Elopement Planning Checklist

1. ceremony location

Once you decide on your elopement location start applying for permits. Always assume you need to get permits unless you have been told otherwise from that specific park. Enquire about a parking pass for your vehicle, a wedding ceremony permit, a photography permit, and a videography permit. 

2. getting to the ceremony

How are you getting to your elopement ceremony location? Do you need a rental car or are you riding in a helicopter? Have your directions handy and download that location from google maps onto your phone in case you lose service. If you are OCD like me you can also print out the directions and keep them in an elopement folder in your vehicle. 

3. park passes and permits

Each National Park requires you to have a park pass, wedding ceremony permit, photography permit, and videography permit. Some highly trafficked trails are even on a lotto system for the permit. Plan ahead and make sure you apply far enough in advance for each permit and park pass.

4. legalities

Do you need an officiant and witnesses? Each state has individual marriage laws. Make sure to secure a marriage license and be aware that you may need up to two witnesses and a legal officiant. 

5. elopement ceremony

Are you going to read vows, exchange rings, then celebrate with a kiss? Or do you want to do a sage smudging or hand fasting ceremony? You can structure your elopement ceremony any way you want. There are no traditions or rules you need to adhere too. Here are a few ceremony ideas from Brides.com and Martha Stewart Weddings.

6. celebrating together

Are you celebrating by going sky diving? Or are you going to go to your favorite brewery in your wedding dress? Think about what you want to do after you’ve said yes. Remember, the ceremony can just be the start of your adventure. Hop in your van and make this the beginning of an epic road trip, head straight to the airport to catch a flight to Patagonia, or continue spending the day playing together in the forest.

7. accommodations

You can book a hotel, Airbnb, VRBO, sleep in a tent, or the back of a sprinter van. Where you choose to stay is completely up to you. Just make sure you have somewhere booked for your wedding night ;)