How to Elope

A behind-the-scenes look on how to elope. showing how we plan your dream elopement, step by step.

You’ve decided on an outdoor-focused wedding experience, but the how-to part might be a bit fuzzy.

Chances are, you’ve scrolled through the internet and seen jaw-dropping photos of couples tying the knot on mountain peaks, beneath waterfalls, or in a desert. If you’re wondering how to elope and where to even start planning such an outdoor extravaganza, that’s where we step in!

What Does it Mean to Elope?


Eloping has changed so much from what it used to mean. For us, it’s never about “running away” — it’s about intentionally choosing a wedding day that actually feels like you.

Modern elopements are centered around connection, experience, and place. They give you the freedom to slow down, be present with each other, and design a day that reflects your relationship, your values, and the kind of adventure you want to share together.

Modern Elopements vs Traditional Weddings

Modern elopements are intentional, experience-led celebrations centered around the two of you — not guest counts or rigid timelines. Instead of planning a day around a venue and hundreds of guests, you’re focusing on the location, the experience, and the connection you share.

Traditional weddings often prioritize guest logistics and the overall guest experience, which can sometimes make the day feel more like hosting an event than fully experiencing it yourselves. Elopements, on the other hand, create space for freedom, intimacy, and a more meaningful, adventurous way to get married — with the focus staying on your experience together.

Read this if you want to dive deeper into what eloping really means today.

Why Couples Choose to Elope

Couples choose to elope because they want a wedding day that feels intentional and true to them. It allows you to focus your energy (and budget) on what actually matters — whether that’s an epic location, a shared adventure, or simply a slow, stress-free day together.

It also removes a lot of external pressure, creating space for a more present, emotional, and authentic experience.

Why Elope? | 8 Powerful Reasons

How to Plan an Elopement | 10 Essential Steps

how to elope at a glacier in alaska

01

Dream First, Logistics Later


Close your eyes and fast‑forward to the best version of your elopement — what do you hear, smell, feel? Ocean breeze? Alpine quiet? Campfire crackle? List 5–7 moments you want captured (first look under tall trees, vows on a cliff, a lakeside picnic, stargazing, canoeing, etc.). Your answers steer every other decision.

Prompt Ideas:

  • We feel most ourselves when we’re: hiking / by the water / in cozy cabins / in new cities.
  • Ideal temps & light: cool and moody / warm and sunny / foggy / golden sunset.
  • Activities we love: long hikes / mushroom foraging / hot springs / paddling / off‑roading / cooking together / board games / stargazing.

02

Set Your Budget


Once you have a vision, setting a budget helps guide your decisions. Elopements can vary widely depending on travel, location, and experiences. Some couples keep things simple and local, while others plan multi-day adventures or destination elopements.

Having a general budget early on helps you prioritize what matters most — whether that’s photography, travel, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

how to elope at a fire lookout
couple in black wedding attire

03

Hire Your Elopement Photographer


Lock in your photographer (hi!). Our team specializes in helping couples plan their elopement day(s) from start to finish. We’ll give you location recommendations and help you pick the perfect date for that spot. Plus, we guide you through the entire experience—how to elope, vendor and accommodation recommendations, activity ideas, and the full photo process.

To get started, check out Everything That is Included in Our Elopement Packages.

04

Choose Your Elopement Location


Location sets the stage for your elopement. Think about whether you’re drawn to mountains, forests, beaches, or deserts. Once you know the vibe, you can narrow down the perfect spot.
Pick a backdrop that matches your vision and your comfort level. Consider:

  1. Accessibility: drive-up viewpoints vs. trails, elevation gain, and road closures.
  2. Privacy: sunrise, weekday, or shoulder-season options tend to be quieter.
  3. Logistics: ceremony spots that allow groups/tripods, parking capacity, restroom access.
  4. Rules: check if ceremonies are allowed in your chosen area and what the permit covers.

