“I don’t have a clue how to start planning an elopement.”

I truly LOVE this statement.

Just like you take advice from a doctor when your sick, you take advice from me, when your trying to make planning an elopement as stress free as possible. I’ve been photographing adventure elopements in the Canadian Rockies for 3 years and have helped a lot of couples through this process.

Here is a step by step breakdown of how I’d recommend going about it:

1. You get engaged! Woohoo!
2. Ok now what, where do you even start with vendors, locations, date, season, there’s just so many things to think about!
3. Take a deep breath.
4. You decide to elope.
5. Take some time to think about why you want to elope. What activities do the two of you love doing together? Where is your favorite spot to escape for a vacation or a few days? What is your favorite season? What is the most important thing to you about your elopement day? Think about those things. That will help a lot, trust me.
6. You both love fall and you love the mountains. So a fall mountain elopement sounds amazing. Great. Decide on a few dates in the fall that will work for you. Now what?
7. Figure out what the most important vendor is to you both. Videographer, officiant, florist, photographer, hair and makeup? Completely unbiased, the two vendors that couples most often reach out to first are officiant and photographer. Reach out to some of those. Check if they are available on your chosen dates. Research their reviews, portfolios etc.
8. Book the photographer and officiant. Then you can start to contact and add in other vendors. No problem!
9. From here, if you have a good photographer, they will help you choose locations and activities that might work for an elopement day based on your personal preferences.
10. For example, how do you decide whether to hike or helicopter for you elopement? Maybe you should do both? This is different for each couple and will be discussed. (This is also often discussed before booking the photographer, so you can get a general feel for how much time you may need.)
11. Once you’ve settled on activities, you’re pretty much good to go! Make sure you find a dress, suit, or whatever you’re planning to wear.
12. Keep in contact with your vendors as your date approaches to make sure everything will go as streamlined as possible. If you have good vendors, they will be in touch with you too!

Was this helpful!? I hope so. Every couple’s elopement day is totally unique, and I love helping couples through the planning process. Have fun with it! It’ll be the best day ever.