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Elopement Planning Guide: How to Elope with Style

Eloping has shed its old connotation of running away in secret. Today's elopements are intentional, beautifully planned celebrations where a couple exchanges vows in a meaningful location — just the two of them (plus perhaps a photographer, officiant, and a witness or two). It's a choice driven by values: prioritising the marriage over the wedding, the moment over the spectacle.

Couples choose to elope for many reasons: the desire for an intimate, pressure-free experience; the freedom to marry in a spectacular natural location; the wish to avoid family politics and guest-list stress; or simply the preference to invest their wedding budget in travel, a home, or their future together. Whatever the motivation, a well-planned elopement can be every bit as meaningful and memorable as a traditional wedding — often more so.

The key shift is intentionality. An elopement isn't about what you're skipping; it's about what you're choosing. You're choosing a ceremony focused entirely on each other, in a place that resonates with your relationship, documented by a professional who specialises in capturing intimate moments.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Decide What Elopement Means to You
Elopements exist on a spectrum. Some couples want truly just the two of them at a remote waterfall. Others include parents, siblings, or a handful of close friends (sometimes called a 'micro-elopement' with up to 10 guests). Discuss what feels right: Do you want witnesses? Will you tell people beforehand? Is there a post-elopement celebration? Getting aligned on these questions early prevents misunderstandings.
2
Choose Your Location
This is the heart of your elopement. Think about places that hold meaning: where you had your first trip together, a landscape that takes your breath away, a city you've always dreamed of visiting. Popular elopement locations include national parks, mountaintops, coastal cliffs, European city halls, secluded beaches, and desert landscapes. Consider accessibility, permit requirements, weather, and whether the location allows ceremonies.
3
Research Legal Requirements
Every jurisdiction has different marriage laws. Some locations (like Las Vegas or Denmark) make legal marriage incredibly easy for foreigners. Others (like France or Italy) require weeks of paperwork and residency. If your dream location has complicated legal requirements, consider completing the legal marriage at home and having a symbolic ceremony at your chosen spot.
4
Hire an Elopement Photographer
This is the one vendor you should not skip. An experienced elopement photographer does more than take photos — they act as a guide, helping you find the best light, suggesting ceremony timing, and often knowing the location better than a local. Look for photographers who specialise in elopements and adventure weddings, as their skillset is quite different from traditional wedding photographers.
5
Book Your Officiant
If you want a legally binding ceremony, you'll need a licensed officiant. For destination elopements, research local officiant requirements — some jurisdictions require specific credentials. Many elopement officiants offer personalised ceremony scripts based on interviews with the couple. If you're doing a symbolic ceremony, you have more flexibility — a close friend can officiate.
6
Plan Your Attire and Details
Elopement attire ranges from full wedding gowns and suits to casual, adventure-friendly outfits. Consider the terrain and weather: a lightweight dress works for a beach ceremony but not a mountaintop in October. Don't forget details like a bouquet (many elopement florists ship arrangements to your destination), rings, and personal vow books.
7
Write Personal Vows
Without an audience, elopement vows can be as long, raw, and personal as you want. Many couples write love letters to each other and read them simultaneously, or take turns sharing privately. This is the one time in your life you can say absolutely everything without worrying about a room full of relatives. Take advantage of it.
8
Plan the Celebration
After the ceremony, celebrate in a way that feels right. A champagne toast on a clifftop, a picnic with your favourite foods, dinner at an exceptional restaurant, or a multi-course meal for two at a Michelin-starred spot. Some couples plan a week-long trip around their elopement, turning it into an adventure honeymoon. Others host a post-elopement party weeks later for family and friends.

Pro Tips

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Write your vows in dedicated notebooks that you keep forever — they become one of the most treasured physical artefacts of your elopement.
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Plan a 'first look' moment even though you're the only two people there — having your photographer capture the moment you see each other in your wedding attire is priceless.
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Build in buffer time for weather delays, especially for outdoor locations. Mountain weather changes quickly, and a two-hour window gives your photographer flexibility to find the best conditions.
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Tell your immediate family before you elope (unless there's a compelling reason not to). A simple 'We've decided to elope — we love you and will celebrate with you when we return' prevents hurt feelings.
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Bring a Bluetooth speaker for your first dance — even if it's just the two of you swaying on a hillside, the music makes the moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eloping selfish?

No. Choosing a ceremony that reflects your values and relationship is inherently personal, and there is nothing selfish about prioritising authenticity over obligation. Many couples find that family and friends are more supportive than expected, especially when the decision is communicated with warmth and an invitation to celebrate together later.

How much does an elopement cost?

Elopements range from $1,000 to $15,000+, depending on the location, photographer, and travel involved. A simple local elopement with a photographer and officiant might cost $2,000–4,000. A destination elopement with travel, luxury accommodation, and an adventure photographer can range from $5,000–15,000. Even at the high end, this is typically a fraction of a traditional wedding.

Should we tell people before or after?

This is a personal decision, but most elopement planners recommend telling immediate family beforehand. A brief, loving conversation — 'We've decided to have a private ceremony because it feels right for us' — prevents them from feeling blindsided. Announce to the broader circle after the fact, ideally with beautiful photos and a warm message.

What if we want some guests but not a full wedding?

This is sometimes called a 'micro-elopement' or 'intimate elopement.' You can invite 2–10 of your closest people to witness the ceremony while keeping the experience small and personal. Set clear expectations — this isn't a reception, it's a ceremony with a dinner afterward. Most loved ones are honoured to be included in such an intimate moment.

Related Guides

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Elopement Planning Guide: How to Elope with Style

Step-by-Step Guide

Decide What Elopement Means to You

Choose Your Location

Research Legal Requirements

Hire an Elopement Photographer

Book Your Officiant

Plan Your Attire and Details

Write Personal Vows

Plan the Celebration