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HOW TO ELOPE
QUICK GUIDE TO HELP YOU TOWARDS YOUR ADVENTUROUS ELOPEMENT
THIS SOUNDS AMAZING!
BUT HOW DO WE DO IT?
AN ELOPEMENT IS AN INTENTIONALLY INTIMATE, MEANINGFUL AND AUTHENTIC WEDDING DAY EXPERIENCE THAT IS BUILT AROUND WHO YOU TWO ARE AND TO PERFECTLY REFLECT THE RELATIONSHIP THAT YOU TWO SHARE.
Although we've been photographing elopements and intimate weddings for some time now we completely understand how the term "Elopement" and how one can Elope can be not only confusing but a daunting task. It definitely was when we decided to have one ourselves. But GOOD NEWS! Since we've done it ourselves we can help you with some first-hand experience.
On this page, you will find all the answers to not only the questions we had when we were planning our wedding day, but how to elope FAQs that have been backed by curated surveys, advice on how to select your perfect elopement location, and some need to know facts on eloping.
The best thing and a major draw to eloping is that there are no rules for how your day can look. It's all up to you. It's a day about you, your love, your story, and only what you want to focus on.
So you have been cruising around the internet in search of some alternative ways to have your wedding day. Thinking about the traditional wedding day or major production and all the headache that comes along with it just doesn't feel right for you.
Elopements are no longer just running off to have a quick court wedding. They are hand-designed days of adventure uniquely put together for you two to celebrate your wedding day how you want it.
We think Elopements are a beautiful and unique adventure that allows couples to create the wedding day that they have been dreaming about.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ELOPING
from couples like you, answered by us
IS AN ELOPEMENT A LEGAL WAY TO GET MARRIED?
1
Yes, it is! Eloping is completely recognized as a legal marriage as long as you are abiding by the rules and regulations of the state or country you have chosen to elope in. If you don't like the rules where you will get married then just save all the paperwork for after.
DO WE NEED TO HAVE A WITNESS OR AN OFFICIANT?
2
The easy answer is sometimes. It really depends where you want to elope and if you want your elopement ceremony to be the moment you are legally recognized as married. Some states and countries due require a witness and an officiant.
-Both of us are ordained, so in recognizing states we can be your officiants!
CAN WE INVITE PEOPLE TO OUR ELOPEMENT?
3
Yes, you can!
Generally, we don't photograph celebrations of more than 25 people. Whether you just want to adventure alone as just you two, invite the immediate family, just best friends, or just your kids or dogs you can make it happen sounded by people who love you.
IS IT HARD TO ELOPE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY?
4
It's not hard at all. Where things get a little technical is if you want to be legally married in another country. That has the potential to be a little complex. But don't let that stop you. We will help you along the way.
WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHERE I WANT TO ELOPE?
5
Not a problem at all. The world is all yours and we have some places you can start. With all our years of traveling and photographing adventurous couples and stories, we have been able to compile a list to help kick start your planning.
PRO TIP: DON’T LET PAPERWORK RULE YOUR DAY! FOR MOST COUPLES, THE DAY THEY SAY THEIR VOWS AND COMMIT THEIR LIVES TO EACHOTHER IS THEIR WEDDING DAY. CHOOSING TO PUT OFF THE LEGALITIES FOR ANOTHER DAY DOESN’T MAKE YOUR ELOPEMENT ANY LESS THAN A WEDDING DAY. THIS IS A DAY WE CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE STORY.
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How do we know how much Photo coverage we will need?That's something we can help you figure out on our first Elopement consulation call. Think of it this way, if traditional weddings have at least 8 hours of coverage why should you get any less? This isn't a day of compromise, it's a day focused soley on you two and what makes you feel celebrated. So why not document the entire adventure for you to look back on and be able to share with your loved ones. Let's set up a call and talk about it!
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Can I bring family & friends?Of course! As long as they are there to celbrate you two and keep all the focus on you then YES bring them along and have them surround you two with love and support. Don't forget to bring you pup!
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What happens with bad weather or natural disaster?Some rain or fog will add for some epic adventures and an even more epic wedding day story. However, we always have a back up plan with a new location on hand for us to switch to. Elopements are perfect for making a last minute choice and fly where the wind takes us. We have our plan B or we can embrace the adventure ahead of us.
