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HOW TO ELOPE Your Guide To Your Intimate Wedding Experience Exclusively for Tonya Miriam Photography s Couples 1

How This Works 6 steps to planning your elopement Just like there s not just one way to elope there s also not just one way to plan an elopement So while these are generally the steps to follow it s not always a linear process And if you need help along the way I m here for you 01 Dream up your best day The first step in any great creative process is to dream brainstorm This is where you and your partner explore all of the possibilities of what your day could look like without being hindered by details or logistics yet 02 Make the big decisions first The next step is plan out all of your details for your day including booking your travel and a place to stay choosing your vendors deciding on activities picking out your wedding day attire and gathering any other items or gear you may need 04 Craft your timeline Once you have all of the details decided if you have any and get ready to have an amazing day 4 06 Have the best day ever You did it Your day is here Relax and soak in every moment and be fully present with your partner Enjoy the incredible experience you created together as you say your vows and 5 Once you have an overall vision for what you two want out of your day it s time to make the biggest decisions that will affect your elopement experience the most who are you inviting where are you going and how long you re going for 03 Plan out the details on it s time to put your vision all together and create a timeline for your elopement or intimate wedding day or multiple days that fits everything you want to experience 05 Get ready to go Now the planning is done and you just need to gather everything you need pack for your trip make sure you communicate with your guests commit your lives to each other

01 Dream Up Your Best Day What would your wedding day look like if there were no boundaries Pro Tip Make brainstorming about your best wedding experience a date night When you first start planning your elopement the best mindset you and your partner can have is one with no boundaries This part of the process has nothing to do with limits so forget for a moment about what s feasible and just let yourself dream Cuddle up on the sofa have a delicious dinner or go for a walk to your favorite place whatever s your favorite way to spend quality time with your partner go do it I whole heartedly believe that no single elopement or intimate wedding is exactly like another just like there s no couple out there that s exactly the same So don t limit yourself to what you ve seen on blogs social media from friends and family or even from me Your wedding day is about creating a day that s going to make you feel the most alive happy relaxed and in love This part of the planning process is all about letting your imagination go wild and envisioning the most enjoyable day for the two of you that would celebrate your relationship in the most authentic way Forget about any restrictions for a moment and just dream big that s where you ll find what speaks most to you You ll have time to figure out the details later Start thinking about what the perfect elopement day would look like for you both if there were no obstacles in your way Grab your partner s hand seriously do it and shut your eyes Think hard about the day you re going to stand next to each other holding each other s hands like you re doing right now and saying your vows Try to picture it all Now ask yourself Where are you What do you see You don t need to know specifics to give this experiment a go this can be super vague to start Are you on top of a mountain you ve just hiked up Are you hanging out in a rooftop bar looking out at the city lights Are you standing between vines tasting wines Are you sitting in a kayak on a river Are you running hand and hand down a moody sandy beach toward a picnic blanket decked out with your favorite treats There are no wrong answers The most important thing is to try to let go of what anyone else thinks and to avoid shooting down ideas for not being practical just yet 6 7

Prompts to inspire you as you brainstorm Looking for a few creative questions to get the brainstorming going Here s some questions to think about together What have been the best days that you two have had together as a couple Where were you and what did you do together Describe how the perfect elopement day would feel are you relaxed Excited Happy Content Free of any and all stress Really talk about the feeling you re chasing Close your eyes and picture your wedding day what s it like Are there other people around Or is it just you Do you see busy streets family friends your dog s or an empty landscape What does the scenery look like Do you see mountains A city skyline A waterfall An ocean Cliffs A desert A lake A cabin in the woods A vineyard A beach What about the weather temperature and what you are wearing What would be the most comfortable and the most you How much time are you dedicating to your elopement Is it part of a honeymoon trip Is it a weekend adventure in your favorite spot or a multi week trek somewhere new Who do you see there with you on your day Your friends Family members Your furry best friend Or are you craving a just for us day What are you doing on your day together on your wedding day are you going out for a drive or going on a hike What about relaxing in a hammock or soaking in a hot spring What does your ceremony look like Are you reading vows Are there religious or traditional aspects Is there something meaningful you d love to include that s special for you How did you fall in love are there ways you want to implement that into your ceremony A special place A special moment A special song Are you eating your favorite foods on your elopement day Drinking your favorite beverages Pro Tip Write down all of the ideas that are sparked during this process so that you can refer back to them later when you re making concrete decisions 8 9

02 Make the Big Decisions First Once you have come up with the overall vision for your day the next step of the planning process is about making the biggest decisions that will most affect your elopement experience who you re inviting where you re getting married and how long your whole trip is going to be Take your time with these and make sure what you choose is in alignment with what you two decided you wanted out of your wedding experience when you were brainstorming 10 11

Decide On Who ARE YOU INVITING ANY FRIENDS OR FAMILY For some couples this is a super easy question to answer and for others it s more of a debate The truth is an elopement doesn t have to be just two people You can definitely still have an intimate elopement experience and a day that s fully centered on your relationship with your closest friends and or family involved However if you do decide to invite family or friends along whether it s just a celebratory meal the getting ready portion of the day just the ceremony or the whole day make sure they re fully on board with your vision and understand that you re not having a big traditional wedding but a unique celebration that s authentic to your relationship Things to consider when considering eloping with family or friends Out of the people you re considering inviting is everyone on that list going to be just as excited as you about the experience and be fully on board for what you have envisioned for your day Is there someone who you think it would be really meaningful to hear your vows or would you rather read them privately to your partner without anyone else listening Do you feel like inviting a few people could result in a snowball effect where you have to continue to invite more or is there a clearly defined short list that you don t imagine would spiral out of control may try to take over or take control of your experience try to shift focus away from what matters to the two of you or who makes you uncomfortable nervous or stressed out How accessible do you envision your ceremony location is going to be Can everyone you want to invite physically make it to that kind of spot What about transportation and lodging Where is everyone traveling from and is it possible for them to get to and from your location Are there going to be suitable places for everyone to stay nearby Is there anyone you re planning to invite that As you decide remember that there are many beautiful ways to include family or friends in your getting married experience even if they re not physically present when you say your vows There s no right or wrong answer here as you re following your heart Don t compromise Don t fall victim to expectations Don t let anyone else tell you how to have your day that s what big weddings are for 12 13

How to involve friends family on your elopement day If you do decide to bring friends and family along to your elopement there are multiple options on how you can include them in your day HAVE ONE INTIMATE CEREMONY SPLIT UP THE DAY Planning a single ceremony to include your family and friends in your elopement is a beautiful way to have the people closest to you standing right by your side as you commit your lives to each other The only caveat is that you might have to consider making compromises about the ceremony location to make sure to accommodate everyone s needs If you want to involve your family and friends in your ceremony but don t want to make compromises on your ceremony location you can have a private vow reading with just you and your partner and then have another ceremony with your family and friends during a different part of the day You can choose to read the same vows for both ceremonies or you can keep your vows private and have a different type of ceremony in front of your family and friends This way you get to read your vows in total privacy in the exact location you re envisioning but also have a meaningful ceremony with your closest people next to you SPREAD IT OVER TWO DAYS INCLUDE THEM IN OTHER INTIMATE MOMENTS If you like the idea of doing two ceremonies but feel like that would make for a very long day spreading your elopement experience over two days can be the perfect solution to really being able to relax and not feel super rushed or exhausted You can include your friends and family on the first day and then have a second day all to yourselves Or you can have your dream 2 person elopement experience on day 1 and then celebrate and take photos with your friends and family on the following day 14 15 Your family and friends can be physically present and involved in your wedding day even if you don t necessarily want to have a ceremony with them You can invite them to help you get ready or see your first look before sending you off to have an entirely private ceremony by yourselves Or you can invite them to just take some formal portraits with you afterward and have a celebratory dinner in the evening

How to involve friends family if they re not physically present If you choose to have a just us 2 person wedding or if you have family members or friends who aren t able to be physically present you can still involve them in the process of you getting married in many creative and beautiful ways Throw an engagement party Ask them to help you pick out your wedding attire Invite them to watch you sign your marriage license before you leave for your trip Include family heirlooms as detail items in your day Facetime Skype or Zoom them on your day Invite them to write letters that you ll read during your ceremony your day Send them photos videos and selfies during your day Open gifts or cards from them on your day Bring something back for them from your trip Have a party or reception with them after your elopement Share your full gallery of photos with them you can even have a photo reveal party Gift them prints or an album Invite them to write letters that you ll read during 16 17

