Elopement Planning Timeline by Oregon Elopement Photographer Black Salt Photography
“Elopement Planning Timeline” by Oregon Elopement Photographer Black Salt Photography
Look, you don’t know what you don’t know, and that’s no different when it comes to wedding planning. If it’s your first time (or even your second) allllll the options can be overwhelming. You might find yourself falling in love with something super sparkly when you’re more of a minimalist person and that confuses you. I always urge my couples to allow themselves the space to change their mind. Because you will! And it’s important to be okay with that. I created my elopement planning checklist and timeline as a way to help couples everywhere feel like they have all their ducks in a row so they can enjoy their wedding day. And maybe even have fun while planning it!
To get the most out of these resources, I recommend downloading my Elopement Planning Checklist. The checklist goes over everything you’ll need whether your planning an elopement a year in advace or a month.
First, plan the outline of your dream elopement.
12-14 months:
-Choose your date
-Browse Pinterest constantly
-Select the wedding party (if needed)
-Decide on the location (city/state)
-Begin contacting vendors
-Create your budget
-Plan engagement photos
10-12 months:
-Book vendors
(Find out how to decide on your elopement photographer here.)
-Choose your theme/colors
-Go outfit shopping (try on a lot)
-Plan for permits
-Choose the officiant
Next, add some fun little details.
9-10 months:
-Pick your wedding party’s attire
-Buy your dress & the groom’s attire
-Purchase wedding rings
-Book hotels/Airbnbs
-Make any quick dress alterations
6-9 months:
-Plan Bachelor(ette) parties
-Reserve wedding night dinner
-Reserve floral pickup
-Book equipment rentals
4-6 months:
-Purchase gifts for the bridal party, parents, spouse
-Decide on hair accessories & jewelry
-Discuss music choices
-Discuss day-of transportation
2 months:
-Reconfirm all vendors
-Attend final dress fitting
-Have a hair/makeup trial run
-Book mani/pedi appointments
-Begin writing vows/speeches
Lastly, make sure all the legal stuff is taken care of.
1 month:
-Review shot list with videographer/photographer
-Complete preparations for the marriage license
-Confirm ceremony arrangement with the officiant
-Make tip envelopes
-Confirm arrangements for everything you aren’t bringing
-Arrange rental returns
-Make final payments
Whew! That’s a quick turnaround, but you can DEFINITELY do it. If you stick to this schedule, your elopement day will be so beautiful and perfectly represent the two of you.
Be sure to download my free Elopement Planning Checklist here. I guide you through everything you could possibly need from head to toe when planning your elopement or wedding.
Black Salt Photography is an elopement photographer and intimate wedding photographer based in Portland, Oregon. Photographing in the surrounding PNW areas and traveling often for destination love stories. Specializing in intimate candids and editorial portraits to craft a one-of-a-kind wedding day for every couple. Her moody photography style plays with natural light and shadow, laced with raw emotional moments, to create an authentic narrative experience. She photographs you as you so you’ll love your photos authentically.