For inspiration, check these guides: Best Places to Elope, How to Elope in Washington State, Best Wildflower Wedding Venues, Best National Park Wedding Venues in the U.S

how to elope in iceland
Lesbian elopement couple jumping in fall colors

05

Pick Your Date + Season


Choosing your date is about more than just picking a day on the calendar — it plays a huge role in shaping your overall experience. The season you choose can affect everything from weather and accessibility to lighting and crowd levels.

With years of experience photographing elopements in places like Washington, national parks, and destinations around the world, we help our couples choose dates that give them the best possible conditions. For example, some mountain locations are only accessible for a few months each year, while others are stunning during quieter shoulder seasons.

When choosing your date, it’s helpful to consider weather conditions, road accessibility (especially in mountainous areas), sunrise and sunset lighting, and whether permits are required for certain times of year. Staying flexible with your date can also open up more opportunities for beautiful conditions and a more relaxed experience.

06

Hire Other Elopement Vendors


After your location is set, you can start booking any additional vendors you may want. This could include an officiant, hair and makeup artist, florist, or even a private chef or helicopter rides.

Elopements often require fewer vendors than traditional weddings, but the ones you do choose can help elevate your experience and make the day feel even more special.

beautiful micro wedding reception at coastal airbnb
how to elope in the forest

07

Build Your Day


This is where your elopement really starts to come together. As you begin building your timeline, think about what you truly want your day to feel like and what moments you’d love to include. This could be getting ready together in a cozy cabin, sharing a quiet first look, kayaking on an alpine lake, hiking to a scenic viewpoint, or ending the day with a private dinner at sunset.

Elopements give you the freedom to slow down and intentionally build a day around meaningful experiences. You might choose to write your vows together in the morning, take time to explore your location, pop champagne after your ceremony, or add personal touches that reflect your relationship.

This is also a great time to think about the details — your wedding attire, comfortable shoes for exploring, florals, vow books, and anything else that makes the day feel uniquely yours. Unlike traditional weddings packed with tight timelines, elopements allow space to be present, soak in each moment, and create a day that feels relaxed, personal, and unforgettable.

08

Book Your Travel


If you’re traveling for your elopement, this is the time to plan your flights, accommodations, and transportation. Many couples turn their elopement into a full experience — whether that’s a road trip, a cozy cabin stay, or a scenic adventure getting to and from their location.

You may fly into a nearby city and drive to your elopement spot, or plan a slow road trip with stops along the way to make the journey part of the experience. Some couples also stay in the same destination afterward to enjoy a relaxed honeymoon, while others continue traveling somewhere new.

Booking travel early helps secure better options and reduces stress, especially for popular destinations during peak seasons.

romantic outdoor wedding moment with bride and groom inside truck tent
how to elope at oeschinensee

09

Legal Details & Permits


Before you dive into the adventure, it’s important to make sure the legal side of your marriage is covered.

  • Marriage requirements vary widely depending on where you’re eloping. Things like license application timing, waiting periods, required IDs, and rules about witnesses or officiants can change not just by country, but even by county. If you’re planning to elope internationally, it’s often simpler to handle the legal paperwork at home first and then exchange vows abroad without the stress of navigating foreign marriage laws
  • Permits are another key piece of the puzzle. Many public lands—like national and state parks or forests—require a special use permit for your ceremony and a separate permit for professional photography. Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months, so the earlier you start the better.

Taking care of these details ahead of time ensures that your dream day unfolds smoothly, without last-minute hiccups.

10

Pack, Get Ready & Celebrate


Once we’re done with all the planning, it’s time to make a packing list and get everything ready for your special day. The week before your wedding, we always schedule a “Final Call” with our couples to review everything step by step with the vendor team so nothing slips through the cracks. Check the weather for your location and pack accordingly—layers, sturdy shoes, or even backup outfits can make all the difference. Bring only what you truly need, and leave the rest behind.

