ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE
Let's Get This Planning Party Started!
It truly means the world to be invited into such a meaningful chapter of your lives. Being trusted to document your elopement and the beginning of this next season together is something I never take lightly. Elopements are incredibly special—intimate, intentional, and deeply personal. And while they often feel simpler than traditional weddings, there can still be plenty of decisions to navigate along the way.
After more than ten years in the wedding industry (and currently planning my own wedding I’ve gathered a lot of insight (and yes, learned a few things the hard way!). My hope is to make this process feel smoother, more exciting, and a lot less overwhelming so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your relationship.
Inside this guide, I’ll walk you through the elopement planning process, share helpful tips for creating a meaningful and relaxed day, provide timeline examples, and include some of my favorite Colorado vendor recommendations. Along the way, you’ll also find practical advice to help you craft an experience that feels intentional and true to you.
This isn’t a rulebook, it’s simply a resource. The beauty of an elopement is that it can look however you want it to. At the end of the day, this is your story and your celebration. I’ll be right there in your corner, cheering you on, helping guide the process, and probably tearing up a little as you create a day that feels completely and beautifully yours.
xoxo, Megan
“You’re not planning a wedding, you’re starting a marriage—and creating a celebration that feels completely true to you.”
"So, where do I even begin??"
Is this you right now? Don't worry, I'm here for you!
FIRST -
Take a deep breath. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. When planning starts to feel overwhelming, the best place to begin is actually simple: zoom out. Start small by thinking big picture.
NEXT -
Before you book vendors or build a Pinterest board, ask yourselves a few honest questions: What part of the day matters most to us? When we look back in 20 years, what do we want to remember most? How do we want this day to feel?
For some couples, the ceremony is the heart of everything and for others, it’s creating intentional time with family and friends. Maybe it’s an unforgettable adventure or dinner experience. There’s no wrong answer, but there is clarity that comes from choosing your priorities.
Start with what you value. The rest will begin to fall into place. And I can help you build it from the ground up!
MY ADVICE FOR YOU
PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU WANT
This is your celebration, not anyone else’s. While advice from friends and family can be helpful, don’t let “Aunt Sally” or anyone else dictate what matters most to you. Focus on the elements that reflect your personalities, values, and what will make the day feel truly meaningful for you and your partner, and what you'll look back on and smile at in 30 years.
START SMALL
Big plans can feel overwhelming, so give yourself permission to start with one piece at a time. Begin with the broad strokes, your must-haves, your priorities, your overall vision — before getting lost in the details. Small, intentional steps make the planning process feel joyful instead of stressful.
BE PRESENT
Your engagement season and wedding day will move quickly, so give yourself permission to slow down and truly experience it! Take a few quiet moments together, look around at the people you love most if they're there, and soak in the feeling of the day. The more present you are, the more meaningful those memories will be.
WHERE do we elope?
In Colorado, you can exchange vows on a mountain overlook, beside an alpine lake, in the desert, in a forest, or even at a cozy cabin or Airbnb. Some locations are easy to access with a short walk, while others require a hike or a bit more planning. When choosing a location, we’ll think about scenery, accessibility, permits, weather, and how private you want your ceremony to feel. These are some of my favorite Colorado Elopement Locations.
GENERAL TIMELINE FOR PLANNING
When it comes to planning your elopement, it can feel like there’s so much to think about and yes, there are a lot of decisions to make! But before your brain hits full-on decision fatigue, take a step back and break it into manageable sections. The beauty behind eloping is to take away the stress of a big wedding, so take that energy into your planning. Every timeline looks a little different, but hopefully this can serve as a guide for you.
STEP 01
Six to Twelve Months Out
Start by choosing where and when you want to elope. This might mean selecting a general location (mountains, desert, coastline, national park, etc.) and the season that feels most meaningful to you. Once you have that, begin looking into any permits or location requirements if you’re eloping somewhere public.
STEP 02
Three to Six Months Out
Book any additional vendors you may want, such as photographer (hey it's me!), hair and makeup artist, florist, or private chef. Start thinking about your attire, travel plans, and lodging if your elopement involves a destination. This is also a great time to start shaping what you want your day to actually feel like - hiking to a viewpoint, sharing a picnic, exploring a town, or having dinner together afterward.
STEP 03
One to Three Months Out
Finalize the details of your day. Order attire if you haven’t already, confirm vendors, and begin drafting your timeline. If you’re planning to invite a few guests, now is a good time to communicate logistics. You can also start thinking about personal touches like writing vows or planning a meaningful activity together.
STEP 04
Month Of
Apply for your marriage license, finalize your timeline, and double-check travel plans. Break in your shoes, gather any details you want photographed, and finish writing your vows.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
ACTIVITIES
One of the best parts about planning an elopement is the freedom to make the day completely your own. Instead of a tightly packed schedule, you can build your day around meaningful activities, whether that’s hiking to a scenic overlook, sharing a picnic, grabbing drinks at your favorite bar, or exploring a place that feels special to you. These moments help tell the full story of your day and often lead to some of the most natural, joy-filled photos.
MARRIAGE LISENCES
It may not be the most exciting part of planning, but making sure your marriage license is squared away ahead of time is essential. In Colorado, the process is actually pretty simple. You can apply at any county clerk’s office, there’s no waiting period, and your license is valid immediately. Colorado also allows couples to self-solemnize, which means you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to legally marry. Once your license is signed, it just needs to be returned to the county to be recorded.
TIME OF DAY
The time of day you choose for your ceremony can completely shape the feel of your elopement and your photos. Early morning and evening (golden hour) offer softer light, beautiful colors, and a more relaxed atmosphere. These times also tend to be less busy at popular locations, making your ceremony feel more intimate and peaceful. There's no wrong answer... just be mindful of what you're signing up for!
