Location Logistics to Keep in Mind When Eloping
You're engaged, and you've decided to elope! Somehow, that decision is a duality of complete freedom and overwhelming chaos! There are many things to consider when choosing the most important part of eloping; destination. Popular destinations are at your nearby courthouse, an exotic adventure experience, and trendy photo op places across the US. Let's break down some of the logistic considerations of choosing a location.
The Daydreamer Diaries | Katie Brown
COURTHOUSE
Be on the lookout for a specific blog post that covers the in-depth, official checklist of how to get married at the courthouse. However, if this is your location of choice, make sure to research the regulations of your city. Each location, city, and clerk will have different rules, so it's up to you to ensure you have all of your ducks in a row. Ask your courthouse for the exact steps of what getting married will look like at that location. Although this route of elopement is pretty hands-off, you have to do a lot of communication to choose a day and find out what rules you're expected to follow. For example, some courthouses do not allow personal vows. Once the initial communication is complete, you can show up and do the damn thing! Remember that courthouse weddings are fast, so if you want more celebration, plan events around your city that reflect who you are as a couple!
DESTINATION ELOPEMENT
Plan travel as soon as possible. Book flights and hotels first so you aren't stressing about that as you're planning the rest of your adventure. If you're flying across the country to a national park, research what permits you need to obtain for hiking, the wedding, and photography. Wherever you go, research what will make the elopement go as planned. Make sure to decide if you're choosing a local photographer to travel with you or if you're picking someone based out of your wedding destination. Make sure to communicate to your chosen loved ones as well, so everyone is getting to the location on the same page. Once you choose an official ceremony location, make sure you are aware of all of the laws around the space. No matter what type of location you choose, be respectful to the earth and other individuals. Planning an elopement away from home does require a lot of coordinating, so keep that in mind. Find a community of people who have done this before.
If you're planning an elopement close to home, consider hiring a planner or coordinator specializing in elopements and micro weddings. You can absolutely have a destination experience in your city/state! Remember that destination can be whatever makes the experience the best for you!
The Daydreamer Diaries | Katie Brown
POPULAR LOCATIONS
Places like Las Vegas, Colorado, and New York are extremely popular for elopements. Make sure you know fees and waitlists when choosing a popular place. Some halls and locations are booked out months and years in advance, so make it a priority to get on a waitlist as soon as possible if you want a popular experience. Similarly, make travel arrangements around the same time for the same reason. You want to ensure you have travel planned perfectly to ensure your dates come with minimal stress. Also, remember that you can choose a popular and trendy location and still make it as personal as you want. When deciding what suits your vision best, be aware of the rules and regulations.
There are many other ways to elope, so don't feel limited by the ideas suggested above. Get married in your backyard, at a botanical garden, or travel to that cute downtown district you've seen on your Instagram feed. Utilize Tiktok for inspiration from others who have had nontraditional weddings. There are endless ideas and locations that fit your budget, visions, and values! I hope you go through our blog and find other ideas that speak to you. I can't wait to see the memories you create with your significant other!