How to Elope!
What Is Eloping?
Let’s start here, because the definition has changed. Eloping used to mean running off to get married in secret. Now? It’s about freedom. Eloping today means choosing an intentional, meaningful wedding experience that reflects who you are—without the pressure, the production, or the guest list that doesn’t make sense for you.
It’s not “less than.” It’s more you. Elopements can be adventurous and wild, soft and slow, or anything in between. Whether it’s just the two of you or you bring along your closest loved ones, your elopement is a day that tells your story in a way that feels real, relaxed, and unforgettable.
The Elopement Scoop
Is Eloping Legal? (And How to Make It Official)
Yep! Eloping doesn’t mean “no guests allowed.” Many couples bring a small group—usually just a few family members or friends. Others elope completely privately and then host a celebration later.
There are a few ways to include loved ones:
- Invite a handful of guests to join the full experience
Share private vows alone, then meet guests for a post-ceremony dinner.
- Live stream your ceremony so friends and family can still witness it
- Plan a celebration back home after the elopement
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s all about what feels right to you.
Do We Need an Officiant for Our Elopement?
Eloping is 100% legal if you follow the marriage laws of the location where you're getting married. Each country (and often each region within that country) has its own rules on marriage licenses, officiants, and witnesses. Don’t stress—this is something I help all my couples with! You can choose to handle the legal side quietly at home and use the elopement for your personal ceremony, OR we can walk through what’s required to legally marry abroad.
Can We Invite Guests to Our Elopement?
Depending on your location, you may need:
An officiant (some countries allow self-solemnizing marriages)
A civil/legal ceremony at a town hall within the destination country.
For example: In Italy, a civil ceremony is required to make it legal. In Scotland, you can legally marry anywhere with a licensed officiant and two witnesses (which I can sometimes serve as—bonus!). Depending on your dream spot, you can either bring an officiant with you or we can connect with a local celebrant.
Is Eloping Legal? (And How to Make It Official)
Start by dreaming big. Ask yourselves:
- What kind of scenery speaks to you—mountains, cliffs, forests, cities, castles?
- Are there places that are meaningful to your relationship or heritage?
- Do you want to explore somewhere new or return to a favorite destination?
- What season fits your vision? (Think: weather, crowds, and colors.)
Then think logistics:
Some countries have easy marriage laws for foreigners (like Scotland!)
Accessibility for you or your guests (hikes vs drive-ups)
Local vendors, lodging, and experiences
Need help narrowing it down? That’s part of what I do—guiding couples to the perfect elopement location that fits their vision and vibe.
What Happens During an Elopement Ceremony?
Eloping is 100% legal if you follow the marriage laws of the location where you're getting married. Each country (and often each region within that country) has its own rules on marriage licenses, officiants, and witnesses. Don’t stress—this is something I help all my couples with! You can choose to handle the legal side quietly at home and use the elopement for your personal ceremony, OR we can walk through what’s required to legally marry abroad.
How Do We Choose Where to Elope?
An elopement ceremony can be whatever you want it to be. Traditional vows, handwritten love letters, private moments, champagne toasts, or cultural rituals—there are no rules. You can invite an officiant to lead, ask a family member to speak, or simply exchange vows between the two of you. Some couples read poems, share letters from loved ones, or incorporate elements like handfasting (a beautiful Celtic tradition!). We’ll work together to create a ceremony that feels deeply personal and meaningful.
What Does a Full Elopement Day Look Like?
Elopements aren’t “just a ceremony and a few photos.” This is your wedding day. It deserves to be a full, unforgettable experience.
Think:
- Slow morning together, getting ready in a cozy cottage or historic hotel
- First look at sunrise or in a forest glen
- A ceremony on a mountain cliff or castle ruins
- Exploring together—picnics, hikes, coffee stops, boat rides
- Champagne toasts, sunset portraits, a candlelit dinner for two
- I help you craft a timeline that feels relaxed, meaningful, and never rushed. Your story deserves time to unfold.
What About Permits, Travel, and Paperwork?
It depends on where you’re getting married—but don’t stress, I’ll help you figure it out. Some countries (like Italy and England) do require a witness or two, while others (like Scotland) are a little more relaxed. But here’s the good news: if you do need witnesses, I’m more than happy to be one of them—and I’ve always got a friendly local or two up my sleeve who would be honored to sign. You don’t need to bring guests just for paperwork. You can still have a completely private, intimate experience… and we’ll make sure all the legal bits are taken care of without it ever feeling like a hassle.
Do We Need Witnesses?
I’ve got you covered. Every country (and even some specific ceremony locations like national parks or historic sites) has its own rules when it comes to legal paperwork and permits—but that’s part of what I help with. Whether you want to make it legal abroad or keep things simple with a symbolic ceremony and do the paperwork at home, we’ll talk through what feels right for you. I’ll guide you through the permit process if we need one for your ceremony spot, handle location logistics, and make sure everything runs smoothly so you don’t have to worry about a thing—except soaking it all in.
How to Elope: Your No-Stress, Magic-Filled Elopement Planning Guide
Planning your elopement shouldn't feel like a chore—it should feel like part of the adventure! The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist for this kind of wedding day, because it’s not a one-size-fits-all experience. Your elopement gets to be fully, wildly, unapologetically you.
That said, after photographing elopements all over the world, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the planning process feel fun, intentional, and (most importantly) not overwhelming. I've created a flexible guide to help my couples get started—with room to customize, dream big, and stay focused on what matters most: the experience!
Check out my elopement planning resources!
Tips for choosing your location
How to choose your elopement vendors
What does an elopement timeline actually look like?
