As an elopement photographer, I’m noticing a shift away from large weddings to couples diving into how to plan an elopement. Not surprisingly, these intimate celebrations are becoming a popular way to get married, especially when couples want to focus on the details that truly matter to them. The following is a simple guide on how to plan an elopement with special attention to eloping in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
01 / Set an intention: why elope?
There are heaps of reasons for choosing to elope, whether it’s to keep things easy-going and private, happier on the budget front, or unique to what your relationship is all about. But ultimately, elopements are a unique opportunity to celebrate your commitment to each other in marriage while also crafting an unforgettable experience. They tend not to follow a formula about how a wedding should look and feel like, and are the perfect option for those wanting something that feels like “you.” Whether it’s a simple commitment made in a secret venue in the city, an outdoor adventure, or something else entirely. Whatever the reasons, know that an elopement is ultimately about the two of you and where your hearts will take you. And there’s a lot of freedom in that.
“We both always knew that a big wedding wasn’t for us. We’re not very traditional. It’s hard to explain but doing something just for ourselves felt like the best decision for us.”
02 / Choose a location and date
Where do you like spending most of your time together? Hiking in old growth forests? Soaking up brutalist architecture and enjoying delicious eats in the heart of the city?
Think about the kind of setting you love and what you’re willing to do to get there. You may need to plan supplies for a sunrise hike. Or maybe you’re the type to start your day with a coffee before getting dressed and heading into the city via taxi. If you decide to hire an elopement photographer, they’ll help you figure out locations and logistics such as whether you might require a permit to shoot or get married there.
The lovely thing about elopements is their flexibility. If having a specific wedding officiant, photographer, or friends/witnesses at your elopement is a priority for you, simply check in with them about their availability. Your vendors will often recommend eloping on a weekday when they’re not already booked up with larger weddings on the weekends and places like forest trails tend to be much quieter.
03 / Book vendors that add value
Elopements allow you to focus on the details that matter the most to you. Once you’ve decided what those are, do a bit of research: Do these vendors offer a style I love and values I vibe with? Are they available on the tentative date I’ve set? Is their service and expertise something I want to budget for? Invest in and trust the ones you’ve asked to be a part of your elopement plans and they’ll give it their all.
Wedding Commissioner or Officiant: In British Columbia, you’ll need a wedding commissioner or officiant to get legally married. They’ll walk you through the legal aspects, offer options for writing up something special or personalizing vows, and perform a legal wedding ceremony. They’ll also advise you to obtain a marriage license.
Florist: For a special added touch. Treat yourself.
Photographer: Great photos have the power to spark great memories and pull others into that time and place. Think of your photographs as not only for you but also for the family and friends in your life. They may not have been a part of your elopement plans but there’s no reason they can’t share in the magic via photographs that capture how things felt. If you plan on booking an elopement photographer, find one whose personality and work you connect with.
04 / Buy rings and get your outfits tailored
If you need to get anything resized, custom made, or adjusted to fit just right, make sure you provide your vendors with some time. Contact your ring designer, bridal shop, tailor, or seamstress in advance to see what their timelines are like to avoid disappointment.
05 / Obtain a marriage license
This can be obtained via an insurance agency, notary public, London Drugs, or Service BC locations.
06 / Sort out your witnesses
You need at least two and I’m happy to be one of them.
07 / Prepare an elopement timeline
Every elopement I’ve been a part of has been planned to prioritize what matters the most to a couple. I’ve documented the simple details of having a tea in the morning together to running around in the desert at dusk. Typically, couples hire me because they want several hours to a day’s worth of coverage to have their elopement captured in a creative and sincere way. My couples want more than the cut and dry photos. Crafting an experience makes for the best photographs and I’m here to help figure out a timeline that gets you excited for your elopement.
Sample Timeline (7 hours)
- Get ready together
- Have a First Look
- Portraits at Location #1
- Ceremony; read personal vows
- Photos with your witnesses
- Exchange gifts and read cards
- Get dressed and take Portraits in Location #2 at sunset
- Head into town for Dinner
- Enjoy Dinner and eat cake
Sample Timeline (3 hours)
- Meet with photographer and head to Ceremony site together
- Ceremony; read personal vows
- Photos at the Ceremony site
08 / Make dinner reservations
If you’re eloping in Vancouver, I have heaps of recommendations. Alternatively, order take out and have some of your favourite eats in the comfort of your home, or hotel.
Common Questions about Eloping
What is an elopement?
Elopements are a unique opportunity to celebrate your commitment to each other in marriage while also crafting an unforgettable experience. They tend not to follow a formula about how a wedding should look and feel like, and are the perfect option for those wanting something that feels like “you.” Whether it’s a simple commitment made in a secret venue in the city, an outdoor adventure, or something else entirely. Ultimately, it’s about just the two of you and where your hearts will take you.
What are your elopement packages?
I currently offer 3 and 5 hours collections with options for customized multi day adventure elopements and analogue film. Please inquire for my latest rates.
Will you travel for my elopement?
100%. I’ve traveled as far as Japan and Marfa, Texas to capture the beautiful connection of brilliant humans who wanted their love captured in a unique and unforgettable way.
In New York, I spent the day with Sarah & Brandon in the city where they first met. We visited their favourite restaurant, enjoyed the NYC vibes, celebrated their love during a ceremony on a Manhattan rooftop, sipped champagne, and enjoyed dinner with their very nearest and dearest.
In Texas, I met up with Lauren & Carra who wanted all of it captured: them getting ready, enjoying the venue they specifically picked out together, their thoughtful ceremony, and gallivanting around the sites of magnificent Marfa.
How much coverage do I need?
It depends on your priorities. I believe that great stories come from great memories and experiences. I find that 5 to 7 hours hits the mark quite nicely. I’m normally with my couples from when they get ready up until (and sometimes including) dinner because they want the full story of their elopement captured—not just the cut and dry photos of them at their ceremony with a handful of photos afterwards.
Because my couples have made a conscious decision not to involve family and friends in their elopement, capturing the larger scope of what happened and how it felt is especially important to allowing everyone back home to feel like they were transported into the moment.
How should I share the news?
I always respect the privacy of my couples and will not post any photos from their elopement until they’ve shared the news with their family and friends first. It could be as simple as calling up your parents first and posting a photo or five on your social media for everyone else. You could also plan a small dinner party at your favourite local restaurant or your family’s backyard and break the news to them then.
