Planning an elopement or micro wedding in 2024 & beyond? CONGRATS! I’m Jess, an experienced wedding & elopement photographer based in northeast PA. I have experience planning elopements & micro weddings all over the US & in European destinations. I hope this guide serves as an easy-going, yet in depth resource as you plan and dream up something meaningful in a world that tends to value rigid tradition over thoughtful design.

Eloping doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it certainly doesn’t have to be stressful. I’m here to walk you through all the ins & outs and need to knows!

First thing’s First - Defining the difference between Elopements and Micro Weddings

If the word “elopement” elicits visions of Elvis officiating your wedding in Vegas, let’s shift your perspective. Eloping isn’t “running away” to get married, and it certainly isn’t meant to be a solitary or quiet way to wed (unless you want it that way!)

Eloping is the desire to EXPERIENCE a wedding - taking the traditional ceremony and wedding process and turning it on its head. Eloping is a commitment to begin your marriage with an adventure, whether on a small scale in the places that feel like home, or on a larger scale in the mountains or beaches of some far-off land. There is no right or wrong way to elope, and no rules or traditions involved. It’s a very intentional way to get married and pares down on much of the to-do’s that can make weddings feel stressful!

A Micro Wedding is a SMALLER version of a typical wedding, often incorporating many of the traditional aspects of a larger wedding day on a smaller scale. Couples looking to have a micro wedding often appreciate aspects of both a wedding AND elopement and incorporate both throughout their day. With a smaller guest count and a more open timeline, micro wedding couples are able to ditch tradition where appropriate, and honor it where it matters to them. Still an intention filled affair, but on a scale that feels a bit more manageable.

Why does this matter?

Because BOTH are important to the modern day couple as a viable alternative to a traditional wedding day! Although I love all aspects of celebrating weddings, I truly live for an intention filled day dripping with slowness and deep meaning. I find elopement and micro-wedding clients truly value quality over quantity and look to enrich their wedding experiences with moments of spontaneity and freedom of expression. This guide is for them!

Although this guide caters to elopement couples, many of the topics will apply to those considering a micro-wedding as well!

Elopement FAQ’s

ABSOLUTELY. Eloping never means you have to celebrate alone. While the guest list is typically smaller, it means that you get to be very intentional about who comes along to celebrate with you.
While this will of course vary from elopement to elopement - honestly they are typically VERY inexpensive compared to the average wedding. Your biggest expenses are only what you prioritize - not big into florals? Don’t need any. Not feeling a big, flashy venue? Don’t book one. There are so many FREE and inexpensive places to explore - most don’t require more than a permit fee!
You sure can! No need for guests if you want to keep things super private and intimate. This will give you a lot more freedom in how and where you elope as you won’t need to consider others in your travel plans! This doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with family and friends later either - it simply means the ceremony and initial festivities are yours and yours alone!
Of course! You’ll need an officiant and marriage license just like any wedding, but they are just as legal as your typical wedding. You’ll need to register with whatever county you decide to elope in, and that’s something we can figure out together if you’re feeling overwhelmed!

*Elopement at Dunseverick Castle in Northern Ireland*

Why Should You Consider Eloping?

Briefly - I want to share a little story with you.

I got married young and had kids young. I had a wedding, but it wasn’t my “dream” - it was something I felt I was supposed to do. Fast forward to our trip to Ireland to photograph an elopement - it COMPLETELY rocked my world.

”I saw the immense value of photography within the elopement experience after traveling to Ireland for the first time. Being able to travel alongside my husband, I was completely blown away by the vastness and majesty of the landscapes surrounding me. And being able to hold his hand as we climbed mountains and felt the wind on the clifftops, it deepened our sense of wanderlust. We instantly craved more. I knew it would be special, but the overwhelming joy and awe of the experience truly swept me away. I soon realized that the couple we were there to photograph was experiencing that same joy and wonder. And they were getting married to boot! Surrounded by their dearest and best, they were completely engulfed in this happy, awe filled bubble and promising each other forever on that high. It radically shifted my perspective on the value of eloping - not going just to say you did, but going because there is NOTHING that will top the rush of emotions felt during that experience.”

