How to elope

FORGET EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW ABOUT ELOPING, BECAUSE THIS IS THE REAL DEAL.

Growing up

Eloping is still a legal marriage but just at a much smaller scale. All an elopement means is that you are tying the knot either just the two of you or surrounded by a very small amount of people.

you may have heard that eloping was some horrible thing that every parent warned you about. You ran off with your partner, headed to Vegas and got married by Elvis Presley. While this actually still is a thing (trust me, I've seen it), eloping is way more than just your typical Vegas wedding. It's an intimate celebration and something completely special and unique to you and your partner.

Eloping is still a legal marriage but just at a much smaller scale.

All an elopement means is that you are tying the knot either just the two of you or surrounded by a very small amount of people. It's a beautiful and intimate way to get married and is always an adventure. This along with the million other reasons, is why I love being able to photograph elopements anywhere across the world.

calling all adventurers…

You ready to elope?

Antelope Island Utah Bridals

Antelope Island

On the beautiful Antelope Island you will find rolling hills and breathtaking scenery.

From the wide array of wildlife to the plethora of trails and sounds of streams this is an oasis tucked away in Davis County, Utah.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FOR YOUR DESTINATION ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

At this point, maybe you're thinking that eloping is the right move for you.

However, you have a few questions and frankly, I would too if I were you! As a Destination Elopement Photographer, I have been able to see in's and out's when it comes to eloping.

So here are some of the frequently asked questions that may put your mind at ease when it comes to having an elopement and deciding to elope.

DO I NEED TO HIRE AN OFFICIANT FOR MY ELOPEMENT?

Hiring an officiant for your elopement will be completely dependent on where you choose to elope. Self solemnization is the act of becoming legally married with just a written agreement between two people. In this case, if you and your partner were self solemnized, you would not need an officiant. However, this is not the case in every state and/or country. In the state of Utah, self solemnization is currently not available so you will need to have an officiant present in order to have a Utah elopement!

IS IT LEGAL TO ELOPE?

The million dollar question is "Is it legal to elope?" and the answer is, it depends! In the United States it is completely legal to elope. However, if you're planning on eloping outside of the United States and having an international elopement, the answers may vary. Each country and their rules for elopements may change, so it's best to do your research on where you're wanting to elope and if you can elope at that specific location/country before making any big decisions.

HOW DO WE CHOOSE WHERE TO ELOPE?

Choosing where to elope can be one of the hardest decisions that you're going to make, but a fun one for sure! The great thing about elopements is that you can get married just about anywhere. However, keep in mind that if you are planning on having an elopement outside of where you currently live, you will have to do some research on how to legally get married there. Especially if you're planning on eloping outside of the country, it may be best to legally get married in your current place of residence and then have a symbolic ceremony in a different location!

HOW LONG IS MY ELOPEMENT GOING TO BE?

The great thing about elopements is that it can be as short or as long as you want it to be! Eloping means that you have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Your elopement can be as short as 1 hour to being a whole 8-10 hours long! This is completely dependent on you and your partner and how you choose to celebrate your marriage. That's the fun in it!

WHO CAN I INVITE TO MY ELOPEMENT?

WHAT IS AN ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT?

An adventure elopement is similar to a regular elopement, however it is typically a longer and more adventurous celebration. Having an adventure elopement may consist of going to different locations, getting beautiful photos taken by your elopement photographer and ending the night with some margarita's and beer. Adventure elopements can range from 5-12 hours long so the sky is truly the limit here!

The greatest thing about having an elopement, imo, is that you can invite whoever you want! If you're wanting to invite friends and family to witness your elopement ceremony, then by all means, GO AHEAD!! You want to make sure that whoever you invite to witness such a joyous occasion is there to support you and your partner. You want people who are going to be rooting for you no matter what, so technically... that's the only rule. At the end of the day though, remember, it's your day and you get to choose who you celebrate with. If you want it to be an even more intimate day, you can have it be literally just the two of you too (plus me!).

HOW MUCH DOES AN ELOPEMENT COST?

