ELOPEMENT PLANNING CHECKLIST
When it comes to planning your elopement, there are definitely less details that you need to worry about than if you were planning a big traditional type of wedding, but there are also way fewer resources to help you! We’ve put together our adventurous elopement planning checklist to help you plan your ideal elopement without the worry that you’re forgetting something major. And don’t forget to grab your free download of this checklist at the bottom of this post!
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
First things first - its time to pick a general vibe/location
Mountain Elopement
If you’re drawn to rugged peaks and clear blue lakes, a mountaintop elopement could be right for you. Summertime in Colorado or Montana, Yosemite National Park, or autumn in the White Mountains or Adirondacks could be great places for your mountain elopement.
Desert Elopement
What if the desert is more your vibe? Do slot canyons, sandstone formations, sand dunes, and expanses feel more your speed? Late Fall or early springtime would be the perfect time to elope in Utah’s Arches National Park, Sedona Arizona, Death Valley National Park, or even the Mojave desert + Joshua Tree National Park could be your perfect locale.
Beach Elopement
We’re not talking about a tacky beachside ceremony at a resort - your adventure elopement can be amongst rugged, rocky coastlines in Maine (bonus - the earliest point for sunrise in the US is on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park) perfect for the late summer or early fall. Or how about the Pacific Northwest for a moody, woodsy elopement on the Oregon Coast in May? Yet another option is the dramatic golden coastline of California and Big Sur any time of the year. The beach elopement options are truly varied and make for a one-of-a-kind adventure elopement.
Forest Elopement
We love the woods over here at Kamp and a forest elopement is unexpectedly versatile too. From stunning fall foliage in the Adirondacks to Giant redwoods in northern California. Not to mention the seemingly endless forests of the Shenandoah Valley or Washington state. Woodsy elopements are what dreams are made of.
TIMING
Let your favorite season plus the temperature and weather that makes you feel most comfortable guide you here. Are you a fall lover who digs everything crisp yet warm? Or do you want to get wrapped up with your future spouse in a chilly, snow-covered location that culminates in a cozy fire/hot drink situation? This can really help narrow down the best location for your elopement when deciding on the weather factors that feel best to you.
*An important note about timing. Even if you’ve talked about your ideal location and know the perfect month that you want to visit, be sure not to miss the step of actually doing your research on traveling to that spot during that month. You want to be mindful of any restrictions, or peak travel seasons to ensure the most private and enjoyable elopement experience possible.
HIRE YOUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Whether it’s us here at Kamp Adventures, or someone who’s a better fit for you (this is such a personal decision and you should not only pick someone whose work you love, but you should also get along well with them too - you’ll be spending a ton of time with them on your elopement day!) research and book your elopement photographer ASAP. And make sure your photographer specialized in adventure elopements. There is so much extra that goes into planning and executing an elopement that takes place outdoors and you want to make sure that whoever you’re working with can not only help you plan your elopement but also has experience working in the great outdoors - so much can happen and experience is super valuable here.
BUDGET
Start thinking about your budget and pick your Top 3 priorities to allocate the most funds to, then everything else can be lower on your list of things you might want to splurge on
Discuss what's most important to each of you, then narrow that down to the 3 things that are most important to you both - what you're wearing, your accommodations, photography + video so you can properly capture the adventure of your lifetime. Whatever it is, let that guide your budget - allocate the majority of your funds to your top 3, and save on the rest.
GUESTS OR NO GUESTS
Decide if you want to invite your nearest and dearest to join you, or if you want your elopement to be completely private.
NAIL DOWN YOUR LOCATIONS
Decide if you want to invite your nearest and dearest to join you, or if you want your elopement to be completely private.
BOOK TRAVEL + ACCOMMODATIONS
Decide if you want to invite your nearest and dearest to join you, or if you want your elopement to be completely private.
HIRE VENDORS
Decide if you want to invite your nearest and dearest to join you, or if you want your elopement to be completely private.
COMPLETE YOUR LOOK
Time to figure out what you’re both wearing, if you want to have your hair or makeup done, what shoes you want to wear (cute shoes to change into at the top of your hike, or practical wedding hike-ready shoes to live in that day)
MAKE IT OFFICIAL
Buy your wedding rings, hire an officiant, research and apply for your marriage license and purchase any necessary permits.
PLAN YOUR CEREMONY
Figure out the exact location for your ceremony (again your photographer can help you with this!) script, vows, any traditions, officiant, witnesses, how to make it legal in the state you’re eloping in, etc)
PLAN THE REST OF YOUR ELOPEMENT DAY
This most definitely includes a nap if you decided to be up for sunrise! Your own private chef for your wedding day dinner, massages, rock climbing - this is the best part of eloping - you can do literally whatever you want!
SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
Send out elopement announcements, make some phone calls to your loved ones and of course share your photos + videos!