TIP 2 Tell Them Face To Face Or on a Video TIP 4 Keep Them Involved Share As Many Call Details As You Can How to tell your friends family of your plans Many couples opt for telling their friends and family that they are eloping in person because it makes it easier to explain why you are choosing an elopement and to share your genuine excitement through your expression and voice If they don t live close by video chat is the closest replacement to telling them inperson TIP 3 Share Your Reasons Why Some friends and family members might react to your plans based upon the misconception that your elopement means excluding them and explaining your reasoning behind why you decided to elope can help relieve those negative feelings A few common reasons you can share are We wanted to do something incredibly Whether you re eloping just the two of you or inviting some friends family but not others it s important to think through how you want to communicate your decision to have a wedding day that s unique to the two of you You can choose to tell everyone in advance and even send out an announcement or you can tell a select few people only or keep your plans entirely secret and announce it after Do what feels the most empowering to the two of you that will enable you to relax and fully enjoy your day without anyone else s opinions or expectations These are my best tips on how to make the news go over as smoothly as possible if you choose to share TIP 1 Drop Hints And Be Obvious Dropping hints before getting engaged or announcing your elopement can ease friends and family into the idea of you eloping without you formally having to tell them yet reducing objections and any surprises If there are certain people you expect will be more skeptical of the idea of an elopement you can also ask other friends and family members to help you drop hints too 18 19 meaningful to us on our wedding day We wanted our wedding day to be truly intimate and not performative We wanted to spend as much time together on our wedding day making each other happy instead of any guests We wanted to say our vows in a beautiful and private place that just won t fit a huge group We wanted the process of getting married to be as stress free as possible We don t want to wait to plan and pay for a big traditional wedding and we are ready to celebrate our love sooner by eloping We decided to save for a house a travel experience or another investment instead of spending that money on a party Asking your friends and family to participate in your planning process can help them feel like they are still involved in your big day in some way while also reassuring them that they are not being excluded Telling your friends and family about all the details of your elopement day can help them understand the time energy effort and thought that you ve put into creating your elopement ceremony and why it s perfect for you and your relationship Keeping them informed allows them to feel involved and excited since they know what you are planning TIP 5 Share Your Photos With Them Some couples reveal their elopement with their friends and family by surprising them with the elopement pictures which are the best and most tangible way to show how much fun you had on your actual elopement day Sharing your photos can help those who weren t present understand what your elopement was all about because they can see your joy your happiness and overall how incredible the day was for you and your partner TIP 6 Remember The Day Is For You It s good to empathize with friends and family who may be initially disappointed in your plans but don t forget that your wedding day is a celebration of your love with your partner not anybody else and that you deserve to have the day that feels right and authentic to you

Decide On Where 4 SECLUSION WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SAY YOUR VOWS There are a ton of factors that will affect your elopement day but picking your location is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle that will determine the experience of your elopement day Your location should feel right for you it should be somewhere you feel overwhelmingly happy somewhere you feel absolutely alive somewhere you know you and your partner can focus on each other and truly be in the moment 5 MEANING FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING YOUR LOCATION 1 SCENERY VIEWS What type of scenery do you and your partner feel connected to What views fill you with a sense of happiness inspiration and peace Where would feel the most you to say your vows Remember back to your brainstorming stage of the process and what you two determined about your vision for your day What scenery would fulfil that experience that you re dreaming of Some types of scenery and landscapes really shine at certain times of year so consider the season you ve chosen to elope and what types of scenery are best at that time of year If you re getting married in the spring waterfalls tend to be flowing there best there s usually a lot of snow at high altitudes and the desert can be quite pleasant If you re eloping in the middle of summer you could go somewhere with blooming wildflowers and high elevations are more accessible If you re eloping in the fall consider where the best fall colors may be How accessible your location is will greatly affect your elopement day experience What types of transportation are you and any potential guests willing to take to get to your spot A long car ride A bumpy 4x4 road A bush plane float plane helicopter gondola or ferry Are you and any potential guests excited about hiking to a location Make sure you deeply consider what experience would be the most fun relaxing and totally you How accessible you want your spot to be can help you narrow down your location options Also keep in mind any other guests that might be attending and their capacity to travel or hike 20 Beyond saying your vows and taking portraits what else do you want to do on your elopement day or weekend or longer Whether you want to relax in a hammock between the trees take a helicopter or float plane ride go sailing kayaking paddleboarding skiing paragliding wine tasting or stargazing some locations will lend themselves better to certain activities When you are planning these activities as a part of your day and your overall trip keep in mind realistically how long they will take and how long it might take to get from one to the next with a buffer just in case If you have your heart set on a particular activity this could help you narrow down where you choose to elope 7 GUESTS 3 ACCESSIBILITY Be intentional about the place you decide on and the significance it has to you now or could have to you in the future Maybe it is a favorite place to travel to with your partner a place you ve always wanted to go or a place that you could travel back to every year to celebrate your anniversary 6 EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES 2 SEASONS WEATHER In a perfect world your elopement location would ideally have world class postcard scenery super easy accessibility and total seclusion but most of the time you usually have to prioritize two out of those three Some locations that are easier to access usually have less privacy because of it The general rule of thumb although not a set rule is that the further you are willing to travel the more secluded your spot will probably be so ask yourself how many people you would be comfortable having around or how much privacy you would be willing to give up for a Instagram trending view You can also find great seclusion at hidden gem locations that are just as gorgeous as the Instagram trendy spots just less well known Eloping at sunrise is another way to get more privacy at a typically busy spot 21 Do you want others to be involved in your elopement or just you and your partner If you do opt to invite guests be intentional with how many people you invite aware of any accessibility or travel needs and decide on how much of the day they will be involved in Figuring out the number of guests involved is an important component of choosing a location since some locations have very specific limits on the number of guests that can be in attendance but don t be discouraged because there are gorgeous places out there that can accommodate more guests Just be certain that you are setting realistic expectations with any guests in attendance about how much traveling is involved and how much they are going to be involved with your elopement day

DON T FORGET TO THINK ABOUT PERMITS Tips for picking the best location for you PRIORITIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE You ve chose to elope in the first place because you and your partner wanted to be true to your authentic selves and have a fun stress free day so don t pick a location that isn t aligned with what you two know about yourselves and what you really enjoy doing together on an everyday basis There are endless beautiful places in the world so don t feel any pressure to travel too far hike too far or do anything that isn t you just to get to a certain backdrop The most important thing is that you two enjoy your day so make sure the spot you pick and what s required to get there is aligned with that DON T RULE OUT A MULTI LOCATION ELOPEMENT Can t decide on a single spot for your elopement location Then don t Going to more than one location is a really great way to get a ton of variety of scenery activities and experiences If you two love touring around sightseeing and soaking in as much as possible a multi location elopement could be perfect for you Also remember that you don t have to fit your elopement experience into one single day if there are several spots you want to Many locations on public lands like National Parks State Parks National Forest Land BLM Land etc require permits in order to have a ceremony or have a photographer videographer document it professionally Before finalizing your location make sure you contact the designated person or entity in charge of that location like a ranger station or park staff in charge of special events special use or commercial use permits and get first hand information on what s required for your specific event Some locations don t require a permit for smaller events but it s important to always check ahead of time Ask about how much time would be needed to secure the permit possible restrictions of the permits how many guests that permit would allow for whether or not the photographer would need to apply for a seperate commercial use permit and what the costs of the permits are It s best to get permit information in writing in case you are asked to show proof BE READY TO LEAVE NO TRACE Leave No Trace is a set of ethics that everyone who recreationally uses the outdoors should strive to practice in order to do their part in protecting the environment It is made up of 7 principles that guide decisions to leave the least amount of impact possible on outside spaces visit and see together don t be afraid to spread your experience across more than one day START THINKING ABOUT BACKUP LOCATIONS While it s important to consider all of the factors that will help you narrow down to the most ideal elopement location it s just as important to think about backup locations When deciding on your first choice location remember that sometimes conditions can be unpredictable like road closures or bad weather especially if you want to elope outdoors Having a flexible attitude toward where exactly you end up saying your vows can really help your wedding day be perfect no matter what circumstances you run into I recommend deciding on a few backup options in the early stages of the planning process so you ll feel super prepared in case they are needed Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of other Visitors To best follow Leave No Trace you should do research beforehand so that you can make a plan to stick to trails and other durable surfaces be ready to leave everything you find and pack out everything that you bring in and be prepared in case you encounter any local wildlife Following the Leave No Trace ethics helps preserve outdoor spaces and our access to them by making sure that we use them sustainability and responsibly so that you can return to whatever location you choose to have a vow renewal or anniversary session and still have it be as pristine as the day that you got married 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics www LNT org 22 23

Decide on the length of your trip celebrations The journey from dating to being married can have many steps and thresholds that you two cross as a couple so the final big picture decision to make about your experience of getting married is how many days your whole trip is going to be and if there s any additional celebrations you plan to have along the way MULTI DAY ELOPEMENT Who says your wedding has to all fit into one single day It doesn t Many couples choose to spread the joy over multiple days You may want to consider a multi day elopement if you want some of your time to be with friends family and some of it to be just you two You may also have grand plans of exploring multiple places or going on a lengthy adventure just the two of you that spans multiple days Make sure the overall trip you are planning includes time for your celebration to extend beyond just one day so that after you book travel lodging so you don t look back and wish Ah I wish we had carved out more time In my experience no one has ever said they wish they had planned a shorter trip so when in doubt go for more days rather than less 24 25

POST ELOPEMENT RECEPTION One very popular route many couples take that helps more friends and family feel included is to have a party or celebration after their elopement day You can have a reception the day after your elopement or in the same week but from experience I d suggest you plan it 3 6 months afterward so it s not stressing you out on your actual wedding day A reception can be anything from a casual BBQ in your backyard to taking over a local brewery or restaurant to doing something fancy in a catered venue Deciding to have a reception may change who you want to invite to your actual wedding day or where you decide you want to elope so this is a great decision to make early in the process before you re too deep into planning ENGAGEMENT SESSION Just because you re eloping doesn t mean you shouldn t still have an engagement session Engagement sessions are a fantastic way to enjoy the excitement of being engaged have another fun adventure with your partner and practice being relaxed in front of the camera If you two have never been photographed professionally before it can be really fun to go out on a totally casual adventure with me your photographer in your everyday attire and do something fun together that I ll document before your wedding day Engagement photos are also perfect to use in elopement announcements intimate wedding invitations a guest book or in decor for your elopement If you d like to chat more about doing an engagement session just shoot me an email and I d be stoked to chat about it with you 26 27

