Once you get engaged, nerves settle, and things should calm down. Not so quick! After the ring is on your finger, the real excitement and all the wedding planning set in. Even if you’re considering an adventure elopement, often couples think that an elopement comes with less planning and stress, while that may be true for some, elopements come with a lot of planning. An elopement can be as intimate or extravagant as you’d like. It’s your day! Everyone has ideas on what you’ll need, the best vendors, and who should attend your event. But as your Denver elopement photographer, I’m breaking down the most important people for your day. I’m talking about the people who are going to make your day better, ensure you have the best day with your partner, and help bring your wedding day dreams to life. Let’s dive into the top adventure elopement vendors you’ll need.
Who You Should Hire
Officiant
If you want to make your ceremony legit and legal, you’ll want to book an officiant. Add a legal officiant to the top of your list of must-have vendors. If your state is pretty relaxed about legalities, you may be able to self-solemnize like we can in Colorado! Don’t be afraid to ask me questions or for recommendations. I’ve photographed hundreds of elopements and weddings while meeting some of the best vendors—I’ve got you covered.
Who You’ll Want to Hire – Colorado Adventure Elopement Vendors
Colorado Elopement Photographer
When it comes down to it, most couples that elope invest in a few things: photography and location. Once the ceremony ends and you’re sitting down to eat dinner as a newly married couple, you will want to look back on those photos! Quality elopement photography is a significant investment, and I suggest investing a good portion of your budget. Years from now, your pictures will be the thing you have to look back on and show your kids – not your flowers!
Be bold and ask your potential photographers questions to ensure you trust them and they understand the importance of this day. I always suggest you pick the photographer who would treat your elopement as theirs. I took pictures of critical sentimental moments and exciting adventures throughout the day. Your memories are in their hands.
Colorado Videographer
Next on our list of Colorado adventure elopement vendors, you’ll want to hire? A Colorado videographer. I’m a huge sucker for pretty pictures and will always advocate for photography but videography and photography? The best combination. There’s something so tender about watching your wedding video back and having the feelings of that day come rushing back. Photos and videos are powerful like that; as creatives, we can capture a feeling and freeze it in time. Years from now, you’ll remember the butterflies and excitement in your belly before walking down the aisle when you watch your wedding video. If even a tiny portion of you want a videographer, this is your sign to do it! I promise you’ll never regret it.
Elopement Planner
While planning your upcoming elopement, you and your partner may be considering an elopement planner. A planner is a great way to alleviate stress and keep your wedding on track. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for a planner on top of the other things you want, don’t stress! As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been to tons of weddings and will help as much as I can, whether that’s giving you vendor recommendations or picking up your flowers along the way. I’m here to help!
Hair and Makeup Artist
Throughout my experience as a Colorado elopement photographer, I’ve seen some couples book a hair and makeup artist and some skip it entirely. It’s completely up to you and your budget! If you’re feeling like you want to treat yourself and get the whole experience, do it!
Florist – Colorado Adventure Elopement Vendors
One of my favorite parts of any event is the flowers. They always bring the whole wedding together and add a touch of elegance and nature to your day, which is so special. There’s something about a simple flower bouquet that makes everything feel a bit of wedding chic. To keep costs low, consider stopping at a wholesale club (Sam’s or Costco). Another excellent option for affordable flowers is Trader Joe’s! They have the prettiest flowers at great prices if you want to DIY your bouquet!
Elopement Dress + Attire
Another essential part of any wedding day is the wedding dress and attire. It’s your call when it comes to an elopement or any event you’re planning. Throughout the planning, you and your partner can decide together what the wedding attire will look like. Whether you opt for the traditional dress and suit or something more modern like a bridal jumpsuit and slacks, if you do not like wearing the traditional white gown, skip it! This day is all about you and your partner. Let others’ expectations fall away.
