Elopement Planning Month-By-Month Checklist + Timeline

Planning your elopement is an exciting adventure. Whether you’re envisioning a quiet ceremony in a breathtaking landscape or a luxurious getaway for just the two of you, this guide offers a step-by-step elopement planning checklist and timeline. It’s designed to help you craft a seamless day that reflects your unique vision.

Your elopement can be as simple or luxurious as you desire. While this timeline spans 12 months, I’ve assisted couples in planning beautiful, meaningful elopements in as little as 2 weeks. So, if you’re starting later, there’s no need to worry! Each elopement is distinct, and this guide can be adapted to suit your specific preferences and timeline.

First Steps On Your Elopement Checklist
12 Months Before Your Elopement
11 Months Before Your Elopement
10 Months Before Your Elopement
9 Months Before Your Elopement
8 Months Before Your Elopement
7 Months Before Your Elopement
6 Months Before Your Elopement
5 Months Before Your Elopement
4 Months Before Your Elopement
3 Months Before Your Elopement
2 Months Before Your Elopement
1 Month Before Your Elopement
1 Week Before Your Elopement
1 Day Before Your Elopement
Day of Your Elopement
After Your Elopement

Elopement Planning Checklist + Timeline

First Steps

Celebrate Your Engagement

Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your journey! Now that you’ve taken this next big step together, it’s time to pause and celebrate. This moment marks the very beginning of your elopement adventure, and it’s an opportunity to recognize the excitement of what lies ahead.

Whether you choose a peaceful hike to a favorite viewpoint, a cozy mountain cabin getaway, or a special dinner to toast your future, take this moment to honor the bond you’ve built. Your celebration doesn’t need to be extravagant; what matters most is that it’s meaningful, reflects your unique connection, and sets a joyful tone for the exciting journey ahead.

Insure Your Engagement Ring

Ensuring your peace of mind is essential as you begin your elopement journey. If you or your partner made a significant investment in your engagement rings, protecting your investment can bring you a sense of security. Insuring your ring safeguards against unexpected events such as a lost stone during outdoor adventures, accidental misplacements, or other unforeseen mishaps.

Having insurance in place from the start provides reassurance and allows you to put one more potential stressor behind you.

Take Engagement Photos + Share the Excitement

Your journey to ‘I do’ is a story in the making, and preserving it through engagement photos translates these moments into treasured memories. These images encapsulate the joy and excitement you share as you begin this new chapter together.

Engagement photos not only reflect your genuine connection but also allow you to share your happiness with those closest to you. While traditional engagement announcements may be less common for eloping couples, sharing your joy in any way that feels authentic is a wonderful way to celebrate and spread your excitement for this milestone.

Gather Elopement Inspiration

Now, start to imagine your elopement day and visualize what it might look like. Sit down with your partner to gather ideas—from choosing the perfect setting and season to planning activities that resonate with both of you. Use platforms like Pinterest to compile your inspiration and refine your elopement style.

Think about the moment you exchange vows and place rings on each other’s fingers. Picture yourselves surrounded by Colorado’s mountain peaks, beside alpine waters, or cuddled up in a cozy Airbnb. What locations resonate with you? Also, consider the season or time of year that aligns best with your intimate wedding inspiration.

If you are planning an elopement in Colorado and seeking advice on the best time to say “I do,” I have a helpful guide linked below.

12 Months Before Your Elopement

Consider Hosting an Engagement Party

If you’re considering hosting an engagement party, it’s time to set the wheels in motion. Even if you already celebrated privately, an engagement party is a great opportunity to share your joy with your loved ones if you so choose. It’s also a chance to showcase your engagement photos through your party decor and create lasting memories with your nearest and dearest.

Create An Elopement-Specific Email

Creating an elopement-specific email address is beneficial for several reasons. This proactive step helps keep your primary inbox organized, particularly as you navigate through the influx of wedding-related newsletters and updates. Your specialized inbox also serves as a dedicated space for both you and your partner to stay informed and connected throughout your elopement journey.

