You’re ENGAGED, now what?!! 🎉 Pop that bubbly, soak up each second of saying “fiancé”, and celebrate. If nobody has told you this yet: there is no rush to plan your wedding or elopement. But if you’re ready to get this ball in motion, you’re in the right place! As a full-time elopement and intimate wedding photographer, who also recently got engaged, I know what a bonkers time it is after getting engaged (and when it comes to elopement planning). I’ve put together a list of 12 steps to follow after getting engaged to help you plan the elopement of your dreams.

Elopement Planning Bonus Tip

Before we really dive into the nitty gritty of planning your dream elopement, I want to share what my fiancé and I did to get started with our own elopement planning (and what I tell all of my clients as well). Sit down with your partner and start dreaming up your day. No matter how little or extravagant your dream, talk about it! By throwing out some ideas to one another, you’ll find out what each other values, and gives you something to consider that you may not have before. But I want to encourage you to take this step a little bit further. 

Both you and your partner should write down 5 non-negotiable items that you must have on your wedding day. These items should be things that you absolutely could not go without on your big day. Once you both have your top 5-non negotiable items, you’ll have a better vision for what your priorities are. This is super helpful when it comes to budgeting, finding a location, number of guests invited, etc. Once you have your non-negotiables, you will be able to conceptualize what your day could actually look like!

Now, it’s time for the list of things to do after you get the RING! 😉💍 WHOOP WHOOP

You’re Engaged, Now What?! Elopement Edition

Choose an Elopement Location

The location you choose for your elopement is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Not only should you strive to find a place that is special and meaningful to you as a couple, but you also want to consider the atmosphere and setting for your elopement. Maybe it’s a place that has been on your bucket list forever, or maybe it’s your favorite vacation destination. Wherever you choose, go at it with the two goals of sentimentality and atmosphere. 

If you’re struggling to find the perfect location, I suggest starting with envisioning what atmosphere you want. Do you want mountains? Alpine lakes? Fall foliage? Desert views? But if you still can’t decide on the perfect place, don’t worry! Your elopement photographer should be able to help you figure it out. I know when my fiancé and I started brainstorming locations, we knew we wanted to get married in a place that was new to both of us; we wanted to make our first and best memory as a married couple there. Spoiler alert: We settled on northern Washington because it was a place we’ve never been, and fits our interests (alpine environment, great fishing, and epic hikes). 

Decide a Date or Range of Dates

Once you have the place narrowed down, it’s best to choose a date (or range of dates). This will help you set the timeline for the rest of your planning to ensure you have ample time to arrange everything else for your elopement. If you have some flexibility in the date, that could be to your benefit! As a photographer, I love when couples inquire with a flexible date – it means there are more dates available and more flexibility with your other vendors. If you don’t have a specific date, think of what time of year is prettiest in your location, when you are able to take time off of work, etc.

Hire Your Elopement Photographer

My favorite step of all! 😉 Once your location and date are decided, you can find your photographer! Some couples prefer a photographer local to the area, others may have a photographer in mind that will have to travel. Whichever you decide, I encourage you to find a photographer that will capture the emotion and intimacy of your elopement, while providing an incredible experience. It’s also advantageous to choose a photographer who is familiar with the area, or provides location scouting and expertise so you know everything is taken care of on your elopement day.

Book Engagement Photos

If engagement photos are your jam, it’s a great chance to get some time with your photographer! A lot of couples that choose to elope don’t end up taking engagement photos because their day can be planned quicker than a traditional wedding. But if you want them, take ‘em! If not, no worries!

Book Your Other “Top” Vendors

Lodging, planning services, catering, hair/makeup, your officiant, florals, etc. Uffda! There’s a lot of vendors that could be booked for your elopement. As big of a pain as it is, book them as soon as you can so that you can just sit back, relax, and await your big day.

Secure Your Permits

If you are eloping in a national park you will absolutely need to apply for a permit. Check out the National Park Service website for more information. Even if you’re not tying the knot in a national park, do your research to make sure nothing else is required.

Announce Your Elopement (Unless it’s a Surprise)

Some couples choose to announce after-the-fact that they eloped. Whatever your prerogative is, now is a great time to plan! Whether you choose to invite your family and friends or involve them in other ways, there are tons of options. If you do choose to invite guests, consider a wedding weekend so you can have one adventure day and one family day. Win, win! (Psst, that’s our plan, too! 🤫) 

Purchase Your Elopement Attire

While this step may come a little earlier for some couples, make sure you gather your elopement attire in advance. Getting a wedding dress takes time, as does getting fitted for a tuxedo. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to research timelines for your particular attire.

Select Your Elopement Activities

Don’t know what I’m talking about!? If you didn’t know, your elopement is an incredible opportunity to do some epic activities. From hiking to alpine skiing, fly fishing and kayaking, there are endless elopement activities to consider.

Create Your Elopement Timeline

Enlist the help and expertise of your planner or photographer to help you create a perfect, seamless elopement timeline to fit your vision. Think of what time of day you want your ceremony, when you want to do your activities, what your plan is for dinner, etc. Your planner or photographer can help ensure that everything falls in place beautifully. 

Prepare for Your Elopement

Don’t know what this looks like? Well, don’t even worry about it! CLICK HERE for one of my recent posts all about preparing for your elopement. 

Continue the Celebration

Whether your elopement is in 3 months, or 1 year… continue your celebration! Your big day will be here before you know it. 

Being engaged is such an exciting time in life and your relationship. Make sure to still set aside time to soak up this season of life with your partner. Keep dreaming together about your big day (and take em with), but most importantly: dream about your marriage together. 

Looking for more elopement planning tips and tricks? Check out some additional resources linked down below. And as always, I’d love to be friends over on Instagram (@sydneybreannphoto). Are you ready to wander?

Additional Resources:

The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Glacier National Park
How to Elevate Your Elopement
How to Elope in Montana
Top 5 Places to Elope in Montana