Eloping sounds incredible—but how does it actually work?
HOW TO ELOPE
Forget everything you thought you knew about eloping
Forget everything you thought you knew about eloping—this isn’t some runaway-in-the-night situation anymore. Modern elopements are all about intentional, meaningful wedding experiences designed completely around you as a couple.
No pressure, no oversized guest lists, no awkward seating charts… just the two of you (and maybe a few of your favorite humans) celebrating your love in a way that actually feels right
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why can’t we just skip the big wedding and do something more ‘us’?”—you’re definitely not alone. More and more couples are choosing intimate weddings and adventurous elopements over traditional celebrations, trading ballrooms for mountains, crowded schedules for unforgettable moments, and expectations for authenticity.
Been scrolling through Google or Pinterest looking for unique wedding ideas or alternatives to traditional weddings? Spoiler alert: what you’re dreaming about is probably an elopement.
At its heart, an elopement is: Small
Intentional
Deeply personal
A little adventurous
100% about your relationship
In other words, it’s a wedding day that actually feels like you.
Now, picture this: breathtaking landscapes, zero stress, and a day built entirely around the things you love. Sounds pretty perfect, right? You’re likely thinking, “Okay, I’m sold… but how do you actually elope? Where do you even begin?” Don’t worry—you’re in exactly the right place.
Let’s break it down and turn that dream into your reality.
Think of this page as your ultimate elope-without-the-stress survival guide. We’re talking answers to all those “wait… how does this even work?” questions, plus insider tips on finding your dream ceremony location (yes, that Pinterest-worthy one), building a simple elopement plan that won’t make your brain melt, and all the must-know details to actually pull this off.
Basically, if you’re wondering how to turn “let’s just elope” into a real, unforgettable day… you’re about to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Elope
Choosing to elope means putting your love first—ditching the pressure, expectations, and “shoulds” in favour of a day that actually feels like you. It’s bold, it’s personal, and it’s all about creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reflects your relationship perfectly.
Of course, even dream weddings come with a few “wait… how does this work?” moments.
Elopements can feel a little confusing at first—especially when it comes to the legal stuff and logistics. But don’t worry, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.I’ve broken down the most common questions couples ask, with simple, stress-free guidance to help you plan your day your way. And remember—you get to go at your own pace… paperwork included
Do elopements have to be just the two of us, or can we bring loved ones along?
Here’s the best part about eloping: there are no guest list police coming after you. Who you invite is 100% your call.
Want it to be just the two of you soaking up the moment? Go for it. Want your crew there to ugly-cry, cheer, and pop champagne?
Also valid. Your elopement can be as private or as social as you want—it’s basically your wedding, your rules… minus the stress.Typically, elopements stay on the cozy side (think small, meaningful gatherings rather than a full-on crowd), but there’s no magic number that suddenly turns it into a “big wedding.”
As long as it feels intentional and true to you, you’re doing it right.Your elopement guest options could look like:Just the two of you (plus a photographer to prove it happened)
A handful of your favourite humans (family, friends, hype squad)Just an officiant and a couple of witnesses for the legal bits, Or honestly? You, your partner, and your dog living your best lives.
At the end of the day, eloping is about creating a space where you can focus on each other—and share it with exactly whoever you want there (or not there). No rules, no pressure, just good vibes and great love.
So… what happens when you actually elope?
Honestly? Whatever you want. That’s kind of the whole point.
Elopement ceremonies don’t come with a rulebook, a script, or a distant aunt telling you what to do. You get to build the moment from scratch—so it feels exactly like you two.
But if you're staring into the void like, “okay cool… but where do we start?”—I’ve got some ideas.Your elopement ceremony might look something like this:Writing your own vows (aka the emotional part where you both pretend you’re not about to cry… and then absolutely do)Swapping rings—or tattoos, bracelets, or whatever feels meaningful to you.
That just married moment: first kiss, first hug, first “WE DID IT!” scream into the wildernessAdding cultural or spiritual elements like handfasting, sage blessings, or anything that reflects your roots.