Plan Out the Details 03 Once you ve figured out the big picture decisions for your day who you re inviting where you re going and how long your trip is going to be the next step of your elopement planning process is to plan out the details You re going to need to book your travel book a place to stay either for just the two of you or also for your guests choose what vendors to hire what activities you two want to include in your experience pick out your wedding day attire and gather any extra gear you may need I ll be honest this step can feel a bit overwhelming and lengthy and yeah there s a lot going on Just remember that your elopement day is all about what you want so if your vision doesn t include some of the things I go over here don t sweat it What matters most is that you two are planning the day that speaks to you Take your time with all of these decisions and most of all have fun with it I m here for you every step of the way so if you have any questions or want more ideas or suggestions feel free to reach out with questions I ve got your back 28 29

Book Your Travel First of all before booking your travel make sure you ve confirmed your chosen elopement location with me That way I can make sure everything s squared away and even give you some travel advice that s specific to the spot you re headed TRAVEL BOOKING PRO TIPS I basically travel for a living so along the way I ve picked up a few must know tips for booking your best travel experience TIP 1 Schedule So You Can Get to Your Location Early One thing I ve learned by traveling is to not fly in the day before a big activity so if at all possible I highly suggest getting to your wedding location as early as your schedule allows If there s a time change from your home to your destination giving yourself a few days to get adjusted really helps If you re going to a high elevation location it s extremely helpful to have at least 48 72 hours to acclimate to the altitude before doing anything strenuous to best avoid altitude sickness No matter how far you re headed giving yourself time to get settled and gather all of your day of details without any stress flowers marriage licenses wedding cake etc is a much more relaxing experience TIP 2 Check Flight Sales Use Rewards if you have them If you have been collecting travel rewards with credit cards this could be a great reason to redeem them and splurge on your travel experience Oftentimes business class or first class flights are a really good value to redeem with points If you haven t explored credit card rewards for travel yet exploring these 2 sites is a great place to start thepointsguy com millionmilessecrets com Flight sales may make more sense than using points You can use the following to set flight alerts for sales from your local airport to monitor sales for particular routes you are interested in or to use their explore or map functions to find the best flight deals google com flights kayak com scottscheapflights com airfarewatchdog com 30 31

Book Your Lodging When it comes to planning your elopement picking where you ll stay is almost as fun as choosing your ceremony spot It s the place you ll wake up on your wedding day and where you ll come back to after you re married I personally suggest viewing your lodging as part of your whole wedding experience Think outside the box and give yourself permission to consider really fun rentals like cute Airbnbs A frames in the woods treehouses yurts oceanside villas or any kind of place that s you think is aesthetically appealing super enjoyable and fits the vibe for the rest of your day Pick somewhere that you two will thoroughly love spending time together PRO TIPS FOR BOOKING LODGING Think about natural light and aesthetics Are there good windows in your space Does the decor vibe with the vision you have for your day You might want some getting ready or other photos where you re staying and good lighting and decor can make a huge difference in your photos Check reviews Especially when it comes to lodging it s important to read listing descriptions and reviews thoroughly before booking to avoid any unwanted surprises How far is it from your ceremony spot Map your route on Google Maps between your ceremony spot and where you plan to stay I suggest trying to find lodging as close to your location as possible within 60 minutes drive if you can so that you don t have to spend too much of your day driving Some more remote areas may require more travel but the closer you can stay to your ceremony location the smoother your timeline will be Get some privacy If you re having an intimate wedding with guests think about booking your own space the night before and after your elopement so you can get plenty of rest and enjoy even more time together just the two of you 32 33 NEED SOME ACCOMMODATION INSPIRATION I M HERE FOR YOU Where you stay for your elopement will absolutely affect your experience so find a place that makes you happy Here are a few resources I like to scope out when I m looking for fun unique places to stay a Airbnb b VRBO c Glamping Hub d Boutique Homes e Under Canvas f InvitedHome g Book a Treehouse h Castle Rentals

Choose Your Vendors Details Vendors aren t just for traditional weddings I promise While it s not required to hire any particular vendors hair makeup artist florist etc for your day partnering with a few high quality amazing vendors who are on board with helping you create your dream elopement can absolutely elevate your experience and showcase your unique style Hiring vendors isn t necessarily about turning your day into a big production but about getting some help so you don t have to do everything yourself High quality vendors means you can relax knowing some of the big day of to do s are in the hands of a professional and you can just sit back and enjoy the experience The most common vendors that couples hire for elopements intimate weddings are florists hair makeup artists officiants chefs caterers and videographers If you have an idea and aren t sure who to hire to help just ask Here s my best advice on how to pick the best high quality vendors Before you hire any vendor read lots of reviews to make sure they not only have the professional skills required but also fit with the vibe and experience you re looking for If a vendor is going to be physically present on your day see if you can talk to them on the phone or a video call to get a feel for their personality and make sure you enjoy being around them If you re not sure where to start when it comes to looking for vendors don t worry there are plenty of resources to search through like The Knot Wedding Wire Google Junebug Weddings Green Wedding Shoes Instagram Hashtags Pinterest more Read contracts carefully and make sure everything you ve agreed upon is in writing Remember I have a lot of suggestions for talented vendors based in or around the locations I shoot in frequently I d be more than happy to share them all with you Just ask me 34 35

Things to Consider When Hiring These Vendors HAIR MAKEUP ARTIST I ve gotten a lot of feedback from couples that they were happiest with their photos when they looked closer to their everyday selves For example if you typically wear your hair down a fancy updo might not be the best option for you on your wedding day Similarly if you don t wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis you might not feel comfortable with a heavy makeup style on your wedding day To keep your skin looking true to life it s best to avoid mineral sunscreens spray tans and self tanner on or before your elopement day FLORIST Professionally designed florals can add so much color and romantic wedding vibes to your day in a way that can be totally customized to your style The floral arrangements I ve seen that work the best for elopements need to hold up to transport well and also potential outdoor elements such as hot or cold temperatures or wind Ask your florist for hearty blooms that aren t super fragile and look for things like dried flowers grasses plants with woody stems sustainably sourced feathers and materials that don t produce seed Depending on your location you may need to go with native non invasive species Tell them if you are hiking or expect the flowers to be jostled around a lot If so communicate that you re looking for a hearty bouquet that will last Send photos and inspiration of what you re looking for Are you looking for a more wild bouquet or something more round and traditional Would you like any floral hair pieces Boutonnieres Corsages Additional florals for decorating Loose stems to use for photos of your details Be sure to trust in the professional and let them OFFICIANT guide you through color theory and the creative process Do your best to remain open to the ideas a collaborative process always results in the most wonderful outcomes Marriage laws vary greatly throughout countries and states For example in some U S states you can legally self solemnize marry yourselves while others may require an officiant and or witness es In some states you can even have a friend or family member get ordained easily and for free through an organization like the Universal Life Church which is recognized in most U S states If you do choose to have an officiant they will play an important role in your ceremony so it s important to make sure you find someone you really click and connect with VIDEOGRAPHER Video can be a great additional way to document your elopement story When considering adding video to your day it s key to find a videographer with a similar shooting approach to your photographer I personally prefer collaborating with non intrusive documentary style videographers who don t turn your day into a production To keep an intimate and When talking with your florist Let them know your budget color schemes season location and vision for your day 36 37 private feel to your elopement day consider hiring a solo videographer instead of a team of videographers CATERING PRIVATE CHEFS It s super important to stay well fed and hydrated during your day and one of the easiest things to forget about is food Hiring a private chef to create you a stunning and delicious one of a kind meal is a well worth the indulgence experience that you ll never forget Don t be afraid to treat yourself and remember that this is your wedding day and while hiring your top choice chef or caterer might cost more per person than someone would typically spend on a plate of food for a big wedding with less guests or just the two of you it s something definitely worth considering splurging on

MUSICIAN A musician can be a great touch to your elopement day Having live music can really amplify your elopement day experience whether you plan to invite someone to play softly during your ceremony or you hire your favorite local band to perform a private concert as you enjoy dinner and dancing Your baker will be able to guide you with portion sizes for the number of guests and will work with you to create the perfect design Pinterest is a great place to gather some inspiration ahead of time too If this isn t an area you d like to splurge on but you d still like to enjoy a nice treat consider going to a nearby bakery or organic grocery store and purchasing a pre made dessert You can Some considerations easily transfer it to a beautiful plate add some floral decorations around the edges and have a Not all locations allow amplified music especially professional looking dessert in no time in National Parks and public spaces so a live musician can be a great alternative PLANNERS Your lodging can offer a great private space for your wedding concert especially if amplified music is not permitted at your ceremony site Consider the mood you re setting Are you looking for something mellow and acoustic Or something more upbeat for dancing and celebrations Will you be doing a first dance Are there specific songs you d like played Remember music can be a great source of entertainment for all especially if there will be some down time for guests while you re out taking portraits DESSERTS WEDDING CAKES Many eloping couples choose to indulge in some sort of sweets on their wedding day Hey why not Traditionally the dessert of choice is wedding cake but you could absolutely think outside of the box and choose any favorite dessert pies cookies cupcakes ice cream donuts etc While I love helping couples find amazing outdoor locations for wedding ceremonies portraits and giving all of the advice I have I m not a full service elopement planner who will book vendors for you If you need in depth assistance with booking lodging catering would like to have someone do all the coordination with your vendors or are looking for a day of coordinator who could help with set up and tear down I d suggest reaching out to a full service planner who specializes in elopement and intimate wedding planning OUT OF THE BOX VENDOR IDEAS Some unique ideas to infuse into your wedding day A jeweler that will let you make your own rings A tattoo artist who will give you wedding day tattoos A hot air balloon helicopter or float plane pilot A professional 4x4 or vintage vehicle driver A rock climbing canyoneering or mountaineering guide 38 39

