The Ultimate Elopement Checklist for your European Elopement
Eloping is becoming a big trend in recent years. The mere definition of elopement — as an act of running off and getting married in secret — evokes images of romance and adventure. You might dream about throwing tradition to the wind, grabbing your fiancé's hand, and riding off to a wild destination together!
Not only does eloping save you lots of pressure associated with planning a large wedding but also money! Just think about it: if for every guest you have to pay per save-the-date, rentals for the reception, food, beverage, and so on, the budget can easily skyrocket. By eliminating all these costs, elopements tend to be much cheaper than a traditional wedding,
However, the few things you have to organize before your big day still need to be meticulously planned. Eloping without a structured and well-thought-out plan can be pretty risky, especially if you choose to do it overseas, and instead of saving, you could end up spending much more than expected. We have compiled an exhaustive elopement checklist to help make sure you won’t forget some of the essential things which will make your special day unforgettable.
Elopement in the Canary Islands - El Momento Perfecto Photography
Our Ultimate Elopement Checklist
Our structured elopement planning checklist covers everything you need to know:
Decide on your budget for your elopement in Europe
Decide where and when you want to elope
Pick an elopement planner familiar with the destination
Decide if you’re bringing any guests & invite them.
Organize the legal side of your elopement in Europe
Plan your trip: i.e. confirm dates, book flights, get relevant visas, etc.
Plan your elopement day timeline filled with activities that you both love
Make time to prepare your elopement ceremony and write your vows.
Buy your wedding attire and wedding rings
Announce your elopement
Enjoy your elopement
Decide on a budget for your elopement
Whenever you're planning a trip or holiday, it’s important to first define your budget. How much do you want to spend for your European elopement?
Even if this might be the most boring part of wedding planning and the temptation is to look instead at stunning destinations and wedding dresses, working out your elopement budget will help you make some crucial decisions! If you don’t create your budget before starting any proper wedding planning you could easily end up overwhelmed.
So roll up your sleeves, and put yourself at work as you won’t get anywhere until you have determined your elopement budget!
Decide where and when you want to elope
There is a tendency for spontaneity when elopement is concerned. However, it is essential to carefully and thoughtfully decide when and where you want to elope in Europe.
WHERE? How far away do you want to go? What is your fantasy scenery? What kind of theme are you craving? A fancy love affair in Paris, or an alternative ceremony on the sand dunes of the Sahara desert in Morocco? Do you want something more adventurous with lots of hiking, or do you prefer a walk in the old historical center of a quaint village? Take your time and discuss this important decision with your partner.
Europe is perfect for weddings, elopements, and all kinds of love-related celebrations. It's a unique continent full of beauty and diversity. There's a perfect destination for everyone; you can celebrate your special day in any city or in a more natural setting, and you can choose whatever season you prefer.
WHEN? This is strictly related to the WHERE decision. Would you like to have a winter or a sunny elopement? What are the climate and seasons like in your favorite destinations? What’s the tourist season, and what kind of activities would you like to have during your trip?
Deciding on a destination and date is essential to kick-start the whole planning process… Every other arrangement for your elopement must now fall into place.
Pick an elopement planner familiar with the destination
It’s a smart idea to choose an elopement planner familiar with the area where you wish to elope. This way, she/he can help you make critical decisions. In addition to traditional wedding planning duties, a local wedding planner will provide guidance based on their knowledge and local research on laws, and permits needed and will make your life easier by connecting you with the local vendors, who best suit your elopement budget and vision. A lot of concerns will be addressed early on, leaving you with far less to worry about on your big day.
Invite your guests (if you’re bringing any)
If you're planning on bringing some guests to your celebration, you need to work out the logistics early. Make sure you send out invitations on time, and make it clear in the invitation if you will be handling transportation, accommodation, and so on. This would help your guests plan ahead. If you'll be handling these logistics, start making the arrangements promptly. You don't want things to get complicated on your big day.
Get the legal things in order
The legalities are a very crucial aspect of your elopement. It's sometimes possible to legally get married when you elope in Europe, but it can be a very burdensome process. Many factors come into play depending on where you choose to elope. Different countries have specific laws regarding weddings and elopements. Some laws are more accommodating, while others are very stringent. While some laws permit you to marry anywhere within the city, others have strict rules concerning where the ceremony can take place and who is permitted to perform it. Seeking adequate legal counsel is important if you're keen on legally getting married during your elopement in Europe. However, we suggest getting married legally in your home country, as that is a lot easier, and having a beautiful symbolic ceremony in your chosen elopement destination in Europe.
Elopement in the Canary Islands - El Momento Perfecto Photography
6. Plan your trip
As you're eloping to a foreign destination, it's important to plan your trip ahead of time; you can even make a checklist. This way, nothing can take you by surprise. Booking flights and accommodations early can be beneficial (we recommend booking 3-5 months before your elopement), especially if you're bringing guests along.
7. Plan your elopement day timeline filled with activities that you both love
It’s a great idea to deliberately fill up your big day with activities that you and your partner love. The party doesn’t just end with the wedding vows! Plan out the rest of the day, an after-party perhaps. It can be a private one with just you and your lover or you can invite a few friends along. Whatever makes the both of you happy, just fill the entire day with lots of fun activities.
You can even make a separate checklist for this.
8. Plan your elopement ceremony and write your vows.
Liaise with your elopement planner to craft the elopement ceremony of your dreams. Make sure to touch on every detail. Pay extra attention to the little things. Plan for the weather and have a plan B. This is your opportunity to organize things just the way you want them.
VOWs - This is a crucial activity on your big day. Many couples flop because of a lack of preparation. Are you reciting ready-made vows? Memorize them together. Don't worry that your partner already knows your lines, it always feels and sounds new on the big day and in that moment. Alternatively, do you want to make your own handwritten vows? Write them carefully and intentionally, and practice them in advance.
9. Buy your wedding attire and wedding rings
Your rings and attire are two things you need to get ready for early enough. Consider the weather and destination when deciding on your attire. What season are you planning to elope, and what destination are you headed to? Is it winter or summer? Make sure that your attire compliments the season. You don't want to be underdressed during a frosty winter season, or overdressed during a scorching summer’s heat. The key is planning ahead.
If you’re wearing a wedding dress and would like some inspiration, have a look at our Guide to Wedding Dresses.
10. Announce your elopement to family and friends
Now that you have successfully put all of the logistics together, it is time to announce your elopement. This can happen before or after the elopement, depending on what you want. If it is a completely personal event just for you and your lover and you don't want any third parties involved, you can announce it afterward. If you're planning to invite friends, you should announce it to them on time.
11. Enjoy your elopement!
Now that you've had everything on your checklist taken care of, you can look forward to a thrilling and beautiful elopement!
Elopement in the Canary Islands - El Momento Perfecto Photography
If you have decided to elope in Europe and have one of the biggest adventures of your life, you shouldn’t downplay it. This is going to be a very special day and you have to make sure you can always look back and cherish it for the rest of your life!
At Somewhere Crazy we offer the best elopement packages in some of the most amazing elopement destinations throughout Europe and beyond. Have a look at them and get in touch.
We can’t wait to hear from you and start organizing your dream elopement in Europe!
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