Having a specific email address for your big day also simplifies the process of unsubscribing from wedding-related listservs once your intimate celebration is over. This approach ensures streamlined communication and allows you to focus on preparing for your elopement without cluttering your personal email accounts or missing an update.

Begin Budgeting

Set Your Financial Limit

Start by determining your total elopement budget based on your current finances, anticipated income, and any upcoming financial commitments.

Define Your Elopement Priorities

As you start planning, it’s helpful to identify your top priorities. Here’s an exercise I recommend to all my couples:

• Individually, list the top ten most important elements of your elopement, such as location, atmosphere, or post-elopement activities. Don’t peek at your partner’s list until completing your own!
• Once done, merge your individual lists into a master list of elopement day ‘must-haves’.
• Together, arrange these items in order of their significance to both of you.

Start Thinking About Guests, if Any

Next, consider whether you want to include any loved ones in your elopement day or post-elopement celebration. Including guests can significantly alter your budget. As such, it’s important to determine your estimated headcount early.

Create a Spreadsheet to Track Your Elopement Budget

Finally, make a spreadsheet or use an online tool to track your elopement budget. This will simplify managing expenses and allow for necessary adjustments. Utilizing these tools helps you stay organized and ensures both partners are aligned throughout the planning process.

For a more detailed look at setting and tracking your intimate wedding budget, check out my blog.

Start Researching Elopement Locations

After deciding on the season and type of scenery you envision for your elopement, it’s time to look into specific locations and their logistics. Here in Colorado, you have a wealth of options, whether you’re eloping on public lands or saying your vows at a cozy Airbnb. With over 23 million acres of public land, Colorado offers a diverse range of options from desert to high tundra. With this much variety, you’re sure to find a location that aligns with your elopement day vision.

For inspiration, head to my guide which covers 15 breathtaking public land locations.

Consider Whether It Makes Sense to Buy Event Insurance

Decide if event insurance is necessary for your elopement. If you’re not making significant deposits with vendors, you might not need it. However, if you’re placing significant deposits with multiple vendors, an event insurance policy may offer you peace of mind. These policies often start at less than $100 for elopements.

11 Months Before Your Elopement

Reserve Your Airbnb or Public Land Ceremony Site

Eleven months before your elopement, secure your permits or reservations for public land locations or finalize your arrangements with your chosen Airbnb. Early booking minimizes logistical challenges and guarantees your dream location is available for your preferred date. 

If you are considering an Airbnb for your elopement day, Make sure to head over to my list of Colorado’s top Airbnbs for celebrating your intimate wedding day.

Decide Which Vendors, If Any, to Include in Your Elopement Day

When planning your elopement, consider which vendors, if any, align with your elopement day vision. Revisit your list of priorities. Not every trend or additional detail from Pinterest necessarily enhances your elopement experience. Focus on what truly matters to both of you and what vendors are necessary to make that happen.

There are no strict guidelines on which vendors you must hire. Your elopement day is for you and your partner, and it should reflect your unique vision and outlined priorities. 

For guidance on making these decisions, I’ve put together a blog that explores common vendors for micro weddings and elopements.

Research Your Chosen Elopement Vendors

Begin researching prospective vendors to find the rockstar team that will bring your elopement vision to life.

Approach this task diligently. Building the right vendor team requires asking thoughtful questions. Whether you’re looking for a photographer to capture your once-in-a-lifetime day or a florist to build a stunning bouquet, ensure your elopement day helpers understand your vision and can deliver on your expectations.

Knowing the right questions to ask vendors can feel daunting. To ease this stress, I’ve compiled a list of essential questions for each wedding vendor.

Refine Your Pinterest + Elopement Inspiration Boards 

Refine your Pinterest and inspiration boards in order to clearly communicate your elopement day vision to your vendor team. As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how images can convey ideas that words may struggle to express.

This process not only clarifies your vision but also helps your vendors understand your preferences. By refining your boards early in the elopement planning process, you foster clear communication, streamline decision-making, and set realistic expectations.

10 Months Before Your Elopement

Book Your Elopement Photographer

After researching elopement vendors, you likely already have a favorite elopement photographer in mind. Choosing your photographer is a big decision that determines how your special day is preserved and remembered by you, your partner, and future generations.

