How to elope
Wisconsin Elopement Photographer
Your guide to get you started on your elopement journey
Not sure how to elope?
I got you! This is my step by step guide for an easy elopement experience
So, you’re thinking about eloping but feeling a little unsure about where to start? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Eloping is about creating a day that’s entirely yours, without the weight of tradition or outside expectations.
But with so many possibilities, it can feel overwhelming to figure out the logistics. That’s why I’ve broken it down into an easy, step-by-step how to elope guide to help you plan a day that reflects your relationship and your vision.
From choosing the perfect location to navigating legal details, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your elopement stress-free and unforgettable.
Elopement vs. Micro Wedding: What's the Difference?
When planning a smaller wedding, you’ll likely hear the terms “elopement” and “micro wedding” thrown around—but they aren’t the same thing. An elopement is focused on just you and your partner (and maybe a few witnesses), often in a remote or adventurous location, with the day shaped entirely around what you love to do together.
A micro wedding, on the other hand, is a smaller-scale version of a traditional wedding, typically including anywhere from 15 to 40 guests, and may still involve elements like a ceremony, reception, and more structured timeline. Intimate weddings are much the same, but have upwards of 50-75 guests.
Both are intimate and meaningful, but the key difference lies in whether your focus is on the two of you or sharing the day with a small group of loved ones. Understanding this distinction will help you decide which option feels right for your wedding day.
Understanding your options for an intimate celebration
The first steps in planning your elopement are deciding on your budget and choosing a location. Your budget will shape everything—from travel and accommodations to permits and activities—so figuring it out early will help make decisions easier.
When it comes to location, think about places that hold meaning for you as a couple or destinations you’ve always dreamed of exploring. If you have a general location or area in mind, I can help you find the perfect place to elope.
If you’re Wisconsin locals looking to elope close to home, I can help you discover some of the most amazing spots right here in the state. With my expertise in Wisconsin’s most stunning elopement locations, we can find the perfect backdrop for your day. I have a Wisconsin specific how to elope guide here.
1. Where to Start: Budget and Location
Building the foundation for your elopement
The next step is hiring your vendors—starting with your photographer and if you choose, a planner. If your photographer doesn't offer planning help, it may be a good idea to bring one on board if you want a stress free and easy planning experience.
Your photographer is one of the most important choices you'll make for your elopement. You want to make sure you hire a photographer that doesn't only have amazing photos, but one that specializes in elopements and can help you plan your dream day (like me!). You'll be with this person the whole day, so it's also important that you genuinely like them and their personality.
Your photographer is the first vendor you should book because you can choose a date based off their availability. Typically you'll want to elope on a weekday to avoid crowds, and keep the climate of your location in mind when choosing which season to elope in. Your photographer can help you decide when to elope based on your location.
Now that you have a photographer and a date, you'll want to hire your other vendors next. Videographer, florist, hair and makeup artist, etc... as your elopement photographer, I can help you connect with talented professionals who will make your day unforgettable.
2. choosing a date and Hiring Your Vendors
Building your dream elopement team.
With your vendors booked and your date set, it’s time to plan the details of your elopement day. This includes everything from obtaining any necessary permits for your location to deciding on activities that make the day uniquely yours. Whether it’s a morning hike, exchanging vows by a waterfall, or sharing a picnic, your day should reflect who you are as a couple.
This is also the time to start booking your accommodations and making travel arrangements. You'll want to secure your lodging as early as possible to ensure you can book the place you want, especially for more popular locations.
Creating a flexible timeline is also key to ensuring your day flows naturally while leaving room for spontaneity. As your photographer and planner, I’ll guide you through each step on how to elope—helping with permits, brainstorming activities, and creating a flexible timeline. Together, we’ll make sure your elopement is an easy and unforgettable experience from start to finish.
3. Planning Your Day
Bringing your vision to life
One of the biggest decisions when eloping is choosing who, if anyone, to invite. Elopements are intimate, focused on you and your partner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t include close loved ones if it feels right. To keep things simple and stress-free, it’s best to limit your guest list to no more than 10-15 people. Inviting more can complicate logistics like parking and accessibility—especially in state and national parks, where many ceremony locations only allow a handful of guests.
Once you’ve decided, the next step is communicating your plans to family and friends. This can sometimes feel tricky, especially if your decision is different from what others might expect. Be honest about why eloping feels right for you and how you’ve planned a day that truly reflects your relationship. If you’re not inviting guests, consider sharing your plans through an announcement, a personal letter, or even sending photos after your day to include loved ones in your celebration in a thoughtful way.
Whether you invite a few guests or keep it just the two of you, this is your day, and the choice should reflect what feels most comfortable and meaningful to you.
4. Deciding Who to Invite
Sharing your plans and setting expectations with family and friends
One of the final steps in planning your elopement is obtaining your marriage license. You should also have decided on how your ceremony will be officiated by the time you're ready to apply for your license. The requirements for your officiant and license vary by state, so it’s important to check what’s needed where you’re eloping. Some states allow self-solemnization, meaning you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to legally marry yourselves. If you’re inviting guests, you might consider asking a close friend or family member to get ordained and officiate for a personal touch.
If it’s just the two of you, I can also step in as your officiant while photographing your day. Keep in mind that some states require witnesses—usually one or two—whether it’s a guest, me if I'm not officiating, or even a kind stranger we meet at your location. No matter how you choose to make it official, I’ll help guide you through the process to ensure everything goes smoothly.
5. Officiants and Getting Your Marriage License
How to elope and make it official
After all the planning and preparation, the most important thing left to do is experience your day. This is your moment to celebrate your love, free from expectations or pressure. Be fully present with each other—laugh, cry, explore, and soak it all in.
As your photographer, I’ll be there to capture the big moments and the in-between ones, so you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying yourselves. Whether it’s exchanging vows on a mountaintop, walking hand-in-hand along a trail, or sharing your first meal as a married couple, this day is all about you and your connection. Relax, breathe, and let your adventure unfold exactly as it’s meant to.
6. The Final Step: Experiencing Your Day
This is what it’s all about
I’m so glad you’re here! I specialize in helping couples like you create unforgettable elopement experiences, whether it’s exploring the stunning state of Wisconsin or planning a day in a place you’ve always dreamed of. From the first conversation to the final delivery, I’ll be by your side—not just as your photographer, but as your guide, planner, and biggest supporter.
Now that you know how to elope, let's do this! With my expertise in Wisconsin’s most beautiful locations and a focus on capturing natural, unscripted moments, I’ll help you plan a day that feels true to you. Learn more about the experience here, and view the investment here. If you’re ready to break free from tradition and create a wedding day that reflects who you are, let’s connect and start planning your adventure together!
Ready to start planning your elopement?
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Hi! I'm Abby, your Wisconsin-based Adventure elopement photographer
How to Elope Resources
Read the blog
Taft Point Yosemite Elopement guide
How to Elope in Wisconsin; your complete guide
Elopement Activities for an unforgettable elopement experience
