memphis-courthouse-elopement-thewarmtharoundyou-amanda-michael (4 of 15).jpg

memphis-courthouse-elopement-thewarmtharoundyou-amanda-michael (6 of 15).jpg

There’s something so romantic about intimate weddings and elopements. Whether you are eloping at the courthouse, on a mountain top, or in your backyard, there’s something about stripping away all the extra fluff of a big wedding and boiling it down to it’s simplest form, you and your partner making a promise to each other. But when it comes to planning even a small elopement it’s hard to know quite where to start, which is why we’ve written a Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Elopement.

envision your elopement

Will it just be you, your partner, officiant, and photographer? Or are you planning on inviting a few close guests? Do you imagine the two of you eloping somewhere scenic, or simple?
Once you decide how many people total will be attending, and what your overall vibe is, it’s much easier to take the next steps in planning your elopement, and picking your elopement spot!

pick a location

When deciding on a location, there are so many options! Some may require fees or permits, while others may be free.
Sometimes the location will be effected by how many guests you plan to have. If it’s just you and your partner, it opens you up to a lot of possibilities.
Here are a list of our favorite elopement spots in Memphis!

Choose a date

Do you have a sentimental date that you want to base your elopement around? If not, and you are flexible about your date, picking your location + photographer first may help you narrow down a date based on their availability.

BOOK AN OFFICIANT TO PERFORM THE CEREMONY

You can search for a wedding officiant on Wedding Wire!

But if you are planning your elopement in the Mid-South, we highly recommend The God Squad if you are looking for an officiant! They perform traditional as well as non-religious ceremonies. Marry Me Meg is another officiant we recommend.

hire your photographer

(wink, wink)
But seriously, now that you have your date set, location set, and a general idea of what your elopement will look like, you need to find the photographer that can capture it! Here are a few elopements we’ve gotten to be a part of:

Amanda and Michael’s Courthouse Wedding
Kelsey and Kenn’s Riverside Elopement
Madalyn and Drew’s Elopement at Annesdale Mansion

nail down details

Who’s driving? Who’s bringing the champagne? What time? Where are we going afterwards? Nailing down all the little details before the day-of ensures that you can have the relaxed, easy going elopement of your dreams! And don’t forget to get your marriage license within 30 days of your elopement.

Here’s a few other do’s and don’ts to consider while you’re planning your elopement or intimate wedding!

THINGS NOT TO DO:

DON’T stress!
Elopements are meant to be laid back, fun, and stress free! Don't let the little details overwhelm you. Keep reading for tips on keeping your event and the planning part as relaxed as possible.

DON’T feel pressured to make everyone happy.
The truth is, you’re never going to make everyone happy. Sometimes wedding planning can feel like you’re being pulled in a million different directions. Focus on the two of you and what and what will make you happiest on your wedding day!

DON’T feel obligated to invite everyone you know.
One of the biggest perks of having an intimate wedding is the smaller guest list. Having a smaller guest list gives you the opportunity to spend more intentional, one on one time together.

DON’T feel like you can’t throw a big party later!
We have LOTS of couples that have an intimate wedding and then throw a big celebrating later on down the line! There’s something about officially being married that takes the pressure and stress off of your celebration.

THINGS TO DO:

DO pick a location you love!
Whether you pick somewhere to travel to or somewhere local, picking a location is the first step in planning your elopement or intimate wedding! Wherever you decide to tie the knot, consider finding a couple of things in the area that you and your significant other would want to do or explore afterwards as a married couple!

DO make a list of what is most important.
Start by sitting down together and making a list of what is most important to you guys on your wedding day.
That way, when you are trying to make decisions down the line, you can refer back to your list. If it’s not on the list, don’t let it stress you!

DO consider hiring a planner.
Even for simple elopements and intimate weddings, hiring a planner can make sure those little details are attended to, and you can focus on being present and a stress free wedding day.

DO incorporate little things that feel like “you”
There are lots of ways to personalize your elopement and make sure it still feels very “you”. Whether it’s the location, writing your own vows, picking songs that are special to the two of you, wearing a piece of jewelry that is meaningful, or going to your fav taco truck afterward, finding little ways to personalize your intimate wedding will make it that much more special when you look back on your day!

DO have a first dance together.
Even if you aren’t having a full-blown reception, you can still have a first dance together! Pick a special song and make a dance floor out of wherever you are.

DO celebrate with a toast!
A simple yet exciting way to celebrate the day is to pop a bottle of champagne together after your ceremony!

DO document it!
Having a good photographer there to document your day is so important. Not only for sharing your photos with the people that weren’t there in attendance, but also for your own memories. If you are traveling for your wedding, find a photographer you really connect with and believe can document your elopement the way you want it to be told, and take us with you!