE MADE THE DECISION WAS UNEXPLAINABLE. WE THOUGHT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS ABOUT SOMEWHERE WE BOTH WANTED TO GO — WE DECIDED ON ICELAND! — AND WE STARTED PLANNING OUR LITTLE ELOPEMENT SHORTLY AFTER.
OUR BIG DAY WAS MORE SPECIAL THAN ANY WEDDING WE EVER COULD HAVE DREAMED OF. THE FEW MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES WERE THERE AND WE ACTUALLY HAD THE TIME TO ENJOY THE DAY WITH ALL OF THEM. WE GOT MARRIED ON THE COAST OF A PENINSULA — THE MOST GORGEOUS AND UNIQUE SETTING. WE SAVED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF WE SPENT OUR HONEYMOON EXPLORING THIS AMAZING COUNTRY AS A NEWLYWED COUPLE, LANDING US THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. WHO OF YOUR FRIENDS CAN SAY THEY HIKED CRATERS, EXPLORED GEYSERS, SWAM IN NATURAL HOT SPRINGS, SAW MORE SHEEP THAN PEOPLE, WENT WHALE-WATCHING, ATE THE BEST LOBSTER SOUP OF THEIR LIFE, AND WATCHED THE AURORA BOREALIS ALL RIGHT AFTER THEIR WEDDING DAY? WHAT IS YOUR DREAM ADVENTURE? PLAN THAT, AND GET MARRIED WHILE YOU’RE DOING IT!
-AMANDA & JUSTIN
We value telling your story - and no story is complete without a beginning and an end. That's why we strongly encourage utilizing your photographer for most of the day, if not the entire day (or weekend!). Let us accompany you, documenting the little moments and illustrating the adventure, so you can truly relive the best day of your lives, forever and ever, through and through. We do value and honor your privacy though, so while we want to document everything, we're also sensitive to your "you" time and will respect your priorities.
Your elopement is YOUR day. Spoil yourselves with what brings you both joy. Rent a cabin or sleep under the stars; hike to your destination or take a helicopter; say your vows on a mountain top or beneath a waterfall, cook a meal together or hire a private chef... the possibilities are endless and I want to be your guy to help you get there. We want to get to know you, brainstorm with you, plan aesthetics and timeline with you and do the dirty work for you.
ESTABLISH YOUR VISION
When and where
MAKE A GUEST LIST
SELECT YOUR VENDORS
HAMMER OUT THE DETAILS
THIS IS GOING TO BE EITHER THE TOUGHEST OR THE EASIEST STEP IN YOUR PLANNING PROCESS. THERE IS LITERALLY ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM. THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO NOT GET BOGGED DOWN WITH THE DETAILS JUST YET (OR AT ALL). RIGHT NOW, THINK BIG, BUT THINK SIMPLY. WHAT ARE THE THINGS, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT MEAN THE MOST TO YOU?
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? WHERE ARE THE TWO OF YOU MOST IN YOUR ELEMENT TOGETHER? WHEN YOU’RE ENVISION SAYING “I DO” - WHAT DO YOU SEE, SMELL, TASTE, HEAR AND FEEL?
WHATEVER YOUR ANSWERS, TAKE NOTE. WE WILL USE IT ALL AS INSPIRATION AS WE CONTINUE TO FLESH OUT OUR PLANS.
together you’ve GIVEN IT SOME THOUGHT AND YOU’VE COME UP WITH A VISION IN YOUR HEAD.
NOW IT’S TIME TO draw from that vision. close your eyes and imagine where you are as you say your vows.
…
ARE YOU ON A MOUNTAIN TOP OR MAYBE THE BASE OF A WATERFALL? THE EDGE OF A CANYON, OR A ROCKY COASTLINE? ARE YOU IN A TOTALLY DIFFERENT COUNTRY, A NATIONAL PARK, OR ARE YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN BACK YARD?
WHEREVER AND WHATEVER YOU LANDED ON, no matter how crazy it might seem. just entertain IT AND FIGURE OUT WHAT IT’D TAKE TO MAKE IT COME TO LIFE. your dream elopement deserves a chance at fruition.
As you land on a time and place, consider the following things!
…
Sentimentality
Sentimentality doesn’t have to mean a familiar place. Heck, it could be a place neither of you have ever been before! The idea is choosing a location that excites you and resonates with your relationship.
Privacy
Be careful before you land on a big name attraction as your location. You will more than likely be inadvertently inviting random guests (tourists) into your private and intimate moment. Lack of privacy will only be amplified if you choose a summer weekend! Do your research and consider a less trafficked spot, and if possible aim for a weekday.
Accessibility
I am all for trekking up a mountain in the middle of the night in order to say your vows by sunrise… but are you? the more the adventurous the better I always say, but ensure you plan and pack appropriately and mentally prepare yourselves for whatever we get up to!
Timing
Ideally, we suggest sunrise or sunset for your ceremony. We want predictable, soft light and don’t need you squinting through your vows. We can’t control weather, but fortunately elopements offer the flexibility to shift the timeline in the event of inclement elements.
Climate
If you plan to have your ceremony in a place with higher elevation, or further up or down from the equator, you might be surprised by the temperature differences and volatile weather patterns. Do your research and prepare accordingly and responsibly.
Permits
It’s likely that wherever you plan to elope, you won’t need a permit. But if you’re looking at national or state parks, it’s possible you will. If it’s just you two, officiant and us in a remote location, we almost definitely don’t need to worry about it, but if it’s an even somewhat popular spot, you probably want to play it safe by getting permission.
