From an Elopement Planner: 9 Tips for a Stress-Free Celebration

Despite the simplicity and intimacy often associated with eloping, the planning process can still feel overwhelming. As a seasoned elopement planner, I’ve seen how quickly the pressure builds…from navigating family expectations to sorting out location logistics and creating space for real emotion in the middle of it all.

Navigating the Realities of Elopement Planning

I get it. Life is already full, and adding even a small-scale wedding can feel like balancing too much at once. The vision might be clear: a quiet, intentional celebration with your partner. But behind the scenes? You’re fielding reactions from loved ones, managing a compact (or nonexistent) guest list, trying to explain your “why,” and managing the ripple effects of choosing something different.

As you begin your elopement journey, I want to recognize the potential stressors that can accompany planning such a significant life event. As an elopement planner, I’m here to support you through the emotional and logistical layers of planning an elopement that reflects the heart of your relationship. So, let’s navigate through these challenges together and walk through each of them with presence, care, and clarity—so your celebration feels aligned, grounded, and fully yours.

Elopement Planner Tip #1: Prioritize What Matters Most

Since there are so many aspects to consider when planning your elopement, starting slow is key to maintaining a sense of control and joy throughout the process. It’s great to begin by identifying what holds the utmost importance for your special day. One of the first things I guide couples through in my work as an elopement planner is this simple four-step priority-setting exercise:

Easy Priority-Setting Exercise

1. On a piece of paper, jot down the 10 most important elements that you envision for your elopement day. 
2. On a separate piece of paper, have your partner do the same. No peeking!
3. On a third piece of paper, compile the items you both agreed on, along with your individual ‘must-haves.’
4. Finally, arrange the combined list from the most crucial to the least important.

Voila! You’ve just taken the first step toward planning a celebration that truly reflects both of your hearts. By setting these priorities early on, you’re laying a strong foundation for a planning process that feels aligned and intentional from the start.

Elopement Planner Tip #2: The Marie Kondo Approach

Now that you’ve identified the core elements that hold the most significance for your elopement day, it’s time to adopt a stress-free approach by focusing on the things that truly matter. As Marie Kondo wisely puts it, if it doesn’t “spark joy,” ditch it. It’s something I often encourage in my role as an elopement planner, because not every Pinterest trend or tradition needs a place in your day. Focus on what feels meaningful to you and your partner, and feel confident leaving the rest behind.

Elopement Planner Tip #3: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

In the whirlwind of wedding planning, one of my biggest pieces of advice is simple: don’t sweat the small stuff. Elopement planning stress often comes from the sheer number of little tasks that start to pile up. Instead of trying to do it all, give yourself permission to let go of anything that isn’t truly essential.

Pinterest and Instagram can be full of inspiration, but it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. Your elopement day should reflect you and your partner, not just what’s trending at the moment.

Refocus on the priorities you already outlined; the ones that bring you joy and align with your vision. When you center your planning around what feels most meaningful, you’ll reduce stress and create a more comfortable, intentional, and memorable experience.

Elopement Planner Tip #4: Hire Your Photographer or Planner First

At the beginning of your elopement planning journey, one of the smartest moves you can make is to hire your elopement planner or photographer early on. If you’re working with someone who does both, like I do, it’s even more convenient and saves you from juggling multiple vendors right from the start.

Securing a photographer or elopement planner at the beginning means you’re getting more than just a single service. You’re also tapping into valuable planning support, local expertise, and creative ideas that can help shape your vision. Whether it’s finding that perfect hidden-gem location, building a timeline, or recommending trusted vendors, early guidance can easily streamline your planning process.

Photographers who are also planners, like myself, offer a unique blend of logistical know-how and creative direction. We think about things like light, timing, scenery, and flow, while also drawing from our location knowledge and visual experience to help you choose a spot that fits the atmosphere you’re envisioning. We also know which locations tend to get crowded and can help guide you toward places that feel more private and off the beaten path, if that’s what you’re after.

It’s not just about what looks good in photos (though that matters too), but how it all ties together to create a day that feels natural, relaxed, and aligned with your priorities. That combination of detailed planning support and creativity can make your planning experience feel a lot more intentional…and a lot less overwhelming.

If you’re still deciding where to elope, I’ve put together a full list of my favorite Colorado elopement locations in another blog post you might find helpful.

Elopement Planner Tip #5: Build a Rockstar Vendor Team

Thinking along the same lines as hiring your elopement planner, it’s essential to recognize the vast world of vendors who are ready to jump in with planning and help you make those tough decisions. These folks deal with weddings day in and day out, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. However, it’s just as important to make sure you’re hiring a team that’s reliable and professional.