When your day finally arrives, your only job is to relax, be present, and soak it all in. Trust the planning, trust your vendors, and let the adventure unfold exactly as it’s meant to.

how to elope in the mountains

Download Your Free Elopement Planning Checklist

Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into simple steps makes the process much easier. Use this free elopement planning checklist to guide you from your first idea all the way to your wedding day.

Download Your Free Elopement Checklist

Send download link to:

No two elopement days look the same — and that’s the beauty of it. Your day isn’t built around a strict timeline or tradition, but around what feels meaningful to you. While every experience is unique, most elopements naturally flow through a few core moments that make the day feel grounded, intentional, and unforgettable.

The Core of an Elopement

At its heart, an elopement is about stripping everything back to what truly matters — your connection, your experience, and the place you’ve chosen to celebrate in. Everything else simply supports those moments.

Your Ceremony

Your ceremony is often the emotional center of the day. It can be as simple or as intentional as you want — standing on a mountain overlook, tucked into a forest, or beside the ocean. This is where you exchange vows, promises, and everything you’ve been carrying into this moment together.

Sharing an Experience

Beyond the ceremony, elopements are about actually doing something together. Whether that’s hiking to a viewpoint, kayaking on a lake, exploring a national park, or sharing a quiet picnic, this part of the day is where your story really unfolds.

Living in the Moment

One of the most powerful parts of eloping is the freedom to slow down. With no packed schedule or external pressure, you get to fully be present — to take in the scenery, hold each other close, and actually feel your wedding day as it’s happening instead of watching it pass by.

What a Real Elopement Day Looks Like

ceremony at a lake in the alaskan wilderness

2-Day Alaska Elopement Example

Day 1:

  • Getting ready at the Airbnb
  • First look on private beach at the Airbnb
  • Helicopter tour ride to Bear Glacier
  • Romantic Picnic at Bear Glacier
  • Exploring 3 locations in Kenai Fjords National Park by helicopter
  • Ride back to Seward, AK by helicopter

Day 2:

  • 6 mile (out and back) hike to a hidden lake in the Alaskan Wilderness
  • Private ceremony at the lake
  • Signing marriage license and celebrating with beers
  • Romantic first dance at a second lake
  • Hiking back and driving to the Airbnb
  • Campfire on the beach at the Airbnb
bride crying during her elopement ceremony at oeschinensee switzerland

Full Day (11-hours) Switzerland Elopement Example

  • Sunrise hike to an overlook
  • Getting ready together
  • Wedding portraits during sunrise
  • Breakfast Picnic with Cake & Mimosas
  • Hiking to another overlook
  • Symbolic Ceremony with lake in the background
  • Hiking back down to the hotel for a break

Afternoon Break

  • Renting Rowing Boats
  • Writing anniversary letters in the row boats on the lake
  • Going back to shore and eat dinner at the mountain lodge
  • Freshen up in the room and taking some photos on the lodge balcony
  • Walk down to the beach for sunset photos

Check out Carli & Peter’s Oeschinensee Elopement

Helpful Elopement Planning Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Elope

If you’re just starting to plan your elopement, you probably have a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. From logistics and legal details to timelines, costs, and what the day actually looks like, this section is here to help simplify the process and give you clarity as you begin planning your own experience.

Can you have guests at an elopement?

Yes — you can absolutely have guests at your elopement. While some couples choose to elope just the two of them, many still include a small group of their closest friends and family members.

At Running Wild, we typically define elopements as up to 15 people total, which allows you to keep the experience intimate while still sharing meaningful moments with the people who matter most. Many of our couples spend part of their day with loved ones — like sharing a ceremony together, celebrating with champagne, or having a private dinner — and then take time afterward for just the two of them to explore and soak it all in.

This balance allows you to create a day that feels both personal and meaningful, without the pressure and logistics that often come with larger weddings.

Where can you elope?

One of the best parts about eloping is that you’re not limited to traditional venues. You can choose a location that reflects your relationship — whether that’s mountains, coastline, desert, or forest. Many couples choose to elope in national parks, state parks, national forests, or on BLM land, where the focus stays on the experience and the scenery around you.

