Elopements often have a reputation for being low-effort, low-budget, or low-planned. Sure, eloping skips a lot of the formalities, stress, and price tags that come with a traditional wedding day. But make no mistake, elopements still take planning, care, and a fair amount of decision-making. If you’re seriously trying to figure out how to elope or just letting the idea simmer, we’ll guide you through the real steps it takes to pull one off.

How to Elope

Step 1: Decide the Vibe

Before you dive into permits, timelines, or what you’ll wear, start with this: what do you want the day to feel like? Identifying how to elope really starts with your destination because your elopement location plays a big role. It shapes the energy, the logistics, and the overall tone of your elopement day.

Ask yourself:

• Do we want a location that means something to us, or just something visually stunning?
• Indoors or outdoors?
• Sunrise ceremony, golden hour vows, or something in between?
• Are we decorating the space or letting the setting speak for itself?
• Is this a just-us moment, or are a few guests coming along?
• Are we comfortable sharing the space with strangers, like in a public park or urban square?
• If we’re getting married near water, is it a quiet lake or something with movement like a waterfall or ocean?
• Is getting there part of the elopement  experience, like hiking to a canyon or a remote overlook?

Think about the mood you’re going for, the kind of memories you want to create, and what truly matters most. That clarity will shape everything else.

Step 2: Do the Budget Math (Ugh, We Know)

 

Not the most thrilling part of the elopement planning process, we know, but budget matters. It’s the foundation for all the other decisions. Plus, it’s a solid way to start talking about money as a team.

Start by setting your absolute maximum. What’s the most you’re willing to spend, all in? Then begin breaking it down: venue or location permits, ceremony setup, outfits, rings, hair and makeup, officiant, marriage license, photography, travel, lodging, food, and drinks.

Once you’ve got a rough list of what things cost, rank your priorities. What matters most? What can you scale back? Does your budget support what you want, or will you need to adjust?

Getting clear on your spending early keeps you focused and keeps surprises from showing up later with a price tag.

Step 3: Choose Where You Need Help

Eloping doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. Now’s the time to figure out which parts of your day need a professional touch… and which don’t.

Start with the obvious: you’ll likely want an elopement photographer, maybe a videographer, and definitely an officiant. Then ask yourself:

• Do I want hair and makeup professionally done, or am I handling it myself?
• Are flowers part of the plan?
• Does the space need decorating, or is the setting enough?

If you’re having a reception or after-party, think through that too.

• Will it be at a wedding venue that needs catering and rentals, or a restaurant that handles it all?
• Are you bringing in music, food, or bartenders?
• Is anything happening off-grid, where you’ll need extra support?

Make a list. Prioritize what matters to you. Then check it against your location, timeline, and budget to see what’s realistic.

Step 4: Build Your Dream Team

Once you know where you need help, the next move is deciding who you actually want on your team. There are a lot of talented elopement vendors out there, but not all of them will match your vibe, your budget, or your location.

With Simply Eloped, you’re connected to a vetted network of professionals who’ve worked with hundreds of eloping couples and know how to show up prepared. We also coordinate your vendors for you so you have more time to focus on what’s important: getting married. But if you’re sourcing vendors on your own, it pays to be intentional. Start by writing down a few words that describe the tone of your day. Minimal? Cinematic? Bold? Quiet? Then look for vendors whose work reflects that energy.

Photographers, florists, hair and makeup artists, and officiants each bring their own style. Make sure it fits with yours.

Once you’ve booked your team, communicate. Share your vision. Be clear about location logistics, timing, and what matters most to you. Don’t save those conversations for the last minute.

The goal isn’t just to hire vendors. It’s to build a team that gets it and makes your day smoother from start to finish.

Step 5: Make It Official

Now for the biggest part of how to elope – the marriage license. After all, that’s what makes you actually makes you legally married.

Every state has its own rules, and if you’re getting married somewhere other than where you live, you’ll need to do a little research. Some states require waiting periods, some need advance paperwork, and others may ask for specific documents in person. If you’re working with Simply Eloped, we’ll help guide you through what’s needed for your ceremony location.

Getting married abroad? Heads up, it’s often easier to do the legal part at your local city hall, then have a symbolic ceremony at your destination. International marriage laws can be a paperwork maze, and timelines can get messy.

After you say your vows and sign your marriage certificate, that document needs to go back to the courthouse in the city where you were married. Sometimes your officiant will handle this, but sometimes it’s on you—so double-check. Once it’s received, the courthouse will mail you your official marriage license.

Need it faster than the standard processing time? You can often get it in person. Just bring your signed certificate and ask to swap it out for the official version on the spot.

Step 6: Choose Elopement Outfits That Work With the Plan

Your elopement outfit should look great (obviously), but it also needs to work with the location, the season, and the logistics of getting there.

If you’re hiking, climbing, or walking to your elopement ceremony location, consider whether you’re wearing your outfit the whole way or packing it in. A lightweight dress or tailored suit might be more practical than something that needs its own zip code.

Traveling out of state or internationally? Be realistic about what you can bring. Oversized gowns and structured pieces are tough to pack. If you’re planning through Simply Eloped, we can help you think through location-specific attire tips—and even help you connect with local options if you’d rather rent or pick something up nearby.

Don’t forget about the weather, either. Sand, wind, rain, and cold all impact how you move, feel, and photograph. Your outfit shouldn’t limit the adventure. It should support it.

Step 7: Break the News (Without Breaking Any Hearts)

So, you eloped. Or you’re about to. Either way, you’re going to have to let people know, and not everyone will take it the same way. Need some more help? We have a guide for that. Otherwise, here’s the details:

Option 1: Go quiet until it’s done:

Waiting until after the vows to share your news can feel rebellious, but it’s also one of the simplest ways to protect your peace. No awkward invite lists, no pressure, no endless opinions. When it’s all said and done, a sincere note or announcement tells the people you care about that they still matter… even if the ceremony wasn’t meant for a crowd.

Option 2: Announce, then bounce.

You can also let people know it’s happening, then give yourself permission to step away. This is your day, not a group chat update. Celebrate your marriage in real time. Feel it, live it, and let the rest of the world catch up later. Handle reactions when you’re home and grounded again, not while you’re in the moment.

Option 3: Include just your people:

You don’t have to elope completely solo. If a few ride-or-dies make the day feel complete, bring them along. A small circle of your friends and family members can still keep things intentional and relaxed, and Simply Eloped can help you create space for both intimacy and connection.

For everyone else:

The celebration doesn’t stop just because the vows are done. And there’s always time to celebrate with your favorite people. Share photos, throw a dinner, or host a casual toast when you’re back home. If someone’s feeling left out, pull them back in with a dinner, a toast, or a night full of stories. Make space for whatever way fits your world.

Eloping doesn’t mean skipping the details; it means choosing them on purpose. Simply Eloped helps you find your dream location, gather the right people, and take care of the legal steps that make it official. The result is a day that feels natural, stress-free, and beautifully uncomplicated. If you’re ready to make simple feel effortless, let’s start planning your dream day. Need more support learning how to elope? Reach out today.

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