As a photographer - but more than that, as a human who loves and is loved - I realized that my job is to share that joy and wonder with as many people as possible. To help them realize that you CAN capture that feeling of wonder and joy in a bottle and enrich the elopement experience with meaning.

If you value EXPERIENCE over everything and want to begin your marriage with adventure and intimate memories more than you want any of the pomp and circumstance of a formal wedding - eloping is for you. If tradition isn’t something you value, and finding unique ways to express yourself is truly what you’re about - eloping is for you.

If you’re here, and eager to dig though this guide - then eloping might be the very thing you’re looking for. There will never be a better yes, I promise you.

And hey, look out for the vow renewal of my dreams, coming soon!

*Elopement at Promise Ridge, in the Pocono Mountains of PA*

Planning Your Elopement - A Step By Step Guide

Let’s dig in!

You’re engaged, and you’ve decided to elope! The process of planning can feel super overwhelming, and it’s why I’ve created this guide - to help show you just how simple, carefree (and fun!) it can be!

Step 1 : Choose the dream location for your elopement

And I say dream because the location you choose to elope in should inspire you and fill you up with joy. If you’re going to do this, you need to allow yourself to dream about what your elopement COULD be, and not settle for what you know simply because it’s easiest.

The first step in choosing a dream location is asking yourself which landscapes inspire you and give you a strong sense of alignment. Do you imagine yourself getting married in the mountains? Are you a lover of lush green forests or black sand beaches? Do you love golden glowy sun or brisk cool air? Think about the backdrop you want to say your vows against, and how that represents YOU and your partner to be. What lands feel like they were meant to be yours?

Some examples would include -

Mountains :

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The Dolomites, Italy
The Alps, Switzerland
Denali National Park, Alaska
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

Beaches:

Tulum, Mexico
Oregon Coast, Oregon
Reynisfjara (Black Sand) Beach, Iceland
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Big Sur, California
Kauai, Hawaii

Forests:

Hoh Rain Forest, Washington
Sequoia National Forest, California
Black Forest, Germany
Irati Forest, Spain
Acadia National Park, Maine
San Jose, Costa Rica

Deserts :

Joshua Tree National Park, California
Zion National Park, Arizona
Tabernas Desert, Spain
Moab, Utah
Baja California, Mexico
Patagonia, Argentina

Cities:

New York City, New York
Paris, France
Rome, Italy
Las Vegas, Nevada
New Orleans, Louisiana
San Fransisco, California

Things to consider as you choose a location:

Are you inviting a few guests? Is this a place you feel your guests can reasonably travel to?
Are there activities you want to incorporate into your elopement, and will this landscape allow you to experience those activities?
Does this location feel meaningful to you and your partner and isn’t just a location that you feel is popular and “pretty?”

Choose a location that gives you PEACE and fills your elopement with meaning. Even if it’s as simple as eloping in the park where you had your first date. Even if it’s as grand as exploring a castle in Europe. There are so many pieces of you waiting to be explored and expressed, and an elopement is the perfect chance to create a memory surrounding that sense of self expression.

Start by choosing a location vibe that inspires you the most, and then narrow in on some locations that best represent that feeling! From there, continue to plan out the logistics of the individual locations that fit that style, until the perfect one fits best!

Step 2 : Hire your photographer (and videographer!)

I’m not just saying this because I am one - photography is one of most important aspects of your elopement experience. Before choosing a venue or even nailing down an exact date, you should consider booking your photographer FIRST and allowing their experience and expertise to guide you through the process of eloping.