Creating a unity ritual… or making up your own because, again, no rulesSurprising your partner with something special—like a song, a poem, or a hidden talent you suddenly whip outYou’re already ditching the traditional wedding playbook, so you might as well go all in.
Whether your ceremony is heartfelt, adventurous, a little quirky, or all of the above—make it something that feels ridiculously, perfectly you.
Help—how do we choose where to elope without spiraling on Pinterest?
One of the absolute best things about eloping? You can literally get married anywhere. Mountains, beaches, forests, a cute little town, or somewhere totally unexpected—it’s all fair game.
Of course… having all the options can quickly turn into too many options. Suddenly you’re 47 tabs deep, questioning your life choices, and wondering if you should just spin a globe and point. (Honestly, not the worst strategy.)
But don’t panic—I’m here to help you narrow it down and make sense of it all. Together, we’ll look at the important stuff like the season, scenery, weather, privacy, views, and fun things you actually want to do on the day (because yes, your wedding can include adventures).
For a minute, though, forget the logistics. Ignore the “what ifs.” Skip the overthinking.
Ask yourself this instead:
If you could say your vows anywhere in the world… where would it be?That place?
The one that instantly makes you light up—that’s your starting point.
Run with it. Dream a little. And choose the location that feels exciting, meaningful, and completely you.
Because at the end of the day, the “perfect” place isn’t about perfection—it’s about how it makes you feel.
How do I legally elope? How is it a legal marriage?
Ah yes—the “make it official” part.
This is where things get a little less romantic and a little more… paperwork-y.
The short answer? It all depends on where you live and where you decide to elope. Every place has its own rules, forms, and “please sign here” moments—because of course it does.
Getting married to your person? Easy.
Figuring out the legal side? Slightly less “rom-com,” a little more “admin energy.” Different countries, provinces, and states all have their own requirements, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
But don’t stress—I’ll help you figure out what applies to you and guide you through the process so you can focus on the fun part… like actually getting married.
Because at the end of the day, we’ll make sure your elopement is not just magical—but properly, officially, stamped-and-signed real too.
Does eloping count as a legal wedding?
Short answer: yes. Slightly longer answer… also yes—but with a tiny bit of admin sprinkled on top.
Eloping might not look like a “traditional” wedding (that’s kind of the whole vibe), so it’s totally normal to wonder if your epic, mountaintop, windswept, wildly romantic day actually counts in the eyes of the law.
Good news: it absolutely can. As long as you follow the legal requirements of wherever you’re getting married, your elopement is just as official as any big, fancy wedding.
But here’s where it gets interesting—you don’t have to do the legal paperwork on your actual elopement day.
If the rules, waiting periods, or paperwork of your dream location are a bit… annoying (and let’s be honest, they often are), you can skip all of that on the day. Have your ceremony exactly how you want it—no forms, no stress, no interruptions—and handle the legal side before or after somewhere that’s easier.
Because let’s be real:
your wedding day is the moment you choose each other—not the moment you sign a document.
The paperwork? That’s just the official stamp. Your love story doesn’t need permission to be real
Do we need a wedding officiant for our elopement?
Short answer: sometimes yes… sometimes no. Welcome to the world of wedding laws
Whether you need an officiant really comes down to two things: where you’re eloping and whether you want to make it legal on the same day. (You’ll notice this is a bit of a theme—elopements love to keep things interesting.)
Every country, province, and state has its own rules. Some places require an officiant for your marriage to be legally recognised, while others are a bit more relaxed and even allow you to marry yourselves (yes, that’s a real thing and it’s as cool as it sounds).
The important part? You’ve got options.
If your location does require an officiant, you don’t have to settle for a stranger. Many couples choose to have a friend, sibling, parent, or someone meaningful get ordained online so they can lead the ceremony—which honestly makes the whole moment even more special (and sometimes a little more emotional… bring tissues).
And if dealing with legal requirements on your actual elopement day feels like a buzzkill? Skip it. Seriously. Have your ceremony exactly how you want—just the two of you, no script, no pressure—and handle the legal side before or after in a way that’s simple and stress-free.
