How To Plan A Destination Elopement?
Pro Tips From Elopement Photographers
Getting married to the love of your life in a gorgeous, jaw-dropping location will definitely feel magical. So, if you wish to tie the knot in an intimate and romantic setting, then eloping is the perfect choice for you. Why? Because it enables you to travel to your dream location to celebrate your special day. From pristine tropical islands and golden sandy beaches to breathtaking views of turquoise lakes and majestic mountains serving as the backdrop – you can elope anywhere your heart desires.
Sounds amazing, right?
Planning a destination elopement is the best way to turn your dream wedding aesthetics into reality. There is nothing more romantic than having an intimate celebration. By traveling to your favorite location for your marriage, you will have an experience that you will remember forever.
After our recent elopement in Bali, we received so many messages from couples who got inspired and would love to have an elopement instead of a traditional wedding! That is why we curated this guide with the hope to help you. We believe in elopements so much that e you with everything you need to plan for your iconic day.
we decided to elope. In essence, for both of us, capturing elopements isn’t just our job – it’s our calling. We walked the walk so here is where we talk the talk in order to prepare you with everything you need to plan for your iconic day.
Being elopement photographers, we get this question a lot! So many couples are bewildered by this thought – whether or not this is the right option for them.
Destination elopements are perfect for couples who prefer to have a unique and personalized experience over grand, traditional weddings. The privacy, the intimacy, and the romantic flair associated with eloping make the whole experience even more special and meaningful. Moreover, it allows you to explore a new place together. Above all, it will be an event that will be memorable for you and your fiancé. You will get the opportunity to experience affinity, love, and authenticity without getting absorbed into the hectic planning process of RSVPs, timelines, and the sheer number of guests. This is the beauty of eloping with the love of your life – it enables you to ignite your adventurous spirits and create something truly unique with your partner.
Eloping is the right choice for you if you love meaningful and intimate experiences. It is best for you if you don’t wish to get involved in the hectic wedding planning process. At the end of the day, this particular event is ALL about you and your beloved as partners. It is about your desires, your dreams, and your wishes.
It gives you the opportunity to celebrate your iconic day as you have always envisioned it. It also gives you the flexibility to put aside any traditions, customs, or expectations that you don’t feel connected to. So yes, this adventure-driven experience where you travel away to a pristine land to say your vows is completely worth it!
How To Start Planning Your Destination Elopement
As elopement photographers, we have traveled all around the world to capture the love of our beautiful couples. Here is the ultimate guide to help you in your planning process.
Have a look:
Pick an exotic location
The first step to having an epic elopement adventure is to choose an ideal location. Take your search on the internet, scroll through Pinterest, or check on Instagram to find your dream place. There are thousands of inspirational ideas present on the internet. But the real question is, how do you find the perfect place to get married? We are here to help you make the right decision. When planning for this type of wedding, think about the following questions.
What is it that you have always dreamed of?
Does the thought of visiting an exotic place on Cyprus Island excite you?
Or are you mesmerized by the secret lakes of Dolomites?
Does the location that you both are choosing holds a significant value?
Do you wish to get married with golden sand touching your toes?
Or would you like to say your vows with majestic alpine mountains serving as the backdrop?
Have you ever thought about tying the knot while boating on a beautiful turquoise lake?
You can even elope by opting for a hike if you are an adventurous soul!
The truth is that there are endless opportunities – all you have to do is to follow your heart.
Destination elopement allows you to choose a location that is meaningful for you and your beloved partner. It enables you to craft a day that is authentic to you as a couple.
Vintage is in, and we’re not just talking about wedding dresses! Incorporate heirloom accessories, like grandma’s pearls or a vintage brooch, to infuse your wedding attire with a sense of history and personal connection. It’s a beautiful way to blend the old with the new.
Consider The Weather
To make the most out of your big day, we suggest you pay attention to the weather and climate of your chosen location at different times of the year and plan your destination elopement accordingly. Different activities are reserved especially for different seasons; similarly, certain sceneries and views are at their best during a certain time of the year. For example, if you are planning a beach elopement, consider having it during the spring or summer season.
Also, if your wedding theme revolves around a winter wonderland, getting married during the snowy season might be the perfect option for you. Once you have decided on your location, search the internet to find which season suits your theme perfectly. If you love mild temperatures and glowing sunlight, getting married in Cyprus might be an ideal option for you. Why? Because the Island of Love boasts pleasant Mediterranean weather throughout the year.
Studying the weather and climate of your desired location is an integral part of the elopement planning process, and it helps you to visit that place when all the sceneries and activities are at their peak. Indulging in different things to do and witnessing breathtaking views makes the whole experience even more special, intimate, and memorable.
