Remember when you decided to get married, and suddenly your Pinterest feed became a full-time job? Finding the perfect shade of ‘dusty rose,’ figuring out where to seat your dad’s weird cousin (looking at you Bob), and trying to decide between a macrame backdrop and a floral arch the size of a small car. It’s enough to make you want rage quit the internet and throw your phone off a building (ok maybe an overreaction…)

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve already figured out that life ain’t for you. You’ve bravely chosen the path less traveled, and are planning a laid-back elopement to avoid all of that noise. But even a simple elopement can come with its own set of confusing questions.

This guide isn’t here to scare you with a list of things you might mess up. Think of it less as a rulebook and more as a field guide from someone who’s been there, helping you skip the pitfalls and focus on creating a truly unhurried elopement experience. Because your story deserves to be told with intention and joy, not with a checklist and a whole lot of stress.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start with the first mistake couples often make when planning their elopement.

Mistake 1: Treating Your Elopement as a “Lesser” Wedding

Remember that moment when you first decided to elope? The sigh of relief, the shared look that said, “Oh, thank goodness, we can just do this for us“? You probably felt like you’d dodged a bullet, right? The mistake so many couples make is that, somewhere along the way, that feeling gets replaced by the tiny, nagging voice of comparison. You start to ask, “Is our day going to be as special?” “Is it really a ‘real’ wedding?”

Spoiler alert: This isn’t a lesser wedding. It’s an intentional experience.

You’re not throwing a party with fewer people; you’re creating an intimate, profound ceremony that cuts out all the noise. The big-wedding-planning-industrial-complex loves to tell you that more is better, but your decision to elope is proof that you know better. The core of your day isn’t about a reception hall or a hundred-person guest list. It’s about you two, connecting with each other and the world around you.

Your love is big enough to fill a national park, a mountain valley, or a quiet beach. Don’t let anyone tell you it needs a ballroom to be “official.” You’re not having a mini-wedding; you’re having an epic, custom-made adventure that’s a hundred percent you.

Mistake 2: Not Having a Personalized Timeline

This one’s a classic, even for elopements. You think, “We’re eloping, so we can just wing it!” While spontaneity is great, trying to wing it completely is a recipe for stress. You might end up feeling rushed, missing that perfect sunrise light, or not having time to simply sit and soak in the moment. The goal is to avoid the frantic pace of a traditional wedding timeline, not to eliminate a plan altogether.

My couples are always a bit surprised to hear that a good elopement timeline checklist is actually about adding in moments, not taking them away. To be honest, I’m not a natural planner myself. But after having seen over 100 weddings and elopements play out, I can confidently say that a little organization goes a long way. It’s not about forcing things to happen at a certain time; it’s about building in space for the things that matter. Think about it: a timeline can be a guide that gives you permission to linger over a quiet cup of coffee or to just stand on a cliffside and watch the world go by.

When you’re figuring out how to plan an elopement, remember that the perfect timeline is one that feels entirely laid-back. It’s a structure that supports your day, leaving plenty of room for those unplanned, unposed moments that you’ll look back on for years.

Mistake 3: Not Vetting Your Photographer for the Right Vibe

This is a big one. You’ve bravely decided on an elopement instead of a traditional wedding, but then you find yourself stuck with a photographer who keeps saying, “Okay, now look at each other and laugh!” or “Can you just hold this pose for a sec?” If you’re a couple who values authenticity and unscripted moments, this can feel incredibly forced and, well, awkward.

The mistake here is hiring a traditional wedding photographer who sees your elopement as a smaller-scale wedding, not the unique, intimate experience it is. They’re likely used to a set list of posed shots. But what you really need is a documentary approach.

A natural elopement photography pro knows that the real magic happens in the in-between moments. They’re not there to direct you; they’re there to capture your story as it unfolds. It’s the quiet glance you share, the wind catching your hair, and the nervous squeeze of a hand. That’s what makes a photo feel real—and a good photographer will know exactly how to give you that without ever making you feel like you’re on a stage.

Mistake 4: Focusing on a “Perfect” Location Instead of an Authentic One

If you’re anything like my clients, you’ve probably seen some stunning photos of elopements in Iceland or Patagonia and thought, “That’s it, that’s what I need!” The pressure to find an epic, Instagram-worthy backdrop is real. But here’s the truth: the perfect location isn’t about being the most famous or jaw-dropping spot on the map. It’s about finding a place that feels true to you.

I’ve had the incredible privilege of capturing stories everywhere from the rugged mountains of Montana to the stunning coasts of California to the sun-soaked beaches of Florida to the historic charm of Europe. And while a Caribbean island might look incredible, it’s not the right fit for every couple. The biggest mistake is choosing a spot you feel you should go to, instead of a place you genuinely want to be.

Whether you’re in Texas or Italy or the Caribbean, the best location will be the one you feel most connected to.

Mistake 5: Neglecting the Small Details That Tell Your Story

It’s easy to get so caught up in the big-ticket items—the perfect dress, the dream location—that you forget about the little things. But those small, intentional details are the gold. They’re not distractions; they are the things that make your day uniquely yours.

Think about it: the vintage family ring passed down through generations. A favorite coffee thermos you take on every hike. A small, simple bouquet made of flowers that grow in your own backyard. These aren’t just props; they are anchors to your personal story, a way to weave your values and history into your day. These are the things that feel truly authentic.

I know my clients care about where they spend their money and love supporting local, ethical businesses. Your elopement is the perfect opportunity to do that. Instead of a generic store-bought item, think about getting a custom piece from a small local artist or a bouquet from a flower farmer down the road. These small choices add a layer of meaning that you can’t get anywhere else.

Mistake 6: Forgetting Your Environmental & Ethical Footprint

This one is a non-negotiable for my adventurous, conscious couples. When you choose to get married out in a national park or on a secluded beach, you become a steward of that place. The mistake is thinking that since you’re just two people, your impact doesn’t matter. It absolutely does!

Being an adventure elopement photographer means not just finding a cool spot, but also ensuring we leave it better than we found it. My job is to help you navigate how to have an epic day without leaving a trace. This means sticking to the trails, respecting wildlife, and leaving no garbage behind (not even a stray ribbon!).

Part of an ethical elopement photography approach is helping you make choices that align with your values. It’s about more than just the photos; it’s about a shared respect for the planet and the communities you’re visiting. You can feel good knowing that your day was not only an incredible experience for you but also a responsible one for the world around you.

Conclusion: Trust Your Instincts, Trust Your Story

So, what’s the biggest elopement mistake you can make? Ultimately, it’s getting so caught up in the details that you forget what really matters: each other.

Eloping is a bold choice, a brave step away from tradition, and a beautiful way to start your lives together. Don’t let these potential roadblocks get in the way. By choosing to prioritize your experience, to be intentional with your time, and to partner with vendors who truly get your vision, you’re not just avoiding mistakes—you’re building a day that is a true reflection of your unique and beautiful story.

It’s all about creating an unhurried, authentic adventure that you’ll look back on for the rest of your lives. And trust me, those are the stories I absolutely live to tell.

Ready to start planning your adventure? Let’s connect and chat about your vision.