From iconic destinations to hidden gems, there are endless places to elope — and choosing the right one often depends on the kind of experience you want to create.

Best Places to Elope in Washington

Washington State is one of the most diverse places in the country to elope. Within just a few hours, you can experience alpine mountains, rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and scenic lakes. Here are a few of our favorite places to start:

More Elopement Location Inspiration

How much does it cost to elope?

Most of the time, yes — but it really depends on the experience you want to create. Elopements typically cost between $8,500–$20,000, compared to traditional weddings that often range $34,000–$60,000+. The biggest difference is that with elopements, you’re investing in your experience instead of guest count and large venue costs. 

Many couples choose to spend their budget on things like travel, unique accommodations, meaningful activities, or multi-day adventures — whether that’s kayaking, hiking, or planning a destination elopement. These experiences can range from free to several thousand dollars depending on what you include. 

If you want to learn more about real elopement budgets and examples, check out our full guide: How Much Does It Cost to Elope

other Asked Questions About Eloping

This depends on the state or country where you elope. For example, Colorado allows couples to self-solemnize without an officiant or witnesses, while other destinations require both. We’ll guide you through the legal requirements for your chosen location.

In most cases, yes — you will need an officiant to legally perform your marriage ceremony. However, this depends on the laws of the location where you are eloping. Some states and countries require a registered officiant, while others allow options like self-solemnization, where no officiant is needed at all.

Because requirements vary so much by destination, it’s important to check the specific rules for your elopement location early in the planning process.

The good news is that our team is all ordained, so we can legally sign off on your marriage license in most locations where an officiant is required. This allows your ceremony to stay intimate and personal while still making everything fully legal and official.

Telling your family you’re eloping can feel hard, but honesty and reassurance go a long way. Most couples find it best to share their decision calmly and explain why they’re choosing to elope — often for a more intentional, less stressful, and more meaningful experience together.

It also helps to acknowledge that they may be surprised or emotional at first. Reassure them that this choice isn’t about excluding them, but about creating a different kind of wedding experience that feels right for you.

Many couples choose to:

  • Tell close family in person or over a phone call
  • Share their excitement and reasoning openly
  • Plan a celebration later with friends and family

At the end of the day, eloping doesn’t lessen your relationship with your family — it simply changes the way you choose to celebrate.

There are many elopement locations that are either free or very low-cost, especially if you’re choosing outdoor spaces like public lands, national forests, or certain scenic viewpoints. Many couples are surprised to learn that some of the most beautiful places in the world don’t require a venue fee at all.

The main costs to keep in mind are usually parking, permits (depending on location), or travel — but the location itself can often be completely free.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve put together a full guide to some of our favorite budget-friendly and free locations here: Free Elopement Locations

Yes, every legal elopement requires a marriage license. The process varies depending on where you elope. We provide couples with resources for obtaining the right license, finding an officiant (if required), and making sure everything is legal.

Your elopement day can be as adventurous or relaxed as you want. Popular activities include hiking, canoeing, exchanging private vows, popping champagne, having a picnic, or watching the sunset together. We’ll help you design an elopement timeline that feels meaningful and unforgettable.

The timeline for planning an elopement really depends on your location, season, and overall vision.

Most of our couples book 6–9 months in advance, especially if they are hoping for specific locations such as national parks, mountain regions, or destinations outside of their home state or country.

That said, we have also planned elopements in as little as 2–3 weeks when timing and logistics align.

If you are considering a highly sought-after location, we strongly recommend starting the planning process earlier rather than later. Permits, travel availability, and lodging can book up quickly — especially during peak seasons in places like Washington’s national parks and other popular destinations.

Is eloping cheaper than a wedding?

In most cases, yes — eloping is typically more affordable than a traditional wedding. However, the total cost really depends on how you choose to design your experience.

We’ve seen elopements range anywhere from $8,000 to $30,000+, depending on travel, vendors, location, and how immersive the experience is.
Some couples choose a simple local adventure, while others invest in once-in-a-lifetime experiences like international travel, multi-day celebrations, or bucket-list destinations.

