Our Ultimate Guide to Hiring an Elopement Planner in 2025

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but if you’re considering an elopement, things get much simpler—yet no less meaningful. Eloping allows you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you, sometimes in unique places. However, even elopements come with their own set of logistical challenges, and that’s where an elopement planner steps in to save the day.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hiring an elopement planner, why it’s essential for a seamless experience, and how to choose the right planner to make your dream day come true.

5 Reasons to Hire an Elopement Planner

Photo by Julia Mina Photography

1) Location Guidance & Planning

One of the biggest perks of hiring an elopement planner is their insider knowledge of beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations. Whether you envision saying your vows on top of a mountain, beside a waterfall, or on a secluded beach, an elopement planner will help you find the perfect spot tailored to your desires. They know the ins and outs of these locations, including the best times of the year, hidden gems, and even which areas are more private for an intimate ceremony.

2) Stress-Free Logistics

Planning an elopement can involve more coordination than many couples realize. From acquiring permits to coordinating travel, lodging, and any necessary vendors, an elopement planner will handle the details, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They’ll manage elopement timelines, confirm bookings, and troubleshoot any last-minute issues, allowing you to simply enjoy your day without any stress. Fun fact: Did you know a lot of our elopement photographers also wear the hat of elopement planners?! 

3) Legal Requirements and Permits

Many popular elopement destinations, such as national parks or remote natural sites, require permits or have specific regulations. An experienced elopement planner will be familiar with these requirements and handle the paperwork for you. They’ll also make sure that any local legalities, such as marriage licenses, are taken care of in advance so that your elopement is not only beautiful but also legally binding (unless you both are deciding on rocking a commitment ceremony).

4) Tailored Vendor Recommendations

Elopement planners typically have an established network of trusted vendors, from photographers and florists to officiants and caterers. This means you’ll have access to professionals who specialize in elopements! Your planner can put together a vendor team that aligns with your vision and style, making your elopement not only stress-free but one that truly represents who you are.

5) Creating a Personalized Experience

Elopements are all about personalization. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist ceremony or an adventure-packed weekend, a skilled planner will make sure your elopement reflects your relationship and personal style. They’ll help with everything from crafting a unique ceremony to organizing activities for the days surrounding your elopement, ensuring your celebration is filled with meaningful moments.

What Does an Elopement Planner Do?

Photo by Sav Brown Photography

When couples decide to plan an elopement, they tend to think there isn’t any planning involved. While the number of things you need to prepare for can be significantly less, it all really depends on your elopement vision. If you want to backpack in your elopement dress in the mountains together and have a commitment ceremony, then there isn’t much preparation you need. If, however, you want to include an arch, stationery set up, rentals, or even a post-elopement ceremony, then a little more planning goes into it.

Since a lot of elopements are usually just the couple and a small number of guests, these planners often wear many hats since no elopement is ever the same. It’s important to ask the elopement planner you’re talking to what their experience is in the type of elopement you’re envisioning.

Here are some of the things an elopement wedding planner does:

• Connecting couples with experienced vendors from their referral network.
• Planning a day that encompasses the couple, and their interests, fully.
• Incorporating design elements that are authentic to the couple.
• Scouting remote locations for couples to say “I Do.”
• Sourcing accommodations near the elopement spot.
• Creating a timeline to keep the day moving and on track.
• Creating an elopement budget and offering guidance on where to splurge and where to save.
• Communicating often throughout the planning process to check in and offer support when needed.
• Design, style, and coordinate the elopement day, making sure everything is as seamless as possible.

How to Choose the Right Elopement Planner

Photo by Through The Glass Paris

Now that you know why hiring an elopement planner is a smart move, here’s how to find the perfect one:

Look for Specialized Experience

Elopements are different from traditional weddings, so you’ll want a planner who specializes in them. Look for planners with a portfolio of past elopements in a variety of locations. This shows they understand the ins and outs of coordinating events in remote or non-traditional settings.

Review Their Location Knowledge

If you already have a destination in mind, make sure the planner is familiar with the area. Many elopement planners focus on specific regions. A planner with local expertise will offer invaluable insights into the best spots and the practicalities of each location. This is why we have separated our vendor directory into locations where couples like you elope!

Check Out Reviews and Testimonials

As with any vendor, reviews, and testimonials can give you a good sense of what it’s like to work with a particular elopement planner. Look for comments about how well they communicated, their problem-solving skills, and how they handled unexpected challenges. Positive feedback from past couples is a strong indicator that the planner will provide a great experience. Check out the reviews on our vendors’ profiles!

Assess Their Planning Style

Every planner has their own approach. Some may be more hands-on, guiding you through every decision, while others may take a more laid-back approach, stepping in only when needed. During your consultation, discuss how involved you’d like them to be and ensure their style aligns with your expectations.

Understand Their Pricing

Elopement packages can vary greatly depending on the level of service and the destination. Some planners offer all-inclusive packages that cover everything from location scouting to photography and flowers, while others may charge à la carte. Be clear on what’s included in the cost, and make sure it fits your budget.