Choose Your Activities While big traditional weddings have a pretty set plan of events they tend to follow when you elope the activities you can do during your day aren t limited to just a ceremony and a reception Open your mind to your wedding day being a lot more than saying vows and taking a few portraits this is your chance to craft an entire day together from start to finish that is as much fun as and representative of who you two actually are as possible The best place to start this process With a few questions Ask yourselves things like What are our favorite activities to do together What do we do for fun on a daily weekly or monthly basis How could we incorporate what we love to do on our elopement day Is there a new activity that we want to try together on our elopement day Think outside the box Get creative and don t be afraid to splurge it s your wedding day after all 40 41

Activity Ideas WATER ACTIVITIES Feel alive on the water There are so many water activities you can do on your elopement day HIKING ADRENALINE PUMPING ACTIVITIES From a 2 mile hike to a 2 day trek nothing says badass elopement like a hiking adventure to your ceremony spot Whether you love a casual jaunt in the woods to connect with nature or absolutely love tackling a tough hike together there are so many trails out there I d be happy to show you Unless you re a certified professional you re going to want to hire a guide for some of these activities 4X4 ROADS If your ideal spot is on a 4x4 road consider renting a jeep or hiring a driver so you can access it and relax and enjoy the ride You can also access 4x4 locations by renting ATV or UTV vehicles HELICOPTERS PLANE RIDES Not a hiking fan You don t have to be Easily access amazing places in the backcountry with total privacy by helicopter or plane Get dropped off on a mountain a glacier a remote island this is basically a cheat code for seeing multiple landscapes without hiking or driving Taking a hot air balloon ride is another magical transportation experience where you can see the world from above Paragliding Rappelling Hiking a Via Ferrata Rock Climbing or Bouldering Skydiving Base Jumping Bungee Jumping Slacklining or Highlining Canyoneering or Caving Sandboarding or Sandsledding Mountain biking Dancing Canoes Kayaks Paddleboards White water rafting Fishing Soaking in hot springs Cliff jumping Packrafting Scuba diving or snorkeling Jetskiing SNOW ACTIVITIES Eloping in the winter or late spring in the mountains There are so many snow activities you could consider for your elopement day RELAXING ACTIVITIES Sightseeing Laying or walking on a beach Going on a safari Taking a motorcycle ride Riding bikes Horseback riding Soaking in a hot tub Relaxing in a hammock together Doing yoga together Drawing or painting Hanging out in a treehouse Having a picnic Wine tasting Drink tea or coffee Fishing Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Skiing downhill or cross country Snowboarding Sledding Snowball fight Ice skating NIGHT ACTIVITIES Just because the sun sets doesn t mean the fun is over There are so many night activities you can include in your day 42 43 Stargazing Cozying up next to a campfire Making s mores cooking a campfire dinner First dance by firelight Night hiking CAMPING GLAMPING BACKPACKING GLAMPACKING If you think it would be fun to camp the night before or after your elopement you can pitch a tent yourself or rent a glamping experience You could take a few days to backpack on a trail you ve always wanted to explore or book a guided overnight where your stuff is carried for you and camp is all set up glampacking ACTIVITIES WITH GUESTS KIDS DOGS Want to involve your friends family kiddoes or fur babies in some activities on your day Here s a few ideas Go on a walk with your dog Play yard games Play card games Have a dance party Pi atas Photo or video booth Karaoke PLAN OUT YOUR ACTIVITIES Some of these ideas don t require a lot of planning to incorporate them into your wedding day while others you re going to want to book in advance or hiring a professional guide Make sure you schedule enough time for these in your day or days so that you can enjoy them fully without feeling rushed

Purchasing your attire and gear WHAT DO YOU WANT TO WEAR ON YOUR WEDDING DAY I m going to hit you with another disclaimer here before we dive right in If it hasn t sunk in yet your elopement day is all about doing exactly what you want to do so your attire is no different Ultimately you should feel 100 comfortable happy beautiful and wonderful in whatever you wear so please don t feel any pressure to wear something that doesn t speak to you My best advice in the beginning stages of picking out your wedding attire is to keep an open mind Many couples have told me that they started shopping for one particular style in mind and ended up with choosing something completely different It happens often It s helpful if you can find a local shop or boutique to try on a few styles in person Even if you re planning to eventually make your purchase online it s nice to see how different styles look and feel on you in person so you are confident that you have a good idea what you re looking for before making an online purchase When picking out attire remember that you re likely going to be wearing it all day so consider how heavy it is how comfortable it is how easily you can move in it Think about what activities you plan to do in your attire and what kind of attire would work best without holding you back from having tons of fun Your perfect wedding attire is the one that best fits you if you re happy comfortable and feel amazing you re doing it right There are no rules pick what you love the most 44 45

Tips for Picking the Best Dress or Skirt Your dress doesn t have to be white it can be any temperatures find some cozy shawls or jackets that coordinate with your dress and that you would be excited about being photographed in color you want Black blue yellow patterned multi colored whatever you want go for it If you re having an outdoor elopement it s likely there will be a natural breeze See how the dress flows and reacts to movement Pick up the bottom fabric and mimic wind twirl and spin to see how flowy it is A simple skirt can look epic if it s moved the right way so sometimes the best windblown looks come from a dress that might seem a little boring on the hanger Not looking for a dress but still want something sort of flowy Try looking for skirts and sweaters Maybe even a jumpsuit Think through who will be joining you while shopping and doing fittings if anyone I recommend only inviting people who are supportive of your vision are totally on your team and who can give you kind and honest feedback when asked If you plan to do a longer hiking elopement it s a great idea to pack your dress in a backpack and then change when you get to your ceremony spot consider avoiding heavier materials like corsets boning tulle and super puffy skirts Go for something lightweight Keep in mind that some dress shops can take up to 6 months to actually get a gown in then you ll also want to leave yourself with additional time for any necessary alterations Even if you re not hiking you ll likely want to be able to move around freely Are you able to take a big upward step in the dress Will you be able to climb up on a rock or tree stump for an epic photo Raise both arms up dance skip run swish it Make sure it has the movement you love Never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision It s ok to leave a shop having not found the perfect dress You will find the one Is the dress lightweight enough for all day wear Leave it on for an extended period of time and make sure it remains comfortable Can you sit down in a chair comfortably in the dress Can you sit comfortably on the ground Do some jumping jacks and dance around How does it feel Does the dress bounce back into place or does it need a lot of adjusting after movement Are you interested in any accessories Veils capes and shoulder shawls can add extra movement and add tons of drama to your photos Consider layering options that will go with the dress If your elopement might have colder 46 47

Tips for Picking the Best Suit or Tux Your suit doesn t have to be black and the top Mke sure your choices are easy to move around doesn t have to match the bottom Mixing and matching colors and materials for jackets and pants can be a fun way to add personality to your attire Don t be afraid to think outside the traditional box in and don t fall off too easily Try taking big strides squatting down sitting in a chair sitting on the ground stretching and jumping around See how easy it is to move in the attire and make sure it d be comfortable enough to adventure in Do this when trying outfits on and during alterations and if you encounter issues with your attire staying in place suspenders or a belt could help Consider fun patterns and materials in your ensemble It s okay to go for corduroy pants a leather jacket a shirt with penguins on it or a knitted cardigan Not everything has to be black tie formal or traditional linen Consider bringing along a few trusted people to help you make your selection and give you kind feedback on what works best for you Don t forget about accessories Adding unique details like suspenders vests bolo ties bow ties neckerchiefs scarves hats belts belt buckles pocket watches cufflinks and pocket squares can be another way to add more interest detail and personality into your attire 48 Consider leaving some additional room to add a base layer underneath your suit if you ll be in a cold environment on your wedding day Again the most important thing about your wedding attire is how it makes you feel Be authentic to that 49

