The Ultimate Elopement Planning Checklist (+ free printable guide!)

So, you’ve decided to elope?

Well first - heck yes! Congrats on choosing the nontraditional route. Your elopement day can truly be the best day ever. You’ve chosen to forego the typical wedding planning stress, run off to an amazing location and fully embrace a day that’s just about the two of you.

There’s still a level of planning involved when it comes to elopements. But don’t worry - as an adventure elopement photographer, I’ve got your back!

Below you’ll find a detailed timeline and checklist to follow to make sure that everything runs smoothly leading up to (and even after) the big day.

More of a paper and pen checklist type of person? I’m with you! Scroll to the bottom of this post to download the free planning checklist in PDF form.

6+ months out

  • Set a budget and establish a timeline for how you will save that amount

  • Choose your elopement location! Probably the most important part. This is the epic spot where you’ll say “I do!” Need help deciding? Read this post first for tips on narrowing it down.

  • Set a date

  • Decide who will do the planning:

    • A full planner?

    • A day-of coordinator?

    • Do it yourselves? (PS. you’re never totally alone with this option! I help all of my couples with planning along the way, if they want it).

  • Set up a Honeyfund, in lieu of a traditional gift registry

  • Shop for elopement attire. (Order a wedding dress well in advance - many take 4+ months to arrive! Or, purchase off-the-rack)

  • Research legal requirements for marriage at your destination. Plan your elopement ceremony details.

  • Hire your elopement photographer

  • Do your engagement session. This is the best way to all get comfortable with your photog before the big day!

  • Book accommodations for your entire trip

  • Make travel arrangements to and from your elopement (specifically ceremony) destination

  • Make day-of travel arrangements

  • Decide on a honeymoon location

  • Confirm your travel documents, shots, etc are up to date (i.e. passports if needed)

4+ months out

  • Choose your witnesses (depending on how many are required)

  • Book your honeymoon accommodations and make travel arrangements

  • Book all other vendors:

    • Celebrant/officiant

    • Videographer?

    • Day-of coordinator / wedding planner?

    • Hair/makeup artist?

    • Florist?

    • Baker for a small cake?

    • Musicians?

  • Purchase wedding rings

  • Purchase remaining elopement attire (i.e. accessories, undergarments, shoes, suit, etc.)

  • Purchase miscellaneous meaningful items for the elopement, such as custom vow books

  • Purchase a wedding present to exchange with your fiancé on the day-of

  • Get your marriage license!

1-2 months out

  • Purchase any hair and/or makeup supplies

  • Do a styling trial run, or book a trial run with your hair & makeup artist

  • Select wedding music (I often have couples send me a Spotify playlist to play from my bluetooth speaker, if desired)

  • Confirm plans / bookings with all vendors

    • Elopement photographer

    • Videographer

    • Venue

    • Accommodations

    • Transportation

    • Celebrant/officiant

    • Day-of coordinator

    • Hair/makeup artist

    • Florist

  • Confirm travel plans with your witnesses

  • Schedule any final fittings for gown, etc.

  • Make reservations for any post-ceremony celebration! i.e. Dinner for two at a nearby restaurant

  • Create a timeline for the day-of (your photographer / planner will help you with this!)

  • Make arrangements for a pet sitter, etc.

The elopement day

  • Enjoy an adventure together! Live in the moment and bask in the celebration 🎉

After “I do”

  • Announce that you eloped! There are many unique elopement announcements on Etsy, etc.

  • Plan a reception to celebrate with friends and family

  • Send thank you notes for any & all wedding presents

  • If you’re changing your name, use a kit like NewlyNamed to make the process easier!

Ready to get started? Download the free printable elopement planning checklist.

Get in touch to start planning your dream elopement experience

So glad you’re here!

Hey there! I’m Juliana, an elopement and micro-wedding photographer for adventurous couples. Based between the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate NY and Northern Italy (starting in late 2025). Here to document and help you plan your epic, stress-free elopement experience anywhere in the world!

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