Why? Because your photographer is literally memorializing this experience for you. Think about that. Every other aspect of your day will be temporary - the flowers, the food, the gown. The photos from this time will be eternal, serving as your legacy and a reminder of all that you experienced together. You’ll spend the most time with us, both before and during your elopement, and so our connection needs to be strong and the vibes high!

Not only that, but your photographer will often guide you on selecting the best locations, figuring out timelines, and will help you be more intentional about the details you fill your day with. We are often booking a year or more in advance, and so it’s imperative that you reach out sooner rather than later to reserve your date (or timeframe) on their calendar. Their work should inspire you - don’t choose based on budget or convenience. Choose the one who will help you carry your dress through the mud or keep your veil from flying off the side of a cliff. Choose the person who will laugh with you, cry with you, and LIVE with you through this experience. The ones who are inspired by more than just the IG clout of a destination location. I promise you that the ones that feel it deep will create absolute magic from your day if you allow them to.

Now ask me how I know.

*Photographing a couple on a rainy day in Northern Ireland*

So am I a planner? Do I replace one? Absolutely not. I love to plan, but it’s not my job, it’s kind of a bonus of working with me. Something that comes naturally. That said, planners are a true gift, and their expertise will far surpass my own, which is why you should still consider hiring one!

And your videographer? They’ll capture the nuances of tone in your voice as you read vows to one another and will film your facial expressions in motion in a way that photos can never quite capture in the same way. Their services are truly invaluable, and so if your budget allows - I highly recommend bringing one along!

PRO TIP : Steps 1 & 2 are interchangeable….and here’s why :

If you love a photographer, and especially if you are inspired to elope because of one - you should book them first and chat through the options with them on where and how to elope. Perhaps they’ll already be in a location you’ve always dreamed of, and you can meet them there for your elopement. Or maybe their experience at a location you’re considering will sway you on whether or not you should get married there. Elopement photographers are super knowledgeable on so many topics surrounding the elopement experience (it’s why you’re here after all) - so let their expertise be your guide!

*Rainy morning on an elopement day in Northern Ireland*

Step 3 : Consider time of year and choose your date!

This one may seem obvious, but it’s one of the most important things to consider when choosing your date. What season do you want to get married in, and what’s that season like at the location you want to visit?

Reasearch (and your photographer’s knowledge!) will help a ton in choosing a time of year that allows you to enjoy the best that your location has to offer. You’ll want to avoid rainy and wet seasons if you can, or seasons that encourage extreme weather like hurricanes and tornados. Nothing worse than getting stranded somewhere because of volatile weather!

Want to elope without the crowds? Consider eloping during the off season, and at sunrise to avoid the extreme crowds that can happen during the daytime or at sunset. It’s important to also consider the temps and humidity levels at different times of the year as well - your comfort is important and should be taken into consideration when choosing the right date!

Simple google searches like “best time to visit Costa Rica” or “average weather in Washington in June” can help a ton when it comes to choosing your date and will help guide you on what’s possible for your elopement. Keep your wedding attire in mind as well when choosing a date - heavy velvet suits and tulle ballgowns might be uncomfortable in the jungle in high summer but could be perfect for an Alaskan elopement! We’ll discuss attire more in depth below!

Another thing to consider is road closures and blockages due to extreme weather conditions at your chosen location. It’s possible that certain trails will be closed due to snow in the mountains, and so you should have nearby backup locations in mind in case your first location is no longer accessible. Don’t worry! This is something we take into consideration as well, and we’ll have backups on hand to help you out if location A doesn’t work out.

PRO TIP : Embrace the weather on your elopement day!

Mother nature can always lay waste to your best laid plans, so don’t stress if it’s raining or windy or crazy hot on your elopement day. We make magic in ALL weather and under all circumstances. There’s nothing we haven’t seen. The point of eloping is to be FLEXIBLE and allow the day to happen the way it was always meant to. We aren’t stressing and you shouldn’t either. We got this.

*Elopement on Hawk Mountain in Kempton, PA*

Step 4 : Plan through what to DO during your elopement experience.