Tips for Picking the Best Footwear Don t Forget to Layer Up The right type of footwear matters for most occasions but especially on your wedding day Consider the environment that you re eloping in Make sure your footwear is appropriate for where you re going and will enable you to have the most enjoyable time I usually recommend going for function over form for shoes as they don t tend to be the most important focal point of your photos but uncomfortable footwear can really hinder your experience If you re eloping outdoors good solid footwear with actual tread is important when walking Weather can be very unpredictable in the great outdoors so if you re eloping somewhere that could be chilly cold or windy layers are going to be your best friend or hiking on natural surfaces There could be great photo spots on top of rocks boulders etc that require stable footing so unless you plan to spend 100 of your day on flat pavement or a manicured lawn you re likely going to want supportive shoes with good grip For most locations I personally recommend against wearing heels or dress shoes that are In high elevations in mountainous areas it can snow as late as June and as early as September and snow can last year round in some spots Even if it s just a chilly morning cloudy or a bit windier than expected on your day having an extra layer to put on can make all the difference in the world to how much fun you re having If your location is cold you might want to leave extra room in your boots for thick socks and Knowing how to layer and which layers to choose is going to be hugely important to ensure your elopement experience is comfortable and full of excitement there s no such thing as bad weather just bad gear OK sometimes there s bad weather but gear is going to make all the difference If your location has the potential to be snowy or icy get a pair of traction spikes that fit over Base layers I highly suggest wearing fleece or completely smooth on the bottom good tread and support means more options for exploring and moving around freely without worrying about tripping falling sliding or twisting an ankle toe warmers Make sure to get a great pair and extra pair of wool socks which will wick moisture away from your skin and provide better insulation even when wet Toe warmers can also be a lifesaver for cold environments Your extremities are the first to get cold so I definitely suggest stuffing a few in your boots wool leggings or yoga pants underneath More than one layer can be beneficial too depending on the time of year and location If your baselayer matches your skin color it will blend in well for photos your shoes to make sure you won t slip or fall If your location is warm you can consider a supportive open toed sandal and if you re getting married on warm sand you may even want to consider going barefoot or wearing barefoot sandals only for part of the day unless the sand is too hot For hiking elopements I recommend wearing the best pair of hiking boots you can find You Mid layers Bring something warm like a sweater can choose to either keep them on for your ceremony and photos or change out of them it s totally up to you Just remember if you opt to switch shoes they ll still need good tread if you want to explore around freely for your photos shawl fleece or down jacket depending on your environment Consider bringing an option to keep you warm that you won t mind being photographed in If you purchase a new pair of hiking boots or shoes for your day make sure you break them in ahead of time to avoid blisters or finding out day of that they aren t comfortable for all day wear Outer layer This is your primary defense against the elements A rain shell will protect you from rain snow and wind 50 51 Accessories Keep those extremities warm Gloves mittens a beanie ear warmers a scarf a buff etc Blankets This is a great option for warming up between exploring and makes for great cuddly photos too Hand body warmers Total lifesavers I swear by these I highly recommend having some to stash in your pockets gloves mittens and to pass out to any guests

Adventure Gear Pro Tips Some adventures call for a bit more gear don t worry I ve got you covered You might need a few of these things to make your elopement experience even more epic BACKPACKS If you re hiking or even just exploring one area you may want to consider a backpack to hold your extra layers water snacks vow books etc If you are carrying quite a bit of weight and or hiking far you will want to get one with sturdy hip straps to help take the weight off of your shoulders HEADLAMPS A must have if you re hiking in the dark And so great for star photos too If you re hiking or exploring in time to catch a sunrise or after sunset you each need one of these WATER Drink plenty of water Staying hydrated will also help keep you from getting altitude sickness Bring it along in a hydration pack or water bottle For longer hikes and overnight backpacking I recommend bringing along a water filtration system FOOD SNACKS Don t forget to pack tons of snacks to keep your energy up I find for early morning hikes when I don t have much appetite runner s gels or energy chews are great options to get quick calories and energy Also consider packing a picnic to enjoy and celebrate after saying your vows THERMOS Warming up from the inside out in cold conditions is always a treat Consider bringing along some hot soup or a warm drink like tea coffee hot chocolate a hot toddy etc in a thermos BACKPACKING STOVE This is a great option for doing some light cooking in the backcountry which includes more remote areas that are not heavily trafficked by tourists and other guests Boil water for a hot cup of tea or coffee or cook up some oatmeal scrambled eggs or a backpacker s meal TREKKING POLES Recommended for long and particularly steep hikes to give your knees a break They can also help if you are hiking through any snow and need some extra stability SKIN PROTECTION Sunscreen is so important to wear every day but especially when at high altitudes and on sunny days when in the snow Depending on your location bug spray may be a lifesaver as well CAMP BATHROOM When outdoors it s important to be prepared if you need to relieve yourself in the woods I recommend always following Leave No Trace Principles and using Wag Bags to dispose of waste when in an area with no bathroom facilities 52 53

04 Craft Your Timeline Sunrise vs Sunset One big decision when it comes to creating a timeline for your elopement timeline is what time of day you want to have your elopement ceremony and have your couples portraits taken Sunrise and sunset are favorite times among photographers to take pictures because of the golden lighting and vibrant colors that are caused by the sun being low in the sky In sunny climates midday sunlight can create harsh under eye shadows which is why the middle of the day is when I usually recommend doing indoor photos getting ready photos traveling or hiking doing activities or hanging out and relaxing Once you have some decisions made travel and lodging booked activities in mind attire and gear picked out it s time to put everything together and plan out the timeline of your day or multiple days This is where your elopement or intimate wedding experience starts to feel super real as you see your vision coming together into a seamless exciting plan Don t worry it s not about scheduling out every minute of your day but rather making sure that you have time for everything you want to do see and experience together leaving room for spontaneity and relaxation HOW MUCH COVERAGE IS ENOUGH When planning out the timeline for your elopement day or days you might be wondering how much of it should you have documented by me Want my honest opinion Well here it is BENEFITS OF ELOPING AT SUNRISE Your day deserves just as much documentation as anyone else getting married and maybe even more Can be more secluded Alpenglow on east facing locations Why Well here are three reasons 1 While sometimes people think an elopement is just saying your vows and spending an hour or two taking portraits the day you get married is so much more than that Your wedding day is going to be the day you remember every year on your anniversary for the rest of your life together and everything that happened that day from sun up to sun down is a part of your experience Couples having big weddings get the entire story of their day documented so why shouldn t you 2 If you re spending all of this time intentionally planning the absolute best most authentic experience for you and your partner don t you want to be able to relive all of it and remember it precisely in full color detail If you re eloping in a mountainous region on a clear day if the main dramatic view faces east sunrise is ideal because it means that the sunlight will hit that view first causing the mountains to glow with gorgeous pink orange and yellow colors Potentially better weather It s a great way to start your day 3 If you re not having as many people attend your event in person the photos of your day are truly the only way to share your experience with others don t you want to be able to do that I honestly have never photographed an elopement that I thought the couple had me there for too long but there have been countless days that I wish I could have documented a fuller picture of how awesome their entire experience was So when deciding how much of your day to have me along for remember that just because I m there doesn t mean that it s going to feel like an all day photoshoot I m there to melt into the background to make sure you have the best experience possible and to just document you two having the time of your life 54 If you are concerned about how much privacy you are going to have while you are saying your vows to your partner then a sunrise elopement or intimate wedding might be a good idea especially if you choose a heavily trafficked or well known area 55 This is entirely region dependent but some areas regularly forecast rain more frequently in the afternoon which means that a sunrise elopement increases your chances of clear skies If you re eloping in a hot climate or wanting to hike going for sunrise can also mean cooler temperatures and less sweating Starting early and having your elopement or intimate wedding ceremony right at sunrise is an incredible way to start out your wedding day It also gives you plenty of time to relax for the rest of your day and enjoy any other activities that you and your partner want to do

BENEFITS OF ELOPING AT SUNSET Can be secluded In the evening most people whether they are tourists or locals tend to return home or wherever they are staying to have dinner which means that many locations become less busy at sunset So similar to sunrise you can get privacy if you say your vows toward sunset However this doesn t hold true for every location as some spots are particularly known for their sunsets You can sleep in If you decide to do your elopement ceremony at sunset then you will have more flexibility regarding what time you wake up and be able to get ready in the daylight If you know that you are not a morning person you ll want to keep in mind that a sunrise elopement could potentially leave you groggy and tired on your wedding day so you may want to seriously consider the benefits of a sunset elopement instead If you are wanting to say your vows with a beautiful west facing view behind you then eloping at sunset means that the sun s final rays will be hitting the features behind you and if the view behind you includes mountains to the west then they will be illuminated with alpenglow towards sunset on a clear day You ll be all warmed up It can take some people a bit of time to get comfortable being photographed and your awareness of me as your photographer will likely be greatest at the beginning of our time together A benefit of eloping at sunset is that we will probably have already spent a good chunk of the day together which means that you will have had time to get more comfortable with having a camera pointed at you especially right before you say your vows to your partner which many couples consider to be the most intimate part of an elopement day Great light for west facing views YOU CAN ALSO DO BOTH It s also always an option to do a full day elopement that spans sunrise to sunset or a multi day elopement where you get to experience both as well 56 57

