The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Meaningful Elopement
Eloping is no longer just a “runaway bride” cliché. Today, elopements are about intentionality, intimacy, and celebrating your love story exactly as you want it. Whether you’re dreaming of a cliffside ceremony in Mallorca, a cozy mountain elopement in Virginia, or a secret beach wedding somewhere wild and beautiful, planning an elopement can be both freeing and overwhelming.
As a film photographer and Super 8 filmmaker based in Virginia, traveling worldwide to document destination weddings and elopements, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless couples craft their perfect day — one filled with emotion, authenticity, and timeless memories.
This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a meaningful elopement that reflects who you are — without stress, pressure, or the chaos of a traditional wedding.
Why Couples Choose to Elope
More and more couples are choosing elopements because they want something different from the usual wedding experience. Here’s why so many love this intimate option:
Freedom and Flexibility: Elopements free you from rigid timelines and huge guest lists.
Authenticity: Your day becomes about your love, not pleasing hundreds of people.
Adventure: Many elopements happen in stunning, often remote locations that add a sense of magic and exploration.
Budget-Friendly: Without the costs of a large wedding, you can invest more in photography, travel, or honeymoon experiences.
Reduced Stress: Smaller scale means less planning drama and more space to breathe.
If this sounds like your kind of celebration, you’re in the right place.
Step-by-Step Elopement Planning Timeline
1. Choose Your Perfect Location
From a Virginia mountain elopement to an intimate ceremony on the coast of Spain, location is everything. Consider:
What landscapes speak to your soul?
What time of year fits your vision and weather preferences?
Are there legal requirements for marriage where you want to say “I do”?
2. Book Your Vendors
A destination elopement photographer who shoots film and Super 8 will capture your day in a way that feels timeless and emotional. Look for vendors who understand your vision and have experience traveling.
Photographer + Videographer (ideally combined or closely coordinated)
Officiant or person authorized to marry you
Florist or bouquet stylist (optional)
Hair & Makeup artist (optional)
3. Legal Considerations and Paperwork
Every country and state has its own marriage license process. Be sure to research and secure your paperwork well in advance.
Passport and ID
Marriage license or permit
Witnesses (sometimes required)
Translations or apostilles for international marriages
4. Plan Your Ceremony and Timeline
Elopements are often slower and more intentional than traditional weddings. Create space to:
Exchange personal vows
Take portraits during golden hour
Explore your surroundings for candid moments
Celebrate privately or with a small group
How to Make Your Elopement Feel Meaningful
An elopement can be deeply emotional and memorable when you:
Write Your Own Vows: Speak from the heart, even if it feels vulnerable.
Include Rituals: Lighting a unity candle, planting a tree, or sharing a special reading.
Involve Loved Ones Virtually: Plan a video call or send keepsake letters to those who can’t attend.
Create a “Slowness” in Your Day: Unlike rushed big weddings, savor every moment and allow natural pauses.
What to Pack for Your Elopement: A Photographer-Approved Checklist
Packing for a destination elopement is a unique challenge — and what you bring can impact your photos and overall experience. Here’s what I recommend:
Wedding dress, veil, and accessories (carry-on only!)
Suit or tuxedo with shoes and grooming kit
A steamer or travel iron to keep outfits fresh
Personal items like vow books, invitation suite, rings, and sentimental keepsakes for styling shots
Comfortable shoes for exploring your location
Weather-appropriate outerwear and sunscreen
Any legal documents and passports
Small emergency kit (safety pins, stain remover wipes, tissues)
Camera gear if you want to capture your own moments (film rolls, disposable cameras)
Snacks and water for a stress-free day
Why You Need a Film Photographer and Super 8 Filmmaker for Your Elopement
Film and Super 8 bring your elopement story to life in ways digital alone can’t. Here’s why:
Film Photography offers nostalgic, timeless images with beautiful grain and texture — perfect for capturing intimate moments and sweeping landscapes.
Super 8 Videography creates raw, vintage-style films that capture motion, emotion, and the “in-between” moments that don’t make it into a traditional video.
Together, they preserve your day with depth, soul, and storytelling magic.
Final Thoughts: Your Elopement, Your Story
Your elopement is an expression of your love, values, and adventure. It deserves to be captured by a photographer and filmmaker who prioritize emotion over perfection — who see your story as unique and sacred.
If you’re dreaming of a meaningful elopement — whether in Virginia, Europe, or anywhere in between — I’d love to help you document it in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and unforgettable.
📍 I’m Brittany — a film photographer and Super 8 filmmaker based in Virginia, traveling worldwide to document destination weddings and elopements with heart and soul.
🎞️ I use 35mm film, medium format, digital, and Super 8 to create timeless stories that feel real.