THERE might be A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE YOU SIMPLY CANNOT IMAGINE GETTING MARRIED WITHOUT. MAYBE IT’S PARENTS, SIBLINGS, OR A COUPLE BEST FRIENDS. BY ALL MEANS, ASK THEM TO PARTICIPATE! JUST KNOW THAT THE MORE PEOPLE YOU INVITE, THE LESS FLEXIBILITY AND FREEDOM YOU WILL HAVE (IN TERMS OF LOCATION, TIMING, ETC.)
*IN SOME STATES (NEW YORK INCLUDED), YOU ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE TWO WITNESSES SIGN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE. YOUR OFFICIANT DOES NOT COUNT AS A WITNESS, SO YOU JUST NEED TWO PERSONS TO AGREE TO SIGN FOR YOU.
IF YOU CHOSE TO HAVE NO GUESTS, THAT’S OKAY! YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER(s) and videographer CAN STEP IN AS THE WITNESSES (I’VE PERSONALLY DONE THIS several times AND IT’S SOMETHING I’M HONORED TO DO).
Keeping your guest list minimal or non-existent doesn’t always go over well with parents and family, I get it. It’s not worth straining relationships over it, but if presented the right way, hopefully loved ones understand and support your desire to elope - especially if you throw a party for everyone when you return 😉
AN ELOPEMENT IS ALL ABOUT KEEPING THINGS IN-TUNE WITH YOUR VISION, RIGHT? SO IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING SURE THE VENDORS YOU CHOOSE ALIGN WITH NOT ONLY THE STYLE OF THE WEDDING, BUT ALSO YOUR PERSONALITIES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR THE TONE AND FLOW OF THE DAY.
THE LAST THING YOU NEED AND WANT IS A VENDOR CLASHING WITH YOUR VIBES OR NOT MEETING YOUR EXPECTATIONS. MEET WITH YOUR VENDORS, OR DO A VIDEO CALL TO GET ACQUAINTED AND SHARE YOUR expectations. MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE SO THAT YOU CAN PUT YOUR TRUST ENTIRELY ON THE PEOPLE YOU’VE HIRED AND YOU CAN JUST SOAK UP EACH MOMENT OF YOUR day(s).
VENDORS TO CONSIDER HIRING
Photographer
videographer
Florist
planner/coordinator
officiant
private chef
few things TO CONSIDER
Photographer
Bias, maybe, but I truly believe choosing the right photographer is absolutely paramount. You will spend the whole day with your photographer so making sure personality and vision is consistent with your own, because it’s about more than just taking pretty pictures - it’s about having an experience, and you need the right people around to to ensure that experience is positive and fun.
Planner
Your photographer (Tyler) collaborates with you on anything creative and visual to come up with the most beautiful version of your day and vision.
If you’re looking for more of logistics and implementation assistance, we actually offer planning services through our creative designer Ruthie, but in the event you want to explore your options, we have our favorite people we are happy to refer to you!
Videographer
Photos are everything, but video is literally reliving the day frame for frame and can encapsulate things like vows and sweet nothings. Video can accomplish that next level of nostalgia you’re seeking.
Officiant
We can help with this, but finding a qualified person to legally marry you actually isn’t that hard. You can either ask a friend to get ordained online (super easy) or you can find someone local with just a little bit of research!
Florist
A bouquet is more than just some flowers. It’s a much needed pop of color and detail, it’s means of expressing yourself, it’s something to hold onto so you aren’t worried about “what do I do with my hands”, and if dried, it’s a great memento! We can absolutely help you find the right florist for you.
Private Chef
Eloping is intimate and private as much as it is special. Spoil yourselves and hire a private, local chef to cook you a top notch meal for when you return from exchanging vows. Is it excessive to have a delicious meal cooked FOR YOU in the comfort of your own home/rental on your wedding night? We absolutely dont think so.
Thinking about those little things that bring it all together.
GETTING DRESSED:
ELOPEMENTS ARE NON-TRADITIONAL, SO WHO SAYS GETTING READY NEEDS TO BE TRADITIONAL? WANT TO GET DRESSED IN THE SAME SPACE AS YOUR SOON TO BE HUSBAND/WIFE, THEN DO IT! HONESTLY SOME OF THE MORE SPECIAL MOMENTS COME DURING PREP SO DON’T LIMIT YOURSELVES IN THAT REGARD. SPEND THE DAY WITH EACH OTHER, THE WHOLE DAY. IF YOU DO INTEND TO GET READY SEPARATE, JUST MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN THE SAME VICINITY SO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER and videographer CAN BOUNCE BACK AND FORTH WITHOUT MISSING A BEAT.
TREKKING:
IF YOU’RE GOING TO DO AN ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT (WHICH I WILL ALWAYS ENCOURAGE), JUST MAKE SURE YOU THINK THROUGH ALL OF THE LOGISTICS and challenges that come with it.
VOWS:
INSTEAD OF WHIPPING OUT YOUR PHONE MID-CEREMONY TO RECITE YOUR VOWS, CONSIDER HAND-WRITING YOUR VOWS IN A BOOKLET. NOT ONLY WILL THIS LOOK BETTER FOR PHOTOS, BUT THESE WILL FOREVER BE KEEPSAKES.
ARBOR:
YOU certainly DON’T NEED ONE, and if you’re eloping somewhere with an outstanding view, then it might actually detract from the natural beauty. But if your ceremony location doesn’t have a mind-blowing view, then an arbor (or even just some plants and a rug) can really set the scene and add aesthetic interest.
MAKE THE MOST OF IT:
WHETHER YOU’RE INVITING FRIENDS AND FAMILY OR NOT, MAKE IT A WEEKEND THING AND RENT A HOUSE OR CAMPGROUND FOR THE WEEKEND. WHY NOT CREATE A RELAXING/VACATION VIBE FOR YOUR WEDDING? IF YOU’RE MARRYING IN AN INTERESTING PLACE TO YOU, IT MAKES FOR A PERFECT HONEYMOON TRANSITION AS WELL!