Things to Do the Month Before Your Elopement

Okay, if you’re here, I’m going to take a wild guess and say that you’re getting so close to your elopement day! The excitement is real, but I know the last month before your wedding can feel sooooo freaking overwhelming. You want to soak in all the anticipation of getting married, look amazing in your photos, and actually enjoy your day without running yourself ragged.

To help you stay calm and organized, here’s my go-to checklist for the month before your elopement. Think of this as your elopement day survival guide with everything you actually need to have ready before the big day without having to stress too much.

If you’re like me and know you’ll want to keep referring back to this as you get ready, go ahead and bookmark this blog post so you’ll have it ready as you get all the last details together!\

Ok, let’s dive in already, shall we?

1. Confirm Your Vendors

This is a biggie!! Even if it’s just to quiet your mind and affirm that everyone is on the same page, I recommend checking in with everyone you’ve booked for your day, so your photographer, officiant, florist, etc. In your check-in, make sure that:

• Everyone knows the exact location, timing, and has a copy of any permits needed.
• Your contact info is up to date in case there are any last-minute changes.
• All vendors + VIP attendees have a copy of your timeline so they know where they need to be and when!

If you want to make this 1000x easier, I’d send one big group email to everyone so you can avoid a million back-and-forth emails and if need be, your vendors can contact each other for more details + to make sure they’re able to work together seamlessly and easily.

2. Apply for or Double-Check Permits

If your elopement is in a national park or public space, make sure your permits are all good to go. A few things I recommend paying special attention to:

• The exact location on the permit matches the addresses listed in your master timeline.
• All rules and regulations for photography, music, or small ceremonies are clear + communicated to necessary vendors.
• Check the national park/venue’s website for any updates on restrictions, parking, and trail access.

Trust me, having this done ahead of time will be a major stress reliever.

3. Create an Elopement-Day Timeline

Even if your elopement is intimate, a loose timeline keeps the day on schedule + ensures that you’re able to fit in all those fun activities you have planned!! I always make sure to include the following things in all my elopement timelines:

• Ceremony
• Formal Portraits
• Travel time between locations
• Meal or snack breaks
• Buffer for delays, weather, or other surprises

This is also a huge thing I help couples with!! I try to create timelines that accommodate (sometimes even adding in wayyyy more buffer time than needed) destination locations so we don’t feel rushed at any point of the day.

4. Pack Your Elopement Day Bag

Make sure you have everything you’ll need for your adventure day!!! Here are a few things I recommend bringing:

• Comfortable shoes for hiking
• Dress or outfit changes if needed
• Snacks + water
• Emergency kit (I recommend bringing safety pins, stain remover, and mini first aid kit just in case!!)
• Any items/details for your ceremony (rings, vow cards, etc.)

5. Touch Base With Your Photographer

If you’ve been super intentional with hiring a photographer who also serves as your guide, you know that they are not just going to show up on the day of your elopement and take pictures!! They (read: me/I, lol) are there to support you and guide you in all the little details that go into curating your elopement day as well! A few things you might want to bring up in your check-in meeting with your photographer:

• Shared outfit ideas and any inspiration
• Any specific kind of photos you want (adventurous, candid, or editorial)
• Plan for backup locations if weather acts up or anything gets shut down

This is the time to make sure you and your photographer are in sync when it comes to your vision for the day so that your photos end up exactly how you imagined.

6. Finalize Your Guest List

If you plan on having any VIP attendees, make sure you know who is coming + that they know they’re expected to be there too! I know a lot of people think that elopements are just you two, but elopements can sometimes include a few close family or friends. So if you plan on doing just that, go ahead and make sure you know who’s attending and who won’t be able to make it!! It also might be helpful to confirm that they have the correct travel arrangements and accommodations because miscommunication can definitely derail your day! If you have any special surprises you want to incorporate into the day, make sure that all the folks you want involved in making it happen are in the loop as well!

7. Take Care of Yourself

Seriously, don’t forget to be super intentional about your self care before your elopement day! The last thing you want is to go into one of the best days of your life feeling run down, stressed, or exhausted.

• Prioritize hydration, eat well, and resting as much as you can!! They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing!
• Schedule a massage, yoga, or even just a walk when you can. Not only is this a major stress reliever but it serves as a little bit of lymphatic drainage which can help decrease any puffiness for the day!
• Finally, just remember to focus on the fact that this day is about you two. No one else! As long as you are happy + content with how your elopement day goes, that’s all that matters!

Last Thoughts

The month before your elopement is all about dotting i’s, crossing t’s, and giving yourself space to breathe. Take a deep breath, check off these steps, and you’ll be able to step into your day with confidence, excitement, and joy.

Need help planning? I guide couples through every step of the elopement planning process from timeline to permits so that your Zion or Utah elopement is smooth, stress-free, and absolutely unforgettable. Book your consultation and let’s make it happen!!