How to Plan an Elopement in 10 Easy Steps
Updated April 2024
If you’re wondering how to plan an elopement then we’re here to help you in ten easy steps to make sure your day is fun and stress free. Planning an adventure elopement is such an exciting process! The day is planned around what you love doing together, meaning there are endless possibilities of what you can include on your day. There are some essential items that you have to organise before the day so we have put together this adventure elopement checklist to make the planning process a little easier so you can focus on the excitement!
1. Choose a Location
Helping our couples research and choose a location is one of our favourite parts of our job. We have spent over 10 years exploring the area, searching for the most beautiful and epic locations as a backdrop for our couples. Finding the perfect spot that suits who you are and what you love doing together will make your day so special. We always say picking your locations can be one of the hardest decisions you will have to make. This is because everywhere is just so beautiful! We provide all of our couples with an in-depth location listing all of our favourite places in the Banff area. This includes drive-up, hiking, backpacking and helicopter access.
You can read more about how we choose our locations in our blog: How to Choose the Best Elopement Location in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
2. Decide on What Time of Year and a Date
Each season brings a unique beauty to a place. Here in the Canadian Rocky Mountains the seasons are quite defined and bring different weather, views and activities to enjoy. Start your research based on your favourite season and see what would be accessible at that time of year.
There are amazing activities to do year-round in the Rocky Mountains and we explore this more in our blog: Best Time of Year to Get Married in Banff National Park
3. Book Your Elopement Photographer
This might be the most important step in planning your elopement! Your photographer will have the best local knowledge of the area you are planning on getting married in. They will help you with suggestions on how to structure your day, where to go and what to include to make your day extra special. We treat every single one of our couple’s days as if it were our wedding and put so much time and care into making sure they have the best day possible! You should feel comfortable and connect with your photographer as they will be with you for the whole day. Make sure you set up a meeting before you book to get to know them a little.
Learn more: Steps to Book Your Banff Elopement Photographers
4. Book Your Vendors
Some common vendors you might need to consider for your day may include: a commissioner or officiant, florist, hair and makeup, accommodation, transport, catering or restaurant reservations. We don’t offer all-inclusive packages with set vendors as we think it’s important to choose vendors you connect with and a style that fits your vision. As no two elopements are the same, we feel that it is important to custom-design your day to include what you value. There are many amazing local wedding vendors in the area and we love sharing our favourites.
Reach out to us and we can let you know who we love working with in and around the Banff area!
5. Apply For Your Marriage Licence and Plan for Any Permits You Might Need
The process to legally get married somewhere is different for each province, state and country. It is important to research your destination on what you need to legally get married in your desired location. Here is a little more information on what is required in Alberta, Canada
You may also need to apply for permits to hold your ceremony or event in a National Park, Provincial Park or town site. When you have decided on your locations we can help you with all of the details to make sure you have the right permits for your chosen location in the mountains.
6. Decide Who Your Witnesses Will Be
Each province or state will have different requirements for this. In Alberta, you are required to have 2 witnesses to sign for your legal ceremony. We are more than happy to be your witnesses for the day! You can also invite family members or friends along to sign the paperwork on the day.
7. Book Travel Arrangements
You may need to look into flights, accommodation, car rentals and other activities for your elopement. Things tend to book up early during the busier summer months in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Kananaskis. To have your top choices for accommodation and other vendors it would be a good idea to reach out sooner rather than later.
8. Order And Prepare Your Elopement Essentials
Your wedding dress, suit, rings, vow books and adventure gear! Think about how you will be spending your day while choosing your wedding dress and suit. If you plan on spending the day in the mountains it might be beneficial to have a dress that allows you to move a bit more freely. If you plan to hike to your ceremony or portrait location choose something that doesn’t weigh a ton as you will be carrying it up. Remember to leave time for fittings and alterations.
9. Plan Your Elopement Timeline For The Day
Depending on how you want your day to go you will now begin to think about your day of timeline. There are so many different ways you can set up your day and it should be based around what’s important to you both. As photographers, the time of day is always important to us to ensure we can take advantage of the softest light to create the best photos possible. Sunrise and sunset are the ideal times to shoot and we will always recommend structuring your day around these ideal lighting conditions.
We have written a blog about elopement timelines to help you start your planning process.
See our blog: How to make an Elopement Day Timeline
10. Create a packing list for your amazing adventure!
We always recommend making a list of items a few months out to make sure you don’t miss anything and that you are prepared for your day.
See our blog to help you prepare for your day: Adventure Elopement Packing Guide
And there you have it! Now you are both all set to plan an amazing elopement of your dreams. If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out to us anytime! We are always here to help and love hearing about your unique story and plans!
