How to Elope: A Full Guide to Escaping for Your Nuptials

While big weddings can be beautiful (and a lot of fun), they’re certainly not for everyone. As an alternative, elopements are a romantic, intimate way for couples to celebrate the adventure they’re taking together. Plus, you can have an elopement wedding without spending too much money or getting too caught up in the planning process. But, the question of how to elope may have already crossed your mind.

Though growing in popularity, elopements are still a bit of a mystery to many. How do you plan one? Do you have to keep it a secret? And most importantly, how do you know if it’s right for you? We’re here to help you answer some of those difficult questions and inspire you with some intimate elopement wedding ideas.

What does it mean to elope?

What is eloping? According to experts, eloping means escaping and getting married. Traditionally, this has meant running away to wed without parental consent. Nowadays, it’s more of a respite for couples who want to forgo a big wedding and do something more private. There’s often an element of surprise with an elopement as couples go away on a vacation and then return married.

How to elope?

Be confident in your decision.

“Know that eloping is right for you, whether it be because of sticky family situations or just not loving the limelight,” says Lori Stephenson, Owner of LOLA Event Productions.

If you’re questioning your decision in any way, it’s time to do some soul-searching and maybe even ask for advice from those closest to you. Ask yourself questions:

• Why are we eloping?
• How will we feel after we elope?
• Will we have the same sense of satisfaction we would with a larger wedding?
• Is there anyone we’d regret not being there?

These questions will help you delve a little deeper and solidify your decision.

Consider your options (and your budget).

One of the biggest mistakes couples tend to make is assuming that an elopement requires no effort (or money). If you want to capture photos, eat a nice meal, and look good while doing it, then photographers, hair stylists, and rentals are all important pieces to consider when creating your wedding budget. Make sure not to overlook non-negotiables, such as officiants and marriage documents.

The experts at Simply Eloped advise choosing vendors with intention. This means thinking of how you want to feel that day and selecting vendors based on qualities or adjectives that fit with your overall vision. This helps reduce some of the overwhelm that comes with narrowing down vendors and ensures the couple stays true to themselves throughout the process.

Figure out the legalities of (and planners in) your destination.

While some couples wondering how to elope opt for simply going to the courthouse, others are invested in a more “adventurous” elopement, often leading them overseas or in the remote wilderness. As these types of ceremonies grow in popularity, the logistics become more complex.

Local planners are often a wise investment, given that they not only are well aware of the laws and logistics but can also help reduce the stress levels associated with planning something in an entirely different country. A planner can serve as your point person to help you stick to a schedule and move things along smoothly.

Just make sure—no matter where or how you get married—you don't overlook the legal side of things. If you’re eloping overseas, look into what’s required to secure your marriage license in advance.

Don’t forget about photos.

Because elopements are incredibly intimate and there isn’t a large crowd to please, couples often overlook photography. But don’t think just because there aren’t many people that there won’t be many meaningful moments to document.

“Still get a photographer,” Stephenson says. “Even though you aren’t having a big reception, you will still want to capture the love and magic of your wedding day!”

According to the experts at Adventure Instead, photographers often make up 50-80% of the elopement budget, so it’s important to factor them in early on. Need help finding a professional photographer? Browse Zola's vendor directory for elopement and wedding photographers in Boston, MA, Seattle, WA, and more.

Keep your loved ones looped in.

Don’t let your desire to be spontaneous hurt those who matter most to you. Even if you’re planning to keep your elopement a secret (at least for a little while), make sure to let everyone in around the same time so there are no hard feelings. It’s never fun to feel like the last one to know.

Also, remember that eloping doesn’t have to mean no one is invited. If there are a handful of individuals you want present on your big day, factor them into the plan early on. Planning how to elope doesn’t always mean no one can know, and you an always send elopement invitations to a select few.

Consider a reception.

Many couples choose to throw a party after the fact to celebrate with their family and close friends. This not only makes the event feel more “official,” but also ensures no one feels left out. There are also generally fewer expectations surrounding elopement parties than traditional wedding receptions, which keeps stress levels at ease (and budgets intact).

As with the elopement itself, it’s important to ask yourself why you want a reception, if at all. If one of the main reasons for eloping was to save money, throwing a large party may defeat the purpose.

Do keep in mind that by skipping the celebration altogether, you may be sacrificing other benefits (such as wedding gifts) that wouldn’t otherwise occur to you.

How much does it cost to elope?

While that’s a great question, many factors determine your elopement cost. Will you be having a destination elopement? You’ll need to budget for travel, accommodations, and food if you’ll be gone for a while. However, if you’re traveling to the Amalfi Coast, your costs will differ greatly from an elopement in your favorite city an hour away from your hometown.

The good thing is that eloping doesn’t have to cost a lot of money—or it can be the opportunity to splurge on the vacation of a lifetime. You could simply go to city hall or plan a two-week African safari. Of course, there are some set costs, such as your marriage license, attire, and any extras, such as a photographer or florals (think bout and bouquet), so figure out your elopement checklist and create a budget from there.

4 Elopement ideas to get you thinking

Marry at your local courthouse.

Want to know how to elope in an ultra-budget-friendly and simple way? Get married at your nearest city hall. Check with your local courthouse to see when you can schedule your elopement and get started. You can dress for the big day in wedding attire—think suiting or a white gown—and hire a photographer, or keep it simple and spur of the moment if possible.

Stay within a 4-hour radius of home.

When you crave a getaway but only have a long weekend, choose a place that’s just a drive away. Whether you want to have a rural mountain wedding, waterside views, or an urban retreat, you can probably find it all within a 4-hour radius of your hometown. Look at these areas in a different light as you plan your elopement.

Skip town and head to Vegas.

Yes, this destination elopement idea is somewhat expected, but eloping to Las Vegas is popular for a reason. With 24-hour venues and wedding chapels just waiting for you and your partner to say, “I do,” you can wed in style and have fun telling folks that yes, indeed, you did elope to Vegas!

Seize the opportunity to take a big trip.

Are you more excited about your honeymoon rather than your wedding? Then make your elopement all about the destination. Pick your bucket-list honeymoon spot and start planning your destination elopement at the same place. Or, if you love a country—for example, France—and not a specific spot, consider eloping in Paris and honeymooning in the countryside.

So, are you ready to plan a stellar elopement? Stay here at Zola to further your plans. We can answer questions like whether or not you should still do an elopement wedding registry (of course, yes!) or if you should plan a micro-wedding instead.