How to Elope: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Plan Your Outdoor Wedding
You’re engaged! Congratulations. This is a very special moment for you and your fiancé. It’s another chapter in your journey together as a couple and is an exciting time. But—admittedly—it can also be a little intimidating when you consider planning a wedding.
You know you wanted to get married, but the thought of a big wedding in a church with lots of onlookers just isn’t for you. That’s A-OK. I’m here to tell you there’s another way to get married.
When it comes down to it, you can get married however you want. There are no rules, just other people’s expectations of how you should get married. But the only opinions that matter on your wedding day are you and your partner. So, what does your perfect wedding day look like?
If you want something small, intimate, adventurous, and totally your own—if you’ve thought about these things—chances are you’re the couple who wants to elope instead.
But how do you plan an elopement or adventure wedding?
Joshua Tree National Park—what more do you need?
Table of Contents
What | Why | Where | When | Weather | Guests | Crowds | Budget | Permits | Officiants | Marriage License | Ceremonies | Activities | Outfits | Lodging | Vendors | Photography | Thoughtful Touches
Who doesn’t love Yosemite National Park?
What’s an Elopement? How’s It Different Than a Wedding?
The word “elopement” has taken on new meaning recently. It used to mean running away with your lover to get married in secret. But the definition of this word has shifted in recent years. These days, eloping means getting married in a way that’s intimate, unique, and authentic to you.
For some couples, this means just the two of you getting married in a national park, and exchanging your vows privately, overlooking a sweeping landscape. Other times, couples prefer a few friends or family members in attendance. Different still are adventure couples who choose to get married during long backpacking trips, hikes, rock climbing, or wading into the ocean.
The whole point is that your wedding day is a reflection of you and your partner by embracing an authentic and “totally you” way.
Imagine this on your wedding day.
Why People Elope
Every couple has their own personality, desires, and vision for their wedding day. Some couples really love the idea of a large traditional wedding while other couples perish the thought. There’s no right or wrong way to get married as long as your wedding day reflects what you really want.
Here are some of the kinds of couples that tend to prefer elopements:
Sentimental couples who want to get married in a location that’s meaningful to them
Adventurous couples who want to explore someplace new on their wedding day
Introverted couples who prefer their wedding day to be just between them and their partner
Introverted couples who prefer to get married with only a few friends or family members in attendance
Nontraditional couples who want to do something unique and all their own
Outdoorsy couples who want to surround themselves with natural beauty on their wedding day
You might be a combination of any of these categories or even something else entirely. The point is if any of this resonates with you, you might be the elopement kind of couple.
The joy an elopement can bring.
How to Elope
Chances are, you haven’t eloped before. It can be overwhelming to look at all the options—not to mention jumping through the hoops of doing something you've never done.
That’s where I come in. I live and breathe elopements. As an elopement photographer, one of the common comments I get is that people don’t know how to elope. Luckily, I do. I planned my own elopement back in 2019. And since 2020 when I started Love & Latitudes, I’ve helped plan dozens of weddings for some amazing couples. So, know that I am here to help you have the wedding day you want and deserve.
Before you start, I want you to take a moment to pause and dream big about what your elopement could be. With all of the options available to you, what do you and yours truly want to do with your day? Take time to discuss your goals for the day, your priorities, and your expectations about how the day should look and feel.
Now, let's get into how to plan your elopement. In no particular order, here’s what you need to consider.
For Melody & Tyler, deciding to elope in Death Valley National Park was easy.
Where I Should Elope
Where: If you could wave a wand and magically get married anywhere you wanted to, where would it be? Is it on top of a mountain with nobody around but your someone special? Is it on the beach surrounded by your closest friends and family members? Is it a special place for you and your partner that you just can’t get enough of?
Whatever your answer is, explore that possibility. I—for one—was planning to get married at the courthouse before finding out I could get married in a national park. Immediately upon learning that outdoor elopements were a thing, I started to plan my own wedding in Joshua Tree National Park.
