Planning a wedding isn’t always a small task and sometimes can take months or even years. But what if you don’t want to wait? What if you want to get married as soon as possible and are just trying to figure out how to plan a last minute elopement?
Well, as an elopement photographer, I have been a part of every single type of wedding with every timeline you can think of. While it may not be the traditional route, it is absolutely possible to plan an elopement on a shorter timeline and still have the day of your dreams.
So, to help make things just a little bit easier for you, here are some of my top tips for how to plan a last minute elopement!
How Long Does it Take to Plan a Last Minute Elopement?
When it comes to planning your big day, there are a ton of variables that go into how long it actually takes to plan. But if you don’t want to wait months or more to actually tie the knot, it is totally possible to plan a wedding on a short timeline.
The biggest thing to keep in mind when it comes to this is your mindset. There are things that you will likely need to be more flexible with, and approaching planning with this mindset will make things significantly easier for you.
In all reality, you can plan your wedding in only a month or two and still have an incredible day, but there are a few key factors that are going to come into play with a shorter timeline like this. So, let’s talk through a few of these.
Picking a Location
One of the first things that will probably come to mind when planning your day is your venue or ceremony location. This is definitely one of the most important aspects, and the place where you are going to have to be flexible.
For the most part, popular or bigger venues most likely aren’t going to be available on such a short notice. Instead, consider finding smaller venues or even tying the knot in an outdoor space that may not require the same level of booking.
With outdoor locations, one key thing to keep in mind is permits. Some locations may require a permit, which may need to be applied for in advance. If you can, finding a spot that doesn’t require a permit is the best option.
If you do need a permit, be sure to take care of that as soon as possible so you don’t end up needing a backup plan right before your wedding day.
Vendors
In general, when planning a wedding on a tight turnaround, you’ll often have a much smaller guest list or decide to be just you and your partner. So, when it comes to vendors, you probably won’t need that many.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t need anyone, so let’s break down what you may want to focus on:
Last Minute Elopement Photographer
Similar to your venue, you should definitely reach out to photographers as soon as possible. We can book out in advance, so you don’t want to wait until the very last minute and end up not having any good options.
It is also super helpful to find a photographer who can help you with parts of your wedding planning as well (like I can!). This can include things like helping you select locations, planning your timeline with you, and even providing recommendations for other vendors.
Florists
Even if you are planning a smaller wedding, you’ll most likely want some sort of flowers for your wedding day. So, when it comes to this, there are two suggestions I have.
If you do just want flowers for you and your partner, you shouldn’t have a problem at all finding a florist who can help you with these two arrangements!
However, you can also consider creating your own florals. This will give you complete control, and you won’t have to worry about fitting into anyone else’s schedule.
Last Minute Officiant
Now, depending on where you are getting married, you will most likely need an officiant. There are a handful of states where you can self-solomonize (meaning you don’t need an officiant), but Tennessee is one of the states where you do need an officiant. So, let’s say you do need one.
Just like DIYing your florals, it is super easy for almost anyone to get ordained to perform your wedding. So, instead of searching for an officiant that you love, you can have one of your friends or family members do it for you!
I also recently got ordained so I can also perform the ceremony for you!
Reception Venue/Catering
Once you tie the knot, you may want to go out and celebrate. Whether you want to celebrate with just you and your partner or with your friends and family you’re probably wondering where should you actually do that? Should you find a reception venue, hire someone to cater the food, or do something else?
Just like your ceremony location, reception venues may book out further in advance. One of the best ways to celebrate, though, is to find a restaurant you love in the area and celebrate there!
There are tons of spots with private rooms that you can reserve, allowing you to enjoy your time and celebrate with everyone you love! Alternatively, you can do something at your own home, at one of your loved one’s houses, or even rent an Airbnb!
Think About the Time of Year
The time of year can definitely affect what is available to you as you plan your wedding. For example, in most places, getting married in the spring and summer most likely means you’ll have fewer options, as those are super popular months for weddings and elopements.
However, if you are considering a winter wedding, you may have more options, as fewer people generally get married during these months.
Wedding Attire
You definitely want to look and feel your best on your wedding day, but what does that mean for planning a wedding on a short timeline? Well, there are a few different tips I have for finding a last minute wedding outfit.
First, check if there is anything available off the rack that you can purchase. This will eliminate the need for ordering your outfit and potentially having it arrive too late. If you need alterations to your outfit, be sure to start the process early!
You can also look for sample dresses. Similar to off-the-rack options, these are dresses that you can take home with you the same day. There is the possibility for some of these outfits to have a few flaws to them, so just make sure you look at it carefully before deciding on it!
Vintage stores can also be a great place to find outfits, especially if you are looking for something a bit more unique.
There are even options for you to rent your wedding outfit, not only helping you find something on a shorter timeline, but also saving some of your budget to use on other parts of your wedding!
Last Minute Elopement Planning Tips
So, now that you know it is possible to plan a last minute wedding, here are a few of my top tips for how to actually make it happen. Again, you want to stay flexible and keep an open mind because that will truly make this entire process so much more enjoyable!
Day of the Week
In general, I would suggest looking at a weekday vs a weekend for a shorter timeline. Most places will have significantly more availability during the week than on the weekend. You may even find that some venues and vendors have lower investments for weddings during the week!
Time of the Day
Hands down, the best time of day for your wedding is going to be sunrise. This is especially true in any public area, as you’ll not only get the sunrise as your backdrop, but you’ll also avoid the most crowded time of the day and have a more private ceremony.
Guest List
Having a smaller, intentional guest list will be your best friend when it comes to planning your wedding on short notice. This will open up many more options for you when it comes to where you can hold your ceremony.
Plus, you also won’t have to think about things like where out-of-town guests are going to stay, seating for the ceremony, large reception venues, etc. Remember that you can always plan a bigger celebration with more of your friends and family after your wedding!
Ready to Plan Your Own Last Minute Elopement Wedding?
Hopefully, these tips will help you as you start to plan your own last minute elopement. Whether you want to take two months or two years to plan your big day, it can absolutely be special and everything you have ever imagined.
And if you’d like some help planning, as well as someone to capture all the magic that happens throughout the day, I’d love to chat. You can click here to learn more about my elopement photography services or head over here to get in touch!
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