How to plan an elopement in 10 steps: the ceremony, the reception, the family
Today we’re walking you through how to plan and elopement in 10 steps including the ceremony, reception, and what to do about family.
how to plan an elopement in 10 steps
- Create your priority list
- Create a budget that aligns with your priorities
- Research your budget and make sure it’s realistic – how much does it cost to elope in Colorado
- Plan the who (with family or without), what, when, and where of your elopement style wedding
- Focus on the why: plan your ceremony
- Celebrate: plan your reception
- Gather your vendor team
- Book everything: vendors, accommodations, permits, marriage license
- Make it special
- Enjoy
how to plan an elopement style wedding: the ceremony, reception, and family
1. Create your elopement priority list
The first step in planning anything, in my opinion, is to create a priority list. I walk through this in our free guide: how to plan your wedding so that it’s a memorable adventure. Therefore the first step in how to plan an elopement If you don’t start by focusing on your priorities, it’s easy to get carried away. Having a priority list will make sure you and your fiance are on the same page.
2. Create a budget that aligns with your priorities
Take a stab at your elopement budget. How much do you want to spend, how much do you think it will cost? Make some quick estimates and see if you and your fiance are on the same page. Elopements can be less expensive that weddings, but they can also be more expensive if you don’t think it through.
3. Research your elopement budget and make sure it’s realistic
Before we move on, we should take a closer look at that budget. Is it realistic? It can be shocking to find out how much things cost in the wedding industry so take a deeper dive into that budget. For example, photographers can cost anywhere from $1000-$8000 depending on hours and experience. I wrote more about budget in this post on how much does it cost to elope in Colorado. Since pricing can vary so wildly it’s important to know your priorities.
4. Plan the who (with family or without), what, when, and where of your elopement style wedding
-
- Who: Is it important that it’s just the two of you or will you invite your family? Do you kind of want your best friend or your mom there? Check out this post on how to elope with family, it talks through various ways to include the important people in your life. When thinking about how to plan an elopement with family, there will be a few more logistics to figure out.
- What: Do you want to simply get married at the courthouse or do you want a relaxing day on the beach or do you want to climb a mountain and say your i do’s at the top?
- When: What time of year do you want to elope? Weather might play a factor depending on location. THe good news is if it’s just the two of you, you don’t have to plan around anyone else’s schedule
- Where: Where do you want to get married? Do you want to keep it local or make it a destination elopement. Refer to your budget and make sure your location is feasible. Check out our post on where to elope in Colorado.
5. Focus on the why: how to do an elopement ceremony
Planning the ceremony is often overlooked, which is a shame because it’s the moment you commit to each other. In Colorado, you don’t even need an officiant or witnesses, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make it special.
If you are going to have an officiant, they can help you figure out how to do an elopement ceremony. Elements of an elopement ceremony might include a processional, welcome, readings, vows, exchanging of rings, unity ceremony of some sort, and first kiss. Depending on your own cultures or religious beliefs, there might be some other beautiful traditions you want to include.
We have a very popular blog post on adventure wedding readings and quotes. The trick is finding something meaningful to help you get in the mindset of the momentousness of this occasion.
Pro tip: consider sunrise or sunset for stunning romantic light. Not only will it make your photos epic but it will make your memories unforgettable.
6. Celebrate: how to plan an elopement reception
A bride’s gotta eat right? An elopement reception can be as simple as a romantic dinner for two. It can also be an elaborate party with friends and family after the fact.
When thinking through how to plan an elopement reception, be sure to refer to your priority list and your budget.
If you’re having a big reception, you might want to consider some time between the elopement and the reception so that you’re not stressed trying to plan both. Additionally, we love hearing stories about our couples sharing their elopement photos with their families at a reception back home.
7. Gather your vendor team:
Based on your vision for the day, you might need a few wedding vendors. Refer to your budget and priorities when planning if you’ll need an officiant, photographer, videographer, planner, flowers, food, and more.
8. Book everything: vendors, accommodations, permits, marriage license
Once you book everything, you can start looking forward to it. Make sure you know how to get your wedding license and any other permits you need. Visit the county website for instructions on how to get a marriage license.
9. Make it special:
Take one more moment to look back on your priorities and vision for your day. Is there anything else you can do to make it feel special. Check out our blog post on How to Make an Elopement Special.
10. Enjoy
Planning can be stressful, but getting married can be joyful. Once you’re done with the planning, celebrate and feel good about your choices. You might even want to stop reading wedding blogs especially if they tend to give you FOMO.
Your choices and your day are unique to you. You don’t really need anything other than your marriage license and that special person you want to spend your life with. Remember that, keep things in perspective, and enjoy your elopement.
how to plan an elopement in review:
Hope we helped answer your questions on how to do an elopement ceremony, how to plan an elopement reception, and how to plan an elopement with family. There are a lot of factors to consider but these 10 simple steps will get you heading in the right direction.
We’re here to help if you have any questions. We frequently help our couples plan their elopements and have unforgettable experiences. As an additional bonus, we can help make sure you have the best light for your photos.
check out more recent posts:
I hope you enjoyed these tips on planning your Colorado mountain elopement! Next, check out some of our recent posts.
- How to Elope in Colorado
- Planning Your Colorado Mountain Elopement
- Wedding vs Elope – Either way “I do”
- How to Make an Elopement Special
- Eloping for a Wedding (How to Reframe your Thinking.)
- How to Plan a Micro Wedding (and be happy about it!)
Next check out more of our wedding photography advice for brides here. Lastly, read more about us and view our Colorado elopement guide.
FREE comprehensive e-guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.
We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband and wife photography team specializing in Colorado mountain wedding photography and videography and other adventures. Let us help you make your wedding an adventure! It would be an honor to capture your love.
Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help! Be sure to follow us (weddings instagram & adventures instagram) and/or like us (facebook) to stay tuned.
In the meantime, remember to…
