Planning an elopement doesn’t require as much as a traditional wedding, however it does still require attention to details when you are planning the logistics.

We want to make sure that when you plan your elopement whether it’s in your backyard, the Rocky Mountains of Alberta or the beaches in Europe that everything goes smoothly. That’s why we created this checklist and a few other resources to help you get into planning mode.

Create a budget

Just like a wedding you need to set realistic expectations about what you will be investing in your elopement. One of the best parts of eloping is you can invest more on your experience and prioritize what matters to you. Do you plan to get pizza for dinner or dine at a 5 star restaurant? What about the price of your dress and his tux? Will you invest in any florals or decor? 

Brainstorm Elopement Locations

This is where the fun begins. Once you have a budget set you can elope ANYWHERE you want! You can hike to the top of a mountain in Alberta or splurge and go to the Dolomites in Italy. Are you beach lovers? How about a private beachside resort somewhere or at an Airbnb in the beautiful Okanagan? The possibilities are endless. Read more on how to choose your location HERE. 

Decide if You’re Inviting Guests

This is probably the hardest part is deciding if and who to invite. While most people think an elopement is just the couple it is more common to have two friends or just the parents present. Once you have an idea of your location you can decide if having guests suits that location or not. If it is a mountain top that requires an intense hike up then you will be limited to who wants to even come up. But you can always have a video created and celebrate at a nice reception afterwards. 

Decide on a Date or Season

Is there a date or time of year that works best for you with your ideal location? Maybe you want to choose a significant date. Eloping outdoors will have dramatic differences in the seasons. For example a mountain elopement in Southern Alberta in the summer will be hot, possibly smoky but easy to get to whereas that location in the winter months may only be accessible by helicopter. 

Get your Permits

Many parks in Alberta require a permit. Once you have your location narrowed down it is best to research what permits, if any, you will need and fill out the proper paperwork. 

Book your travel

If you are eloping away from home you will want to research and book your hotels early to avoid disappointment. If you are inviting guests be sure to share the details early with them so they can get their travel arranged as well. 

Say yes to the dress

Maybe you already have it but if not time to get that dress and tux sorted out. Be sure to get a quality bag for your attire if you plan to hike and carry it up a mountain! Make sure your attire and any accessories are suitable for your location.

Get a Marriage License

To legally get married you will need a marriage license. You will want to apply with enough time to get your license. To do so you can apply in Alberta at most registry offices. If you are going out of the country to elope do some research on the legal requirements where you plan to elope. 

Book your commissioner

Did you know here in Alberta you can have a friend or family member get ordained to do your ceremony? I have photographed several weddings where the best friend, the sister or the uncle performed the wedding ceremony and it made it that much more intimate! Perhaps you want to keep the elopement a surprise then find a commissioner who is willing to go to your location. If you plan to hike be sure to mention that to them to make sure they are capable of doing that. 

Create an Elopement Timeline

Every elopement is unique so there is not a set template for this. This isn’t just a ceremony and a few photos, this entire day should be an experience. This is a day that you get to design so you both enjoy it so make sure it’s memorable and fun! These timelines aren’t as strict as the traditional wedding day ones but it will help to ensure everyone is on the same page and knows where to be on the day. A good elopement timeline gives some structure but leaves room to be spontaneous! More elopement timeline tips HERE. 

We would love to be the ones to go on an adventure with you and capture the intimate, the silly and the romantic photographs for you. We’re always up for a 3am hike to catch the sunrise, an overnight in a tent at the top of a mountain or hop on an airplane to anywhere in the world!