Many elopement photographers, including myself, include planning services in our packages – making it increasingly beneficial to book early. For my couples, I assist in finding the perfect location, securing permits, coordinating with vendors, and timeline planning, among other tasks. 

When hiring, you’ll want to find a photographer whose work you love and who you’re comfortable spending a significant amount of time with since they may be the only other person present on your elopement day. Once you find that perfect fit, book early in order to fully leverage their planning expertise and ensure their availability to capture your big day. 

Start Planning Your Honeymoon

Your elopement is an adventure in itself, but if you’re planning to extend your celebration into an immediate honeymoon, it’s time to start considering your options. Will you honeymoon in your elopement location or choose a different destination? 

Get clear on your budget, preferred location, and timing. Planning early ensures all logistics are managed, helping you avoid last-minute stressors like unexpected budget surprises. This approach guarantees you can fully embrace both your elopement and honeymoon without any eleventh-hour hassles.

Start Shopping for Your Wedding Attire

When choosing your wedding attire, consider your chosen elopement location, season, and any planned activities. Begin by gathering inspiration, visiting potential shops, or exploring online websites to find attire that fits within your budget. 

Once you’ve found your ideal attire, remember that production and alterations can take several months especially during peak wedding season when seamstresses often have long waitlists. Starting early ensures everything is handled smoothly, avoiding any last-minute wardrobe worries.

9 Months Before Your Elopement

Schedule Tastings with Private Chefs if Necessary

Choosing to elope doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on enjoying a top notch wedding day meal. Hiring a private chef allows you to enjoy a customized dining experience either at your home or your chosen accommodations. An experienced private chef can craft a locally-sourced, multi-course dinner tailored specifically for you and your partner, ensuring that your special meal is as memorable as the rest of your elopement experience. 

Schedule tastings to understand your prospective chefs’ offerings, specialties, and ability to bring your dream meal to life. If you’re hiring a private chef from out of state, conduct thorough research, ask the right questions, and review past client testimonials to guide you in your decision-making process. 

Book Your Florist and Share Your Pinterest Board

Florists are among the most highly sought-after wedding vendors and can book up many months in advance. As such, be sure to book your florist early if you plan to incorporate your color palette and wedding aesthetic through bespoke florals.

When choosing your florist, start by sharing your vision and Pinterest board for inspiration. Take time to understand each florist’s style and specialty. Every florist has a unique artistic flair, so take your time finding one whose aesthetic resonates with your vision.

Book Your Videographer or Content Creator

Videographers and content creators play a crucial role in capturing and preserving memories of your elopement day through video footage that allows you to relive each moment in motion. Content creation, which includes behind-the-scenes perspectives and quick recaps for social media, is also quickly gaining popularity.

For an intimate and private elopement, videography or content creation can bridge the distance for your loved ones, offering them a glimpse into your special day as if they were there with you.

When you choose me as your elopement photographer, I make it easy by offering content creation alongside my elopement photography packages.

8 Months Before Your Elopement

Start Any Elopement Day DIY Projects

Incorporating DIY projects into your elopement can add a personal touch to your day without breaking the bank. However, DIY projects often take more time than anticipated. To avoid last-minute stress, begin any DIY projects well in advance of your elopement day. You’ll want to spend the final days leading up to your elopement eagerly excited, not rushing through half-done crafts.

7 Months Before Your Elopement

Begin Working on Your Elopement Playlist and/or Book a Musician 

Music can set the mood on your elopement day – whether you opt for a playlist that fills you with nostalgia, joy, or calm. Building your playlist early gives you ample time to think about which songs will help create the elopement day atmosphere you desire. Additionally, starting early allows you to discover new music and stumble back upon old favorites.

Alternatively, if you dream of having live music on your elopement day, consider booking an acoustic soloist or group. If you choose this route, you’ll want to book about 7 months in advance to ensure your favorite artist’s availability. 