Hire An Elopement Photographer
This is the most important part of your elopement planning process. We guarantee that hiring an elopement photographer to snap your special day is the best decision that you will ever make.
When you are eloping with the love of your life to a faraway panoramic land and are celebrating the beginning of your new life, you must have someone to document your unique story. These precious heartfelt moments are special and they deserve to be treasured forever. By having an elopement photographer by your side, they can capture all the lovely memories on camera. You will have pictures that you can send to your family and friends back home. It serves as a beautiful keepsake of your iconic day.
As photographers who have traveled globally to capture love and romance, we know EXACTLY how to turn your dreams into reality. Furthermore, we take our time to know our couples and we inquire about their dream wedding aesthetics. Vibing together is an integral part of the planning process. We stay by your side throughout the day and make sure that all of your beautiful moments are recorded perfectly.
Having your elopement documented by professional photographers is the best investment that you can make for your special day. Moreover, they also help you to plan your timeline so you can remain stress-free and enjoy the most on your iconic day. Plus, if you are planning an epic
destination elopement like hiking on the mountain top or traveling to a pristine tropical island, you surely want to capture and document this intimate experience, right? Having a professional elopement photographer by your side will enable you to get epic pictures without any stress. They know how to use specialized equipment, they are familiar with how lightning works, and they know exactly how to bring your vision to life.
Investing in a professional vendor is a decision that you will never regret. Professional photographers are familiar with the dynamic flow of the events during the whole day and they know how to get stunning shots without missing out on any special moments. It is highly recommended that you choose someone whose style resonates with your elopement theme.
Book Your Vendors
The moment you have decided on your location and booked your accommodation, it is time to start looking out for wedding vendors.
Having a specialized planner and elopement photographer by your side ensures a smooth flow of events throughout the day. The typical list of vendors includes; florists, makeup artists, an officiant, a baker, and a chef. Start booking them in a timely manner.
When you are visiting a new place, hire local planners. Why? Because they take away your stress
Add A Dash Of Personal Touch To Your Elopement
Here comes the fun part! Since destination elopement is all about having a personalized, memorable, and intimate experience, you must incorporate numerous fun activities.
Make a list of your and your partner’s favorite things to do.
Do something meaningful together to celebrate your love. It can be as simple as visiting a pristine lake under a starry sky or taking a walk around your AirBnB. Elopement day is about you and your beloved as a couple. It is about experiencing unique things together.
Here are some fun activities that you can do on your big day depending upon the location and the climate:
· Hiking
· Rock-climbing
· Take a boat out
· Hop on a hot air balloon
· Go for a picnic in your wedding attire
· Visit a place that you always wanted to
· Scuba diving
· Zip lining
· Dance together to your favorite tune
· Book a hammock
· Go stargazing or chase the northern lights
· Play board games
· Walk around the beach with lanterns
· Watch sunset or sunrise together
· Write love letters to each other
· Hire a private chef to cook an exquisite wedding dinner for you
· Surprise each other with gifts
and plan your special day perfectly. They also help you with the logistics and marriage registration process. In essence, they know all the breathtaking spots to exchange vows. Vendors simplify things and offer full-time assistance so you can enjoy your wedding day. Highly recommended!
Communicate with your team and tell them about your dream elopement vision. You can also take help from Pinterest boards to describe your style, theme, and aesthetics.
Research About How To Attain A Marriage license And Other Legal Certifications
The next step is to start researching how to attain a marriage license in your chosen location and get it legalized. Every state and country has different guidelines about marriage certifications, legal documents, and different rules about how many witnesses you need for your elopement day. Make sure you call or email the authorities to get all the complete information.
Book Your Accommodation, Travel, And Voila You Are Done!
Book your accommodation and you are finally ready to hop on your adventurous, epic elopement! Make the most out of your iconic day. You will cherish these beautiful moments forever. Always remember that your elopement is ALL about you and your beloved partner as a couple. So include activities that enable you both to create unique experiences together.
How To Announce Elopement To Your Friends And Family Members
There are so many wonderful ways to share the news of your destination elopement with your friends and family members.
We think it’s best to tell your family members that you are eloping in person before the actual day!
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can video call them during the event to inform them that “WE ELOPED!” or you can send them your ceremony pictures to announce your marriage. You can also throw an epic post-elopement party to celebrate the beginning of your new life with your near and dear ones.
We are elopement photographers based in Cyprus and we love to explore pristine locations. It would be our pleasure to photograph your special day! So, if you love our style and aesthetics, send a quick hello and let us be a part of your special day. We would love to hear your vision!
P.S. If you are interested in having the perfect island getaway for your elopement or wedding, check out our detailed blog posts about having a destination wedding in Cyprus!
Charis & Fania
THE DUO PHOTOGRAPHY
Cyprus & Destination, Wedding & Elopement Photographers
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