Consider locations you’ve always wanted to visit—or the scenery you most appreciate (mountains, deserts, forests, or beaches)—the kind of vibe you want (rustic, or boho, or urban)—or even the type of activities you want to do on your big day (paddleboarding, offroading, rock climbing, or hiking). Whatever that place is for you, pursue it. You never know what’s possible!
Imagine getting totally fogged out for a mountain elopement! Makes for some amazing photos.
When Should I Elope
When: Where and when go hand in hand. A lot of couples already have special dates in mind—like their dating anniversary or an auspicious date. Others prefer to get married in a specific season or around the holidays.
No matter the case, you’ll want to consider the weather and climate. If you choose to get married in the desert, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable in the spring, autumn, or winter. If you’re heading to the mountains, you’ll want a summer wedding—unless you’re looking for snow.
Are you a spontaneous couple? I love the idea of couples who just can’t wait to get hitched and want nothing more than to grab each other and run off into the distance to get married. This is fine for courthouse weddings and traditional elopements, but it’s impractical for getting married in specific locations like national parks. That’s because these locations require permits, which take time to apply for and confirm. Plus it might be difficult to book a wedding photographer or other vendors. It’s not impossible… just something to consider.
Madison & Alan cuddled up during their elopement on a surprisingly cold day in Tucson, Arizona.
What About the Elements?
Temperature: What temp are you willing to deal with? Do you want hot or cold? Wet or dry? Changes in weather and climate are always out of our control—but you can do your best to pick a season that works best for your needs.
And admittedly, most weather conditions only add to the beauty of your elopement. While every photographer adores soft, natural light—moody clouds can be just as pretty. The same goes for rainy wedding days (which are good luck), windy days (which make long hair and flowy dresses look epic in pictures), or hot days (don’t worry, I edit out sweat stains).
Side note—I photograph in the desert often, and I must tell you, it’s always windy.
No matter the conditions, we’ll make the best of it!
Bella & Steffen were joined by their super fun friends in Saguaro National Park, Arizona.
What About Guests?
Guests: Obviously I can't help you decide which friends or family members to bring to your special day. That’s up to you two. But what I can tell you is how to factor in the number of people coming to your elopement.
You have a few options here:
Your elopement can be just the two of you for a very intimate and personal ceremony
Or you can elope with just a few friends or family members
Less than 25 attendees is still considered an elopement (otherwise, it becomes a “small wedding”).
If you are bringing guests, here are a few things to consider:
Certain locations have restrictions for the number of people allowed
Take note of the accessibility needs of any of your guests
Consider how far guests can walk, whether any guests will need a place to sit during the ceremony,
Keep accessibility for you and your guests in mind.
How far can your guests walk? Do they need a paved path? Will anyone need chairs during the ceremony or are they okay to stand? What about carrying items out to the ceremony location?
Considering how far people have to travel.
Some locations can be very remote, like Moab which is a 3-4 hour drive from the nearest airport. Everything is relative. So what’s easy for some people might be a haul for someone else.
An adorable couple, surrounded by tons of people at the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico.
Tell Me About Crowds
Crowds: The great outdoors belongs to everyone, even on your wedding day. Keep in mind that you can’t prevent other people from sharing the space, so just assume that other people will be around. This is rarely, if ever, a problem for two reasons. First and foremost, a photographer or planner with local knowledge can help you navigate these situations so you have more privacy. Second, the average person is respectful enough not to interrupt a wedding.
If you are concerned about other people being around, you have a few options:
You can share your vows in private, outside of the ceremony itself
You can choose a ceremony location that is explicitly private (like Breakfast Canyon in Death Valley National Park)
You can get married when other people aren’t around; like at sunrise, on a weekday, or during the off-season
If you have an especially small wedding, you can sometimes tuck away from other people
If you have enough guests, you can create a buffer between your wedding ceremony and anybody else
Side note: your elopement can go past sunset!
How Much Does an Elopement Cost?
Budget: An elopement or outdoor wedding can be economic or bougie. It just depends on what you’re looking for.