6 Months Before Your Elopement

Decide Whether You Want to Self-Solemnize or Have an Officiant

Now is the time to decide whether you want to self-solemnize or have someone officiate your elopement ceremony. Many states, including Colorado, permit self-solemnization, which means you aren’t required to have any witnesses or an officiant to be legally wed. This option is popular among eloping couples because it allows for greater privacy and personalization of your elopement ceremony.

If you prefer to have someone officiate and guide your ceremony, you have options. Whether it’s hiring an officiant or asking a loved one to fill the role, it’s important to book or communicate with your desired officiant a few months in advance.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to self-solemnize in Colorado, I have a guide that can help you out.

Research Marriage License Requirements for Your Elopement State

If you plan to complete your marriage license in the state of your elopement, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements well in advance, especially if you’re coming from out of state. Scheduling appointments and gathering the necessary documents can take time. Additionally, some county clerk and recorders’ offices may have limited availability, so make sure to have a backup plan for appointment locations. By thoroughly researching the requirements in your chosen elopement state, you’ll be sure to avoid any last-minute surprises.

If you plan to elope in Colorado and need guidance on obtaining your marriage license, you can find detailed information through the link below.

Book Your Hair and Makeup Artist if Doing So

If you’ve decided to hire a hair and makeup artist for your elopement day, it’s advisable to secure their services about 6 months in advance. Booking early allows ample time for trials or consultations and increases the chances that your preferred vendor is available for your elopement date.

Look for hair and makeup artists who specialize in your hair and skin type or who excel in creating the specific look you desire. Remember, sharing your Pinterest boards can help communicate your chosen aesthetic for a wedding day look you love. 

5 Months Before Your Elopement

Book Cake Tastings

Booking cake tastings is perhaps the sweetest step in your elopement planning checklist. With numerous options for cake flavors, various fillings, and decadent toppings, it can be overwhelming to choose your cake without the option of trying it first.

Once you’ve identified a few bakers of interest, schedule your tastings to experience their expertise firsthand and try various flavor combinations. Be sure to inquire if they offer tastings for smaller cake orders, and, if not, what the best way is to sample their offerings.

Whether you envision a personalized elopement cake, cupcakes, or other wedding day treats, these tastings provide a clear idea of what will best suit your celebration.

Purchase Your Elopement Day Attire

After spending the last few months gathering inspiration and shopping for your wedding day attire, now is the time to make your purchase. Buying your attire early allows ample time for production and any necessary alterations. This ensures your outfit fits impeccably and reflects your vision for your elopement day.

Begin Writing Your Vows and Planning Your Elopement Ceremony

Planning your elopement ceremony is an exciting step as it lies at the heart of your wedding day. Visualize how you want your ceremony to unfold: do you want to see one another beforehand? Do you envision including a processional? Will you play any music or incorporate any special traditions in your ceremony?

As you begin planning your ceremony, it’s also time to start writing your wedding vows. Your vows lie at the heart of your ceremony and offer a deeply personal expression of your love for each other, your appreciation for your shared journey, and your hopes for your future together.

For tips on writing your vows, check out this dedicated section of my guide.

4 Months Before Your Elopement

Plan Any Other Activities and/or a Post-Elopement Party

About 4 months before your elopement, it’s time to start planning any additional activities you’d like to enjoy on your special day. This could include experiences like visiting a hot spring, going horseback riding, or enjoying a romantic evening of stargazing. Alternatively, you may choose to plan a post-elopement reception with your loved ones. Planning 4 months ahead of time ensures you can secure reservations and make arrangements tailored to your elopement season.

If you’re unsure about which activities to include in your elopement day or need tips for planning a post-elopement reception, check out my dedicated blog for more inspiration.

Order Your Elopement Cake or Desserts

If your cake tastings left you dreaming of a particular cake, now is the time to secure your baker and finalize your order. Planning ahead allows your baker ample time to prepare and fit you into their schedule.

3 Months Before Your Elopement

Order Your Wedding Rings

If you plan to exchange rings during your ceremony, it’s ideal to order them about 3 months before your big day. This timeline allows for any necessary adjustments and ensures your rings are prepared, whether they need to be custom-made or resized.

