If your dream wedding isn’t a wedding at all, keep reading.

Let met guess: your dream day = You + Your Fiancé. That’s all. And honestly I can’t think of anything better, either. Sometimes the thought of planning a million details, waiting for quotes and listening to the weighty opinions that you wished you didn’t care about, but really do, can be heavy. Those big wedding days we’ve been steered to our whole lives just aren’t what most folks want nowadays. You know what might bring that spark back to your marriage plans? Eloping. Specifically, eloping in some of the most beautiful landscapes that the Midwest has to offer.

Where I’ve Been and Where We’re Going

I’ve had the honor to photograph elopements and micro weddings all over the place. California, Arkansas, Alabama, Utah, Arizona, and the list, I hope, will just keep growing. So, if eloping in Mexico, or a destination elopement on the European coast are in your future, please keep me in mind, babe.

Planning an Elopement

One of the best things about eloping is that whether your budget is the price of a national park permit, the cost of a marriage license or all the money in your savings to rent a helicopter to take you to the top of an Alaskan glacier, you can make the day perfect for you. Some folks will often elect to get married prior to their elopement, and travel for their vows, fun stuff and photos. Did I mention I’m ordained? No need to preplan – It’s two in one, baby and no, I won’t charge you more to officiate your elopement.

Step One

Choose your place. Picking somewhere to elope that’s both special and beautiful can add sentimental value to the entire experience.

Step Two

Find out: Do you need a permit? Typically, your photographer will have the answer to this, but in case it’s your Aunt Margie taking photos on her iPad, the answer is usually, “Yes.” Even elopements have their requirements; it’s nothing crazy, but hiring a photographer who knows their stuff makes the process of planning your elopement that much easier.

Step Three

Get your marriage license. No more than 90 days before you plan on saying your “I do’s,” you need to go to your elopement location’s County Clerk’s office of where you plan on getting married. For example, if you’re planning on eloping in Moab, Utah, you’ll go to the Grand County Clerk’s Office. You’ll also have to bring your ID, your officiant’s name, and pay whatever fee they charge (usually between $50-$100, but varies). Most counties you can download the documents online and prep your marriage license documents. I’ll always recommend exploring the county’s website or calling to make sure you have everything you need.

Step Four

Make it happen, captain! Your ducks are in a row, now it’s time to show up and have some fun! Whether your elopement location is one of your favorite places or somewhere you’ve seen on Pinterest, planning your elopement should feel fun and freeing. A lot of the time, your elopement photographer will have lots of resources for locations, ideas and the like. Your photographer should feel like someone you can collaborate with! In case you’ve already had every detail planned, though, be as specific with your elopement vision as possible and communicate your expectations. It’s one day in the grand scope of forever; take your time, enjoy the process and have as much fun with your soon-to-be spouse as possible.

Where to splurge on elopement expenses

Photographer (pics or it didn’t happen, right? LOL). Even though they can’t be there, it’s pretty dang fun to show everyone, maybe even your future kids, incredible pictures of the day their parents said “I Do.”
Place to stay. I’m not saying break the bank, but having somewhere to call home that feels romantic, cozy and comfortable for a few days adds to your overall elopement experience. If renting an Airbnb sounds good, there are a lot of unique spots all over the US for you to choose from. If the idea of having someone to pick up after you sounds better, so many elopement locations offer Bed & Breakfasts, hotels and the like that offer unique experiences at your elopement or microwedding destination.
Overall Experience. Just because you’re opting for a nontraditional wedding day, doesn’t mean you need to have a barebones day if that doesn’t fit your vision. You two should be doing the things that speak to your heart and y’all as a couple. You can rent a hot air balloon, run on the beach, skydive above Hawaii; the limits of your elopement day don’t exist and don’t have to.

The things that matter

Ultimately, planning your elopement or microwedding should feel like magic. Having fun, choosing the right place and starting your forever is going to be the icing on the cake. And when you’re ready to choose your elopement photographer, I hope you’ll see some of the photos below and feel inspired!