Flowers by Humble Bouquet
Looking for the best of the best elopement vendors? Planning on tying the knot in Washington? Congrats, you’re exactly where you want to be!
As a local Washington state elopement photographer that’s been doing this for a while now, you can bet I’ve worked with a wide range of vendors over the years and compiled insider knowledge on the most talented professionals with the best client experience around. I even eloped myself two years ago and hired a number of vendors from this list!
How many elopement vendors do you need, anyway?
Great question! The only thing you really, truly need in order to elope is someone that’s ordained. But of course, you need a photographer there to capture the memories! And if you want to make the most out of your experience, you’ll want to hire a few other folks, as well. The two vendors I most commonly see couples hire are hair and makeup artists and florists– you want to look your best, of course, and flowers help make your wedding day feel like a wedding day! If you’re incorporating any guests into your day, then I also recommend hiring a planner and maybe a private chef, as well. And if you’re going to have food, you might as well make it look good and add some rentals on there, too. I’ll dive into the benefits of each vendor category below so you can understand how exactly hiring them might add to your elopement experience!
Note: Vendors with ❀ flowers ❀ next to their name are members of my sustainability organization for wedding professionals called Emerald Hour! They are all dedicated to sustainable practices and inspiring greener events. Not only are they wonderful and talented, but they are also values-led businesses!
Planning
You might think that you don’t need any help if you’re just planning something small, but having a planner is invaluable both throughout the planning process and on your elopement day. I don’t often recommend planners for two person elopements unless you’re planning something like a special meal with decor that requires setup, but they’re there as masters of logistics! And if you’re having guests, I highly recommend bringing someone on board to help you if it’s within your means.
Planners take so much off your plate since their job is to handle details– they’ll guide you through everything and provide day-of support! You shouldn’t have to worry about a thing on your big day, give that job to someone else!
Hair & Makeup Artists
This is big for two reasons: one, they help you look like the very best version of yourself for the camera, and two, it takes a weight off of your shoulders. Some people opt to skip out on a HMUA because they’re not a big makeup person, but even if you never wear makeup on a day-to-day basis I think you should still invest in one for your elopement! The big fear is that you won’t look like yourself, and you want to feel like the real you on your wedding day, right? Trust me, I feel you! But if you hire a pro, then they’ll actually listen to what you’re looking for and execute a gorgeous, natural look!
Professionals are also used to prepping their clients to be in front of a camera, which you likely don’t have as much experience with. And they have access to the very best brands and tools that you probably don’t have as a consumer– how often do you airbrush yourself?
But most importantly, they’re also experts at creating gorgeous looks that can last all day. Your adventure elopement might have you sweating on a hike, crying during your vows, or trekking through rain, and a professional makeup artist has the tools and skillset to create a look that will last.
Florists
Elevate your elopement with bouquets, boutonnières, hair pieces, or even some decorative flowers to make everything look and feel beautiful and joyful! This is one of the easiest ways to help your day feel special– oh, flowers? how wedding-y!
You might opt for the classic bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s), but feel free to think outside the box, too! Flowers in your hair, on your body, next to a picnic basket.. there are so many lovely possibilities!
- ❀ Moonflower Design Co. ❀
- ❀ Twisted Bramble ❀
- ❀ Humble Bouquet ❀
Officiants
Professional ceremonies are so beautiful and meaningful, and act as the heart of your elopement day. A great officiant can make you laugh, make you cry, and help you feel grounded in the moment so that you’re really able to soak it all in. Exchanging vows is a fine alternative if you really want to keep things as intimate as possible, but having another person there to guide you through the moment and highlight the meaning of it all adds so much to your elopement. Having a professional-led ceremony makes everything feel real. Plus, they’ll take care of all the paperwork for you so that you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your marriage license on your adventure!
Wondering what happens during a ceremony? I have a post full of ideas for you! Check it out here: What To Do At Your Elopement Ceremony
Private Chefs
Does this need an explanation? This is the best. Eat your favorite meals in the world!
Private chefs are happy to create a spread for just you and your love or for your whole guest list. I’ve seen fancy brunches, elaborate dinners, private dessert spreads, family-style brunches, and plated meals. The possibilities are endless! And I specifically recommend private chefs over caterers since they’re able to personalize your entire experience and menu, and are used to traveling to more remote locations for elopements and events.
Looking for more food options? Check out my blog post all about What To Eat On Your Elopement Day!
Dessert
Add something fun to your day! This is also a super easy wedding-y tradition to include that doesn’t feel obligatory– because who doesn’t love dessert? So many wedding traditions are outdated or rooted in misogyny (🙃🙃🙃), but enjoying a sweet with your sweetheart is just joyful. And doesn’t limit yourself to cake– maybe you’re more into pie, or sugar cookies, or cupcakes, and that’s just fine!
Charcuterie
A perfect, low commitment meal to keep hanger at bay. Pick at it all you want throughout your time getting ready, or grab a platter for a picnic on the go! This was what I did for lunch on my elopement day, and it was perfect for us and our guests.
Rentals
Make your meals beautiful and special! Don’t spend money on great food and your gorgeous outfits and then eat with plastic forks and plates. Besides, it’s far more sustainable to rent flatware & decor that can be reused a thousand times over rather than trying to buy and sell your own stuff or worse, using disposables.
And again, let someone else handle the hard work! Don’t worry (or make your guests worry) about taking things in, setting it all up, packing it up, taking it away… let a pro deal with it.
Videographers
Not quite as popular for elopements, but a classic all the same! Elopement videos are often highlight reels or otherwise styled in a more vintage way– at least, those are my favorite! But you can also find those who offer more traditional wedding-style videos or options for your full ceremony.
Wedding Dresses
Where you shop makes a difference! Not only can you put your money where your values lie (by supporting shops with charities or those that sell secondhand gowns), but how much you enjoy your experience can depend on who helps you in the shop. You want an attendant that can make you feel great, listen to what you want, and not pressure you into a sale. If the staff doesn’t make you feel good, then don’t waste your time!
These shops in the PNW are all sustainably minded, offering consigned gowns that keep your money within the local community! Their gowns may come from private sales, donations, or sample sales, featuring items for all price ranges and in all styles.
Suits
Obviously, as your wedding outfit, you want your suit to feel great! A well-tailored suit in a good color makes all the difference between “oh, you’re here too” and “wow, you’re looking sharp!” Take the opportunity to get an amazing suit that will last you for years. And don’t be afraid of a little color 😉
Check out this guide for more tips on What To Wear When You Elope!
Tailors
Love your outfit, but not the fit? Enter: tailors! Finding a good tailor is super important– here are a few that come highly recommended in the Seattle area! I’ve personally used Europeo and loved the experience.
- Europeo Tailors
- Jenny Manes (No relation!)
- Eltsa Custom Sewing
And those are my top recommendations for the best elopement vendors in Washington state!
This is a great place to start– you could build your whole team from this list!– but remember that I give custom vendor recommendations for each of my clients based on what you’re looking for and where you’re eloping! I’ll take into account skillset and potential travel fees when curating my recommendations for you.
For more info on my packages and what’s included, head to my pricing page! If you have any questions (or additional recommendations), drop them in the comments below! And follow along on Pinterest for more inspiration in each vendor category 🙂