Purchase Any Elopement Day Gifts For Your Significant Other

While it’s not essential, some couples choose to give their partner a gift on the morning of their elopement. If this is part of your wedding day plans, allow yourself a few months to ensure everything arrives on time, especially if items are being custom-made or shipped from abroad.

Confirm Honeymoon Travel Plans + Ensure Your Passport is Up to Date, if Needed

If you’re planning your honeymoon, now’s the time to confirm your travel arrangements. If you are traveling internationally, ensure your passports are up to date and apply for any necessary visas. Additionally, check that your passports have at least a few blank pages remaining. By taking care of these details early, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure your honeymoon plans proceed without any delays or complications.

2 Months Before Your Elopement

Purchase Any Last-Minute Elopement Accessories

Two months before your elopement, it’s time to purchase any final touches for your special day. Consider what accessories you’ll want to include in your wedding day look such as jewelry, a custom hat, or a unique pair of shoes. 

Additionally, for winter elopements, consider practical items such as hand warmers, shoe spikes, wool underlayers, or weather-appropriate outer layers. Purchasing these items in advance ensures you have everything ready to complete your look and enjoy your elopement day to the fullest.

Begin Alterations for Your Wedding Attire

Now that you have assembled your elopement day ensemble, it’s time to begin alterations. Alterations ensure that your attire not only looks great but also functions seamlessly for your memorable day.

If Having One, Meet with Your Officiant to Finalize Your Ceremony

If you’ve chosen to include an officiant in your elopement ceremony, now’s the time to meet and iron out your ceremony details. Whether your officiant is a loved one or a hired professional, you’ll want to ensure you discuss your ceremony logistics and expectations. This meeting allows your officiant time to prepare for their important role, ensuring your ceremony runs smoothly and reflects your vision.

Finalize Your Elopement Day Timeline

Although elopements offer more flexibility than traditional weddings, you will still want to prepare a well-thought-out timeline for your elopement day. As we plan your elopement day, I’ll help you create and refine your elopement timeline, taking into account your priorities and planned activities.

When finalizing your elopement day timeline, it’s also important to leave plenty of time to slow down and savor moments with your partner throughout the day. The day can go by quickly, so every memorable moment counts. In addition to giving you a clear picture of your special day, a well-structured timeline is helpful for communicating with your vendors and ensuring everyone understands your final arrangements.

1 Month Before Your Elopement

Choose Music for Your Ceremony and First Dance

You likely already have a playlist for your wedding day, but it’s important to consider which songs you’d like to include during key moments, such as your ceremony and first dance. These songs hold significant meaning and set the atmosphere for your special day. 

Break In Your Elopement Shoes

Although easily overlooked, breaking in your elopement shoes is essential for ensuring nothing slows you down on your epic day. Begin wearing your elopement shoes around the house in advance, especially if you anticipate extensive walking or hiking. This early break-in period helps prevent discomfort and blisters, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout your special day.

Get Your Marriage License

It’s now time to take all necessary documents to the proper county office to obtain your marriage license. If you are traveling to obtain your marriage license, be sure to keep your documents together and safely stowed in your carry-on luggage.

If you need a refresher on how to obtain a marriage license in Colorado, you can revisit the section of my blog that provides information on the process.

Confirm Elopement Day Plans with All Vendors

About a month before your elopement day, reach out to your vendor team to confirm arrangements. Distribute your finalized timeline and ensure that all vendors are on the same page. This step helps to eliminate elopement day mishaps and limit questions the day of.

1 Week Before Your Elopement

Practice Your Vows

Practicing your vows ahead of your elopement day is a great way to ensure they accurately reflect your feelings and intentions. Take time to speak your words aloud and assess their flow and emotional impact. This preparation allows you to speak from the heart during your ceremony, rather than focus on delivery.

Pack for Your Elopement

Preparing for your elopement involves gathering your wedding day essentials and ensuring you have a well-stocked emergency kit. For a stress-free elopement day, create a packing list ahead of time to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Remember to include extras like mementos for your detail photos and any sentimental touches that will personalize your elopement experience.