A strong vendor team can be one of your greatest assets, especially when you’re planning something as personal and unique as an elopement. While great vendors can take a lot off your plate, unreliable ones can quickly become a major source of stress—the very thing we’re trying to avoid. When you’re putting together your team, look for people with a solid track record of dependability and professionalism. That way, you gain their expertise and set the stage for a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

If you’re working with an experienced elopement planner or photographer, they’ll often have a list of trusted local vendors who’ve proven themselves time and again. We know the people who consistently show up, deliver beautiful work, and help your day run more smoothly behind the scenes.

Not sure what kind of vendors you need, what to look for when booking, or the top recommended vendors here in Colorado? Check out my blog post: What Elopement Vendors Do You Actually Need?

Elopement Planner Tip #6: Delegate Tasks and Utilize Your Support Network

Now that you’ve built a solid vendor team, it’s time to shift focus to those small but mighty tasks. Asking for help and delegating can be challenging, but handing off some of those to-dos to a trusted friend, family member, or your elopement planner can go a long way in keeping stress levels down.

And don’t underestimate your vendors’ support beyond their main role. Most of us in the industry have seen couples tackle and triumph over a variety of issues and stressors. If, by some rare chance, we haven’t faced a situation exactly like yours, chances are there’s someone in our network of vendor friends we can call on for advice or assistance.

Don’t forget, you’ve also got each other. Planning an elopement together means leaning in and being a team, especially when things get busy or stressful. I go into how to stay connected and supportive through planning in another blog post about working together as a team, if you want to explore that more.

With the backing of your support network—professional, personal, and each other—those potential stressors become mere blips on the radar of your elopement journey.

Elopement Planner Tip #7: The Art of Letting Go

Now that we’ve talked about delegating tasks and building your support network, let’s take a moment to focus on the art of letting go. There will always be things beyond your control—like the whims of unpredictable weather (and perhaps your in-laws, but let’s keep it lighthearted… shall we?). Weather does its own thing, so be ready to dance in the rain or snow if that’s what nature decides. And, always be armed with a backup plan. While I can’t force you to embrace the rain, I can easily and happily assist you in creating a backup weather plan. And you know I always keep clear umbrellas on hand for those romantic rainy-day portraits.

Similarly, predicting how others will react to your decision to elope is a bit like predicting the weather—you can’t control it. What you can control is recognizing that this is the right decision for you, and you can always set healthy boundaries with others. Letting go of the need to control everything will free you up to fully embrace the joy and liberation of your elopement.

And I completely understand how intimidating it can feel to share your elopement plans with family. I put together a guide that covers all the ins and outs of that tricky conversation if you want more support.

Elopement Planner Tip #8: Enjoy the Journey

I know it might sound obvious, but it’s something that often gets overlooked when things get busy—just enjoy the journey. As your elopement planner, I’ll help make the process feel a little less overwhelming so you can focus on what actually matters. While the tasks may sometimes feel like a bit much (and let’s face it, not all of them are as delightful as cake tastings), try to savor each one for what it brings. Whether it’s capturing your engagement photos, selecting the perfect elopement location, or getting creative with florals and personal details, each step adds a unique and authentic touch to your elopement planning adventure.

And if you’re wondering what your planning journey will look like, I’ve created a month-by-month checklist and timeline to help keep everything on track and organized while you enjoy the ride. From the moment the question is popped to the final details, it’s all covered!

This season of planning won’t last forever, and it will become a really special chapter in your story. So, try to soak it in, and let this be a time you look back on with real joy and connection.

Elopement Planner Tip #9: Take a Breather

As your elopement planner, I’ll be the first to remind you—carve out dedicated time to step away from the planning frenzy altogether. You had a full life before wedding checklists and mood boards, and you still deserve time for the things that make you feel grounded and happy. Your interests and hobbies don’t need to take a back seat during this season.

Now, more than ever, you deserve a break from the chaos and a moment to relish in the journey. Whether it’s getting outside, binging your favorite show, or just taking a quiet night to yourselves, creating space away from elopement talk can help you recharge and reconnect.

This process should enhance your life, not take over every corner of it. So when it starts to feel like too much, give yourself permission to pause. You don’t have to do everything all at once, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone.

Wrapping Up + Final Thoughts

As you begin planning your stress-free elopement, remember that every step you take adds something special to your love story. Prioritizing what matters, letting go of what you can’t control, and building a solid support team can lay the groundwork for a celebration that truly reflects your vision without the stress. Even when challenges arise, your support network—whether it’s your vendors, friends, or family—can turn potential stress into fleeting moments in your elopement journey.

Fill this season with cherished memories, the joy of creating experiences together, and the satisfaction of creating a celebration that is true to your hearts. And, amid the whirlwind of planning, don’t forget to carve out moments to breathe.

Consider your elopement planning as a beautiful chapter in your love story. Savor each moment, look forward to the big day, and know it will be a reflection of your love in every way. With the right guidance from an elopement planner who understands your vision, this journey will feel as effortless as it is meaningful.

If you’re ready to start planning your stress-free elopement day, you can use the button below to start the conversation!