Getting Ready Tips on how to have the best getting ready detail photos WHY GETTING READY DETAILS PHOTOS MATTER The getting ready portion of the day is one of my favorite times of the day to document During these moments the excitement is high and things are starting to feel so real The day you ve waited so long for is finally coming together and you re about to marry your best friend Including this portion of the day into your photo coverage really helps weave together a complete story of your wedding experience It s also a helpful way to start getting warmed up to the camera and a great time for me to document your important wedding details While choosing your lodging and getting ready location keep in mind the aesthetics and look for lodging that fit the general vibe you re going for It s best to keep the rooms you are getting ready in neat and do any necessary tidying up the day before Try to pick up any loose clothing on the floor move any luggage or miscellaneous items to one side of the room or out of the rooms altogether This will allow me to candidly photograph you two without any clutter or distractions in the frame It will also create a more calm and peaceful environment for you to get ready in I recommend starting your day off in a relaxed manner waking up with plenty of time to get ready so that you can feel really prepared be present and just soak in the excitement before heading off to the first location When searching for photogenic places to stay here are a few things to keep in mind During this time I will photograph all of your special wedding details that you ve put so much time and effort into It s helpful to have all of these details ready and laid out in advance I recommend doing this the day before so you have one less thing on your mind day of Typically these details will include your wedding attire rings jewelry vow books florals family heirlooms invitations or announcements etc This is also a great time to give your partner any special gifts Always look for a nice clean calm and open space The more natural window light the better The less busy and distracting the space and decor is the better Consider the general aesthetics and decor do they match the vibe you re going for WILL YOU GET READY TOGETHER OR SEPARATELY Some couples choose to get ready separately especially if they ve kept their wedding attire a surprise from each other or plan to do a first look If you get ready separately it s helpful to choose getting ready locations that are close to one another and even better if you can get ready in nearby rooms at the same home A lovely thought if you chose to get ready separately is that I will be able to photograph a unique glimpse into your partner s experience that you wouldn t see otherwise Other couples choose to get ready together This enables you to spend the entirety of your wedding day together Some of the sweetest photo opportunities include sharing a mirror as you fix your hair zipping your partner up into their wedding dress tying a bow tie or lacing up boots for each other There is no wrong way to do this it s all up to you and how you envision your day panning out You could even choose a combination of the two Start your day off snuggled in your pjs making breakfast together and enjoying it in bed or on the deck of your Airbnb with a view Then when it comes time to get dressed in your wedding attire you can choose to keep that portion of the getting ready process a surprise Once I arrive I may do some slight rearranging depending on lighting scenario but don t worry I ll put everything back in its place for you when we wrap up Amazing heartfelt moments to incorporate into your getting ready photos Copying your vows into your vow books Writing and reading each other love notes Giving a gift to your partner Reading letters from family or friends Facetiming with loved ones who are not present Reading love notes or cards from early on in your relationship Framed photos set up of loved ones who have passed 58 59

First Look FIRST OF ALL WHAT S A FIRST LOOK Your first look is the moment you see your partner for the first time on your wedding day all done up and looking incredible If it hasn t felt like your wedding day is really here and happening up until this point it will now First looks are often emotional at first followed by a stream of pure excitement and joy Your first look is typically when any nerves and stress begin to fall away too You realize you re right where you re supposed to be standing before the person that makes you feel the most comfortable in this world about to have one of your best experiences yet together Additional things to consider to further elevate your getting ready photos Sit by a window if you re having your hair makeup done This will enable me to capture getting ready portraits in the most flattering light Your hair and makeup artist will likely be in search of the best light in the room to apply your makeup anyhow Having your makeup done in window light will also help ensure it will look natural once you are outdoors Think about what you will be wearing before you put on your dress or wedding attire I will be capturing portraits of you before you put on your wedding attire so consider opting for a nice casual outfit robe nightgown or pajama set rather than sweatpants and a neon colored graphic tee You ll be just as comfortable but it ll bring that extra something special to your getting ready portraits Consider including details that are important to the two of you or that help illustrate the story of your wedding day that are outside of the norm Perhaps a postcard from the location you are saying your vows extra loose flower stems from your florist a special ring box or jewelry case the bottle of perfume or cologne you ve chosen to wear on your day and a nice hanger for your dress or wedding attire WHY HAVE A FIRST LOOK Traditionally at big weddings the couple does not see one another until they are walking down the aisle during their ceremony in the afternoon after so much of their wedding day has already flown by But you re here because you ve chosen to throw tradition to the wind so having a first look is your opportunity to see your partner for the first time in their wedding attire It allows you to see your partner earlier in the day so you can spend as much time as possible together even if you want to get ready separately It s a moment where you can fully be present without distraction It doesn t make your ceremony any less emotional or special In fact most often couples feel infinitely less nervous and more excited once they have had their first look to themselves When it comes to eloping choosing to have a first look also opens up a vast amount of possibilities when it comes to the rest of your day s untraditional timeline HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED FOR GETTING READY PHOTOS There are a couple of factors that go into determining this How many people will be present Are there any specific moments that you d like to make sure are included like facetiming your mom a first look with your dad or making breakfast with your partner Generally two hours is enough time for most enabling me to fully capture the details you put so much time and thought into as well as the getting ready finishing touches that will help tell the full story of your day YOUR GETTING READY CHECKLIST Declutter your space Tuck all clothing suitcases and miscellaneous items away Collect all details you d like to have photographed Create a calm atmosphere with music candles or incense and window light Relax with a warm cup of tea coffee hot coco or a mimosa Enjoy these precious first moments of your wedding day 60 61

Planning Your Ceremony Where do couples have their first look Some couples choose to have their first look at their getting ready location maybe in the front or back yard out on a spacious deck a stylized room indoors or in any scenic corner of the property Don t forget to consider this when you re booking lodging The benefit of doing your first look right at the getting ready location is that you ll be able to diminish any nerves right from the start spend the maximum amount of time with your partner and enjoy the journey to your next location together Other couples will choose to travel separately to their first portrait location or trailhead and do a first look there You can have a friend or family member drive you take two cars or even ride in the same car with one partner in the backseat if you promise not to peek When it comes to your ceremony it s up to you what traditions you want to honor and which ones you would rather leave behind Your ceremony can be completely personalized to you your partner and the relationship that you ve built together THE LEGAL SIDE OF YOUR CEREMONY The legal side of getting married depends entirely on where you live and where you elope so do your research beforehand familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations and decide if you want to go through the steps of getting legally married on your actual wedding day or if you d prefer to do it before after or not at all OPTIONS FOR GETTING LEGALLY MARRIED ON YOUR WEDDING DAY Officiant Witnesses Most countries require you to have an officiant and witnesses for your ceremony and sign your license You can hire a professional officiant ask a friend or family member that s attending to get ordained online if that s legal in that country Check the exact regulations for your location but in most places anyone over 18 can be a witness You can ask friends or family members any of your wedding vendors or even random hikers on the trail to be witnesses If you are doing a hiking elopement many couples will hike up to their destination in normal hiking attire change into their wedding attire once they reach their destination and then have their first look there This is also a great option for sunrise elopements if it has been dark outside up until this point I m always here for you and happy to help give you guidance on the perfect nearby first look location and help make it as epic as possible I ll also give you guidance on where to stand and make sure you don t see one another beforehand I love when couples stand there for a moment before the grand reveal maybe exchanging sweet words as the anticipation builds Once you ve turned around to see each other take it all in I ll be capturing both of your reactions so the only thing you two have to do in this moment is enjoy it 62 Self Solemnize Some U S states like Colorado Pennsylvania Wisconsin and Washington D C allow you to self solemnize which is a law that grants you and your partner to legally marry each other without any officiant or witnesses Courthouse In Switzerland and in most 63 Europeans countries one or both of you must be a legal citizen or resident to be legally married in the country If you are eloping in Switzerland or Europe but don t live here don t worry having a court house wedding with a totally different vibe in your country of residence is an really great way to start your journey togehter

What to Do During Your Ceremony OPTIONS FOR GETTING MARRIED WITHOUT THE LEGAL PART ON YOUR WEDDING DAY Commitment Ceremony Many couples choose to not worry about the legal part of getting married on the day they say their vows This is called a commitment ceremony symbolic ceremony or promise ceremony It s essentially getting married without a marriage license Having a commitment ceremony means your wedding day plans are completely unhindered by rules or legalities and can open the door for more location possibilities and require less people involved If you choose to have a commitment ceremony you can still do the paperwork and make it legal on another day but some couples choose not to do the legal side or aren t able to get legally married per the law Sign Before or After If you want to get legally married without worrying about an officiant witnesses or paperwork on the day you get married a great option is to go to the courthouse or county clerk and recorder before your trip or after you get back For some couples it s advantageous to get legally married for tax or benefit purposes before the day they read their vows If you want you can invite your family or friends to get ordained or be witnesses and make a fun experience out of signing the paperwork back home Regardless of how you choose to do the legal side of getting married there are numerous traditions that you can decide to incorporate on the day you say your vows or you can skip them all and decide on your own Here are some ideas of what exactly you can do during your elopement or intimate wedding ceremony Read Personalized Vows Reflect upon your relationship so far declare any promises that you want to share about your future together express any emotions that you are feeling and commit your life to your partner Exchange Rings or Another Token Rings are traditional since they represent an infinity with no beginning and no end but you could exchange any other symbol that is important to and honors your relationship First Kiss First Dance Celebrate some exciting firsts in your new married life together with your first kiss as a married couple and your first dance Incorporate Music Play your favorite song on a portable speaker have a musician play your favorite tune or surprise your partner with your musical talent by playing your own instrument or singing an original song Sage Smudging If allowed and safe please check fire bans and always leave no trace this ceremony requires a bundle of sage a way of lighting it and a bowl The intention is that you light the sage which is symbolic for replacing any negative energies with positive healing ones You can also use an essential oil sage spray if fire isn t safe Handfasting This is originally a Celtic pagan ceremony where the hands of you and your partner are bound together by a braided rope and it both figuratively and literally joins you and your partner You can also have friends or family members participating in tying cords around your hands Unity Ceremony A unity ceremony consists of joining two parts of something into a singular piece and it is representative of merging your life together with your partner s life Traditionally this has been done by lighting a unity candle but you can also combine two different colors of sand or plant a tree together whatever feels like a unification of you and your partner 64 65

