So you’ve decided you want to elope but have no idea how to choose your elopement location? Not to worry, this blog details everything you should consider when trying to figure out WHERE you want to elope to.
Table of Contents
Have an Elopement Brainstorming Date
First things first, I’ve talked about this before, but it’s absolutely crucial to having a truly unique and memorable elopement day. Think of this date as a “trial run” of how you both hope to get married. This is the time where you both can sit together and really figure out what you want out of your day.
Furthermore, everything from the sights, sounds, and the things you do on your elopement will be mostly figured out on this brainstorming date. So take your time and HAVE FUN with it. I mean, let your imaginations run wild. Dream up the most incredible day you both could imagine, and write it down. Ask each other questions, take turns imagining the feelings and sensations you want to experience.
Often times, what you both think up here can surprise each other. It’s also a great time for the two of you to feel included in the major decision making.
Narrow Down Your Must Have's
Now that you’ve come up with a giant master list of ideas and possible wants you both have for your elopement day, it’s time to narrow it down. With the list narrowed down, it’ll make it easier to figure out how to choose your elopement location. This is when you see what is most important to you both. What sorts of things are a must, what isn’t that important, and what activities you would both really want to do together. Having all of these details written down will make it easier when it comes to the next step…RESEARCH.
Time to Research
This is one of my favorite parts of the whole elopement planning process. Now is the time to take your top 3 wants and figure out how you can make it happen. This is the time to let your imaginations run wild and get a feel for the spots that make your heart flutter. Write down the locations that exhilarate you to imagine getting married at. Once you’ve compiled your list, look at the places that have the most common features. Chances are, that’s where your heart is leading you. Lastly, if this all seems a little hard to imagine doing on your own, rest assured I’ve got you covered. I can help you location scout and find the spot that will fit your needs best. Read on for more things to consider during your research phase.
Things to Consider When Deciding How to Choose Your Elopement Location
Do you want to involve friends and family?
Next you’ll have to think about whether you want to include family and friends on your elopement day. Figuring this out will help you to eliminate elopement locations that are not easily accessible to large groups. There are a lot of different ways you can choose to include your family in your elopement, even if they don’t attend your actual elopement day. You can choose to break up your wedding day into times when family will be with you and other times of day where it will be a private time for you both.
If you’re struggling on how to include family and friends on your elopement day check out my blog here for more ideas to help you get started.
What kind of scenery do you want to be surrounded by?
The kind of scenery and landscape you want to be in plays the biggest role in finding your elopement location. I mean, you don’t want to dream about a rocky southwestern wedding, while looking at places local to the Pacific Northwest.
In addition, when you figure out the general area that checks off your main wants, you can look at the activities that are common in that area. So, if you want to go kayaking, does the area you want have a lot of lakes and rivers you could choose from?
Also, if flying in from another state, you’ll also need to consider how close the destination is to airports and lodging. Do you want to be close to major airports or do you want to make a bit of driving part of your elopement adventure?
Consider the Seasons
Finally, you’ll want to think about what kind of weather you want for your elopement day. Are you both dreaming of a spectacular alpine view where you can meander through trails and see wildflowers galore? Or are you hoping for a winter wonderland full of snowy adventures? Taking the time to decide what time of year you want to elope in will help you decide which elopement location is best during that season.
Here in Northwest Washington, summers are typically mild and you will have access to the best mountain views and trails. Whereas, during the winter, the Southwestern states like Utah and Arizona or even Florida and the rest of the Southern states will give you a much milder temperatures.
Wrapping it Up
In the end, wherever you choose to elope will be magical. You just always need to remember to put your values first and not worry about the rest. If you feel like you need some help planning and finding the perfect location for your elopement, feel free to hit that inquire button. I absolutely love helping all of my couple’s find and plan the best elopement day ever.
