Elopements are no longer about running away in secret. Today, eloping is an intentional, meaningful choice made by couples who want their wedding day to feel personal, relaxed, and deeply connected to who they are. Whether you are planning a simple courthouse ceremony or an adventurous destination elopement in the mountains, this guide will walk you through exactly how to plan an elopement that feels true to you. If you’d like help documenting your elopement with intentional, heartfelt imagery, check out my Elopement Photography Packages!
As an elopement photographer who specializes in storytelling and documentary-style imagery, I have walked alongside couples in every version of eloping imaginable. This guide is built from real experiences, real timelines, and real weddings.
Step One: Decide What “Eloping” Means to You
The first step in planning an elopement is defining what kind of day you want. There is no one right way to elope.
Some couples want a courthouse elopement followed by portraits downtown. Others dream of hiking to a mountain overlook or exchanging vows by the ocean. Many elopements fall somewhere in between.
Ask yourselves:
- Do we want guests or just the two of us?
- Do we want something simple or adventurous?
- Do we want our day to be faith-based or spiritual?
- Do we want to travel or stay close to home?
Your answers shape everything that comes next.
Step Two: Choose Your Elopement Location
Elopement locations can be anywhere. Courthouses, national parks, beaches, forests, private properties, or meaningful places tied to your relationship all make incredible options.
Popular elopement location types include:
- Courthouse elopements
- National park elopements
- Destination elopements
- Backyard or private property elopements
- City elopements
- Mountain and adventure elopements
When choosing your location, consider accessibility, permits, seasonality, and what feels most like you.
Step Three: Understand the Legal Requirements
Every location has different marriage license requirements. Some states require waiting periods. Some require witnesses. Some allow self-solemnizing.
Make sure you research:
- Marriage license rules for your location
- Waiting periods or expiration dates
- Whether an officiant or witnesses are required
This is one of the most important steps and one that is often overlooked early in planning.
Step Four: Decide Who Will Be There
One of the most freeing parts of eloping is choosing exactly who gets to witness your day.
Your elopement can include:
- Just the two of you
- Immediate family
- A small group of loved ones
- No guests at all
There is no rule here. The best elopements are the ones where couples feel completely at ease.
Step Five: Build a Timeline That Feels Relaxed
Elopements do not need to be rushed. One of the biggest misconceptions is that eloping means skipping the experience.
A well-planned elopement timeline allows space for:
- Getting ready
- Intentional moments together
- Your ceremony
- Portraits
- Celebrating afterward
Whether your elopement lasts one hour or an entire day, building in breathing room makes all the difference.
Step Six: Choose Vendors Who Support Your Vision
Even small elopements benefit from the right vendor team. At minimum, you will likely need:
- A photographer
- An officiant (if required)
- Florals or personal details
- Hair and makeup if desired
Your photographer plays a major role in elopements. Beyond photos, they often help with location guidance, timelines, and planning support. Choosing someone who understands elopements, and if you want imagery that feels intentional and true to your day, learn more about my elopement photography collections.
Step Seven: Focus on What Matters Most
Elopements are about stripping away expectations and focusing on what actually matters.
Write your own vows. Choose outfits you feel confident in. Plan a celebration that reflects your relationship. There is no pressure to perform or impress anyone.
That is where the magic lives.
Why Hiring an Elopement Photographer Matters
Elopements move differently than traditional weddings. They require flexibility, awareness, and a documentary approach that honors the day as it unfolds naturally.
As an elopement photographer, my role is not just to take photos. It is to create space for you to be fully present, guide you when needed, and tell the story of your day honestly and beautifully.
From courthouse elopements to adventure-filled destinations, your elopement deserves to be documented with intention.
Planning an Elopement and Looking for a Photographer?
If you are in the early stages of planning and want your elopement to feel meaningful, relaxed, and true to you, I would love to connect.
I photograph elopements across Texas and beyond, specializing in storytelling-driven, documentary-style imagery for couples who value connection over tradition.
You can learn more about working together on my elopement photography investment and collections page, or start your elopement photography inquiry to tell me about your vision.
Your elopement deserves to feel like you. And I would be honored to help tell that story.
Ready to Start Planning Your Elopement?
If you are dreaming of an elopement that feels intentional, stress-free, and deeply personal, I would love to walk alongside you. Whether you are planning a courthouse ceremony, an intimate destination elopement, or an adventurous day somewhere wild, I am here to help you create and document a day that feels true to you.
If my approach and storytelling style resonate with you, the next step is simple.
Head to my inquiry page and tell me about your vision, your location, and what you are dreaming up. From there, we can start planning something truly meaningful together.
👉 Inquire here to start planning your elopement
I cannot wait to hear your story.