Portraits Read Letters You can ask friends or family members who aren t physically present on your day to write you a letter for you to read during your ceremony This is a beautiful way to feel their presence and support Surprises Gifts If you have a special surprise or gift for your partner whether it s a handmade gift jewelry or something else giving it to your partner during your ceremony can be really special COUPLES PORTRAITS It s incredibly common for couples to fear being awkward in front of the camera Trust me I hear this from almost everyone I talk to I want to assure you that letting those worries fall away will be easier than you anticipate Remember that you re going to be looking SO GOOD and you will be experiencing so many wonderful emotions on your wedding day and those feelings of overwhelming joy will shine through to your photos This designated portrait time is a great chance for you two to enjoy some slower paced alone time My best photos happen when you two actually forget that I m there and are just wrapped up in each other and the stunning scenery around you If any posing adjustments needs to be made I will speak up and give you two some gentle directions I ll never leave you hanging or wondering what to do Create Space for Those Not Present As a gesture to a special person or people who could not physically attend your day you can include a moment of silence during your ceremony or incorporate a memento from them into your wedding day The more time we have for portraits the more relaxed you two will feel and the more great portraits I ll be able to take The magic typically begins to happen after spending at least 20 30 minutes at a location QUICK TIPS FOR LOOKING GREAT IN YOUR PHOTOS Trust me I do this professionally and we have the same goal in mind I want your photos to look as incredible as you do if not more You ll find yourself quickly forgetting about any cameras the more you focus on being present with your partner and the beautiful scenery around you That s what the day is all about after all If you re ever unsure what to do with your hands reach for your partner You never have to be statutes movement is good Don t be afraid to interact with one another how you normally would and explore the landscape you are in Keep each other smiling Reminisce over all the amazing stories adventures and misadventures that brought you to where you are Remind your partner how great they look and how much you love them often Have fun and enjoy yourself Happy looks good on you 66 67

Activities When you are thinking about your elopement timeline you will also want to consider any other meaningful activities that you might want to incorporate into your day either to celebrate your relationship or take a moment to reflect upon the commitment that you are making Here are a few ideas for some activities that you don t necessarily need to book ahead of time but might still want to leave space for in your elopement day Dedicating time to write in a journal so that you can capture all of the emotions of the day and revisit how you felt on your wedding day in the future Reading letters from friends and family members who might not be in attendance during your actual elopement day Playing instruments together whether you are both talented musicians or just started learning together this can be a special way to spend time together and communicate your joy through music Creating something together like painting a blank canvas together throwing some pottery making your own rings or blending your own wedding day wine This will also give you a unique memento from your special day unlike any other Spending some time taking a nearby walk or hike to really be present take in your surroundings and commit them to memory Taking a trip to the local tattoo parlor to get matching tattoos in celebration of your new marriage Planting trees flowers or other foliage but only in places where it is appropriate to do so to represent rooting yourself in your relationship and being ready to grow together Playing a game from video games to board games to backyard games there are so many options and this is a great activity to include some guests while also having a lot of fun When budgeting time in your day for activities I recommend leaving some extra space so that you don t feel rushed to perform an activity in a short amount of time but rather have time to relax and enjoy it Also remember that some activities can take a while to set up so leave space for travel and those transitions when planning out activities 68 69

Celebratory Meal or Party It s super important to stay fueled sustained during your elopement especially if there s activities involved A meal is the perfect time to sit back relax and simply soak in the excitement of the day There are many routes you can go to incorporate food into your day Will you choose a more luxurious route Or is it more your style to do something casual HERE ARE SOME FUN FOOD RELATED IDEAS TO CONSIDER Do you want to feel pampered and have a private chef prepare special meals for you Would you like to pack a picnic and enjoy it someplace scenic Putting It All Together Timeline Examples You ve already made the brave choice to elope to throw tradition to the wind and get married in a way that truly reflects who you are together So it s not a surprise that your timeline will look a little untraditional too While at some point in the day you will have your ceremony where you commit your lives to one another the journey to that moment and how you choose to celebrate afterwards can truly look a million different ways Use these timeline examples as a jumping off point and to spark your imagination Anything is possible Will you make a charcuterie board of all of your favorite foods Will you tailgate on the side of a 4x4 road Would you like to cook something together over a fire Would you like a more casual potluck style meal with guests at an Airbnb Will you seek a favorite food Or try something new Will you be dining out of a JetBoil outside of your tent Would you like to swing by a nearby restaurant distillery or brewery Maybe reserve a private room or tasting Is spontaneously finding a random street vendor more your style Will you be on the go If so maybe you ll prefer to swing by a caterer or restaurant and pick up something prepackaged Will you celebrate with sparkling water or champagne Or do you have a favorite beverage you d like to enjoy together What would be the most awesome scenario for you two on your wedding day If you re having an intimate wedding you can also use the time around a celebratory meal to have a first dance and toasts similar to how you would at a traditional reception This is also a great time to read letters or cards from friends and family who aren t physically there with you and reminisce about highlights of the day so far I highly recommend putting some time aside to enjoy these moments on your wedding day without feeling rushed I will be documenting this time very candidly but will also leave space for you two to enjoy yourselves without the camera present especially while you re consuming food 70 71

2 Day 2 Person Elopement This option is perfect for those that love activities and want to include a multitude of different types of scenery in their day Spend your first day road tripping someplace new stopping for short hikes and amazing view points along the way Then use your second day for a fun activity like a helicopter flight into the wilderness sailing from one island to another off roading in the desert or a day at a vineyard blending your own bottles of wine There is plenty of room for spontaneity too so feel free to relax while soaking up a beautiful view DAY 1 GUESTS 0 JUST YOU TWO 5 30 am Meet at location one set up for first look 6 00 am Sunrise first look in location one followed by portraits 7 00 am Head to location two 15 min drive 7 15 am Arrive at the trailhead gear up 7 30 am Begin hike taking portraits along the way 2 0 mile hike in 9 30 am Arrive at alpine lake for ceremony picnic brunch 12 00 pm Hike back to the trailhead taking portraits along the way 2 0 mile hike out 1 30 pm Arrive at the trailhead head to location three 45 min drive 2 15 pm Arrive at location three for exploring kayaking 5 30 pm Return kayaks photo coverage wraps up DAY 2 GUESTS 0 JUST YOU TWO 6 00 am Meet at helicopter pad to check in 6 30 am Helicopter take off flight one 7 00 am Land at location one for portraits 8 00 am Take off flight two 8 30 am Land at location two for portraits 9 30 am Take off flight three 72 73

2 Day Elopement with Family All Day 2 Person Elopement So you are dreaming of an adventure for just the two of you but really want your loved ones to be there to celebrate for part of it too This timeline example is for you You get the best of both worlds without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a jam packed day Have an intimate ceremony surrounded by your loved ones and celebrate with a delicious meal then spend your second day doing something a little more adventurous just the two of you This is just enough time to tell the story of your incredible elopement day Enough time to capture getting ready photos your adventure to you ceremony location portraits and a celebration of your elopement together You can choose to tackle climbing a mountain together have a relaxing day spent by the sea or anything in between DAY 1 GUESTS 25 2 45 pm Meet at ceremony location set up for first look 3 15 pm First look followed by capturing details 4 00 pm Family arrives set up for ceremony 4 30 pm Ceremony begins 5 15 pm Ceremony wraps up pop champagne to celebrate 5 45 pm Family photos 6 30 pm Family photos wrap up family heads into town 6 45 pm Exploring portraits with just the couple 7 45 pm Sunset head to restaurant 1 hour drive 8 45 pm Arrive at restaurant meet family for dinner toasts and cake 10 45 pm Photo coverage wraps up DAY 2 GUESTS 0 JUST YOU TWO 3 30 am Meet at trailhead begin hiking up trail in the dark 2 5 mile hike in 6 00 am Arrive at summit change into wedding attire 6 30 am Sunrise portraits exploring 8 30 am Begin hike back down portraits along the way 2 5 mile hike out 11 30 am Arrive back at the trailhead photo coverage ends 74 75 9 30 am Photographer arrives at cabin to capture details finishing touches 10 45 am First look outside cabin 11 00 am Head to ceremony location stop along the way for photos with VW van 2 30 pm Arrive at location ceremony followed by exploring portraits 5 00 pm Head back to cabin 30 min drive 5 30 pm Arrive back at the cabin for private chef dinner overlooking the water 7 30 pm Photo coverage wraps up

