How to prepare for your elopement -

Eloping is about crafting an experience that feels personal, effortless, and true to your unique love story. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a majestic mountaintop, in a serene forest sanctuary, or along a dramatic coastline, thoughtful preparation ensures your intimate celebration unfolds with grace and authenticity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every essential step to create an elopement experience that perfectly captures your vision.

For an overview, I invite you to revisit my elopement photography service to view all the possibilities available.

The legal foundation of your union

1. Marriage license

Marriage license requirements vary by location, so research the specific regulations for your chosen destination. In most cases, you’ll need to apply in person, present identification, and pay a processing fee. Some regions have waiting periods or expiration dates for licenses, so time this step carefully within your elopement timeline.

2. Book an officiant

Book an officiant who resonates with your vision. If eloping in British Columbia, you can find a registered marriage commissioner through the provincial government portal British Columbia Marriage Commissioners. Book early, especially during peak wedding seasons.

3. Two witnesses

Most jurisdictions require two witnesses to validate your marriage. These can be friends, family members, or even your photography team if you’re planning an ultra-intimate celebration. Confirm witness requirements for your specific location, as some regions may have age restrictions or other regulations.

Setting the perfect scene

1. Plan around natural light and seasonal beauty

Nature’s unpredictability adds character to your elopement, but strategic timing enhances both your experience and your photography. The golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—bathe landscapes in warm, luminous light that elevates your photographs to breathtaking art. Each season offers its distinct palette:

Spring: Vibrant wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and refreshing greenery

Summer: Long daylight hours, alpine access, and sun-drenched coastlines

Autumn: Rich golden hues, crisp air, and fewer crowds at popular destinations

Winter: Snow-draped landscapes, dramatic skies, and the intimate atmosphere of shorter days

2. Choose a location that speaks to you

Your elopement backdrop should resonate with your relationship and values. Whether you’re drawn to alpine peaks that mirror your adventurous spirit, hidden waterfalls that symbolize your ever-flowing love, or expansive coastal vistas that reflect your boundless connection, select a setting that feels authentically you.

Consider practical elements alongside aesthetic preferences:

Accessibility for you and any guests
Seasonal weather patterns
Privacy and crowd levels
Proximity to accommodation options
Required hiking or travel difficulty

3. Navigate permit requirements

Many stunning natural locations require special permissions for ceremonies. Research and secure necessary permits well in advance to avoid day-of complications. For popular British Columbia elopement destinations:

Tofino beaches generally don’t require permits for small ceremonies: Tourism Tofino Wedding Information

Provincial Parks (Golden Ears, Wells Grey, Manning Park) require advance permits: BC Parks Use Permit Portal

Vancouver City Parks have specific reservation processes: Vancouver Park Wedding Permit

Build your elopement team

1. Partner with an experienced elopement photographer

Your elopement photographer serves as both artist and guide, capturing your milestone moments while helping navigate the practical aspects of an outdoor celebration. Look for a professional who specializes in elopements and demonstrates:

Mastery of natural light and landscape composition
Experience with your specific environment (mountains, coast, forest)
A portfolio that resonates with your desired aesthetic
Knowledge of local conditions and logistics
A personality that puts you at ease

2. Consider hiring a videographer

While photographs freeze perfect moments, video captures the movement, sounds, and atmosphere of your day—the gentle breeze in your hair, your voices as you exchange vows, and the dynamic beauty of your chosen landscape. Consider booking a professional videographer to complement your photography coverage.

3. Book a professional beauty services

Even in the most natural settings, professional hair and makeup services ensure you look and feel your best throughout your celebration. Seek artists who specialize in:

Long-wearing, camera-friendly techniques
Weather-appropriate applications
Styles that complement your location while honoring your personal aesthetic

4. Book a florist

Even minimal floral elements can enhance your elopement’s visual impact. Consider a statement bouquet, boutonnière, or floral crown that complements your surroundings. Look for florists who:

Source sustainable, seasonal blooms
Understand how to create arrangements that withstand outdoor conditions
Can deliver to remote locations if necessary

Practical preparation for outdoor celebrations

1. Pack strategically

Outdoor elopements demand thoughtful preparation to ensure comfort without sacrificing style:

Layered Attire: Choose fabrics and designs that accommodate temperature fluctuations
Appropriate Footwear: Consider elegant hiking boots or weatherproof options for rugged locations
Comfort Essentials: Pack water, snacks, weather protection, and any medications
Emergency Kit: Include blotting papers, makeup for touch-ups, bandages, and safety pins
Important Documents: Carry permits, marriage license, and identification in a weatherproof container

2. Personalize your ceremony

Your elopement offers freedom to craft a ceremony that perfectly reflects your relationship:

Write personalized vows that speak to your unique journey
Incorporate meaningful rituals, whether traditional or created specifically for your celebration
Bring symbolic items that enhance your connection to the moment—heirloom jewelry, special readings, or meaningful music
Consider how the natural elements of your location can be incorporated into your ceremony

3. Embrace flexibility and spontaneity

The unpredictable nature of outdoor settings adds authentic character to your elopement story. Cultivate a mindset that welcomes:

Weather changes that create dramatic photographic opportunities
Unexpected wildlife encounters that become cherished memories
Natural lighting shifts that transform your landscape
Spontaneous moments that often become the most treasured parts of your day

By preparing thoroughly while remaining open to the magic of the unexpected, your elopement will unfold as a genuine adventure.

How to prepare for your elopement