How To Prepare For Your Elopement
So you’re eloping! First of all—hell yes. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your favorite people, an elopement is all about stripping away the fluff and focusing on what matters most: your connection, your vows, and a celebration that actually feels like you.
If I’m your photographer (hi, I’m Kate!), I’ll be by your side for at least 4 hours, which is the sweet spot for documenting the most meaningful parts of your day—from getting ready to your vows, portraits, and all the in-between moments that make it yours. Here's how to get the most out of our time together, and what you can do ahead of time to keep things stress-free and flowing.
4-Hour Elopement Timeline Overview
Here’s a sample breakdown to give you an idea of what we can cover:
Hour 1: Getting Ready Details + Final Touches
Hour 2: First Look + Travel to Ceremony Spot
Hour 3: Vows + Portraits
Hour 4: More Portraits + Champagne Toast, Picnic, maybe a little “First Dance” or cake cutting, or Sunset Adventure
What to Have Ready Before I Arrive
To help everything run smoothly and make the most of our time together, I recommend having the following items gathered and ready for me to photograph right when I arrive:
✨ Details to Set Aside
Rings (all of them!)
Vow books or letters
Florals – bouquet, boutonnière, flower crowns, etc.
Jewelry
Shoes
Any sentimental or personal items – heirlooms, a locket, a handwritten note, etc.
Invitation suite (if you have one!)
You don’t have to style these—I’ll take care of that part.
Hair & Makeup
Plan to have your hair and makeup 95% done when I arrive. We can capture a few of those last-minute touch-ups (lipstick, putting earrings on, lacing up boots), but having the bulk of it finished keeps us on schedule and ensures we get time for all the good stuff.
Vow Spot: Plan Ahead or Leave it to Me
One of the best parts about eloping? You get to choose your own adventure.
If there’s a specific location that feels special to you—maybe a hike you did on your first trip together or a secluded overlook you love—let’s plan ahead so we can build that into the timeline.
Not sure where to go? That’s totally fine. I’ve scouted plenty of dreamy spots and would be thrilled to choose one that fits your vibe (romantic, epic, woodsy, by a lake, a meadow, whatever). Just let me know how adventurous you want to get and how far you're open to traveling by foot or car.
Other Things To Consider
Dinner reservations after - a lot of the time, I like to schedule the 4 hours around the sunset (ending at sunset), and sometimes the sunset is at 8:30pm, so maybe consider bringing snacks or munching on a charcuterie board while you are getting ready! Or if there are going to be other people joining, think about where you want to go for dinner after or if you want to hire a private chef. Long story short - no one should be hungry at any point lol!
Other ways to make is special - just because you are eloping doesn’t mean you don’t have to include other people. I have had many of my couples do things like - have their friends and family write them notes that they can open up and read out loud to each other, or maybe some cute video messages from their loved ones. Or maybe having a special bottle of champagne or whisky that will be your wedding day whisky :)
Pro Tips to Keep It Easy
Pack a small bag with any extra shoes, touch-up makeup, snacks, water, and tissues.
Bring a Bluetooth speaker if you want music while you say your vows (we love a soundtrack moment) or if you want to do a first dance!
Consider a mini picnic or champagne toast to wrap up the session—these candid celebration moments make for some of my favorite photos.
The marriage license and a pen if you are planning on making it official that day, don’t forget these!
Relax. Things might not go 100% according to plan—and that’s okay. Elopements are beautifully unscripted.
TL;DR – Your Elopement Prep Checklist:
✅ Hair & makeup done
✅ Details laid out (rings, vows, florals, jewelry, etc.)
✅ Location picked (or leave it to me)
✅ Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking
✅ Mini celebration idea (picnic, toast, etc.)
✅ Ready to be wildly in love in front of the camera
If you're feeling overwhelmed—don’t be. I’ve got you. My job is to document this experience in a way that feels authentic, beautiful, and fun. You just show up, be yourselves, and I’ll take care of the rest.
PS – How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado
Getting legally married in Colorado is easy—perfect for elopements like yours:
Apply online or in any Colorado county clerk’s office. You can start an application online and then finish it in person at offices in Denver, Aurora, Boulder, or any county near you.
Bring valid ID and information. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or tribal/consular ID. You’ll also need to know your Social Security number and provide parents' names and birthplaces. If previously married, bring your divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate.
Pay the $30 fee. Most offices accept cash, check, or credit card—you’ll receive the license the same day it's issued and can use it immediately across the state. There's no waiting period, but the license must be used within 35 days of issue.
Solemnize your own marriage if you’d like. Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves—no officiant or witnesses required—by signing your own license after exchanging vows.
Return the completed license within 63 days. Mail it back or drop it off at the Clerk & Recorder. Late filings can incur a small fee—up to $50 depending on how late.
Order certified copies if needed. These are helpful for name changes, insurance, passports, and legal updates—about $1.25 each.
So to sum it up: grab your IDs, fill out the form, pay $30, say your private vows wherever you feel most inspired, sign the license, return it, and you're officially married!
Have questions or want to start planning? Let’s do it.