If it’s important for you to keep cost in mind, write out a budget. Research what vendors in particular areas will cost, tally up travel expenses, and hire local vendors to save money. If you are creative, consider DIY—like making your own florals, hiring friends to help with your makeup, creating your own handfasting cord, baking your own sweet treats, and the like. Luckily, most national parks require only a very affordable permit—which makes for a gorgeous and inexpensive wedding venue that you just can beat.
If you want to rock out with your wallet out, you certainly can. There are some amazing Airbnbs and hotels you can book, not to mention all the fun activities you could get up to.
Who needs walking down an aisle with views like this?
What About Permits?
Permits: It’s almost guaranteed you’ll need a permit if you’re getting married outside. Permits vary in price. For example, in Saguaro National Park the permit is $100, but in Death Valley National Park the permit is $300.
As a photographer, I help my couples navigate the permit system including: How and where to apply, how to work within the rules, where you are specified to get married, where you are allowed to photograph (which isn’t always the same thing), and so much more. In short, I make it easy so you can rest easy.
Do I Need a Wedding Officiant for My Elopement?
Officiant: This topic gets overlooked quite a bit. But really, the officiant is the most important person at your wedding, if you’re getting legally married that day.
Many people want someone they know—like a friend, family member, or religious leader— to officiate their wedding ceremony. Luckily, it’s easy for anyone to get ordained through services like the Universal Life Church (ULC).
However, there are a lot of good reasons to hire a professional officiant. They’ll know exactly how the legal process works, what needs to be said during a ceremony for it to be legal, and how to pick up and drop off marriage licenses.
This is a good time to bring up our on-staff officiant, Isiah. Technically, I am ordained too, but trust me—Isiah is the one you want running things.
Another thing to note here—each state is different, but unless you’re getting married in a state you can self-solemnize in, you’ll need one to two witnesses. That can be your photographer, your friends or family, or a stranger on the trail.
What About All the Legal Stuff?
Marriage License: No matter where you get married, if you’re having a fully legal ceremony, you’ll need a marriage license. You must apply for this in the county in which you are getting married. This process is usually pretty quick, but if you are traveling for your wedding, it’s an extra step to visit the county clerk’s office. In any case, check the state and county you’re getting married in—each place is different.
If that extra step sounds like a hassle, you could consider getting legally married at your local courthouse—then having a commitment ceremony at the location you want to go. The commitment ceremony is all the fun of a wedding ceremony, with the legal stuff already out of the way.
Chloe & Matt had an intimate commitment ceremony overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California.
What About the Elopement Wedding Ceremony?
Ceremony: There are a few things a ceremony needs in order to be legal. But outside of that, the ceremony is totally up to you! You can read personal vows during or outside of the ceremony, exchange rings, drink wine together, perform a handfasting ceremony, or whatever other religious or cultural actions you want.
If you’re looking to involve your friends or family, choose someone to hold your bouquet or rings during the ceremony. Have a guest read a poem or a blessing. Or even perform a ring-warming ceremony. There are lots of fun and meaningful traditions you can include.
The day is yours—do whatever activities you want!
What Activities Can I Do?
Your wedding day can be whatever you want it to be. That idea might be intimidating, but I think it’s actually very freeing. Sit down with your soon-to-be spouse and consider what you two want to do together.
Do you want to write vows together in the morning over a cup of coffee in a rental? Do you want to go offroading to some epic spots after your ceremony? Do you want to have a picnic in a national park or visit an iconic spot? There are so many options to consider, so here’s a list of fun wedding day activities to get the ideas going.
Charlie & Roger brought their best outfits to their wedding day.
What Should I Wear to My Elopement or Outdoor Wedding?
It's your wedding day, so you do you. But how many wedding days are you going to get? Wear what you want!
Get as creative or comfortable as you want. I’ve seen stunning formal dresses, cuter-than-cute boho dresses, gorgeous black dresses, and matching red and purple dresses, there is just so much amazing fashion out there! Not to mention suit jackets, bolo ties, stylish vests, dress shoes that match the scenery, bow ties, and silly socks—each one with its own charm.