There is a common misconception that eloping is more cost-effective and don't get me wrong, it totally can be... if you want. However, that's not always the case. Having an elopement can be a more cost-effective option especially if you're looking to save some $$ and instead invest in your honeymoon or something else. Eloping though, depending on where you go, can still cost a pretty penny but it is entirely up to your budget and what you are and are not willing to spend money on.

Best piece of advice that I can give you... don't go swiping your card left and right without looking.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY ELOPEMENT?


If you haven't caught on by now, the best thing about having an elopement is that you can do whatever you want. That includes wearing whatever the heck your heart desires. Whether you're wanting to wear a traditional wedding dress or step outside the box and do something completely different and unique. The choice is yours and I am here to support you no matter what!

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO PLANNING MY ELOPEMENT?


The biggest step is actually deciding that you want to elope, so hooray! If you're already past this step, then here are a few of the next steps you will need to take:

  • Determine your elopement budget

  • Decide where you want to elope (your elopement location)

  • Look at marriage rules at the location where you want to elope

  • Narrow down and hire vendors for your elopement

  • Apply for a marriage license

HOW DO WE TELL OUR FAMILY & FRIENDS WE ARE ELOPING?

Telling your friends and family that you are making the decision to elope can be a tough, but the best thing that you can do is to communicate. Letting them know in a kind way that this decision is not based on them and is completely your decision will be the best way to go about breaking the news of your elopement to friends and family. While this may be a hard pill to swallow, at the end of the day you have to do what is right for you and your partner. It's your wedding day and nobody elses. On the other hand, you also dont have to tell anybody that you are eloping! All comes down to what you two are comfortable with :)

WHAT VENDORS DO I HIRE FOR MY ELOPEMENT?

Having an elopement means you get to choose who you do and don't want to hire for your elopement celebration. However, there are some vendors that I typically recommend my couples hire to make the process of eloping that much more seamless, easy and memorable experience.

Now, this may be a bit biased on me as a Utah Elopement Photographer, but I highly recommend hiring an elopement photographer. Your elopement photographer will be the one documenting the special memories and is a necessity in my eyes. Hiring an elopement planner will help you also in making sure that everything comes to life and alleviates a ton of work on your end. If you're wanting more elopement vendor recs though, I have a full list that I provide my couples for easy access!

DO YOU TRAVEL FOR ELOPEMENTS?

HECK YES I DO! As a Destination Elopement Photographer I love being able to travel all across the world to capture your elopement. Wherever you want to celebrate, whether that be in your own backyard to jetting off across the world to the world's largest waterfall, count me in!

WE'VE MADE THE DECISION TO ELOPE! HOW DO WE BOOK YOU?

Ah!! I am so stoked for you and am so happy that you are making this amazing decision to elope! I would be honored to be your Destination Elopement Photographer and capture your story. In order for me to check my availability and start chatting about your dream elopement, inquire here, and we can get your elopement in the books!

Northern Michigan Countryside Log Cabin Elopement

Northern Michigan


In a gorgeous log cabin elopement in the countryside of Northern Michigan, Hannah & Craig made their vows to one another at an intimate elopement ceremony that will be forever cherished.

HOW DO I KNOW

if I should elope?

Maybe you're looking for clear "this is you" signs to decide whether or not you should elope. While at the end of the day the decision will be completely up to you and your partner, here are a few signs that having an elopement may be for you!

You're wanting more privacy on your wedding day

  • Are wanting a more intentional and sentimental day

  • Wanting to not be the center of attention/in front of a large crowd

  • Are wanting to travel somewhere epic (in your country or internationally)

Sound like you?

(don't lie...)

Activities you can do for your elopement


Oftentimes even when it comes to eloping we are left with the idea that we need to keep things to a simple ceremony. However, this is 2024 and that is not the case anymore. In fact, when we say that you can do anything for your elopement we mean anything.


Whether you're wanting to hike to the tallest mountain or get married in a hot air balloon, the options are limitless. If you're wanting to have an adventure elopement and are looking for some activities to help make your elopement more unique, more yourself and more EPIC... then you've come to the right place.

