Not every love story needs a grand ballroom or hundreds of people on the guest list. While our clients typically hire us for big, beautiful celebrations, we know that some of the sweetest “I do’s” happen in more intimate settings. If the idea of exchanging vows with just your closest family and friends around appeals to you, then a destination elopement or micro-wedding might be a better fit for you!
Picture a Lake Como elopement, where you’ll exchange vows beside the dazzling water with a picturesque mountain backdrop in the distance! Or for the couple who loves a tropical escape, perhaps you’re drawn to a Riviera Maya, Mexico elopement, with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees — the perfect mix for golden-hour photos! For an elopement that feels like it’s out of an episode of Bridgerton, you might consider an English countryside wedding in a stately English estate! The possibilities are truly endless.
No matter what location you decide on for a destination elopement, there are so many ways you can tailor your day to incorporate a sense of intimacy, luxury, and adventure! If you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony that’s beautiful, personal, and totally unforgettable, read on! We have some tips for planning a multi-day destination elopement that scales back on size (and stress)!
1. Think Outside the Box When It Comes to Wedding Attire
Who says you have to wear a traditional wedding dress and tuxedo when you elope? If that’s your style, you can — but elopements are the perfect opportunity to ditch tradition and wear something that represents you! Think a flowing white cocktail dress on the beach, a white jumpsuit on a city rooftop, or a bold pop of color that stands out against the mountains in the background. If you’re planning a destination elopement or micro-wedding, you might even choose to embrace local tradition or styles.
2. Book Wedding Vendors in Advance
There are going to be a few wedding vendors you’ll need to ensure your elopement is as seamless and magical as you envision! A wedding planner is a must when planning a destination elopement. They can help you with everything from finding potential marriage locations to securing other vendors for your special day. They’ll ensure that planning your elopement is as hassle-free as possible.
An elopement photographer is another wedding vendor you won’t want to forget to book in advance. As small and intimate as your wedding vows may be, you’ll likely want to document it! A photographer is one expense you won’t want to skip out on!
You might also want to consider hiring a wedding videographer. Not only will you want to document your vows, but you might also consider live-streaming your wedding so that your friends and family can witness your special day from afar.
Finally, don’t overlook the power of floral arrangements or décor to elevate your elopement. Thoughtfully chosen blooms and intricate design details can transform even the simplest wedding into something out of a fairytale!
3. Make Sure Your Destination Elopement is Legal
Before you hop on a plane and elope in another country, it’s important to make sure that your marriage is recognized in both the destination country and the United States.
Every country has its own legal requirements for marriage. These may include birth certificates, blood tests, or being in the country for a certain number of days before the wedding. Some couples opt to have a legal ceremony at home and then hold a ceremony abroad where they exchange their vows. No matter what you decide on, working with a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and elopements is a great way to ensure that everything is done legally. This way, you can focus on enjoying your destination elopement day!
4. Make the Most of Your Elopement
Just because your wedding is small doesn’t mean you can’t splurge in other ways. Consider booking a night at a luxury hotel or cabin, book a private chef for dinner, and cozy up in a hot tub under the stars! Many couples choose to treat their destination elopement as a honeymoon.
Feeling adventurous? Go scuba diving, hike to hidden waterfalls, go kayaking at sunrise, or take a private helicopter ride. Your destination elopement can be so much more than just a vow exchange — it can be a full-on experience. Creating epic memories with one another will make your special day all the more magical!
5. Don’t Forget to Make a Wedding Announcement
Be sure to send a wedding announcement to let family and friends know you tied the knot! Even if you didn’t have a traditional wedding, your loved ones will still be excited to see memories of your special day.
Planning an elopement should feel exciting… not stressful. We believe that every love story deserves to be celebrated in an authentic way — no matter the size or setting! If you need help planning a destination wedding, don’t hesitate to reach out.