Elopements are about prioritising pure love over elaborate celebrations and endless guest lists, making it an authentic and intimate way to say, “I do”.

If you are ready to break away from the traditional wedding norm of embarking on an adventure with your loved one, make sure to craft a special day that truly reflects your love story.

In this guide, we're here to take you through everything you need to know before you take the plunge into elopement, ensuring a memorable and personalised celebration of your unique love story.

1. Choosing the perfect location

One of the greatest joys of eloping is the freedom to choose the location of your dream ceremony. Whether it's a park, a mountaintop or a foreign country, the whole world is at your feet.

With so many options to choose from, deciding on where to elope can be overwhelming. To make the process easier and more enjoyable, here are some tips to help you choose.

• Are you after natural beauty or would you like to be surrounded by the energy and excitement of a city?

• Are you looking for a secluded spot to share your vows or do you want your family and closest friends to be part of the celebration?

Answering these questions will allow you to narrow down your options to find a location that resonates with you.

It's equally important to consider the time of the year and weather conditions when tying the knot, making sure the weather is clear and mild for your special day.

2. Getting your legal requirements in order

Planning an elopement is exciting, but it's also important you make sure you have all the legal requirements in order before the big day! Fear not, we've prepared a to do list for you:

• You'll need to obtain a marriage license. Depending on where you live and plan to elope, the process for obtaining your marriage license can vary so make sure you do plenty of research for your special destination's requirements.

• Plan and don't forget that some states or countries require that you establish residency for a certain period before getting married there.

• In some places, premarital counselling or education is required before getting married. We recommend participating in premarital counselling to strengthen your relationship and prepare for your wedding.

• Don't forget to determine the legal age requirement. In most places, you must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent.

By getting these legal requirements in order, you can fully relax and enjoy your special day.

3. Deciding on your guest List

Deciding on your guest list is one of the most challenging aspects of your elopement. Firstly, it's important you keep in mind that the beauty of your elopement is that it can be just the two of you or you can choose to include a small group of loved ones. Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours and should be made based on your individual preferences and circumstances.

When deciding who to invite, you should consider the logistics of travel and accommodation. You'll want to choose a location that is easily accessible for your guests and provide them with time notice so they can make travel arrangements.

Additionally, consider how you'll arrange accommodation for your guests — whether you'll rent a large house or book a few hotel rooms.

Start by making a list of your closest friends and family members. Consider the relationships that are the most important to you and your partner and think about who you'd want to share this special moment with. Keep in mind that an elopement is typically more intimate than a traditional wedding. You may want to limit your guest list to just a few people.

It is more than okay to keep your elopement just between the two of you. It's a special moment that should be just about celebrating your love and commitment to each other.

4. Finding the Perfect Dress

Just because you're eloping does not mean you should not feel like a goddess on your special day. In fact, many brides who choose to elope opt for a more unique and unconventional dress than what they'd have chosen for a traditional wedding.

An elopement gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in your dream dress, allowing you to splurge a

little extra as you save on other wedding expenses.

When finding the perfect dress to elope with, we recommend you go for a lightweight gown so you can feel comfortable all day long.

If you're considering travelling for your elopement, you'll want to choose a wedding gown that travels well. Grace Loves Lace bridal gowns are free from boning, corsetry, and zips, which make them easy to pack away in a suitcase.

5. Celebrating your love

Where do you choose to say, “I do”? Whether you decide it to be in an outdoor location or opt for a cosy indoor setting, the most important thing is that you are celebrating your love in a way that truly reflects on you.

You can be as creative as you'd like to! You could incorporate your favourite hobbies or interests into your ceremony or celebration. For example, if you're both avid hikers, you might choose to exchange your vows at the top of the mountain and incorporate a hiking session into the ceremony. If you both love music, you could hire a local musician or even plan a private concert just for the two of you.

Ultimately, the key to celebrating your love on your wedding elopement day is to infuse it with your own style and personality. It's important not to shy away from thinking outside the box and embracing creative ideas. By incorporating a little creativity and careful planning, you can ensure that your elopement day becomes an extraordinary and unforgettable celebration of your love and commitment to each other.

6. Choosing Your Elopement Photographer

Traditional photoshoots provide multiple chances to capture that perfect shot. Nevertheless, the true enchantment of your elopement day lies in a fleeting moment, where time tiptoes and these lifetime memories cannot be replicated. That's why it's important to choose a photographer who can effortlessly capture the perfect shot.

Finding "the one" can indeed be a daunting task, as you seek someone who can flawlessly capture and immortalise your love story. It all starts with thorough research. Instead of solely relying on Google, let your creativity shine and use Instagram or Pinterest as search engines. Dive into tagged photos from your beloved bridal brands or fellow brides and discover photographers whose style aligns with your aesthetic.

Once you've completed your research and established your budget, take a moment to ponder the photographer's personality as well. As they will be by your side throughout the entire day, it is important to feel at ease and establish a genuine connection with them. Do they make you laugh and let your emotions shine? Your elopement day should be magical, relaxed and fun, and the photographer's personality contributes to create this atmosphere.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Elope