Eloping

I absolutely love the idea of Elopement weddings! I myself Eloped!

The Must haves.

• Marriage License: Do not forget to get your marriage license, most courthouses are closed on the weekends, So plan on getting there early (Most States require you to have the marriage license in the state you are getting married in. Some states will require you to have one for the state you currently live in. Make sure to call both!
• Officiant (Can be someone you know family or friend who ordained online! Make sure it is legit. Or hire someone where you are eloping too!
• Witness(es) I know every state is different. So plan on bringing those 2 special people to be a witness!
• Choosing the Date: Now the busy wedding seasons do matter, Spring and Fall would be your absolute busiest! Spring being March, April, and May. Fall being September, October and November. That includes others who elope the same day, and tourists.
• Location: Elopement weddings have become more and more popular. Picking the location can factor in how touristy it is. I would recommend on planning mid morning especially on those busy wedding months.
• Permits, Now most states require you to have a permit. Make sure to call the courthouse, or the Parks that you plan on eloping too.
• Now I had gotten married at the Garden of the Gods. You do not need witnesses, officiant, or permit. Just be courteous and cautious of your surroundings.
• Scout: Now plan on being there ahead of the date you choose whether that be a weekday or weekend. Spend a day looking at locations. How busy it will be, so when the day comes you already know where you want to go, and if you have to hike. So you are not spending time looking for locations.
• Now bring those fancy shoes, but also bring hiking boots or shoes so your feet do not hurt!
• Food: Bring a snack and lots of water! Remember To drink Water!

What to Plan on Bringing! As a photographer!

• Photographer: Choosing your photographer, remember, if you choose a photographer out of state you have to plan on travel, accommodations, food in the budget. That also goes for Videographer as well.
• wardrobe No go all out or go as minimal as you want! It is still your wedding!
• florals/decor One thing I have learned with doing weddings, both elopements, and the bigger weddings, certain fresh florals do bleed. I am not sure on the type but for fresh florals ask your florists what they would recommend, especially to match the color scheme you want.
• Ceremony agenda: Now Remember depending on location, and the month you plan your wedding. Plan for a quick ceremony. and remember not everyone will move from your background. Just enjoy it the best that you can!
• accommodations: Now this goes for you and the photographer and or videographer that you want to be there. You are paying for them so make them as comfortable as possible.
• Getting ready Space: When choosing a space I do recommend reading the reviews, whether it be a hotel, or a air bnb!
• Transportation: depending on how you plan your elopement and you are still wanting the first look have 2 vehicles.
• announcements: Elopement weddings does not have to be just the 2 of you, and your witnesses. You could bring your family, friends. But have an announcement especially on locations, and other area's if you do not have a large Air BNB.
• After Party Food: Now remember you have been on your feet all day, prepare your after party food the night before! It will still be exhausting But it will help! I promise!

Courthouse Weddings!

Now I have read so many articles, and Many if not all say the same thing.

• Choose Your location: Pick a city hall! Now I know many choose courthouse wedding to make it quick, knowing that the financial stress of planning a huge wedding. You could also travel to another destination and make it the first stop.
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• Research Marriage License Requirements: Most if Not all courthouses you cannot tie the knot until you get your marriage license. The formal and official processing to legalize your marriage does vary in city, county within each state. So prepare that you will most likely need to have your license in advance. Most courthouses/city hall require a waiting period. There is also a expiration time that your marriage license is good for. If you are planning on getting married in a different state, you may have to have a legal ceremony stateside before you head to the destination you are wanting to get married at. Definitely call and plan ahead of time.
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• Courthouse Wedding Checklist: You will of course need your marriage license, the correct paperwork, and your id or passport. Plus 2 witnesses over the age of 18.
• questions to ask: Ask if the 2 witnesses are allowed to attend.
• Ask if you want any certain elements, that being saying your own vows, if other guests can attend not including the witnesses.
• If you are allowed to have a photographer there or someone to document the wedding.
• Now from what I read Most states, you have a certain amount of time for your ceremony with the officiant. So most likely Vows or anything extra you had wanted to do during your ceremony. If anything might not be able to. If that is the case look up areas that do allow you to have a longer time or flexible with what is said during the ceremony.
• Granted this is still a small ceremony, with the closest people to you, you might want to still document! Get creative after, explore the town with a photographer who knows the area!
• Have a night in the town with those who attended! It is your wedding after all!

Micro Wedding Planning

Now Micro Weddings are different then intimate weddings. they are still very similar, but it is the guest size. A micro wedding has fewer then 30 guests.

Creating the guest list: 2 things I noticed in several blogs.

Feeling like you are leaving people out. That makes it very difficult on trimming that list down.

There is beauty is only wanting those that are closest to you. That could be a cousin you grew up with that was a sister. Or a best friend who has been with you through everything whether that be for years and years or lest then. The one question I noticed was this one. When you see the names. Ask yourself "Which guests can you not see your wedding day without?"

Hire a photographer! Set up a photobooth!

Having your micro wedding, can be in the backyard, a small little venue, or even at a destination.