One of the most incredible wedding trends from the last few years is the increase in destination elopements. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I love it! I can meet people who also love to travel and adventure while celebrating their next step in life together. While eloping may seem much more accessible to plan than a wedding and theoretically more straightforward to bring together – it’s not always that easy. Especially if you’re traveling. Don’t worry; I’m sharing my top 5 tips to make planning your destination elopement much easier. Let’s do it!

Pick Your Destination Elopement Spot

Throughout the beginning stages of planning your dream day, you may be considering a few different spots to run away to. That’s great! Now it’s about choosing the location where you will say your vows. I would encourage you to find a photographer familiar with your area so you can work together to find the perfect spot. However, if you fall in love with a photographer and their style and they haven’t been to your location yet, that’s okay, too! Photographers are incredibly talented and will be able to find the perfect spot for your ceremony.

Do Your Research

Are you going on a honeymoon in your elopement location? Do your research ahead of time and figure out the logistics. How will you get there? Do you go hiking or do any activities? Where will you stay? Plenty of Facebook groups and online blogs can help you during the planning process and help you plan your dream honeymoon. If you’re looking for a more relaxing and low-key honeymoon, research and enjoy yourselves when you get there! Don’t stress out trying to plan your elopement and the honeymoon; it’ll all work out!

Hire Your Dream Vendors – Planning Your Destination Elopement

While you may be thinking, Katie, I’m just eloping, I won’t need any vendors. What about a destination elopement photographer? Or an elopement planner? Since you’ve chosen to elope, your wedding budget has increased dramatically. Consider investing in vendors that can take much of the load off your shoulders, and enjoy being engaged! This season of life goes by so quickly, and it deserves to be enjoyed.

Book Your Travel + Location Scout

Now it’s getting exciting, and you have to book your travel! I’m sure you’ve chosen a date and are preparing for your big day. I encourage you to give yourself a day or two of buffer time before the elopement to explore and location scout. I’m just allowing the two of you to have time to yourselves and enjoy being together. Depending on where you are eloping, I’m sure your hotel or locals will have great spots to explore and check out!

Enjoy Your Destination Elopement!

Don’t forget the most essential part of all of this, enjoy yourselves! This moment is a massive milestone in your life and will be something you look back on for years. Enjoy this short season of life, and remember why you’re going through all the stress of planning in the first place. You’ve found your forever person, and that deserves to be celebrated. Celebrate finding one another and your incredible love story. You deserve it!

Whether you elope in your backyard or somewhere new and exciting, I’m here to cheer you on and capture it from the sidelines. If you’re looking for more help planning your big day, head to the blog for more wedding planning tips and inspiration for your big day.

Already dreaming of a Colorado elopement photography experience with me? Let’s connect!