Thinking about Eloping? Here are 5 Tips on what you need to know!

Thinking about Eloping?

Here's what you need to know... (5 Tips)

First, what is Eloping?

Eloping is a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends, particularly their parents. Typically, those who elope only have a ceremony and do not host a reception or celebration.

What's the reason behind most elopements?

Couples that elope have said that they want to save money on a traditional wedding. This is actually mostly false. Most couples actually want to elope because they want more privacy, dislike being the center of attention, they also want to break from tradition and do something unconventional, like take a trip to a beach or hike to a mountain top.

Here are some tips on planning your elopement:

1. Check the laws of the elopement location you choose.

A. Do you need a permit? (The Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires all couples to acquire a permit to have their wedding in the park) And guess what? We have a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) for the Park

B. How much time do you have at that particular spot. Some of the more popular elopement locations may have a time limit for your ceremony.

C. If eloping out of the country, check marriage license laws in your state. You may have sign the marriage license in the states for it to be valid.

2. Book in advance

A. Although elopements can be quick and sometimes spur of the moment, it helps to book big trips or adventures in advance.

B. Hire your vendors ahead of time. An elopement wedding planner can be very helpful in finding certain locations and other vendors to help your elopement run smoothly. As a backup, your photographer can act as a wedding planner at times for you. When you hire us for your elopement, we can help you pick the perfect spots and help you pick other vendors as well. (Most elopement couples reach out 9-12 months in advance.)

3. Plan the Ceremony

A. Since an elopement is a break away from tradition, you can plan your elopement ceremony however you want. Pick out a non-traditional dress or tux. Go crazy with your color schemes.

B. Make sure you have enough time to capture the moment. This is all part of planning before, but if you need to hike 3 miles to get to the top of the mountain before sunset, make sure you have enough time to make it there and rest a bit before the sun goes down.

Elopements can be 1 hour or and all day event

4. Post-Elopement Party

A. This is becoming more common with eloping couples. Throwing a big party after sneaking away to get married. This could be just a few family or friends or a big bash with everyone you would have invited to a traditional wedding. It's up to you.

B. Having a nice dinner party is also a great way to celebrate.

(Brides.com TIP: When you’re phrasing invitations, swap out “invite you to the marriage of...” for “invite you to a celebration in honor of their marriage” so guests know you’ve already signed the marriage license and that they won’t be witnessing your vows.)

5. Announcements

A. Simple: Change Facebook status from In a relationship to Married

B. Let the world know by putting out an announcement in the local paper or sending formal announcement cards to friends and family.

Bonus: Just because you are eloping doesn't mean that you need to downplay the special moment between you two. Don't forget to indulge in all the aspects of your day.

Hire an experienced wedding photographer for their knowledge, location scouting, researching proper permits, creating timelines, etc. We've done 1-3 hour elopements and also all day coverage for those adventurous couples. Photography and Videography may be the biggest investment for couples that are eloping.