Questions to Ask Your Elopement Planner

• What elopement destinations do you specialize in?
• What services are included in your elopement planning packages?
• Do you handle all necessary permits and paperwork?
• Can you recommend vendors or do you have preferred vendor partnerships?
• How do you handle unexpected changes, like weather or logistical challenges?
• What is your pricing structure, and are there any additional fees we should be aware of?

Eloping is an intimate, personal way to start your life together, and hiring the right elopement planner can transform your dream into reality. With their expertise, you’ll be free to focus on your adventure while they handle the details, creating a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

If you’re ready to start planning your elopement, reach out to an experienced elopement planner today and take the first step toward your perfect day!

Advice From Elopement Planners

Are you still not sure if you should hire an elopement planner? Check out what these planners have to say below.

Styled Elopement at Silent Lake Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada

Photography by Brittany G Photography

Florist and Planner: Joni Van Wyk at The Wandering Ivy

About This Session: This is a styled session. The design of warm greys, earthy details, and vibrant ombre florals was created to complement the ethereal dress exclusive to a designer based in Ontario. We also wanted to showcase the stunning rocky and forested landscape of northern Ontario. Silent Lake Provincial Park was the perfect overall look for a luxury elopement inspiration.

What tips do you have for couples who are planning their elopement?

1. Set a budget that you feel you can work with as a couple to include all your most important elements or things you don’t want to do without. This helps you as a couple decide what locations work within it and what vendors you can work with.
2. In whatever location you choose and whatever vendor is most important to you, hire the best and the one whose work matches your ideal day. They will be able to give you amazing recommendations for other parts of your elopement such as locations, venues, and other vendors.
3. Pick a florist whose work you love already and trust them. They are going to help you plan what you can do within your budget, and what flowers will do well in your elopement location or time of year. All I recommend bringing to your consultation is a budget and a few photos that capture your floral ideas.
4. If you haven’t considered an Airbnb yet for a venue, definitely do. They are a very cost-effective way to be in an amazing location and they come in so many epic styles. Whether you want a cabin in the woods or a modern industrial house, it’s such an incredible option to pull together your style.

Check out some of our favorite Airbnb wedding venues perfect for elopements. 

Videography by Aaron Daniel Films

Vendors

• Planning, Design, and Flowers | The Wandering Ivy
• Photographer | Brittany G Photography
• Hair + Makeup | Robyn’s Nest Makeup & Hair
• Dress Designer & Shop | Jolicoeur Designs from Sinder’s Bridal House
• Menswear | Harris Tweed
• Stationery | Beetle and Quill 
• Jewelry | On Trend
• Videographer | Aaron Daniel Films
• Rentals | Wild Ivy Events 

Loch Lomond and Glencoe Elopement

Photography by Artisan X Photography

Elopement Planner: Nadia Wood, from Amulet Events 

About this elopement: On a gloriously sunny day in September in the Scottish highlands, the beautiful Vanessa & her Scotsman Nathan explored the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is Britain’s largest inland stretch of water at 24 miles and is a well-known starting point to the Scottish Highlands. Here we explored the infamous mountains, lochs, forests, and glens, totally enchanted by each view that greeted us. The couple made promises to one another via the old Scottish tradition of an Oathing stone, followed by the ancient ritual of a handfasting Ceremony.

What tips do you have for couples who are planning their elopement?

1. Pack Light – Consider your luggage and practicalities whilst traveling. Think of how easy it will be to transport your Wedding dress or suit and the weight of these along with your accessories in your luggage.
2. Capture your Day -We all know how important it is to find the right photographer and videographer for your wedding day, and this is definitely true if you’re marrying abroad or eloping. You want to treasure the memories of your trip for a lifetime and what better way to share the day and involve your loved ones than a private and exclusive screening upon your return?
3. Use Local Suppliers – Hiring a personable planner who knows local suppliers is more helpful now than ever, as there has been so much uncertainty and a lack of clarity in people’s lives recently. Find a planner working with suppliers who are reputable, trustworthy, and that you connect with as they can give informed advice and support to ensure everything comes together smoothly.
4. Plan your Activities – The great thing about eloping is that you and your partner can do exactly what you want when you want. Experience dog sledding, glacier hiking, or even snowmobiling under the northern lights! Do something memorable to commemorate your wedding day and make the most of your trip away.
5. Legalities – Symbolic, Religious, or Legal? Once you have decided on a country or have narrowed down your preferred countries to get married in, I suggest researching venues and properties to host your Wedding. You will need to check if it is possible for non-citizens to get married in your chosen location. This can be done via your Wedding Planner or the local council or town hall independently, depending on the Country.

Do you know where you’re eloping? Check out our best places to elope around the world!

Vendors

• Wedding Planner |Amulet Events
• Photography | Artisan X Photography
• Florist | Annie Campbell
• Celebrant | Gail Brack [email protected]
• Kilts | MacGregor and MacDuff – [email protected]
• Stylist | Hayley Thurston

Are you going to hire an elopement wedding planner for your adventure?

Photo by Brittany G Photography