Planning the Perfect Elopement – Stage 3 – Make Choice & Start Booking!

Hello adventurous couples!

Now that you have determined what is important to you and youve dug deep into research, its time to make some choices and start booking things!  The goal here isnt to finalize every single detailbut to get the most important things into place so you can fill in the details from there!

Heres what to do first!

Pick your date. 

Is there a meaningful date for the two of you? How does that date work with your lodging or location?  Does your date work for anyone joining you? Be sure to check for holidays and special events that may also affect your chosen elopement location.

Pick your spot.

Decide on the general area that you want to have your ceremony.

For example: We want to say our vows on the side of the bridge closest to the Benbow Historic Inn. or We want to say our vows in a majestic redwood grove along the Avenue of the Giants, or We want to say our vows on a windy black sands beach at sunset.

The exact spot where you stand to say your vows can still be spontaneous and decided the day ofjust be sure about the general area so you can confidently book lodging and transportation. Part of the fun is exploring a couple of days before you arrive, to find that perfect location.

A helpful tip:  If you elope on a weekday rather than a weekend, most public natural spaces will be much more secluded!   I highly recommend this!

Heres what to book first!

Nearby lodging.

To book nearby lodging, check VRBO, Airbnb, Hotels.com, booking.com, google maps, and google to find unique lodging for your elopement.  Google Maps is also great to find out how long the drive time will be between your lodging and chosen ceremony location.

Transportation.

Once you have decided on your ceremony location and booked your lodging, find out the best way to travel  between them. If there are other people coming, do you need multiple rental cars, would your own car work or would a shuttle make more sense?

One more important question…

Should you tell your family?

This question can be a little tough and depends on how you want your day to unfold. Intimate destination weddings are becoming more and more popular, and your closest family members and friends may want to come with you. Some couples elope and then celebrate with family immediately after. If they are not going to be physically present on your elopement day, you can choose to tell your family beforehand or keep it a surprise!  A great compromise a lot of couples do is throw a reception after they elope! This is a great way to include the entire family and show them how much you want to celebrate with them on your special day!

Remember this is YOUR day and all of these decisions are entirely up to you and your partner.

Once youve nailed down the date, location, and booked lodging, the hardest and most pressing parts of your planning process are complete!  Phew, what a relief! Take a break to celebrate, tell your family & friends (if you want to), and start getting excited that youre one step closer to your dream elopement day!

Stage 4 – Finalizing details and getting ready is up next! Stay tuned!

~ Parkys Pics Photography