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Updated Mar 06, 2025How to Elope According to the Experts
Say, "I do," with just you two.
Have you dreamt of saying your vows on a remote mountaintop? Does the charm of a morning courthouse wedding sound like the perfect start to your love story? As you think about how to elope, it's important to understand it's not as simple as putting on a nice outfit and saying, "I do." Just like you'd need to figure out how to plan a wedding, you'll need to think about the logistics of your elopement. Even without guests, you'll still have to coordinate getting your marriage license, finding an officiant, hiring a photographer (if you want one!) and possibly even looking into small wedding venues.
Is it less work than planning a 100-person wedding? Absolutely! You and your spouse-to-be can focus on creating the most meaningful ceremony and celebration for just the two of you, whether that's escaping to a tropical beach or tying the knot quietly in your own backyard. There's no worrying about catering numbers or squeezing in photos before cocktail hour. It's all about what means the most to you. To help you plan your elopement we gathered expert advice from planners and photographers who specialize in intimate celebrations.
In this article:
- How to Plan an Elopement
- How Much Does It Cost to Elope?
- Should You Invite Your Friends and Family to an Elopement?
- Which Vendors are Usually Hired for an Elopement?
How to Plan an Elopement
Planning an elopement is truly a choose-your-own-adventure experience. "Without the traditional wedding framework, planning an elopement can sometimes require some soul-searching," says Micah Chaffin, one half of the destination elopement photographer duo The Chaffins. You have the literal world at your fingertips—you can get married anywhere, any time, and you don't need to stress over guests' travel or expenses. But there are a few steps that you'll need to take, regardless of when and where you get married.
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Decide on a Time and Place
Where do you picture yourself saying your vows? Is it with the ocean behind you? Tucked away somewhere in the woods? In the heart of your favorite city? Decide on your dream location, then look into any considerations involved with that location. If your heart is set on a public location, you may need permits to hold a ceremony—even a two-person ceremony—depending on city and state regulations.
It's also important to note whether an officiant is required or not. Most states require an officiant or witnesses, but several states allow couples to marry themselves. Once you have your location chosen, decide on the time and day. An elopement can be spur-of-the-moment, but, generally, there's some planning ahead involved.
Determine Whether You Want Guests Present
The original context of an elopement typically meant running away to get married in secret, without any guests present. Today, that's changed. You may want your family or a few close friends there. Decide ahead of time and work around schedules.
Hire Vendors
While there are fewer vendors involved in an elopement, your vision may involve a few key players. These will vary depending on whether you're planning a courthouse wedding or throwing a small destination celebration. Think about the wedding you have in mind and hire the vendors you need to make that happen.
Get Your Marriage License
Even if you get married with only the two of you present, you still need a marriage license to make it official. Make sure you look into the appropriate timing for your state.
Sort Out the Final Details
Lastly, sort out any final details, from your wedding day attire to your travel to what you're doing after you've said, "I do." Imagine your dream day, and make it happen!
How Much Does It Cost to Elope?
While you can elope for just the cost of a marriage license, Chaffin explains that elopements will typically cost between $5,000 to $15,000 depending on everything from location to guest count.
"One great thing about eloping is that it allows you to put your money towards the things you truly value. It's not uncommon to see a couple spend $7,000 on their photographer but do their own makeup," Chaffin says.
Within the costs of an elopement, expect to pay for your photographer, any special use permits, marriage license, travel and accommodations, officiant, florist for a bouquet and attire. Want to get a clear vision of your costs? Check out The Knot Budget Tool to calculate your potential elopement cost.
Should You Invite Your Friends and Family to an Elopement?
For some, the point of an elopement is to keep it entirely private between the couple. For others, an elopement is similar to a micro wedding. "The decision to involve family in an elopement is entirely personal," says Jennifer Allen, officiant and marriage and elopement specialist at Just Elope based in Dallas, Texas. "Some couples choose to elope privately, while others include a small group of loved ones."
For those wondering how to plan an elopement with family but cannot involve all loved ones, Allen suggests options like livestreaming the ceremony, hosting a reception after the elopement or including special family traditions in the day.
Which Vendors are Usually Hired for an Elopement?
Just because an elopement is small, doesn't mean there aren't vendors involved. "There are two essential vendors, an officiant to make it legal and memorable and a photographer to capture the photos that'll last a lifetime. Many opt for a florist and hair and make-up artist," says Jude Douglass with Sea to Sky Officiant in British Columbia, Canada, who specializes in elopements.
To get the full picture of which additional vendors you'll need, consider the small wedding ideas that are catching your eye. Is there a beautiful cake? Gorgeous flowers? A lovely dress? This will guide you toward how to elope and which vendors you need to hire. Typically, couples may consider a florist, baker, caterer, hair and make-up and even a planner depending on the complexity. Find all of these vendors and more by searching The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
For elopements, you may be able to find a photographer or officiant who offers a package that includes everything for you. Douglass adds, "Always hire local vendors to save on travel fees and gain access to their local insight. If your first dream location is inaccessible, they might know an even better spot!"
