The Ultimate Elopement Planning
Checklist + Timeline
You already know a big, traditional wedding isn’t for you.
- A clear roadmap that takes the guesswork (and stress) out of planning.
- A process that feels intentional and enjoyable from start to finish.
- A path to a wedding day that’s unapologetically you.
This step-by-step checklist + timeline breaks wedding planning into easily managed tasks month-by-month, helping you stay organized, reduce stress, and enjoy the journey to ‘I do!’
This is a 12-month guide with detailed breakdowns for every single month of planning (with other key dates to keep in mind along the way). But, I know not everyone begins planning a year in advance. Take what serves you, skip what doesn’t, and customize this timeline to fit the length of your wedding planning journey and personal vision. Not only does this free resource provide a clear, concise wedding planning roadmap, but it’s also packed with links to even more in-depth guides, giving you all the tools you need to plan a day that feels right for you.
And the icing on the (wedding) cake? You don’t have to spend a dime to get it.
Now, here’s a glimpse of what’s inside your free micro wedding + elopement planning checklist and timeline…
Laying the Foundation & Finding Inspiration
Building Momentum & Bringing Your Vision to Life
Finalizing the Details
Final Countdown to “I Do”
Your Wedding Day & Beyond
Download Your FREE Checklist and Start Planning
Happy Planning!
Maybe the idea of planning a massive event feels overwhelming, or you just want something more meaningful—more you. But even with an intimate celebration, figuring out how to create a day that feels intentional, stress-free, and unforgettable isn’t always easy.
Most wedding planning resources follow a set formula designed for big weddings. But micro weddings and elopements? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That flexibility is what makes intimate weddings so incredible—but it can also make planning feel confusing. Where do you even start? How do you make sure you’re covering everything without losing sight of what really matters?
With your foundation in place, this next stretch of planning is where your vision starts taking shape. This is when details turn into decisions, some big vendors get booked, and your wedding day starts coming to life. You’re not just gathering ideas anymore—you’re actively creating your wedding experience. The moving pieces are coming together, creating a day that feels seamless from start to finish.
Some of the biggest commitments happen here, many of which will guide the rest of your planning. As you lock in key vendors, you’ll also be making choices about accommodations, guest communication, and entertainment. At the same time, you're defining the experience—what you’ll wear, what you’ll eat, and how everything will come together to create an atmosphere that feels natural and effortless.
This is the most active phase of planning. I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me, there’s just a handful of tasks between you and success.
My free timeline + checklist makes it easy by breaking everything down step-by-step. All you have to do is download it, and you’re on your way! As you work through this phase of planning, you’re setting yourself up for the next steps, ensuring everything stays on track and comes together exactly how you envision.
My checklist + timeline breaks everything down into bite-sized, manageable tasks, so you can move through the process with clarity and confidence. Just remember that not every step will apply to you, and that’s okay! This guide is meant to work for you, not the other way around. What matters most is creating a day that overflows with authenticity and intention, not overwhelm and chaos.
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful - it can actually be an experience you enjoy with the right tools and support along the way. This free, downloadable guide gives you a clear timeline to follow, helping you stay organized while keeping your excitement front and center. And if you ever want to work through your checklist together, all you have to do is reach out to get started.
This is also when you’ll pave the path to success with early research. As you start exploring possibilities, you'll get a clearer sense of what the next phases of planning will actually entail. You might come across locations that spark something in you, gain a better understanding of costs, or realize what kind of vendors you want to work with. More than anything, this stage is about discovery—figuring out what excites you and what truly fits the two of you before making any big commitments.
During this stage, you’ll focus on:
- Inspiration for your engaged era, with fresh ideas for photo locations—including one you might not have considered
- A full, honest breakdown of budgeting so you can plan with confidence
- Exploring intimate wedding venues and locations that actually fit your vision (and budget)
- Everything you need to know about hiring your wedding vendors and the key questions to ask
This is also when you’ll lock in your first big booking—the one that starts bringing it all to life.
And I have something really exciting to share during these months.
If you’re eloping or having your intimate wedding in Colorado, this is when you’ll learn about a unique feature that lets you personalize your ceremony in a way that isn't possible everywhere. (Hint: No officiant required!)
During this phase, your full Micro Wedding & Elopement Checklist + Timeline will help you:
- Finalize wedding day details with key vendors—both the ones bringing your vision to life and the ones ensuring your day runs smoothly
- Design, order, and mail your invitations or announcements (because let’s be real—who doesn’t love getting happy mail?)
- Book logistics for an effortless wedding day, so you're not scrambling over last-minute details
- Plan ahead for after your wedding, making sure everything is arranged for a stress-free transition into your honeymoon or next adventure
By the time you wrap up this phase, a huge chunk of your wedding planning will be done. How exciting! The big decisions will be behind you, and you’ll be that much closer to experiencing the day you’ve been dreaming about.
As you enter the final months before your wedding, you’re in the home stretch. The major decisions are behind you, and now it’s time to refine the details so everything runs seamlessly. This is when you tie up any loose ends—you’re checking in with vendors, making sure your attire is just right, and handling those finishing touches that will bring your day to life.