Accommodations – Colorado Adventure Elopement Vendors
Lastly, you’ll want to hire accommodations from this section of adventure elopement vendors. If you’re not from Colorado and will be traveling here for a destination experience, look into hotels and flights early! Colorado’s adventurous allure brings tons of tourists each year for winter skiing and hiking in spring and summer. Stay for a few days and make Colorado your honeymoon spot to adventure, experience the beauty, and enjoy yourself!
Colorado Adventure Elopement Vendors You Could Hire
Stationery – Colorado Adventure Elopement Vendors
When I think of stationery, I think about wedding signs, invitations, menus, RSVPs, etc. However, if you’re eloping, you may not need those things! Often, elopements only have a little wedding decor or signage, no menus, and few guests, so there is no need for RSVPs. Most of the time, the people attending are close family and friends so that the headcount will be low. Including stationery in your elopement is up to you, like most of the vendors included in this blog. If you want a more affordable alternative to print a few wedding invitations, check out Canva or other online design websites!
Designer + Decor
Colorado has such breathtaking beauty and stunning locations that most couples skip a designer and wedding decor. If you’re getting married outdoors, there won’t be a venue for you to decorate, or if you decide to host a dinner afterward, there won’t be a massive need for a lot of decor. You could hire someone to set up your reception table or a few smaller decor options. This is another vendor that could be skipped for your elopement.
Rentals
As previously mentioned, if you’re considering eloping in Colorado, you’re most likely adventurous and looking to elope outdoors. If that’s the case, just like I mentioned in the designer and decor section, there won’t be a huge need for rentals or decorations. Save your money on rentals and invest those funds in your photographer or wedding dress!
Bakery
One of the best parts of the wedding is the wedding cake. If you want to add a bit of traditional flair to a wedding cake, consider supporting a small local business. However, if you’re looking for something small and simple, a local grocery store or wholesale club may have exactly what you need at affordable rates. If you’re looking for something more elaborate and detailed, a bakery specializing in wedding cakes may be your best bet.
Meals + Snacks
When planning your adventure elopement, you’ll quickly realize that fewer guests = less money spent! Especially when it comes to food. You may not realize how expensive catering is for a large wedding, but eloping is no big deal. Consider going out to eat at a local restaurant or setting up a small charcuterie board for guests to snack on after the vows.
Colorado Adventure Elopement Vendors You Don’t Need to Hire
Skip the Venue
While you may be wondering, Katie, where will I get married if I don’t have a venue? Silly friends, you can elope anywhere! National Parks, parks, backyards, and even the courthouse! Skipping the venue entirely will save you so much money and probably tons of stress as well. Keep in mind that if you’re choosing to get married in a National Park or other state locations, you may need permits!
DJ
There is no venue, so there is no need for a DJ—especially if you’re not inviting a ton of guests! If you’re looking for music for an intimate first dance or during the ceremony, bring speakers and play music from your phone.
No Caterer Needed
As I’ve mentioned before, there’s really no need for catering without a ton of guests, especially if you’re having your elopement outdoors in a National Park. If you want to add a little bit of food for you and your partner, set up a charcuterie board or picnic after the ceremony.
Transportation – Colorado Adventure Elopement Vendors
If you’re traveling here for a destination event, rent a car! This allows you and your partner the freedom to come and go as you please while exploring the beautiful area on your honeymoon. There is no need for a party bus or limo for the two of you.
Wedding Favors
Consider this another huge money saver! Wedding favors are often overlooked and forgotten at traditional weddings anyway. Without a huge wedding with tons of guests, you won’t even need wedding favors. If you do decide to invite a few guests, take them to dinner instead. The experience is worth more than some silly almonds anyway.
An elopement is a beautiful and simple way to truly make your wedding day as unique and personal as you want it to be, focusing on your relationship and an incredible experience. Colorado will quickly become your favorite spot for adventure, and your elopement here will be a highlight to look back on for years to come.
Are you already thinking about an incredible Colorado elopement photography experience with me? Let’s chat!
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