For example, this couple eloped in Switzerland and turned their experience into a multi-week honeymoon adventure: Carli & Peter’s Oeschinensee Elopement

If you want a deeper breakdown of what actually goes into the cost of an elopement, you can read more here: How Much Does it Cost to Elope

Now we’ve explained the basic steps on how to plan an elopement, let’s talk more about

What to Expect when Planning an Elopement with Running Wild

Sit back, relax, and grab your favorite drink (ours is Micheladas) because this is going to be the best part of planning an elopement or micro wedding.

Planning before your Elopement

Location Guides

After filling out our customized questionnaire, we kick off the location process! This is where the magic happens. We consider all your answers and pinpoint the most epic locations that fit your criteria. No location guide is the same because each couple is unique in their wants and needs!

Unlimited Communication

Each of our couples gets unlimited communication, whether that is through Zoom, phone calls, or text messages. We are here for you!

Timeline Building

This is where we need your trust! With numerous elopements under our belt, we’ve got the lowdown on how much time certain activities take and how to capture those epic shots you brought us on board for! We’ll always be straight with you and give the heads up if some things on your wishlist might not fit into our time together, or if your dream location isn’t the best bet for that time of year. If we say no, we’ll always spill the beans on why, and it’s all in your best interest!

Vendor & Accommodation

Once you’ve settled on your final location, grab your drinks and kick up your legs because we’ll handle the rest—finding the perfect vendors and accommodation for you. Think florists, makeup artists, hotels, food, and activities. Your only job is to pick the vendors you fancy and book them. Want to be more hands-on with planning? No problem! We love working together as a team.

What to expect during Your Elopement?

Your big day is finally here! After weeks, months, or maybe even a year of planning, it’s time to have the best day of your lives together. The coolest thing about planning a wedding with your photographer(s) is that we’re already going to be friends before we even meet in real life!

Posing vs Unposed

After talking about trust, let’s be honest! Those Pinterest and Instagram-ready pictures don’t just happen, and there will be some posing. But not to worry! You can expect a 50/50 ratio of posed vs. organic photos, and we’ll involve you in our creative thought process to help with the posing. Trust us! When we suggest a pose and say you look fire, we seriously mean it!

Unexpected Things Happen

No matter how much we plan your big day, stuff can go haywire. The weather plays tricks, folks get fashionably late, Aunt Sue might tear up, and you and your partner might just need a breather. But here’s the scoop—none of it matters if you’re enjoying yourselves and soaking in the awesome moments. When things don’t go as scripted, our game plan is to keep it real, chat with you guys, and have some backup plans ready to roll.

What happens after Your Elopement?

Sneak Peak

After all the wedding craziness calms down, we’re excited to give each couple a little sneak peek just a week after the big day! You’ll get to check out 30-50 awesome highlight photos that capture the magic of your adventurous day.

Gallery Delivery

We get how stoked you are to dive back into your epic wedding day through all the pics. Just so you know, we’re hustling to make sure everything’s perfect. Your full gallery should be good to go within three months after the wedding. That way, you’ve got a whole lifetime ahead to soak in those memories!

Wedding Album

When it comes to those wedding albums, it’s like giving your special day the VIP treatment. Forget scrolling through digital pics; these albums bring the entire vibe, and emotions of your wedding day to life in a legit masterpiece. Crafted with top-notch materials, they’re like a time capsule that becomes a family treasure, passing your love story down the line.

Whether you’re feeling inspired, excited, or just beginning to plan your elopement, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Reach out to start planning your Elopement

The Running Wild Team here! We take your inspiration—no matter how vague—and shape it into a beautifully planned, adventure-driven wedding in nature.

The next steps to inquire.

✅ Check our Pricing Page

✅ We will get back to you within 48 hours

✅ Schedule a 50-60 minute Zoom Call

✅ You don’t need to know what, when, or where yet!