TIPS ON HOW TO PLAN YOUR

elopement

While planning an elopement may seem like the most daunting and scariest thing in the whole world, trust me when I say it's a lot easier than you may think.

planning your elopement. planning your elopement.planning your elopement. planning your elopement. planning your elopement.

Your elopement should be a day filled with celebration, laughter, and love so making sure that you have everything planned and ready to go is key to having a beautiful elopement no matter where you are. With just a few helpful tips on how to plan your elopement, you'll be ready to tie the knot in no time!

  • First things first, you're going to need to choose your wedding date! This could be a date that means something to you and your partner, or just a good time of year you want to tie the knot!

  • Next, you're going to want to decide on where you're going to want your elopement to take place. Whether you're wanting to be on a mountain top or beachside. The options for you are endless but it's an important decision!

  • Having a date and location picked out is an absolute dream for your elopement photographer. You want to be able to have your special day documented, so hiring your perfect elopement photographer will make a big difference.

  • With hiring any vendor, you ideally want to make sure you have your date & location picked as well. If you're wanting to hire a planner, florist, officiants, etc this is the time to do it!

  • Brush up on everything and anything you need to know about where you're eloping. This is especially the case if you're looking to have a destination elopement outside of where you currently live.

  • Ideally, you want to make sure that you have a backup plan just in case something falls through. While we can't control everything, we can control some things so always have a Plan B.

  • Now that everything is planned out and organized, it's time to sit back, relax and get you two married!!!

So you’ve eloped.

Now what?

ENJOY THE AFTER PARTY!

Just because you've eloped doesn't mean the party stops at your ceremony. In fact, no one ever said that your elopement only consists of an epic ceremony. You can absolutely continue the celebration after your elopement with a little fun and celebration. This could be a wild party at your favorite bar, gathering your family and friends at a restaurant or a small get-together at home eating dessert.

FRIENDS & FAMILY NOT AT THE CEREMONY?

Having an after party after your elopement is a great way to still involve your friends and family in the celebration without them having to be at your ceremony. This is a great alternative if you're wanting to soften the blow in the fact that they aren't invited to your ceremony. They still get to be a part of your special day and you still get your privacy and intimacy! This is the ultimate win-win in my book.

Bucket list elopement locations

If you're wanting to elope but have no idea on the where, I've got you!

As some of you may know, traveling is basically engrained into my DNA at this point. It's one of my many passions and as a Destination Elopement Photographer is one of the many reasons why I love my job so stinkin' much. Below are a list of just some of the many beautiful places in the US and World to help spark some ideas on some of the best bucket list elopement locations for your dream elopement.

Elopement locations (U.S)

Oahu - Hawaii

Mount Rainier National Park - Washington

Yosemite National Park - California

Antelope Canyon - Arizona

Telluride - Colorado

Acadia National Park - Maine

Adirondack Mountains - New York

Charleston - South Carolina

Elopement locations (International)

Reykjavík - Iceland

Santorini & Milos - Greece

Positano, Lake Como, & The Dolomites - Italy

Tulum & Cancun - Mexico

Bali - Indonesia

Isle of Sky - Scotland

Helpful resources for your elopement:

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ELOPEMENT & INTIMATE WEDDING

can you tell the difference?

Nowadays if you're newly engaged you are flooded with different wedding terminology. Two of the most popular being elopements and intimate weddings, but what is the difference?

SECRET'S TO A HAWAII ELOPEMENT IN OAHU

say aloha to this island paradise!

You may say that I hold all the secrets, and this is true. If you've been wanting to visit this tropical paradise, here is an in-depth guide where I spill all of my secrets to a Oahu Hawaii elopement.

TOP 10 AIRBNB'S TO ELOPE IN EUROPE

ready to jet off across the world?

As a Utah/ Destination elopement Photographer, it's my job to help you create the elopement of your dreams. Explore the top 10 Airbnb's to Elope in Europe and have me tag a long to document your story!

HOW TO ELOPE IN MOAB

is moab on your bucket list?

Find some of the best places to elope in Moab, Utah along with some helpful tips and tricks to make the most of your Moab, Utah elopement!

Lets Start planning your adventure

new art - From the Portfolio