Elopement Checklist: Details and Printable Download
Staying Organized through Elopement Planning
Eloping is a very meaningful and unique way to create a wedding day that’s entirely about the two of you—whether you’re exchanging vows on a hidden-gem beach or the greenest forest you’ve seen.
But even with an intimate wedding day (and even if you have no guests), there are still so many important details to plan!
From the logistics of planning your day, to the personal touches, staying organized through your elopement planning will make the experience much more enjoyable.
So let’s talk about why it’s important to have one and what you need to include to make it useful.
DON’T FORGET TO GRAB YOUR COPY: Download Your Free Elopement Checklist Here
Why an Elopement Checklist is Important
An elopement checklist is important simply because it keeps you on track to ensure every detail you want for your day is taken care of.
Whether big or small, tasks like booking vendors or buying vow books, still require careful attention to detail. And sometimes we just simply forget!
So the benefits of having a checklist handy are:
It helps you remember what you need (or don’t need)
It breaks down the process in manageable tasks
It keeps you on track, not missing out on deadlines for permits or for booking an elopement photographer you love
It helps you pack properly (forgetting your wedding bands at home is so easy!)
It offers peace of mind knowing you’ve thought of all aspects of your elopement day
On top of it all, it’s flexible. You can always add or remove tasks and ideas as you continue your planning. Whether it’s a new vendor or a fun detail you HAVE to have on your day, the list can grow with you!
With all of this laid out in paper, you can be reassured that you’ll enjoy the journey and avoid unnecessary stress.
When to Start Planning Your Elopement
It’s ideal to start planning at least 6-9 months in advance of your desired elopement date. But keep in mind that the timeline will heavily depend on your vision.
With 6-9 months, you’ll have plenty of time to check off all the elopement checklist items, and ensure that you’re happy and satisfied with every vendor you booked and the details for your day.
If you’re looking to get started, check this elopement planning guide that covers all the steps you need to take.
What to Include in Your Elopement Checklist
Feel free to download the elopement checklist here and print it out to keep a copy in your elopement folder.
It’s always helpful to have a physical copy to help you check things off as you go!
If you choose to create your own checklist, make sure it’s clear and concise so that it only focuses on the key tasks. Avoid cluttering it with extra notes or dates so make sure you dedicate a separate page for that.
This will keep everything neat and easy to follow.
Below are five categories with specific tasks to include in your elopement checklist:
DETAILS
Set a budget for Vendors. Whatever amount you plan to spend, determine a budget so you know where your money is going.
Pick a Date and Time. Choose a meaningful date that works for your location's weather and lighting for photos.
Choose a Location + Backup. Pick a ceremony location that you love but have a back up plan in case of weather changes (like your place of lodging).
Reach out to vendors. Contact your vendors early and check availability and services.
Research marriage license requirements. Make sure you understand what the legal requirements and what you’ll need to obtain a marriage license in your city/county/country.
LOGISTICS
Marriage License. Research, gather all necessary documents, make an appointment at city hall, and apply for your marriage license ahead of time. Keep in mind the deadlines and period to marry.
Permits for Ceremony. Check if you chosen elopement location requires a permit if your ceremony, especially in public spaces like beaches and parks (Califronia State Parks and National Parks require one)
Photography Permit. Some of those locations may require an additional permit for your photographer to be there, so double-check if that’s needed to avoid surprises.
Guest List. Inviting guests? Keep your list small and meaningful to loved ones you truly want to have by your side.
Booking Travel. Arrange flights, road trips, trains or other travel details to your elopement location early.
Booking Lodging. Book your lodging that matches your vision. Ideas are cabins, luxury/destination hotels, or rental homes
Pick Wedding Attire. Choose wedding attire that reflects your personality and matches the colors of the environment you’re in. Do you want flowing gowns for the beach or the rustic, moody look for the forest?
Create Itinerary. Create a draft timeline and change as you go. Include the ‘when and where’ of all the important moments you want to take place during your elopement day.
Booking Activities. Plan and book activities you can enjoy before, during or after your elopement like romantic dinners, family vacations or even an adventurous hike.
VENDORS
Planner and/or Coordinator. Consider hiring a planner or coordinator to help manage details especially if you’re including guests or having a destination elopement.
Elopement Photographer. Book an elopement photographer that matches your preferred edit color and style.
Elopement Videographer. If you want to film your day, a videographer can help document your story in a cinematic way.
Officiant. Choose an officiant that resonates with you and understand your reason for eloping to make the ceremony meaningful and personal.
Florist. For a simple boutonniere and bouquet, contact a florist so you don’t have to DIY it.
Hair and MUA. Book artists that’ll make you feel your best on your day and who understand that you’ll be outdoors or moving a lot.
Chef or Caterer. For a special meal outside of a restaurant, consider hiring a private chef or caterer to prepare a unique meal course for you (and guests).
Musician/DJ/Playlist. Consider creating a playlist or booking a DJ or live musician to set the mood for your ceremony and/or post-ceremony moments.
Décor Rentals. If you’re having a dinner or reception later on, look into renting decor that compliments your theme (better than buying and having to sell it afterwards)
Specialty Cars. For added touch or need depending on your elopement location, rent a specialty vehicle like a 4x4 for mountain adventures, a vintage car for the classic look or a limo for a luxurious experience.
WEDDING-RELATED ITEMS
Vow books. Purchase special books for your vows to use during the ceremony or your private vows exchange.
Photo Props. Pack meaningful hand-held props to use for your photos like small signs, maps, or even polaroid photos.
Pick out Rings. Select your wedding bands early to they’re ready on time for your elopement day
Cake. Got a sweet tooth? Order a small cake or cupcakes that fit the style or color of your elopement theme
Invitations or Announcements. Whether you invite guests or not, consider sending announcements to your closest loved ones to share the news of your elopement.
PERSONAL ITEMS
Hair Appointment + Care. Schedule a hair appointment or care routine a few weeks before for cutting, coloring, or other treatments
Nail Appointment + Care. Book a nail appointment to have fresh and clean nails for photos and your ring exchange for both partners
Facials or Spa Day. Pamper yourself if you wish with a facial or a spa day 1-2 weeks before your elopement day
Date Night. Don’t forget to plan a special date night before your elopement day to celebrate your last date as fiancés. You can also do it after to celebrate this new chapter of your lives.
The last thing you’ll need on your elopement checklist is a section for other miscellaneous or additional items you’ll need to add as you go through the planning journey.
You can label it anything you want and decide how much space to leave for it. If you wish, you can also prepare another page to add on to the checklist.
Free Elopement Checklist Download
With all these important details in mind, now you’re well on your way to planning an amazing elopement day that reflects both you and your partner’s personality and love (and budget).
And remember, planning an elopement takes time but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! The trick is to start early, create a plan to stay on track, and do lots of research.
This comprehensive checklist is meant to make things easier and I’m even offering a PDF download you can use to check things off as you complete them.
You can download your copy here.
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Hey, I’m Sara!
I’m a California elopement photographer based in the Central Valley.
If you’re recently engaged or ready to start planning your elopement day, I’m cheering you on and I’d love to help!
Let’s talk about your vision, gush over stunning locations and spend the day creating memories.
I’m here to guide you through the process + capture your day how you dream it.
YOUR PERFECT DAY STARTS HERE
