Destination Elopement Photographer | Complete Elopement Guide
You know that phrase “less is more?” Yeah, that doesn’t apply when packing for your elopement. Bring extras, bring spares, make copies—hell, even bring the kitchen sink! But so much more goes into elopement planning than your usual overseas trip. As a seasoned destination elopement photographer, here are three broad categories you should consider as you start to plan.
The Legalities of Eloping
Special permissions, documents, ceremonies, fees—both in your home country and your destination country—play a big factor in your decision on where to elope. Check out my recent post on eloping in Italy (and keep an eye out for my upcoming post on eloping in France) for some insight on just how much it takes in some countries to legally be married there. Don’t let this discourage you, though! Many couples choose to work around this by having a purely symbolic ceremony and leaving the legalities for back home.
Vendors for Destination Elopements
Elopements of course come with fewer requirements for vendors since you probably aren’t planning to rent and deck out an entire banquet hall. But for those vendors you are planning to hire, many couples wonder if they should be local to you or local to your destination. For this, it depends! Any items or services you source from home base should be easily shippable or able to be performed before you hop on the plane. For day-of service or larger items, look for reputable vendors at your destination. If you’re worried about a language barrier, a translator should absolutely be one of your necessary vendors.
Planning and Preparing for Your Elopement
Ideally, planning should begin 10 to 12 months out. This gives you plenty of time to research the legalities of where you’re eloping and complete those steps, plus research vendors and locations, create a packing list, finalize your guest list, and straighten out any other details. I am the master of destination elopements, so take a stroll through my other posts for lots of inspiration and advice!
Amber is a Wedding and Elopement Photographer who is available in Paris, France, and beyond for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.
Photographer: Amber Garrett Photography
Hosts: Bella Vita Retreats
Couple: Tales of Amour
HMUA: Alesia Solo Co
Florist: Arts Distributor
Ready to plan your destination elopement but don’t know where to start? I’ve got your back! Check out this quick guide to the biggest things to consider.