First of all, congrats! You’ve decided to elope, and that is so exciting. Elopements are super intimate, very low-stress, and all about celebrating your love in an authentic way. Whatever location you’re dreaming of for your elopement, one thing is certain, you’ll need the right vendors to make your elopement dream come to life. But don’t panic! As an elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know. Here’s a complete breakdown of what vendors you’ll need for your elopement and even a few tips on how to choose the right ones for you. Let’s get you organized so the only thing you have to focus on is having the best day of your life.
What Makes Elopements Different from Big Weddings?
Before we get into the vendors, let’s think about how elopements are a bit different. With the big weddings, you’ve got caterers, DJs, florists, makeup crews, seating charts, and your entire group of family and friends to consider. With elopements, the focus is just on you two (and maybe a handful of close people). This means you can ditch a ton of big wedding norms and hand-pick the vendors you actually need. Trust me, as someone who’s photographed countless elopements, it’s incredible how much more relaxed (and affordable) an intimate day like this can be. Also, you don’t need 20 vendors to make your day magical. You need a handful of the right ones.
If you’re wondering How Many People Should You Invite To Your Elopement, I’ve got a whole blog post on this topic! It’s totally okay to keep it to just the two of you, but some couples choose to invite their closest friends or family. The key is inviting people whose presence will enhance your day, not stress you out.
How Many Vendors Should You Hire?
Honestly, the number of vendors depends on how simple or detailed you want your elopement to be. If you’re dreaming of hiking to a beautiful spot with just your partner and an officiant, you might only need a couple of vendors. If you’d like to include a small dinner or want your day covered with flowers and decorations, then you’ll need a few more. Now, let’s break it down step by step so you can figure out who you need to hire for your big day.
1. Photographer (That’s Where I Come In!)
A photographer isn’t just someone who shows up, snaps some pictures, and leaves. They’re there to capture every emotion, every detail, and even the little in-between moments on your elopement day. And if your photographer knows their stuff, they can also act as your built-in support system. For my clients I assist with putting together timelines, scouting the perfect location, finding permits, and so much more!
For example, I specialize in photographing elopements, and I love to help my couples plan everything from the best lighting for their photos (what time, what place), to what season of the year is perfect for their chosen spot. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, running off to the desert, or exchanging vows in the middle of the city, your photographer will be there documenting it all beautifully and authentically.
My Tip:
Find a photographer who shares your same values. You want someone who gets your vision, knows how to handle elopements specifically, and brings good energy to your day.
2. Officiant
This one’s kind of important… unless you’re running off to a courthouse or doing a self-solemnizing ceremony (check your local laws first). Officiants can really personalize your vows, guide you through the ceremony, and make even the smallest elopements feel official.
Types of Officiants:
- Professional Officiant: Experts who know all the legal stuff and can tailor the ceremony to you.
- Friend or Family Member: Sometimes the most special officiant is someone you’re super close to. (Fun fact, you can have them ordained online in about five minutes.)
- Religious Figure: If your faith is central to your wedding, you may already have someone in mind.
Make sure your officiant is open to traveling or hiking if you’re heading to a remote location!
3. Hair & Makeup Artist
Even if you’re keeping things simple, the right hair and makeup can make you feel so confident in your photos. A great hair and makeup artist knows how to create a natural, glowing look that works well for outdoor settings and stays put during an adventure, whether that’s hiking up a trail or walking along a misty coast.
My Tip:
Go for a trial run before your elopement! This helps you figure out your dream look and lets your hair and makeup artist know if certain products need tweaking for weather or lighting.
4. Florist
Do you need a florist for your elopement? Honestly, you don’t have to, but flowers (even a simple bouquet) can really elevate your day. Plus, they look amazing in photos. Whether you want a lush arrangement with seasonal blooms or a dried wildflower bouquet that lasts forever, your florist can help bring your vision to life.
Things to Consider:
- Bouquet and Boutonnière: A simple must-have for most couples.
- Ceremony Decor: Think portable arches or petals for the aisle.
- Sentimental Touches: Flowers that hold specific meaning to you two.
When chatting with your florist, make sure they know your elopement location. You don’t want a bouquet that wilts halfway through your photos in the desert heat! Some locations do not allow added decor or flowers. Double check before booking your floral accommodations.
5. Videographer
There’s no rule that says you have to hire a videographer, but if you want to relive your vows, the laughter, and the sounds of your unique day, a videographer might be worth it. While photography captures moments, videography lets you experience them again in motion. Many couples I’ve worked with hire both a photographer and a videographer, so that they can have both the stills for framing and a video to send to family who weren’t there.
My Tip:
Hire a videographer who works seamlessly with photographers. You don’t want to feel like there’s a camera in your face all day.
6. Caterer or Private Chef
Yes, you can totally eat whatever you want on your elopement day! But if you want something a little more special, hiring a caterer or private chef can be magical. Some couples have done picnics with charcuterie boards, while others have ended the day with a private candlelit dinner.
Fun Ideas:
- Hire a food truck if you’re eloping somewhere remote.
- Pre-order baked goods from a local bakery or cafe.
- Book a private chef for a romantic meal at an Airbnb.
- Bring your food to your elopement spot and have a picnic.
- Set up an elegant table setting in nature and enjoy a meal as the sun sets.
7. Planner or Coordinator
This one’s also optional, but if planning isn’t your thing, an elopement planner or day-of coordinator can save you a ton of stress. They’re especially helpful if you’re having a small group of guests since they can manage all the logistics. From the permits to the timelines, they’ll handle the details, so you don’t have to. Even if you don’t hire a full-service planner, you can sometimes find photographers (like me!) who are more than willing to help with planning. I’ve got all kinds of tips from past elopements to make your day seamless.
Elopements may be simple, but they still take planning! From choosing the location to figuring out what permits you need, planning an elopement takes some work. The good news? It’s super worth it. If you aren’t wanting to hire a planner I’ve written another blog that dives deep into How To Plan A Small Elopement Wedding.
8. Transportation
One vendor you may not have thought about is transportation! If you’re heading to a remote location or a tricky trailhead, you might want to make arrangements. Some couples hire 4WD jeeps, cool vintage cars for photos, or even helicopters (if you’re feeling fancy). It’s not always necessary, but depending on where you’re going, you’ll want to have a plan for getting there comfortably, and safely.
Choose Vendors Who Get Your Vision
At the end of the day, it’s your elopement, your rules. You don’t need a giant team of professionals to make magic happen. All you need is a solid core group of vendors who truly “get” you and your style. Build a team that feels more like friends than hired professionals, and you’ll be golden.
Speaking of hiring someone who gets your vibe, if you’re looking for a photographer who’s ready to hike, explore, and capture every second of your day, I’d love to be part of your adventure. Whether you’re eloping with just your partner or a small handful of family, I’d be honored to document one of the most special days of your life. Message me, and fill out my contact form. Today we can start planning your epic elopement together!