Your Micro Wedding & Elopement Checklist + Timeline keeps everything organized in one place, helping you stay on top of the final to-dos without second-guessing if you've forgotten an important step. From the last-minute purchases to the final confirmations, this phase is all about making sure every piece is in place so you can step into your wedding day with confidence and ease.
As your big day approaches, you’ll shift from planning mode to preparation—packing, practicing, and making sure every detail is arranged so you can be fully present when the moment arrives. With the checklist guiding you through these final moments, you’ll know everything is right where it needs to be.
As your wedding day draws near, everything you’ve worked so hard to plan is about to come to life. The final hours before your big day should be focused on ensuring you’re in the right headspace to enjoy every moment. In this section of the FREE downloadable guide, you’ll get practical tips on pre-wedding self-care, how to properly prepare, and the key steps to ensure everything is set up for a smooth, stress-free celebration.
It’s also a time to reflect on everything you’ve planned, and enjoy the fruits of your hard work! The checklist walks you through helpful reminders to make sure you're physically and mentally ready, so you can fully enjoy every second without stressing over last-minute details.
And it doesn’t end there. This section also covers key post-wedding tasks that are often overlooked in the excitement of newlywed bliss. You’ll be reminded of important steps to keep things moving smoothly as you transition into the next exciting chapter of your love story.
I know how overwhelming planning your micro wedding or elopement can feel, but my goal is to make the process easy for you. This guide offers much more than just a timeline—it’s packed with actionable steps and extra links to help keep you organized and confident throughout your planning journey. While the timeline spans 12 months, I’ve helped couples plan beautiful, meaningful weddings in as little as two weeks, so if you’re starting later, there’s no need to worry.
I can’t wait for you to download your FREE Micro Wedding + Elopement Planning Guide and start planning a day that’s an authentic reflection of you and your partner.
Questions to ask your wedding vendors before booking
How to set + Track your Micro Wedding or Elopement Budget
What to Do After You Elope | Post-Elopement Party + Activity Ideas
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
While you're here
Get inspired...
Here are some resources I think you'll really love:
Ready to plan your unforgettable micro wedding or elopement?
A love like yours deserves more than just pretty pictures - which is why my role is so much more than just your photographer. I'm here to design a one-of-a-kind wedding experience that centers the two of you and celebrates your love story.
Get to Know Me
Heyyyyy, I'm Stephanie!
Your photographer + wedding planning partner
Let's create a wedding day you'll enjoy every minute of!
Packages + Pricing
Why choose me for your wedding day?
- I specialize in creating unrushed and intentional wedding experiences so you can be fully present and authentically you on your best day.
- My photos have true-to-life color with film-inspired editing for a timeless look you’ll love for years to come.
- Come as you are. I am LGBTQ+ inclusive and support your marriage no matter your gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, shape, size, or ability.
- I incorporate Leave No Trace (LNT) practices in my work and life so that you can have a more sustainable wedding day.
- I’m by your side from day 1 to “I do” with customized planning services and unlimited planning calls.
- I live, work, and play in Colorado, meaning you can rely on my local knowledge and extensive network of intimate wedding vendors.
- With experience running a 9-figure business unit, you can expect clear communication and the highest professional standards.
What You get...
PLANNING RESOURCES
All Micro wedding + elopement
collections include:
- Sneak peeks within 1 week so you don’t have to wait to share.
- A storytelling web-gallery with 50+ professionally edited, high-resolution images per hour of coverage.
- Unlimited gallery access and downloads so you can share your love story with all your friends and family.
- Printing rights and print release for total freedom to enjoy your photos.
- An online print store for easy access to top-quality, professional printers.
- Complimentary album design so you can relive your wedding story again and again.
- Content creation available so you never miss a behind-the-scenes moment.
- $100 off your engagement session booking so you can document every milestone along the way.
- 100+ page VIP client guide so you can plan your wedding day *stress-free*.
- Customized location recommendations to discover your dream “wedding day home,” even from out of state.
- Assistance obtaining the necessary permits for your chosen location so you can get back to your busy schedule.
- Vendor recommendations to bring your dream day vision to life.
- Vendor coordination so you can spend your wedding day focused on what matters most.
- An intentionally planned timeline for your meaningful wedding experience.
- A packing list and reminders to ensure no detail is forgotten.
- Customized planning services with personalized ideas and one-on-one planning calls to ensure your wedding day is authentic to you.
A FRIEND BEHIND THE LENS
- Proven strategies to take you from camera jitters to total comfort so you can have chic AF photos and oodles of fun in the process.
YouR PHOTOS!
ALL OF MY TRAVEL
- Travel within the state of Colorado.
Reach out to get started.
It takes less than 1 minute.
Don’t feel like you have things fully figured out? No worries! Most couples who inquire with me don’t yet know their date or location.
If you can dream it, we can create it.
Download your elopement planning checklist to start planning your dream day.
Ready to start planning, but not ready to reach out?
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@stephanieyvesphotography