Planning An Out-Of-State Elopement: A Guide

Planning an out-of-state elopement is a growing trend, with many couples choosing to combine their wedding with an adventure. Whether you're dreaming of a forest wedding in Washington State or a mountain ceremony in Montana, there are a few key things to consider when planning your out-of-state elopement. From finding the perfect location to securing your vendors, and even adding a few extra days to your trip for flexibility, planning an out-of-state elopement is an exciting way to create a unique and intimate wedding experience.

Choosing a location

If you want to make stops along the way, you could take a road trip to your destination. If you don't like long car rides, you could fly to the closest airport. You could stay in a hotel or Airbnb, or even camp out. If you're inviting your family, you might want to find a larger Airbnb to accommodate everyone.

You could choose a location that combines your wedding and vacation, like the Olympic National Forest in Washington State. Or, if you're looking for a more adventurous elopement, you could consider a location in the mountains, like Montana or Washington State.

Once you've decided on a location, the next important step is to secure your vendors, including a photographer, videographer, florist, officiant, and caterer. As a photographer myself, I urge you to book your photographer first, especially if you've found one you love. Check their availability and work together to make sure they're free to capture your special day. If you're having trouble finding local vendors, your photographer may be able to suggest some options.

Travel and accommodation

The first thing to consider when planning an out-of-state elopement wedding is the location. This is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day, so it's worth spending time to find the perfect spot for your adventure.

Once you've decided on a place, you can start to think about travel and accommodation. If you're planning on taking a road trip to your destination, you might want to make some stops along the way. Alternatively, if you're not a fan of long car rides, you could fly to the closest airport.

Don't forget to book your accommodation! This could be a hotel, Airbnb, or even a camping trip if you're feeling adventurous. If you're inviting family, you might want to consider a larger Airbnb to accommodate everyone and give you a home base for your adventures.

It's also a good idea to add a few extra days before and after your wedding date to give yourself some flexibility. This will come in handy if there are any last-minute changes due to location or weather conditions.

Finally, once you've sorted out the logistics, it's time to start securing your vendors. This includes a photographer, videographer, florist, officiant, and caterer. As a photographer myself, I urge you to book your photographer first to ensure they're available for your special day!

Vendors

Once you've decided on a place and the overall vibe of your wedding, the next step is to secure your vendors. This may include a photographer, videographer, florist, officiant, caterer, and any other experiences you want to add to your day.

As a photographer myself, I would recommend booking your photographer first, especially if you've found one you love. Check their availability and work together to make sure they are free to photograph your special day. If you're having a tough time finding local vendors, ask your photographer for suggestions.

If you're booking an out-of-state elopement, your vendors may be able to help you figure out the logistics. For example, a photographer or videographer based in the area you're eloping in may be able to help you find the perfect location for your wedding.

It's also a good idea to stay in the state you're eloping in for a few days before and after your wedding. This will give you some flexibility in case there are any last-minute changes to your wedding date due to location, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Dates and flexibility

When planning an out-of-state elopement, it's important to consider the dates and your flexibility. While it's rare that you'll need to change your wedding date, it's a good idea to add a few extra days before and after your wedding. This will give you some flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as dangerous weather conditions.

If you're travelling to your elopement destination, consider whether you want to take a road trip or fly. If you opt for a road trip, you can make stops along the way and turn it into part of your adventure. On the other hand, if you prefer a shorter journey, you can book a flight to the closest airport. Don't forget to organise your accommodation and transportation for your stay. If you're inviting family, you may want to consider a larger Airbnb or rental property to accommodate everyone comfortably.

When it comes to dates and flexibility, it's also crucial to consider the availability of your vendors. Once you've decided on a location and the overall vibe of your day, start securing your vendors, including a photographer, videographer, florist, officiant, and caterer. As a photographer, I recommend booking your photographer first, especially if you've found one you love. Check their availability and work together to ensure they're free on your special day.

Additionally, if you're planning an outdoor elopement, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable. Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather, such as a change of venue or a tent rental. By adding a few buffer days to your trip, you'll have more flexibility to work around any unexpected changes and ensure your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of.

Local help

When planning an out-of-state elopement, it's important to find the perfect location for your adventure. One of the biggest reasons for the growing popularity of out-of-state elopements is the adventure aspect: you can combine your wedding and vacation.

When it comes to local help, you may want to consider asking your photographer for suggestions. They may be able to recommend other local vendors, such as florists, caterers, and officiants. If you're having a tough time finding local vendors, this can be a great way to get some insider knowledge.

Another option is to book a local photographer or videographer who offers elopement packages. They can help you figure out all the details, from finding the perfect location to securing other vendors.

If you're planning on inviting your family, you may want to consider finding a larger Airbnb to accommodate everyone. This can serve as a home base for your adventures and give you a central location to gather and celebrate.

When it comes to transportation, you can either take a road trip to your destination or fly to the closest airport. Don't forget to book your accommodation and rental car in advance, or plan to camp out if that's more your style!

Frequently asked questions