5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Planning My Elopement
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Planning My Elopement
Let’s rewind to 2020—our original wedding year. We had the date circled, the plans set, the excitement bubbling… and then, like so many of you, everything changed. The world hit pause, and our wedding day as we had imagined it was no longer possible. After a lot of tears, deep conversations, and a major mindset shift, my now husband and I pivoted. We tossed out the big wedding blueprint and started something entirely new: elopement planning. We ended up exchanging vows in the lush, sun-drenched beauty of Belize, just us and our daughter with a few family members present (and the jungle birds). And while it turned out to be exactly what our hearts needed, there’s so much I wish I had known before diving into planning a destination elopement.
If you’re here, maybe you’re in the middle of your own pivot. Maybe you’re dreaming of something more intimate, more meaningful, more “you.” Or maybe the idea of eloping just feels right, even without a pandemic plot twist. Wherever you’re at in your elopement planning journey, I see you. I’ve been you. And in this post, I’m sharing the 5 things I wish I knew before planning our own elopement—from the emotional, to the logistical, to the little things no one tells you until you’re already in it.
Eloping Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Involve Family
One of the biggest misconceptions about eloping is that it means leaving your family out—but elopement planning doesn’t have to look that way at all. Just because you’re keeping the ceremony small doesn’t mean you can’t bring your people in close, in your own way. Think letters from loved ones that you read together on your wedding day, video calls before you head out, or a celebration when you get back home. After our elopement in Belize, we hosted a low-key celebration with the rest of our family and friends—cold beer, homemade tacos, and an epic night of karaoke. It was the perfect way to celebrate with our people without compromising the intimacy of the day itself. There are so many ways to make space for those who matter most, even when you’re doing things a little differently.
Courthouse Elopements Are The Past
Let’s get one thing straight—eloping doesn’t have to mean running down to the courthouse (unless that’s your vibe, of course!). Elopement planning opens the door to so much freedom. You can hike to the top of Mt. Rainier at sunrise, say your vows barefoot on a Sanibel Island beach, rent a cozy Airbnb in the woods, or hop a flight to a place like that makes your heart feel alive. The beauty of eloping is that there are no rules—just you, your partner, and a day that feels like an honest reflection of your love. It’s not about what’s expected, it’s about what feels right. So if a traditional wedding doesn’t light you up, know that you can absolutely create a day that does. Go anywhere, do anything—this is your love story, and you get to write it your way.
Elopement Planning Can Be Stress-Free
Eloping doesn’t have to be stressful—in fact, for most couples choosing to elope, the whole point is to keep things easy going and laid back. If you’re craving a slower, more intentional kind of wedding day, you absolutely can have that. Elopement planning should feel more like dreaming up a really meaningful adventure than ticking off boxes on a checklist. Think about what brings you joy, what makes you feel most connected to each other, and start there. Make a list of all the things you enjoy doing together and how you can apply that to your elopement day. Whether that’s a quiet morning with coffee and handwritten vows or dancing barefoot under the stars, your elopement can be equal parts heartfelt and fun. Let go of the pressure to make it perfect and focus instead on making it uniquely yours.
Elopement Planning Isn’t About Spending Less
A lot of people assume eloping is just the “cheaper” alternative to a traditional wedding—but here’s the truth: elopement planning isn’t necessarily about spending less, it’s about spending with intention. Instead of investing in chair covers and chicken dinners for 200 guests, you get to pour your budget into once-in-a-lifetime experiences that actually matter to you and your partner. Maybe that’s a private chef dinner under the stars, a dreamy stay at an insanely beautiful hotel in Thailand, or a helicopter ride to a remote mountaintop on Aoraki/Mt. Cook to say your vows. Eloping doesn’t mean scaling back your celebration—it means elevating it in a way that feels deeply personal and wildly unforgettable. Luxury doesn’t have to mean flashy; it can mean intentional, curated, and full of heart. You deserve a day that feels extraordinary, and if that means leaning into an elevated elopement experience, then I say go all in.
The Most Mind-Blowing Truth About Elopement Planning (That No One Really Talks About)
And here’s the one thing that still blows my mind—your elopement day can be just as meaningful, emotional, and unforgettable as any traditional wedding… if not more! When you strip away the pressure, the timelines, the need to entertain 150 guests—you make space for the moments that truly matter. The quiet ones. The joyful, messy, real ones. The ones where you’re fully present with the person you love most, soaking it all in without distraction. I wish someone had told me that sooner. Eloping isn’t “less than.” It’s not the backup plan. It’s an intentional, beautiful, deeply personal way to begin your marriage—and it deserves to be everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
Your Elopement Planning Sidekick + Photographer
As an elopement and intimate wedding photographer, my role goes far beyond just showing up with a camera. I’m here to help you create an experience that feels true to you—from start to finish. That means assisting with the elopement planning process in a hands-on, thoughtful way. I’ll help you scout the perfect ceremony location (whether that’s tucked in the forest, cliffside at sunset, or somewhere completely off the beaten path), guide you through any necessary permits or legal details, and build a relaxed, intentional timeline that gives you space to soak in every moment of your day. My goal is to make sure your elopement isn’t just beautiful in photos—but that it feels grounded, meaningful, and yours every step of the way. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, head over to my contact form and let’s start dreaming up your day together!
More Elopement Planning + Resources
If you’re in the thick of elopement planning and looking for more guidance, inspiration, or just some honest advice from someone who’s been there—I’ve got you! I’ve put together a handful of blog posts and resources designed to help you feel confident and excited about this journey. From choosing your dream location to choosing, there’s something for every stage of the process. Be sure to check out the posts linked below—they’re packed with real tips, real stories, and all the insight I wish I had when planning my own elopement!
Intimate Wedding VS. Elopement: How to Choose the Perfect Celebration