BUFFER TIME
I always recommend building buffer time into your timeline. Hair and makeup can run late, someone might hit traffic, or something unexpected may pop up. A little extra cushion helps keep the day feeling relaxed instead of rushed, and often gives you a few extra moments to simply enjoy being with your favorite people.
How To: Marriage Licenses
In Colorado, you can apply for your marriage license at any county clerk’s office, there’s no waiting period, and your license is valid immediately. Colorado also allows couples to self-solemnize, which means you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to legally marry.
To get your license, both of you will need to bring a valid photo ID and pay a small fee (usually $30). Some counties allow you to start the application online, but you’ll usually still pick up the license in person.
After your ceremony, you’ll sign the license yourselves and simply return it to the county clerk’s office (usually by mail or in person) to be officially recorded. Taking a little time to handle this beforehand ensures everything is legally in place so you can focus on enjoying your elopement day without any last-minute stress!
How To: Courthouse Elopements
For couples looking for a simple and straightforward way to make things official, a courthouse ceremony can be a great option. Many county courthouses offer short civil ceremonies performed by a judge or magistrate. These ceremonies are typically quick, affordable, and perfect for couples who want to focus on the meaning of the moment without the logistics of a larger event.
If you're planning a courthouse wedding, it's a good idea to check with your local county clerk’s office ahead of time. Some locations require an appointment, while others offer specific days or times for ceremonies. You’ll usually need to bring your marriage license, valid IDs, and a small fee for the ceremony. Even though the ceremony itself may be brief, it can still be a meaningful way to celebrate the start of your marriage.
The iconic Byron White Courthouse stands out with its grand columns and marble halls, making it a favorite for couples who want that classic, elegant backdrop without any extra planning. For a more modern feel, the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse offers sleek, contemporary spaces, while the Denver City and County Building gives you that historic civic charm right downtown. If you’re looking slightly outside the city, nearby options include the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Brighton, Jefferson County Courthouse in Golden, and the Adams County Government Center in Brighton.
VENDOR RECCOMENDATIONS
Who you have around you on your wedding day is everything. This is my detailed list of Colorado vendors that I've worked with or are highly esteemed in the area. Keep in mind that your venue might require you choose from their preferred vendors list for some of these. Working with vendors with strong relationships is extremely beneficial!
Your Elopement Day Timeline
Every elopement day looks a little different, and that’s the beauty of it. These sample timelines are meant to give you a helpful starting point as you begin imagining how your day might flow.
Sample Timeline 1 - Just Ceremony and Photos
Hour 1: Meet at the desired elopement location and elope
Hour 2: Family and Bridal Portraits around the area
As simple as it gets! If you're wanting to say your vows, take some photos, and call it a day - this is the package for you. It can happen during sunrise, midday or sunset. The world is your oyster!
Sample Timeline 2 - Half Day
4pm: Getting Ready
5pm: Ceremony
5:30pm: Family Photos
6pm: Bridal Portraits around location
7pm: Catered Dinner or at a Restaurant
8pm: Celebrate with champagne or at an Airbnb
A half-day elopement is the perfect in-between to give you time for the ceremony, family photos, bridal portraits around the area, and even a celebration!
Sample Timeline 3 - Full Day
9am: Getting Ready - together or separate
10:30am: Ceremony
11am: Family Photos
11:30: Bridal Portraits
12:30am: Lunch
2pm: Activity or Adventure
5:30 - 6:30pm: Dinner
7pm: Golden Hour Bridal Portraits
8pm: Celebrate!
A full day elopement is a great way to maximize your time! It can include your private ceremony, (multiple) adventures during the day, a catered lunch and/or dinner, and sunrise and/or sunset portraits.
FAQ
How much should we plan vs. go with the flow?
Having a thoughtful plan in place helps your day run smoothly, but some of the most meaningful moments happen when you leave a little room for the unexpected. I always recommend creating a solid timeline for the big pieces of the day, while allowing space to breathe in between. That way you feel organized and relaxed, free to soak in the moments that can’t be planned.
What should we prioritize if we’re short on time or budget?
Focus on the pieces of the day that will matter most to you years from now. Don't be afraid to get a little DIY with it, whether that be getting flowers from Costco, making your own decor, or playing a Spotify playlist for your ceremony.
How do we make our wedding feel uniquely “us”?
The most memorable weddings and elopements are the ones that reflect the couple. Think about the little things that represent your relationship: favorite foods, meaningful music, personal vows, or thoughtful details that tell your story. Anything that 'nods' to you as a couple, will resonate deeply with you on the day. The world is your oyster!
What questions should we ask vendors?
Beyond logistics and pricing, it’s important to understand how a vendor works and how they’ll support you throughout the process. Ask about their approach, communication style, and how they handle unexpected situations. You’ll be spending a lot of time with these people on a very meaningful day, so finding vendors who make you feel comfortable, supported, and excited is just as important as their work itself.
Lastly, I'm here for you.
Every Step of the Way.
Planning your wedding is such a special journey, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed along the way. Remember: this day is about you and your partner — your love, your priorities, and the memories you’ll treasure forever. I’ll be with you every step of the way as a guide, a cheerleader, a friend, and yes… probably crying happy tears right alongside you. Use this guide as a tool, take it one step at a time, and lean on the people who are here to support you. At the end of the day, you're marrying your best friend!
Reach out to me anytime with questions. I'll be your ear, sounding board, and advocate throughout this whole process. Can't wait to get started!
xoxo, Megan