All Day Elopement with Family Your intimate wedding day with loved ones can include an adventure for just the two of you as well Start your day with a hike above the clouds at sunrise or a morning paddleboarding session before reuniting with your family for a ceremony and delicious meal together Or opt for an off roading adventure ending in expansive views easily accessible for everyone to explore together and then have your ceremony and picnic right there The possibilities are endless 3 00 am Meet at the trailhead gear up 3 15 am Begin hike in the dark 2 1 miles 4 45 am Arrive at first look location alpenglow begins change into wedding attire 5 30 am Sunrise first look followed by portraits exploring 8 00 am Begin hike back to trailhead portraits along the way 2 1 miles 9 30 am Arrive back at trailhead head to Airbnb 30 min drive 10 00 am Arrive at Airbnb for ceremony 10 30 am Ceremony 11 00 am Family photos 11 30 pm Brunch party with champagne popping Bloody Marys 1 00 pm Photo coverage ends No matter how you choose to structure your elopement day keep in mind these couple of tips Leave room for spontaneity You ditched the big traditional wedding so you wouldn t feel rushed and stressed so don t allow those feelings to creep into your elopement day either Give yourself lots of extra cushion in your day for transitions spontaneous adventure and for if you end up running a bit behind at some point Worst case scenario You end up with extra time to spend soaking up a gorgeous view Be uniquely you Consider carving out time in your day to enjoy an experience together that may be a bit unusual for a wedding day but is important to and uniquely you Is your favorite way to spend a morning making french toast and hanging with your doggos Do it Love to play an instrument and want to surprise your partner with a song Go for it 76 77

05 Get Ready to Go Communicating with your guests GUEST PREPAREDNESS GATHER EVERYTHING YOU NEED PACK In order to have your guests be as prepared as possible for your elopement day and to avoid any awkward situations that could arise from miscommunications you should consider sending your guests a pre wedding email that preps them on the following Whether you ve been planning your elopement for one year or one month it s probably felt like forever to get to this point but you re finally getting married It s time to pack Use this checklist to pull together everything you need for your day The sooner you begin to set things aside the less stressed you ll be when the time comes to travel to your elopement destination Necessities Permit if needed All important travel ID s documents Snacks Backpack s Gloves mittens Sunscreen Sunglasses Bug spray Extra socks Boots shoes with good tread Wedding Attire Ceremony Things Vows Rings Ring box Paper invites announcements or postcards Flowers Wedding attire for partner 1 dress suit jumpsuit skirt undergarments etc Wedding attire for partner 2 dress suit jumpsuit skirt undergarments etc Accessories partner 1 jewelry veil cape watch cufflinks tie bowtie socks pocket square lapel pin hair piece etc Accessories partner 2 jewelry veil cape watch cufflinks tie bowtie socks pocket square lapel pin hair piece etc What not to bring such as pets if your location What restroom facilities are around especially Timeline information of your day and when they Leave No Trace considerations such as what is not pet friendly or distracting electronics Marriage license Adventure Gear Safety information including any wildlife that might need to be comfortable in the climate season and time of day at your chosen location Plastic champagne flutes Tissues or hankie Speaker for music Water bottle water What to bring including what sort of attire they need to be ready and when they need to arrive at certain locations Directions and location information including Rain jacket any maps GPS coordinates they might need and a description of the accessibility and terrain of the spot that you ve chosen Jacket very warm windproof Warm layers skin toned fleece leggings Hand warmers body warmers toe warmers might be nearby difficult travel conditions or potentially unfavorable weather let them know if there aren t any nearby materials you absolutely cannot have at your location i e rice or confetti any place that you might not be able to go because it would violate Leave No Trace ethics and what you need to make sure that you pack out Whether or not the area you picked has cell Traction YakTrax microspikes and or snowshoes phone reception and if they will need to download any maps onto their phone ahead of time because of it Headlamps Parking instructions especially if there is not a Umbrellas designated lot Blanket to sit on By being upfront about these topics beforehand you set expectations with your guests and help them also enjoy your wedding day as much as possible DON T FORGET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE You will need to attain your marriage license in advance Even if you are having myself or another officiant sign you are required to apply for your marriage license yourself Marriage license requirements vary country by country so it is always important to research your elopement location s requirements ahead of time Perfume or cologne Makeup hair supplies Garment bags for wedding attire during travel Champagne or sparkling water 78 79

Unplugged weddings For many reasons I highly recommend asking guests to unplug and be fully present for your wedding day especially when it comes to your ceremony When your guests are distracted by taking photos or recording videos it s difficult for them to also be focused on what is going on around them you know you getting married Cell phones iPads and other electronic devices will stand out and be a distraction in your photos It also makes it very difficult for me to get candid photos of your guests reactions and emotions I ve found it s most effective to give your guests a heads up that this will be an unplugged experience in the days or weeks leading up to your wedding day There are numerous gentle and kind ways to tell them this Consider also reminding them just before your ceremony begins Let them know that you would like them to be fully present with you and that your photographer will do all the work to capture beautiful photos which they will be able to access through an online photo gallery Remind them that they will have a sneak peek of beautiful and professional photos to enjoy very soon 80 81

06 Final Tips Have the Best Day For the flight for the trek for the day before too these last minute tips are here to help you have the best elopement experience ever Start packing early and pack over a few days so as you remember items you want to bring you ll have plenty of time to add them to your bag and make sure you don t forget anything important If you re flying make sure you carry on the most important details of your wedding day like your attire ceremony details rings etc Of course what really matters is that you re getting married not what you re wearing but still I d love for you to have the day you ve dreamed of in the attire you ve dreamed of so let s not leave it up to chance climate than you re used to or a higher elevation be sure to drink tons of water and take care of yourself and get acclimated In the days leading up to your elopement make sure you eat hydrate well relax and get plenty of sleep you ll want plenty of energy on your day Be present be you let your authentic emotions soar Most of all RELAX you re about to have the best elopement day ever You ve planned a day that s a true reflection of the two of you and it s going to be amazing Soak in every moment and enjoy your intentional meaningful perfect for you day together If you re traveling somewhere that s a drier Remember your day might not go exactly according to plan but that s half the adventure I will do everything I can to make your elopement dreams come true but if you re willing to roll with the punches and embrace what comes your way you re bound to have an amazing elopement experience no matter what Relax breathe and don t stress about anything photos included If you have a beautiful experience together and feel alive throughout your day great photos will follow 82 83

What Happens Next AFTER YOUR ELOPEMENT OR INTIMATE WEDDING You ve done it You ve had an incredible wedding day and I ve taken photos of it all so you can remember every bit of it Your next step is to sit back and relax while I carefully curate and edit your full gallery of photos from your day This usually takes between 8 10 weeks for completion but I will make sure you two have a sneak peek of 3 5 images within 1 week of your wedding day so you can make any announcements and begin to share glimpses of your day with your family and friends Woohoo The images will be delivered as high resolution jpegs via an online gallery That way you ll have access to them wherever you are You ll be able to easily print share and relive the awesomeness over and over Feel free to share the gallery link with family and friends too Anyone with the link will be able to access the gallery make prints order products and download the images for themselves It s important to make sure you download your full gallery and back up the images in multiple safe places I recommend using both external hard drives and online cloud storage to make sure the files stay safe and sound for years to come 84 85

Prints and Albums AN IMAGE ISN T A PHOTOGRAPH UNTIL IT S PRINTED ANDREW FUNDERBURG The long awaited grand finale is here It s time for you to print your photos and get your very own wedding album I know you re not going to just let your photos sit on a computer right Right There are so many awesome ways to share and display your photos and prints albums are two of my favorites There s nothing quite like picking up your wedding album and thumbing through the pages together or grabbing a stack of prints to pass around at your next gathering It s the best way to reminisce share your story and experience those wedding day feels all over again I strongly believe that your photos deserve a special place in your home a special spot where you ll see them often After you have received your online photo gallery I will help you design the wedding album that s just right for you and you ll easily be able to order products and prints of all sizes You can expect albums within 5 weeks of ordering and prints within just a few days Everything will arrive beautifully packaged like the gifts they are right to your home Creative ways to share and display your photos We Eloped announcements postcards thank you cards A wedding album for the two of you A parent album for family friends Unique prints on wood canvas or metal Framed leaning prints displayed on a mantel bookshelf or picture frame shelf Photo gallery accent wall Panoramic prints Tada You now have holiday gift ideas for everyone you know 86 87

Thank You Congratulations you ve made it to the end Remember this guide isn t a rulebook and you don t have to memorize it I promise there won t be a test Instead let this guide be here for you to come back to as you need it for guidance for inspiration for reminders for next steps And I know that this information might feel like a lot all at once but trust me at the end of the day eloping is about enjoying the process of getting married and making decisions that are the most you Your day is going to be amazing so take a deep breath and just dedicate some time to being honest with yourself about what you actually want your wedding day to look like a day dedicated to celebrating your relationship with your partner free of the burden of traditions expectations and obligations and the freedom to just be yourselves You and your partner deserve to ditch all pressure and stress and instead honor who you are with an elopement or intimate wedding that speaks to you I m so excited to be a part of helping you create this day There s truly no better job in the whole wide world and it s because of incredible couples like you who aren t afraid to abandon expectations that don t fit who you are who decided to instead seek out an experience that is authentic and honest to the special relationship that you share that I get to live this dream I can t wait to meet you and in the meantime I ll be right here to answer any questions you have and help you plan your elopement or intimate wedding every single step of the way You re a badass couple doing something so brave and your wedding day is going to be unforgettable meaningful and perfect It will be an unforgettable beginning to all of the other adventures that will follow in your marriage Cheers to that xx Tonya 88 89

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