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How do we hike in our wedding attire?You don't have to hike out 5 miles to have an adventurous elopement. In fact, we don't have to hike out at all. If that isn't something you want to do it's not a requirment for you adventure. Some couples love to hike and we encourage it, however you don't need to hike in your wedding attire at all. Most of the time we hike out in comfortable clothes and then change at the location. We'll head back in wedding attire to capture some more awesome photos along the way of your dress flowing in the wind. You can even change back into your hiking clothes and wait to change again when you get back to the car or basecamp.
how to elope:
CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONAL ELOPEMENT CHECKLIST
This day is going to be your day and there won't be another like it. It is a day that you feel truly reflects you two and will make you the happiest you could possibly be. No two elopements are the same and there isn't a "one size fits all" checklist to create them either. Some steps may come before others but let us help guide you here with a general outline when it comes to planning your epic elopement wedding day!
1. PICK A DATE
This doesn't necessarily mean an exact date. Decide what season you would like to get married in. Do you want snow or spring flowers? If you have an idea of where you want to elope you'll need to look into how the time and seasons affect that location. Are there wet months or times when that place is not accessible?
3. Hire your Photographer
Ideally, we encourage this step to be first. We love working with couples that want to start from scratch. Not only can we help you guys find the exact location you want but we can also make sure that it is a time that works for both of us. We would hate to miss you due to schedules. If you already have a location or time in mind please still reach out. There is a chance we are still available for you!
2. Select a Location
This may come hand in hand with step 1. Let's say you saw a Bride on a mountain top or in a beautiful forest and you both have decided that that is where you want to Elope. Depending on the time of year will not only determine what that location looks like but wheater or not it is accessible.
4. Other Vendors
Now we can start reaching out to other vendors. The best time is right after you have locked in your location and date. The best plan is to hire local vendors where you're eloping to. Traveling with flowers or a cake can be a pain.
We have a list of local vendors in many locations and anywhere new we will do some digging and suggest some great local vendors for you to decide from.
5. Understand Local Laws
Next, we need to understand what is required of us in this location. What permits do we need, What are we allowed and not allowed to bring or do. What are the marriage licenses requirements? Do we need an Officiant? Do we need whitnesses? Which marriage Licenses do we need to aqure.
We also need to understand the rules of your ceremony locations and if they require a special use permit. All National Parks, National Forest, and other private locations will all be cheaper than a wedding venue but they have their own legalities and regulations we need to follow. Don't worry, we will help you navigate through this.
6. Attire
Now it's time to either purchase or rent your wedding day attire. When it comes to wedding dresses we always recommend something you are comfortable in and can move freely in. For spring/summer we suggest lightweight fabrics and for the cold be sure to wear some nude leggings under the dress. We have some great vendors we can recommend online that make beautiful dresses and suits that are adventure-friendly. Also, think about if you want to do a Trash the Dress session. We would love to photograph you two running through the ocean, cliff jumping, or snowboarding in your wedding attire. It'd fun and unique and makes for some killer wedding day photos you'll be proud to hang on your walls!
7. Personal Details
Jewelry, Jackets, Blankets, Backpacks, Food, Picnics, Mountian Bikes, Helicopters... This is the time to let your interests and uniqueness really shine through. What makes you guys special? Let's showcase it.
It can also be something as simple as letters to each other, Letters from family, Gifts from families, Video Messages from Friends and family. The list can go on and on.
8. Plan B
No matter how much time we spend we, unfortunately, can't control everything. We will do our best to guide you toward a time and season that is the most friendly but even storms happen and rain comes in. Even if plan B is just packing some umbrellas we will have this base covered.
When we do our location scouting we always have a couple of locations near the original or similar to in our back pocket we will run by you in case we need to fall back to them. We always strive to be hopeful and flexible but sometimes things don't go as planned. But we will do everything we can to make sure your day is completely special.
CONGRATS!
now that you know how to elope it's time to plan your epic adventure
We gave you a lot of information. Let it sink in and please reach out to us when you're ready to start this journey.
We want to help you guys through the logistics and help you bring this dream adventure to life. I know it can sound daunting and overwhelming but that's what we are here for. We are here for you two every step of the way, We will help take the stress off your shoulders and make this process an enjoyable one.
We believe eloping is the best way to get married and we will do what we can to make this dream of yours come true. You deserve to have the wedding day you dream about.
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