How do YOU envision your elopement day? Will there be a formal ceremony? What will that look like? Who will you get ready with the morning of? Do you want to go on a hike together? Eat dinner together under the stars? Do you want to skinny dip in the lake at sunset? (I’ll never say no!) There are so many ways to bring YOU into this process, and I want to encourage you to embrace every little detail that sets your soul on fire.

This can go way beyond the typical ceremony and couples’ portraits. Telling the full story of your elopement day is an incredibly intimate and unique experience, and it shouldn’t be dictated by anything other than your vision.

Need some ideas for a full day elopement? Here’s a sample of what that could look like -

Wake up together the morning of, savoring quiet moments under the covers.
Write vows across the table from one another as you eat breakfast.
Hike to the top of a mountain together at sunrise.
Read vows to one another on the summit, taking photos with the epic views.
After you finish your ceremony, hike back to your air bnb and have a celebratory picnic on the lake.
Rest together in the afternoon sun. Read poems that remind you of one another.
Enjoy a candlelight dinner under the setting sun. Dance under the stars.
Skinny dip in the lake before spending a romantic evening together.

And I can be there for as long or as little as you need me to be!

There are so many beautiful memories you can make on the day of your elopement that infuse meaning and purpose into each nook and cranny. Consider the location you’re eloping in and figure out the best that land can offer. White water rafting, helicopter rides over the sea, riding horses on the beach, or dancing under a waterfall - so many options depending on your individual tastes. Not all of them need to be grand or adventurous to be special! Sometimes a long walk along the hillside or dancing to your favorite song at twilight is all you need to make it feel perfectly aligned.

PRO TIP : Think through your elopement attire.

Similar to the points made above about your wedding attire and your comfort during your elopement day, consider wedding wear that allows you to MOVE throughout your day. Functionality is so important so that you don’t feel constricted and uncomfortable to the point where you can’t focus on the moments happening right in front of you. Consider layers if getting married in a colder climate, or wedding attire that allows your skin to breathe in more humid environments. You don’t have to sacrifice form for function however - so many designers these days prioritize comfort for adventurous couples!

*Styled elopement in Mairy-Sur-Marne, France*

Step 5 : Book your remaining vendors!

Now that you’ve narrowed down the when and where, it’s time to consider the rest of the vendors you might need to bring your elopement day to fruition. This is more about necessity in telling your story than it is about necessity for tradition’s sake. If you don’t NEED it and it isn’t important to you, don’t book it! It’s that simple. However, if you love those pretty little details, and feel like it’s an opportunity to showcase your personalities, don’t skimp. Make sure it’s a vendor you vibe with and that catches the vision alongside you. Connection is so important, especially when working with vendors abroad!

*You may not NEED a venue if you plan to elope at an outdoor location, and if your friend is presiding over your ceremony, you may not need an officiant. Consider what makes the most sense for your day and check the rest off your list!

Some vendors to consider on your elopement day:

Venue (if getting married at a specific location and you want them to handle the ins and outs!)
Officiant (if you aren’t self-uniting or you want an “official” ceremony)
Planner
Florist
Chef/Caterer
Hair & Makeup Artist
Transportation/Limo Driver
DJ/Band/Musician
Baker

Most of these you’ll be able to find local to your elopement location, but if you have any that are your very favs, consider bringing them along for the ride!

*White Park Bay Elopement in Northern Ireland*

Step 6 : Consider your guest list.

Although you’ve likely already thought about the important people you want to include in your elopement day and thought about their travel logistics to your elopement destination, you really want to hone in on the list and make sure you’re inviting only your dearest and best to celebrate your wedding.

THERE ARE NO RULES when it comes to who you invite, and I want to be the voice that gives you permission to say no to anyone who causes you too much stress or has a tendency to make things more about themselves than anything else.