Because at the end of the day, your ceremony is about the promises you make—not about who’s legally required to stand next to you while you make them.
Can we actually marry each other without an officiant?
Not to be dramatic, but this is kind of the VIP version of getting married
A self-solemnizing ceremony basically means you and your partner marry each other—no officiant standing in the middle, no scripted “you may now…” moment. Just the two of you, your vows, and the freedom to do things your way. It’s intimate, simple, and honestly a little bit iconic.
BUT (there’s always a tiny “but”)…
This magical no-officiant option is actually pretty rare around the world. Most countries still require some kind of official person—like a registrar, celebrant, or religious leader—to make things legal. So while the idea is dreamy, the legal reality depends a lot on where you are.
Here’s how it looks globally:
🌍 Places where you can (legally) marry yourselves
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A few locations—like Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. in the U.S.—allow true self-solemnization
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These are some of the most popular spots for couples who want that “just us” legal moment
🌍 Places that come close
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Scotland (a fan-favourite for elopements) is super flexible and allows humanist ceremonies with fewer restrictions
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Some parts of Canada may allow you to involve a friend or apply for special permission—but it varies
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Quaker ceremonies in certain regions allow couples to marry each other in a deeply meaningful, officiant-free way
🌍 Everywhere else
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Most of the world will require some form of officiant or legal authority present
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Yes, even if you’re on a mountaintop living your best life
The good news? You still have options.
A lot of couples choose to separate the “legal” part from the “real” part:
Have your dream elopement ceremony exactly how you want it (no interruptions, no formalities)
Handle the legal paperwork before or after in a simpler location
Because honestly?
Your vows are the real moment. The paperwork is just the admin.
And if you do find a place where you can self-solemnize legally? Bring your dog, say your vows, sign your marriage license together, and call it a day—iconic behaviour only.
Are witnesses required for an elopement ceremony?
Ah, witnesses—the unexpected extras in your love story
Just like officiants, whether you need witnesses comes down to where you’re eloping. Some places are super chill and don’t require any at all, while others insist on having one or two people there to make things official.
Basically, the rules aren’t one-size-fits-all… because that would be too easy.
If your location does require witnesses, don’t stress—you’ve got options:
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Bring along a couple of your favourite humans (bonus: built-in hype squad)
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Turn it into a “sign the paper and then kindly disappear” situation so you can still have your private moment
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Or go full adventure mode and ask strangers—yes, really. Fellow hikers, travellers, or random friendly humans are often weirdly very excited to be part of a wedding for five minutes. Instant core memory for everyone involved.
And if you’re thinking, “honestly… I just want it to be us”?
That’s completely valid too.You can always have your dream elopement exactly how you imagine it—quiet, private, just the two of you—and sort out the legal bits somewhere else, sometime else, without the extra people.
Because at the end of the day, witnesses might be required for paperwork… but they’re not required for your actual moment.
To find your perfect elopement location, go through this tactile exercise
Okay, trust me on this—it actually works
Grab a pen and some paper (yes, we’re going old school for a second) and jot things down as you go.
Making a simple list might not sound glamorous, but it’s the easiest way to turn your ideas into an actual plan.Ready? Let’s dive into it step by step:
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Take a moment and imagine your version of an elopement. What do you see?It could be inspired by dreamy photos you’ve come across, a destination you’ve fallen in love with, or even somewhere you’ve always wanted to explore. Whatever comes to mind—that’s your starting point
2
Start jotting down anything you’re picturing that instantly feels like “yes, that’s us.” You can keep it super simple or go full detail mode—whatever feels natural.It could be as easy as “beach, mountains, forest,” or as specific as “golden sunset in a desert with warm wind and dramatic cliffs.” No overthinking—this is your chance to dream a little and design your own version of paradise.
4
By now, you’ve probably got a few ideas that feel pretty amazing. Maybe one stands out because it fits your date perfectly, or maybe you can narrow it down based on what’s actually doable.
Even if you don’t know the exact location yet—describe the vibe. Tell me what it looks like, feels like, even smells like. From there, I’ll help track down the perfect place on Earth to bring your vision to life.
