so you’ve seen the pinterest photos, you’ve heard the buzz,
but you’re still wondering what actually goes into eloping?

My sweet Garden of the Gods elopement couple, Cassie and Chase, inspired me to put pen and paper to the ins and outs of actually planning an intimate wedding or elopement. One of the aspects that often draws a couple to consider an elopement or intimate wedding is the vast difference in details, expenses, and stress from that of a traditional wedding. While those are definitely true of smaller wedding celebrations, there are still a handful of important elements you’ll need to figure out before your big day. From choosing a location and nearby accommodations, to attire, overall design details, and oh yeah, the officiating and legal components of getting married, I’ve compiled my top tips on how to plan a budget friendly, intentional, and authentically styled intimate wedding celebration of your own. These are all true bits that were used in the making of this couple’s breathtaking Colorado elopement, which are easily replicable in your hometown or any other location that’s special to you and your honey.

LOCATION, LODGING, & TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Pick the location of your dreams! If you’re on a budget, think about finding naturally beautiful places close to home. This could be a state park or nature sanctuary, if outdoors is your vibe. Art galleries, industrial event spaces, and trendy restaurants/bars/distilleries are amazing and unique indoor options.
Consider transportation! If you’re jetting off to an adventurous location, consider travel fees, rental car costs, and the like. If you’re staying within driving distance of your home, then you’ve already got this one covered. If not, think about your wedding party and family, too, if you’ll have guests along with you! Turo is one of my favorite car rental services, as it allows you to have your own vehicle to get around in. Uber and Lyft are great options if you’re not set on having your own personal vehicle during your stay!
Book an AirBnb or hotel for your stay! AirBnb’s can often be an affordable and aesthetically pleasing option that combine both a venue and lodging. Just be sure to check with the specific home owner, to be sure an intimate wedding doesn’t violate their terms of use!

VENDOR TEAM

Book a photographer who specializes in elopements and intimate weddings. This is where you really do get what you pay for, because you’re paying for experience and expertise. From recommending locations to choosing the right time of day to ensure your photos are everything you hope for, a talented and professional photographer is who will ensure that your beautiful memorable day lasts a lifetime in through your photos.
Hire an elopement coordinator/designer. I can’t stress this enough: even if you’re having a smaller wedding celebration, you’ll still want to have someone running interference on your special day. Your elopement coordinator/designer will have the expertise to recommend locations, curate your decor and styling elements, and recommend additional vendors for your team if needed. Those Pinterest-worthy tablescapes and design elements don’t happen on their own, and it takes work to get those beautiful details down the trail of a nature sanctuary or to the boulders overlooking a lake.
Ask your elopement coordinator (see what I did there!) for floral recommendations. Not all bouquets are created equal, and you’ll like be in need of a hearty bouquet that will withstand being toted around before arriving to your ceremony location. If you have other floral decor elements in mind, your florist will be able to recommend the best bloom choices to hold up well depending on the weather, length of travel, and end use.
Consider hiring a videographer, if your budget allows! Even if for a few short minutes, having those precious moments to reminisce on for a lifetime will be priceless.
Decide on your favorite foods you want to feast on on your special day! Chat with your elopement coordinator about catering your meal in, cooking a family style dinner, sourcing desserts that can be easily transported to your end destination, or reserving a nearby restaurant for end of the day celebration dining.

ATTIRE & ACCESSORIES

Find that swoon-worthy dress of your dreams! Look for dresses that allow a lot of movement and comfort, if you have a more than a short distance to travel on your wedding day. Favorites of mine are BHLDN, Grace Loves Lace, Reclamation, and Rue de Seine. For gowns that won’t break the bank, try looking at gowns from Lulu’s, Etsy, and local bridal boutique sample sales!
Decide on bridal shoes that will be practical for the amount of walking you anticipate. If you’ll be going a short distance on easy terrain, an easy sandal or ankle boot make an easy statement under your gown. If walking a longer distance or on difficult terrain, a pair of hiking boots or waterproof Chelsea boots are stylish but durable and protective options.
Purchase accessories that are true to you and your style! Statement earrings, a rancher hat, or floral crown are some of my favorite current trends.
Ask your elopement planner for beauty recommendations! If you’re confident in your ability to style your own hair and makeup before your intimate wedding, YOU. GO. GLEN COCO. If you’re like me, and struggle to to more than a messy bun and some mascara, then look into nearby hair and makeup artists who can glam you up before your ceremony and send you merrily on your way with some blotting tissues and a backup lipstick. Your planner will be able to recommend top vendors in your area, if you’re eloping in a location where you’re unable to have a pre-wedding trial.
Decide on your groom’s style. Suspenders, corduroy slacks, and a great pair of Chukka boots can round out a more casual groom’s wardrobe, whereas a dapper blazer from ASOS and a fitted pant can lend itself to a more modern style. Floral ties from Dazi, leather suspenders from a local leather worker, and a wooden tie bar could round out an easy and comfortable outfit for an outdoor wedding.

CEREMONY

Write your vows. This one’s easy; telling your babe how much you love the living daylights out of ‘em and can’t wait to be theirs forever. Keep your vows in a safe (possibly waterproof!) place the day of your ceremony, just in case!
Hire an officiant to perform your ceremony, or asked a respected and treasured friend or loved one! Check with your elopement planner or photographer, as these vendors are often ordained and able to perform ceremonies for intimate weddings if that’s more your style.
Don’t forget your rings!

LEGAL

Check with your elopement planner about the specifics of the law in your state and the state you’ll be getting married in, just to be sure all paperwork and legal components are in order. An experience elopement planner will be able to steer you in the right direction and give you tips on this. Birth certificates, blood tests, proper forms of ID, and additional documentation may be needed.
Ensure your officiant is legally ordained and authorized to perform the ceremony in the state you’re eloping in.
Obtain your marriage license within the specific time frame as outlined by the state you’re getting married in.
Determine whether or not your state requires a witness, and if your planner or photographer is willing to serve as such.

Feeling ready to DO the dang thing? Drop me a comment below with any burning questions you have regarding elopements and intimate weddings! If you’ve already eloped, feel free to share your top tips for couples who are still planning!

Wildly Yours,

Mal