For a comprehensive packing guide tailored to elopements and micro weddings, read my detailed recommendations linked below.

Pack for Your Honeymoon if Leaving Straight from Your Elopement

If you’re planning to leave for your honeymoon directly after your elopement, plan to pack a few days to a week ahead of time. Doing so ensures you can spend the final days leading up to your elopement relaxed and excited, rather than scrambling.

Consider what you’ll want to do with your wedding attire after your ceremony, whether handing it off to a loved one or safely storing it for later. Being prepared ahead of time will allow you to smoothly transition from one celebration to the next.

Prepare Tip Envelopes for Your Vendors

Preparing tip envelopes for your vendors shows your appreciation for their hard work and dedication. While not all vendors expect tips, it can be a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge their efforts. Whether you decide to provide gratuities or not, having clearly labeled envelopes for each vendor ensures that any tips are handled smoothly and without confusion on your special day.

1 Day Before Your Elopement

Steam Your Elopement Day Attire

The day before your elopement, take a moment to steam your wedding attire, removing any wrinkles caused by transportation. Taking a few minutes to steam your attire ensures your outfit looks pristine and reflects the care you’ve put into preparing for your special day.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

As your elopement day approaches, remember to prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. With a day full of memorable activities ahead, being well-rested will ensure you have the energy to fully enjoy every moment.

Day of Your Elopement

Stick to Your Daily Beauty Routine

If you’ve hired a hair and makeup artist for your elopement day, it’s best to stick with your usual skincare regimen unless otherwise advised. Make sure to cleanse and moisturize as you normally would, and arrive with a clean, fresh face.

Fuel Up with a Hearty Breakfast

On your elopement day, it’s crucial to stay fueled, especially if you’re planning physically demanding activities such as hiking. Choose foods that provide sustained energy and are rich in protein to keep you energized throughout the day. A hearty breakfast sets a solid foundation for your elopement adventure, ensuring you’re ready for whatever the day brings.

Enjoy Your Elopement Day!

Today is your elopement day—a day filled with anticipation, epic activities, and the start of your journey together. After all the planning and preparation, now is the time to unwind and enjoy every second. Take in the joy of marrying your partner and starting this extraordinary adventure together. Pause, breathe, and treasure each precious moment as you celebrate your love in a way that feels authentic to the two of you.

After Your Elopement

Return Any Rentals

Once your elopement festivities are over, promptly return any rented items including attire and decor. This ensures you avoid any additional charges due to late returns and allows you to move into married life without unnecessary stress looming.

Preserve Your Wedding Dress and/or Bouquet

Preserving your wedding dress and bouquet has become increasingly popular in recent years. You can preserve your wedding dress in a shadow box, and bouquets can be pressed and framed or preserved in resin to create lasting keepsakes. Many companies specialize in these preservation services, offering options that align with your personal style and preferences.

Update Your Name, if Changing It

Now that you’re married, you can begin the name change process if doing so. Begin by updating your social security card, which is required in order to complete most other changes. You can find the necessary forms to initiate this process on the Social Security Administration website. Once your social security card reflects your new name, proceed to update other essential documents and accounts.

It’s important to update your driver’s license, bank accounts, credit cards, loans, memberships, passports, and any other relevant documents. Each institution may have specific requirements for name changes, so it’s advisable to review their guidelines and gather the necessary documents in advance. Typically, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage license, so be sure to keep an extra copy available for these updates.

Let’s Start Planning Your Elopement Day

Your elopement day is the result of thoughtful planning and heartfelt decisions, each bringing you closer to your dream celebration. Whether you envision exchanging vows on a mountaintop or in the privacy of an Airbnb, your journey through this roadmap leads to a day that’s uniquely yours.

Every decision you make, from selecting the perfect location to finalizing your vows, marks a significant step toward creating a day that authentically represents you and your partner. Remember, your planning timeline can always be shaped by your individual preferences and circumstances, allowing for flexibility.

As you prepare for this adventure, know that I’m here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your plans, reach out to begin transforming your vision into a reality. Together, we’ll navigate this planning checklist, ensuring your elopement day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.