So while you have a wide range of options, there are some practical things to consider:
What activities will you be able to do in your outfit? Can you hike, dance, or climb in your wedding attire?
Boots, wedges, and flats work a lot better in outdoor environments than stilettos
Will your outfit be appropriate for the weather?
A suit jacket might be great for cooler climates, while a vest is more comfortable for warmer weather.
What colors will go best with the environment around you?
Obviously not a requirement, but adding a little color that matches the scenery makes for fantastic wedding photos.
What vibe are you going for?
Maybe you want to lean into the southwestern style for your Death Valley elopement. Or wear a faux-fur shawl over your shoulders if you’re getting married in the snow.
You’re getting married—might as well stay somewhere epic!
Where to Stay: Lodging and More
Where to stay. This one depends a lot on where you’re going. But where you stay will be captured in your photos. It will be where you get ready, and sometimes where you have your first look.
Is it the aesthetic you’re going for?
Is there enough space to get ready?
Are there two rooms if you want to spend the night separately?
Are there proper amenities you’ll need to get ready?
Is it close enough that you can easily make it to and from the ceremony site without too many headaches on your wedding day?
How to Hire Vendors for an Elopement
To hire vendors for your elopement, you’ll want to figure out folks in the area you are traveling to. Sometimes you can order stuff ahead of time in your own area and bring it in yourself, but this isn’t always an option.
Florals. Who doesn’t love some beautiful flowers? Well, some of the parks might not want you to elope in. Always check online or with a park ranger to see what kind of flowers are allowed into the park.
For example, Death Valley won’t allow real flowers, Joshua Tree doesn’t allow dried flowers, etc. It’s important to follow all regulations—they’re there to keep the local flora and fauna healthy.
Hair & Makeup Artists: A lot of people choose to do their own hair and makeup, which is a great way to save money or work your creative skills. Then again, a professional hair and makeup artist knows how to keep you looking great all day long. Plus, for a lot of people, having someone else handle hair and makeup helps ease the stress of doing it yourself.
Food & Catering: Nothing quite hits the spot like having some tasty treats on your wedding day. There are lots of options here. You can bring in your own food for a picnic, hire a caterer to assist with food and drinks, visit a restaurant for a bite to eat post-wedding, or even reserve some tables with your lodging or venue (if applicable).
Need help finding vendors? I’ve been in the business for years and have worked with some amazing people. I can make recommendations if we work together.
Choosing an Outdoor Wedding or Elopement Photographer
Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography: Maybe I’m just being silly since I am an outdoor wedding and elopement photographer, but a photographer is the second most important vendor at your wedding. After all, who doesn’t want their day captured?
You’re putting quite a bit of work into planning a beautiful day, finding good vendors, looking your best, and having a fantastic time. You should document your wedding day with beautiful photography.
Consider these things when choosing the photographer that’s right for you:
Scroll through their portfolio, do you like their work?
Do you love the way they capture couples and edit their photos?
Do they have a good working knowledge of the area you want to get married in?
Are they experienced in photography, planning, and travel?
Do they sound like someone you’d want to spend the whole day with?
Sometimes, when couples elope, their photographer might be one of the only people around that day. Do their values align with yours, such as valuing inclusivity?
Thoughtful Touches for Your Wedding Day
This is a place for you to get creative. What jewelry do you want to wear? What details do you want to be photographed? Do you want a custom ring box? Or maybe matching pins or family heirlooms? Personalized jackets, attractive vow books, favorite food, and drinks, a wedding day playlist, or the first dance song (seriously I love it when couples do this) really add to the personality and uniqueness of your celebration.
I love capturing your love.
Are You Ready for Your Elopement or Outdoor Wedding?
If all of this seems like a lot, that’s because it is. Planning any event can be stressful, no matter how small. I hope this blog helps you get started, but I also want you to know that any good elopement photographer is here to help you through some of these planning decisions.
Book with Love & Latitudes today, and I’ll be more than happy to help you plan the perfect elopement or adventure wedding!