How to Elope

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embracing the freedom of elopements

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You may be all in for an adventure elopement, but feel unsure about where to start. Don't worry, I'm here to help explain step by step how to elope so you can catch a fuller glimpse at the big picture. One of my largest passions is empowering you to be in these wild outdoor spaces, no matter your skill level or knowledge. If eloping is a new concept to you, or you're curious about the logistics of this type of adventure, you're in the right place! I'm itching to share the joy of this experience with you.

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STEP 1

Choose an elopement location

When you elope, you open yourself up to endless possibilities for what your day could look like, because you get to ask yourself: if I could have any place in the world as my venue, where would it be? If you're having trouble deciding, consider these tips as you sift through destinations:

+ review your budget as it will affect how much you're able to spend on lodging/travel
+ decide on guest count & consider what places can accommodate that group size
+ choose a meaningful place that holds significance to your relationship
+ let activities guide you & look into what elopement locations are known for your desired activities
+ consider what kind of landscape inspires you: deserts, mountains, forests, waterfalls, coastal cliffs, tropical, international, etc

STEP 2

Pick a Time of Year

A good place to begin is thinking through what season you enjoy being in the outdoors the most. The weather each month brings will affect the kind of experience you're hoping to create. Carefully research what patterns are present in the landscape for each time of year & how it impacts your elopement location. If you don't live in the area, be cautious about assuming conditions. For example, there are areas in the high mountains that won't be cleared of snow until August. Check hiking forums, search online, and most importantly, start the discussion with your photographer before you decide on a date/time of year so they can help weigh in on the decision based off their knowledge & availability.

STEP 3

Hire Elopement Vendors

Your vendor team is truly going to bring your adventure elopement to life. Picking businesses you feel connected to & confident in is key! I recommend reaching out to your vendors early. Being an expert in the field, they have valuable info that could aid the planning process. For example as a photographer, some couples reach out with an idea for a location, but don't have an accurate understanding of the experience it offers. (crowds, hiking difficulty, best time of year, etc) Here are vendors to consider hiring:

+ photographer
(I'd love to chat with you!)
+ elopement planner
+ officiant
+ videographer
+ florist
+ rentals
+ hair & make up
+ cake/bakery
+ caterer/food

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Step 4

Choose your Elopement Accomodations

Your lodging plays an important role in the execution of your elopement day. You can camp, stay at a glamping resort near a national park, or book a beautiful airbnb, giving you a more private home base. Some destination rentals even allow you to have your ceremony on site. I’ve seen couples perform their ceremony on the deck of A-frame cabins in the mountains, rent an Italian villa in Tuscany for their friends & family, and purchase an all inclusive adventure wedding package on a private beach of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico-- so dream big!

Best WA Elopement Venues

Check out this blog for a list of my favorite stays & don't hesitate to ask for my recommendations in the area. (I have plenty)

Best places to stay

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• Step 5, Choose activities

The coolest thing about elopements is you can fill your timeline with unique activities. I’ve noticed the more you break your day up into small events, the more you feel like you’re walking away from this experience with a full celebration. If you’ve chosen to plan your elopement experience around a specific landscape, what better way to connect yourselves to that scenery than to engage in outdoor activities amidst it. Here is a list of activities to get you brainstorming:

+ hiking, kayaking, swimming, off-roading, hot air balloon ride, helicopter ride, climbing, ski-lift ride, backpacking, camping, picnic, private chef, sunset watching, stargazing, campfire with smores

• Step 6, Apply for a Permit & Marriage License

There are regulations for using each type of land for your elopement. Sometimes a special use permit is required. Special use permits can cost anywhere from $50-$200. This is where it’s important to spend some time online, looking into what is necessary for each kind of public land. Don't worry, I'll help make sure you're getting all the right permits. You’ll need to fill out an application through the park website at least 1 month in advance for your permit, sometimes earlier.

Each State's protocol for marriage licenses are a bit different, so you'll want to google what is required, and make sure to bring your marriage license with you on your elopement day!

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WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE

Being your elopement photographer is just one of my many roles. Not only will you receive beautiful images, but I’m also with you for every step as you plan to help streamline each part of this process. Even more so, I’m here to ensure you are set up to have deeply meaningful experiences on one of the most important days of your life. With me, you won’t find yourself rushing through the motions, but instead walking through each adventure we embark on presently, so you can continue to carry these feelings with you for the rest of your lives. Here are some of the many things included when booking with me:

+location scouting

+timeline prep (often includes multiple backup plans)

+travel & lodging recommendations

+elopement vendor referrals

+bottomless bag of supplies: bear spray, hand warmers, bobby pins, first aid kit, bug spray, etc

+fully stocked elopement picnic basket (not including food)

+an adventurous soul that is ready to relish every moment with you

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BOOK NOW

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PORTFOLIO

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