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Now take each of those ideas for a test drive—picture yourselves actually standing there, saying your vows.
If a few different places feel right, give each one its own little space on your page and build them out separately. Start getting more detailed: What time of day is it? What season? What does it smell like? What’s around you? Who’s there (if anyone)?
Turn that vague “mountain” or “beach” into a full scene you can almost step into. That’s where the magic starts to feel real
How to Elope:
Create a Personalized Elopement Planning Checklist
(Without Losing Your Mind)
You made it this far—so yes, you can plan an epic elopement without the stress spiral. Let’s break it down into simple, actually-doable steps:
01 | Pick Your Date (or at least a vibe)
When you elope matters just as much as where. Seasons can completely transform a location—think golden autumn forests vs. snowy fairytale vibes. Choose a time of year that matches your dream aesthetic and the kind of experience you want.
02 | Choose Your Elopement Location
Mountains? Beach? Desert? Somewhere totally random but magical?
Pick a place that feels like you. Just keep in mind—some locations are best at certain times of year (because hiking through snow in wedding attire = bold move).
03 | Book Your Photographer Early
Hot tip: photographers get booked fast, especially for popular dates and destinations. Reaching out early means you can plan your timeline, location, and overall vision together—aka way less stress for you.
04 | Find Your Dream Vendors
Florists, hair & makeup artists, planners, cake magicians—this is where the fun details come in. If you’re traveling, local vendors are usually your best friends (because suitcase + wedding cake = chaos).
05 | Check the Legal Stuff
Not the most exciting part, but important. Look into marriage licenses, permits, witnesses, and local rules for your destination. Every place is different, so give yourself time to figure it out (future you will be grateful).
06 | Choose What to Wear
Dress? Suit? Jumpsuit? Something totally unexpected?
Pick something you can actually move in—bonus points if it works with your environment (wind, heat, hiking, etc.).
07 | Add the Personal Touches
This is where your elopement becomes yours. Think meaningful details like letters from loved ones, special outfits, cosy blankets, champagne, your dog… whatever makes you happy.
08 | Have a Backup Plan (Just in Case)
Nature doesn’t read your schedule. Weather happens. Plans shift.
Have a Plan B ready—whether that’s umbrellas, a second location, or just a go-with-the-flow attitude. Sometimes the “unexpected” turns into the best part.
And that’s it—you did it
You officially know how to plan an elopement. See? Way less scary than it sounded—and a whole lot more fun.
How to Elope:
The 5 Steps to an Alabaster Elopement Experience
As your elopement photographer (and unofficial planning partner), I do a lot more than just show up with a camera. I help you bring your entire day to life—from the first idea to the final “we did it!” moment—so your elopement feels effortless, personal, and something you’ll never stop talking about.
Here’s the thing though: elopement planning isn’t a neat little checklist you follow step-by-step. It’s more of a creative process that unfolds as you go. Think of it like an adventure—there isn’t just one path to the top, and half the magic is in figuring it out along the way.
But if you ever feel a little lost (totally normal, by the way), don’t worry—I’ve got a guide to help you find your footing and keep things moving in the right direction.
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Stage One: Dream It Up
Every unforgettable elopement starts the same way—with a little daydreaming.One of the best parts about eloping? You’re not limited to a venue down the road.
You could be saying your vows on a mountain, by the ocean, or somewhere that doesn’t even feel real. This is your chance to think big.The goal of this stage isn’t perfection—it’s direction.
You’re simply starting to shape what your day could look like: the kind of place, the kind of energy, and even the time of year that feels right.
So grab your partner, get comfortable (coffee, wine, snacks—highly recommended), and imagine your ideal day from beginning to end.No pressure. No logistics. No “is this even possible?”Just let your ideas flow—wild, simple, detailed, or somewhere in between.
Even the blurriest vision is the perfect place to begin.And this is usually the point where couples reach out—when they’ve got a feeling but need help turning it into something real.
That’s where I come in. I help take those loose ideas and shape them into a clear plan, using location ideas, planning tools, and a whole lot of creativity to bring it all together.