Invite people who are genuinely in support of your plans to elope and will wholly and completely celebrate your union. Invite those who will comfort you if anything goes awry and will step in to help you if you need them to. Anyone else is unnecessary, and I don’t want you to feel pressured to say yes if it gives you more peace to say no!

Consider your guest count, and the location you’ll be tying the knot in. Are there any restrictions? Is it practical to bring more than 10 people along? Will you enjoy the party more if you have 20 of your work besties along for the ride? Is making memories with your whole family in tow important to you? Choose venues within your location that can accommodate as many or as few guests as you have your heart set on.

If you want to keep your ceremony and vows private, consider an intimate sunrise ceremony with a celebratory dinner in the evening to party with friends and family! Again, there are no rules, and you can include your guests in whatever parts of your elopement day that feels right.

Step 7 : Book your travel & accomodations

Perhaps the most important part of the process - booking your travel.

Start by figuring out HOW you’ll get to the main state or country of choice. Assuming a flight will be the most practical way to get there, you’ll want to then consider the elopement location(s) you’ve chosen to celebrate your day, and the easiest way to traverse from point A to point B.

This could include:

Taxis/Uber/Lyft
Trains
Car Rentals
Ferry
Bus

Think about your guests and how they’ll travel from the airport to the ceremony location, and consider the ease of booking rooms nearby so that they’ll have a simple time commuting. Very often and depending on your guest count, there are many gorgeous air bnb’s that can host a dozen or more guests and can keep you all together throughout the process! I love the idea of having a week-long party with all your favorite folks in one place!

As you consider where to stay, think about the ways in which it will add to your elopement experience! Some couples prefer to spend most of their time exploring, and rather book a room that is simple and comfortable. Others prefer that their space add to the vibe of their elopement and will choose air bnb’s with amenities that add value to their day - such as hot tubs, private infinity pools, or epic views of the mountains. Many couples choose to have their ceremony at their air bnb’s as well, depending on the rules and requirements of their hosts! You can find everything from glamping to luxury villas on Air Bnb & Vrbo, and it’s worth checking out before booking a simple hotel room.

Don’t be afraid to book accommodations that are a little way out from your chosen ceremony location! For example, in Ireland - we learned that it was cheaper to fly into Dublin than into Northern Ireland (where the ceremony would take place.) After reaching the Dublin airport, we rented a car to drive us to the northern part of the island, and ended up staying in the most quaint little sea town about an hour from where the elopement took place. Exploring the town was one of my favorite parts of the visit as the food was excellent and peaceful scenery unmatched! It was a smooth trip to and fro and we loved all the sightseeing we were able to do along the way!

*Styled micro-wedding at the Dery Mansion in Catasauqua, PA*

Step 8 : Work through the legalities of your chosen destination.

Although arguably the least fun part of the elopement process, it’s easily the most crucial.

You’ll want to utilize Google to figure out the requirements and regulations for acquiring your marriage license in your home state, as well as what’s required in the state/country you’re eloping in. You can often call your local magistrate to get an idea of what the legal requirements are, and how to have your marriage legally recognized in the states if you plan to elope abroad.

Many couples choose to “legally” marry at home, and “symbolically” elope elsewhere, which is a simple and straightforward way to loop around some of the legal red tape. That said, you’ll still want to research the rules and regulations required to hold a ceremony in a different location, even if the proceedings are “symbolic” in nature.

If you’re holding a public ceremony, there will likely be permits required from the state in order to reserve your date and space, and there will often be an entrance fee if you plan to get married at a state park. This is something we can certainly help with as well, as it’s important to us that we’re following all the rules and regulations on the land we’re utilizing for your elopement! Search permits + (your chosen destination) and you’ll likely figure out all that you need to know. It’s generally as simple as sending a few quick emails or making a phone call or two!

