Plan your elopement from legal requirements and location permits to officiant booking, vow writing, photographer selection, and celebration planning.
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Legal Requirements
Research marriage license requirements for your chosen location
Requirements vary by state and country. Most US states require both partners to apply in person at the county clerk's office. Some states have waiting periods of 24-72 hours between obtaining the license and the ceremony.
Check if a blood test, waiting period, or residency requirement applies
Confirm the license is valid in the specific county or jurisdiction where you will marry
Apply for the marriage license 2-4 weeks before the ceremony
Most marriage licenses expire 30-90 days after issue. Apply early enough to handle unexpected delays but not so early that it expires. Bring government-issued photo ID, social security numbers, and any required divorce decrees.
Understand witness requirements for your location
Some states require 1-2 witnesses present at the ceremony. A few states (like Colorado and parts of Pennsylvania) allow self-solemnization with no officiant needed. Check the exact requirements for your ceremony location.
Plan for filing the signed marriage certificate after the ceremony
After the ceremony, the officiant and witnesses sign the marriage license. It must then be filed with the county clerk's office within 30-60 days depending on the state. The filed certificate becomes your legal proof of marriage.
Location and Permits
Choose a ceremony location that is meaningful to you both
Popular elopement spots include national parks, beaches, mountaintops, city halls, and destination countries. Pick a place with personal significance. The lack of guests means the setting becomes the backdrop of your story.
Research weather patterns for your chosen date and location
Identify a backup indoor location in case of severe weather
Check if your location requires a permit for ceremonies
National parks charge $50-$250 for a special use permit for weddings and ceremonies. Some beaches, botanical gardens, and public spaces also require advance permits. Apply 1-3 months ahead as processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Scout the location in person or via recent photos
Visit at the same time of day you plan to have the ceremony to check lighting and crowd levels. If you cannot visit, search for recent social media photos or ask your photographer for location recommendations and timing advice.
Officiant and Ceremony
Book an officiant who is legally authorized in your ceremony location
Elopement officiants charge $200-$800 depending on location and travel required. Confirm they are ordained or licensed in the specific state or county where the ceremony will take place. Some online ordinations are not accepted everywhere.
Ask the officiant if they are familiar with the ceremony location
Discuss ceremony length and personalization options
Elopement ceremonies typically last 15-30 minutes. A good officiant will ask about your story, values, and what you want the ceremony to feel like. Request a draft of the ceremony script 2-3 weeks ahead for review.
Decide whether to include readings, rituals, or cultural elements
Unity ceremonies (sand pouring, candle lighting, handfasting) add 5-10 minutes and create a visual moment for photos. A short reading from a meaningful poem or book personalizes the ceremony without making it long.
Vows and Rings
Write personal vows 2-3 weeks before the ceremony
Keep vows to 1-2 minutes each (roughly 150-300 words). Start by listing 3-5 things you love about your partner and 3-5 promises you want to make. Writing them early gives you time to revise and practice reading them aloud.
Practice reading your vows aloud at least 3 times before the ceremony
Print or write vows on a small card or booklet to hold during the ceremony
Decide whether to share vows in advance or keep them a surprise
Agreeing on a general tone (serious, funny, mix of both) and length ensures the vows feel balanced even if the content is a surprise. One person delivering 2 minutes of heartfelt vows while the other reads 30 seconds feels uneven.
Purchase and size wedding rings at least 4 weeks ahead
Standard wedding bands cost $200-$800 each. Custom or engraved rings need 3-6 weeks for production. Get your fingers professionally sized at a jeweler rather than guessing. Finger size can vary by half a size depending on temperature and time of day.
Photography and Documentation
Hire an elopement photographer familiar with your location
Elopement photographers charge $1,500-$4,000 for 2-4 hours of coverage including travel. A photographer who knows your location can guide you to the best light and most photogenic spots without wasting time scouting.
Review full elopement galleries, not just individual highlight images
Plan the photography timeline around the best light
Golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) produces the most flattering outdoor photos. Build your ceremony time around peak lighting. For mountain or forest elopements, direct sunlight can be harsh, so overcast days or shaded spots work well.
Discuss whether to add video coverage
Elopement videography costs $1,000-$3,000 for a short film. Since there are no guests watching, video captures the spoken vows and emotions in a way photos cannot. Some photographers offer hybrid photo-and-video packages.
Announcements and Celebration
Decide when and how to tell family and friends
Common approaches: tell parents right before, tell everyone the day after, or announce weeks later with photos. Whatever you choose, tell immediate family before posting on social media. A phone call or video chat feels more personal than a text.
Consider telling parents in advance if keeping it secret would cause lasting hurt
Send elopement announcement cards within 1-2 months
Elopement announcements with a photo and the date cost $1-$3 each. Keep the wording simple and joyful. Include your new address if you have moved. This gives people who were not present a way to share in the news.
Plan a post-elopement celebration for family and friends
A casual reception 1-3 months after the elopement lets loved ones celebrate with you. This can be as simple as a backyard dinner for 30 people ($500-$1,500) or a restaurant party. No formalities required since the legal ceremony is done.
Share ceremony photos or a video at the celebration
Plan a private celebration dinner on the elopement day
After the ceremony, enjoy a special meal together. Book a reservation at a highly rated restaurant or arrange a private picnic at a scenic spot. This is your wedding reception for two, so make it memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an elopement cost compared to a traditional wedding?
The average elopement costs $2,000-$10,000 — compared to $33,000+ for a traditional wedding. Core elopement expenses: officiant ($200-$500), photographer ($1,500-$4,000 for 2-4 hours), attire ($200-$1,500), marriage license ($30-$100), and a celebratory dinner for 2 ($100-$500). Destination elopements add travel and accommodation but still average 70-80% less than a full wedding.
Do you still need a marriage license for an elopement?
Yes — a legal marriage license is required regardless of ceremony size. Requirements vary by state: some require both partners to appear in person at the county clerk's office, some have waiting periods (1-3 days after license issuance before the ceremony), and some require witnesses (1-2 people). Colorado, Utah, and Washington D.C. allow self-solemnization, meaning no officiant is needed. Apply 2-4 weeks before the elopement date to handle any processing delays.
How do you tell family you are eloping?
Tell immediate family (parents and siblings) before the elopement if possible — even 1-2 weeks notice softens the surprise and reduces hurt feelings. Frame it positively: explain why an intimate ceremony feels right for you as a couple, and plan a celebration dinner or reception after the fact so family still feels included. For extended family and friends, announce within 1 week after the elopement with photos and a heartfelt message.
What are the most popular elopement destinations?
Top US elopement destinations: Big Sur and Yosemite (California), Glacier National Park (Montana), Moab (Utah), the Smoky Mountains (Tennessee), and New York City courthouse. International favorites include Santorini (Greece), the Amalfi Coast (Italy), Iceland's black sand beaches, and the Scottish Highlands. Choose based on legal requirements — some international locations require extra paperwork or do not legally recognize the ceremony, requiring a separate legal marriage at home.