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Stage Two: Make It Make Sense
Now that you’ve got the dream, it’s time to figure out how to actually pull it off (without losing your sanity).
This stage is where your vision starts turning into a real plan. Think of it as your “let’s Google everything and see what sticks” phase—researching, exploring, and working out what’s possible so you can lock in the details.
Keep it fun, though—this isn’t meant to feel like homework. Grab your partner, open your laptops, and make a little date out of it. Whether you’re curled up on the couch, sitting outside, or pretending you’re travel experts in a bookstore café, the vibe matters.
As you start digging, here are a few things to figure out:
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What are the legal requirements where you want to elope?
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Is your location easy to access, or does it involve a bit of adventure?
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Will you need permits or permissions?
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What’s the weather like (and will your hair survive it)?
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What do you actually want to do on the day—hike, celebrate, eat something amazing?
If you hit a point where your brain feels full and everything starts sounding complicated—totally normal. This is usually where a little guidance goes a long way.
And honestly? This is the stage where I step in the most—helping you piece everything together, refine your ideas, and turn that vision into a solid, doable plan that still feels exciting (not stressful).
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Stage Three: Lock It In
This is where things start getting real.
You’ve done the dreaming, you’ve done the research—now it’s time to make some decisions and start booking the big stuff. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have every tiny detail figured out yet. The goal here is just to get your foundations in place.
Start with the big two: your date and your location.
Pick a time that feels meaningful (or just works best for your plans), then check that it actually lines up with your dream spot, accommodation, and anyone you want there. Pro tip: double-check holidays or local events so you don’t accidentally book your elopement during peak chaos.
When it comes to your ceremony spot, choose a general area first so you can sort out travel and lodging. The exact place you say your vows? That can be a magical last-minute discovery or something you scout ahead—both totally valid.
Once your date, location, and stay are sorted… take a breath. Seriously. That was the hardest part.
Celebrate a little, share the news (if you want to), and enjoy the fact that your elopement is officially happening. You’re well on your way
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Stage Four: The Finishing Touches
You’re in the home stretch—and yes, it’s officially getting exciting now.
This stage is all about bringing everything together. You’ve locked in the big stuff, so now it’s time to layer in those personal details that make your day feel complete (and very you).
There are quite a few moving parts here, so don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break it down into small, manageable tasks—future you will be very grateful.
Here’s what you’ll be pulling together:
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Choosing and finalising your outfits and accessories
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Booking any remaining vendors
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Planning fun activities for the day (because your wedding can absolutely be an adventure)
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Mapping out your timeline and how your ceremony will flow
And then… the day before?
Do absolutely nothing stressful. Relax, take it slow, eat something good, and get some proper sleep. You’ve done the work—now it’s time to enjoy every second of what you’ve created.
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Stage Five: Live Your Best Day Ever
You did it. All the planning, dreaming, and decision-making? Done.
Now comes the easiest (and honestly, best) part—actually enjoying your elopement day.
Be in the moment. Laugh, cry, get a little emotional, get a lot excited—just let it all happen.
Forget about perfection, timelines, and whether your hair is behaving. If you’re having an amazing experience together, everything else (including the photos) will fall into place naturally.
This is your time. Slow it down. Soak it up.
And when you get home? Celebrate again. Throw a party, host a relaxed dinner, have a braai, or plan a reception with your favourite people—whatever feels right to you.
Print your photos, flip through your album, hang those memories on your walls, and relive the magic every single day.
Because this wasn’t just a wedding… it was an experience you’ll never forget.
YOU DID THE THING!
You’ve officially cracked the code on how to elope—now it’s time to turn that vision into your dream adventure.
I know I’ve thrown a lot your way, so take a moment, let it all sink in… and when you’re ready, come say hi
I’m here to help you map out every step—whether that’s figuring out the logistics, refining your ideas, or bringing all those little details together into something unforgettable
.Elopements? Truly one of the best ways to get married (I will happily die on this hill), and I’m so excited you’re considering creating something real, personal, and completely yours.You deserve a day that feels this good. Let’s make it happen.