That said, there are SO many free and accessible locations to take photos at around the world! You might not be able to “reserve” certain spaces, but timing is everything! Sunrise is usually a quiet and private time to exchange vows and many of the locations I love are so vast that it’s easy to find an intimate place to wed. As long as you’re respectful of the land and aren’t hosting a massive party on some public beach location or cliffside on the coast, we’re generally able to quickly and efficiently host a small ceremony and have you in and out before the crowds begin to gather for the day.

*Dunseverick Castle Elopement in Northern Ireland*

Step 9 : Create your timeline with your vendors.

This is our specialty! Having worked through so many wedding & elopement days, we can confidently build out a timeline that seamlessly lays out the ins and outs of your day. We know how much time it takes to capture a ceremony, to create artistic and meaningful couples portraits, and we’ll know how much time you’ll need to reasonably get from point A to point B, regardless of what the GPS says. You’ll ALWAYS want to build in some buffer time throughout your timeline, as things always tend to run a little behind. And that’s ok! Soaking up the time together is far more important than sticking to a rigid itinerary. We’re here to be flexible and I hope you adopt that mindset on your elopement day as well.

Your planner, florist, venue, etc. will all have input on your timeline and will need to be involved in the details of your day in order to give you the most accurate idea of how long they’ll need to execute your vision the day of. One of the common misconceptions about elopement days is that they are always shorter, smaller days. That’s certainly not always the case! Some couples want us there for only the ceremony and couples’ portraits, while others want us to document the entirety of the day from beginning to end.

My advice? DON’T SKIMP ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU. You’ll only do this once, and emotions will be running SO high, that much of what you remember will be in a memory cloud once all is said and done. The photos will be the only tangible memory of what you did, and how you made it your own, and so it’s EXTRA important to me that we’re there to capture as much as we possibly can.

Typical elopement days can range anywhere from 2-8 hours. The beauty of it is that it’s entirely up to you and hinges on what you plan to do during your day! I often photograph elopements at Promise Ridge in the Poconos, where timelines often run 2 to 4 hours and give us plenty of time to photograph the important parts of the day! Elopements abroad tend to run 6 to 8 hours, sometimes longer and over the course of multiple days so that my couples can get coverage from their welcome dinner through to final goodbyes!

PRO TIP : Don’t sweat the small stuff, and allow your day to unfold naturally.

As stated above, flexibility is everything. Sometimes weather will ruin your plans to hike, or your guests will get a little lost on the way to the ceremony. It’s all fineeee, I promise you. Remember why you’re here and WHO you’re here for. In the end, your commitment to the love of your life is the reason we’re doing this thing, and that’s worth celebrating no matter the circumstances. As your photographer, I want nothing more than to help you achieve the elopement of your dreams and will be fully committed to providing you with stress free support throughout the highs (and occasional lows!) of your elopement experience.

Step 10 : ENJOY YOUR ELOPEMENT!

This is it! You’ve made all the plans, booked all the things, and it’s time to LIVE and experience your elopement. If you’ve decided to elope somewhere new, you’re likely experiencing all of the splendor of the world around you alongside your very best friend in the world. It’s an unbeatable feeling. If you’re eloping somewhere you’ve been to a thousand times before - a place that holds so many of your favorite memories, you’re experiencing the very best memory of all as you commit to your partner for the rest of your lives. It’s a truly beautiful thing. Don’t take a moment for granted. I know I won’t miss a moment watching it unfold.

*Dunluce Castle Elopement in Northern Ireland*

I hope you found immense value in this guide and feel more confident and comfortable with the process of eloping! It’s a beautiful and one-of-a-kind experience and I know you’ll remember it with all the emotion and sentimental feels. It’s truly a reflection of your love - and your love deserves all the intentional celebration! And if you’re still looking for a photographer with a deep-seated sense of romanticism and thoughtful consideration of all the details of your story, I hope you’ll reach out! I would absolutely love to dream up something incredible with you!

Interested in finding out where we’ll be this year and the next? Click the link below to visit our Travel page with more details on our adventures!

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