Just Engaged? Here’s What You Should Do Next!

That magical moment just happened—the love of your life slipped a ring on your finger, and now you’re just engaged! The excitement is undeniable, but as Pinterest boards take over your feed and opinions start pouring in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s the thing—planning your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you opt for planning an elopement instead. If you’re looking to skip the big wedding and elope instead, you can create an intimate, meaningful day that’s all about the two of you.

At Wandering Weddings, we believe in making wedding planning an adventure, not a chore. If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable, stress-free wedding day that’s all about YOU. We even highlight ELOPE, the perfect book to walk you through the process!

1. Envision Your Perfect Day

Photo by Nick Plus Danee

Before diving into logistics, take a step back and dream. You’re just engaged and swooning, so think about what your ideal wedding day looks like.

• Saying your vows on a mountaintop at sunrise
• Running barefoot on a secluded beach
• Exploring a glacier hand-in-hand after an intimate ceremony
• Celebrating under the stars in a cozy Airbnb with your closest loved ones

No matter what you envision, your wedding should reflect your love story. Check out our guide to unique elopement ideas for inspiration!

2. Decide on the Best Type of Intimate Wedding

Not all small weddings are the same! Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Elopement – Just the two of you (and maybe a photographer and officiant). Adventure-driven, intimate, and all about your connection.
Destination Wedding – A small group of loved ones joins you in a stunning location, like the cliffs of Santorini or a cozy lodge in the Rockies.
Microwedding – A mini version of a traditional wedding with 10-40 guests—intimate, yet still full of meaningful details.

3. Choose the Perfect Location

Your wedding location sets the tone for your entire day. When picking a spot, consider:

• Scenery – Do you want mountains, forests, beaches, or cityscapes?
• Accessibility – Will it require a hike, or do you prefer a drive-up location?
• Weather & Season – Dreaming of a snowy winter elopement or a summer sunset ceremony?

Permits & Legalities: Many national parks and destinations require permits—we break it all down here.

Need inspiration? Check out some of the best places to elope to find your dream destination.

4. Book Your Vendors

At Wandering Weddings, we connect couples with handpicked vendors who specialize in elopements and intimate weddings, from photographers to officiants and planners. Browse some of the best elopement vendors to find the perfect fit.

Explore our elopement packages if you’re looking for more of a package deal! 

5. Plan the Experience, Not Just the Ceremony

One of the biggest perks of planning a smaller wedding? The entire day is about you. Unlike a traditional wedding, where the schedule is often dictated by a reception, your elopement can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want.

Some unique ideas to personalize your elopement:

• Start the day with a sunrise hike
• Have a private beach picnic after saying ‘I do’
• Explore a historic castle for epic wedding photos
• End the night with champagne under the stars

Want more inspiration? See how real couples have done it.

Ready to Start Planning? Get Expert Guidance from ELOPE, the Book

Photo courtesy of Sherry Martin Peters

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, stress-free wedding day but aren’t sure where to begin, Sherry Martin Peters has you covered. Her book, ELOPE: A Modern Elopement Guide for the Free-Spirited and Adventurous, is the ultimate resource for couples ready to ditch tradition and embrace adventure.

• How Sherry eloped before it became a trend—get an inside look at her itinerary, budget, and the process behind choosing a destination and ceremony site.
• Inspiring profiles of 11 other globe-trotting flight attendants who adventure eloped or unique planned destination weddings –  complete with insights into their planning, unique accommodation, stunning locations, chosen vendors, and breathtaking imagery. Copy their itinerary!
• A complete section of incredible travel destinations to consider, for their scenery and landscape, privacy and seclusion, travel logistics and accessibility, unique “stays,” adventure activities, and more…
• From budgeting to logistics, skipping traditions to eloping with your pet, how to buy a wedding dress online to wearing a colored dress, hiring photographers and vendors, or breaking the news to family and friends –  it’s all addressed at length in ELOPE.

Take it One Step Further With ELOPE Planner

Photo courtesy of Sherry Martin Peters

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, stress-free wedding day but aren’t sure where to begin, Sherry Peters has you covered. Her book, ELOPE: A Modern Elopement Guide for the Free-Spirited and Adventurous, is the ultimate resource for couples ready to ditch tradition and embrace adventure.

Your engagement should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Ready to trade stress for adventure? Start planning today!