Looking to plan a last-minute elopement? You’re absolutely in the right place! Whether you’re a serial procrastinator like me, you’re on a 90 day fiancé visa, or other circumstances have invited spontaneity, the first thing you need to know is that it is possible to plan a beautiful, meaningful elopement in however much time you have to plan. I’ll focus mainly on planning a last-minute elopement in Washington state, but this advice can apply to anyone, anywhere!
What is considered “last minute” in elopement planning?
This is obviously pretty subjective, but for the purposes of this blog, we’ll call planning an elopement in 3 months or less last minute! Don’t worry, if you’re here because you have a month (or a week) to plan, then this advice applies to you, too! In Washington, you can technically plan an elopement in just a few days, since you’re bound by the 3-day waiting period that comes with a marriage license application, but that’s the only true limitation you have. Remember, all you need to get married is the paperwork! Everything else is just the cherry on top 🙂
So, knowing that you don’t really need much to get married, let’s talk about how to put together some of the things you might want to include for your wedding day!
Step by step list; how to plan an elopement in 10 quick steps
1. Start researching local photographers (or reach out to me😉) ASAP!
Hiring a photographer experienced in elopement planning is going to be a pivotal first step! I help my couples with location and vendor recommendations, navigating permit requirements, marriage license application questions, accommodation suggestions, and whatever else I can do to make your life easier.
Hiring a local photographer is also important; I’m an expert in Washington & Oregon and will always have up-to-date information. Whether we may encounter road closures, park maintenance, washed-out trails, or new permitting requirements, I’ll be ready! Hiring local also means that your photographer is familiar with the weather, light, and landscape year-round.
Last-minute availability comes down to luck and flexibility. It’s very rare for me to pack my schedule so tightly that I’m truly swamped and couldn’t fit in another job without sacrificing quality, so it’s definitely always worth reaching out no matter how soon your elopement is.
2. Choose your dream location– if you’re less than 4-6 weeks out, you’ll need to select National Forest Land or private property that doesn’t require a permit
There are exceptions, of course, but most State and National Parks require at least 4 weeks of notice to process any permits that are required for your ceremony! If a Special Use Permit is required, which varies depending on the park and your guest count, you may or may not have the option to rush the processing. But to be safe, you can always opt for National Forest Land– there are no permits needed for elopement ceremonies there!
3. Decide which vendors you should prioritize
Like pretty much anything else with your elopement, vendors are all optional! You’ll need someone to officiate your ceremony to make it legal, but many photographers (including me!) are ordained and can sign off on your paperwork.
Most elopements will have a hair and makeup artist, a florist, and an officiant. The next most common vendors that my couples hire are private chefs, bakers, rental companies, and planners! Those hires are most typical when there are guests involved and the couple would like some sort of formal meal to help the day feel wedding-y and special.
I always recommend hiring professionals that are well-versed in elopements, but depending on how much time you have to plan, you may need to do some extra outreach to find vendors you love with availability. Consider asking beauty stylists if there’s any option for you to come into the studio, seek florists with ‘a la carte’ options for easy ordering of personal items like bouquets or boutonnières, and look for local restaurants that could accommodate large takeout orders if your time crunch doesn’t allow you to schedule a private chef.
Click here to check out my recommendations for the best elopement vendors in Washington state!
4. Secure your attire– especially if you plan on wearing a wedding gown, you’ll want to do this ASAP!
Last-minute wedding dress shopping
In the wedding world, many designers recommend shopping for your dress 9-12 months in advance of your date since the traditional wedding dress shopping experience typically involves made-to-order gowns that take 6-9 months to arrive to you.
If your wedding is more than 3 months away
Some boutiques with made-to-order gowns will still be able to accommodate you with rush options. Call around before driving all over town to see what options are available to you!
If your wedding is 2-3 months away
You may be able to find a boutique near you that has gowns that are sort of ‘semi-custom’– they won’t have been made specifically with your measurements in mind, but the shop will have alteration options for you!
If your wedding is less than 1 month away
You’re going to want something that’s nearly ready-to-wear! Many cities have off-the-rack wedding dress shops where you can purchase your dress & leave with it the same day. You can also order a dress from an online store that offers ready-to-wear options like Grace Loves Lace or Reformation.
- Alternatively…
- Wear something you already own (dress, suit, jumpsuit, bathing suit, whatever)
- Go to your local suit supply store (like Indochino) and pick out your favorite set
- Rent femme attire from Rent the Runway, Nuuly, or another rental service
- Rent suits from the company of your choice– refer to https://www.reddit.com/r/weddingplanning/comments/fah485/online_tux_rental_comparison/!
Last-minute suit, jumpsuit, and other gender-neutral or masc-leaning shopping
5. Apply for your marriage license
The laws are different in most every state; in Washington, your marriage license is valid for 60 days after a 3 day waiting period!
So if your last-minute wedding is in less than a week or two, you’ll want to start the application process today! On the other hand, if you’re more than two months out, you’ve got nothing to do until you’re in that window. So go set a reminder on your calendar! Then you can relax 🙂
Click here to learn everything you need to know about marriage laws in Washington state!
6. Head to your local jeweler to find rings in your size, or look for ready-to-ship options on Etsy
Custom rings can, depending on your jeweler’s availability and the complexity of your design, be completed in as little as a few weeks. While there are exceptions to every rule, I wouldn’t recommend pursuing a fully custom design unless you have at least 6 weeks until your elopement. Local jewelers should have multiple options of wedding rings ready-made in your size or ready to be resized.
Alternatively, consider opting for whatever rings are easy to find and plan on upgrading your bling later! There’s no rule that says you’re bound to the rings you use on the day of your ceremony. We exchange rings for weddings because of what they represent– a circle without end– not for vanity or status symbols or simply to be glamorous. You don’t need anything fancy.
7. Book travel and accommodations if needed
Unless your elopement is taking place within a 2 hour drive of your home, I’d definitely recommend booking a place to stay! It takes away so much stress to be close to wherever it is that you’ll need to be in the morning or where you’ll be ending your night. And it feels fun and special to wake up in a cute cabin or fancy hotel knowing that it’s your wedding day, that it’s real!!
I’ve compiled a list of some of the best elopement-friendly airbnbs here!
8. Work with your photographer to finalize a timeline
This part’s easy if you’re working with me– I do it for you! Whether we’re starting before dawn or working our way backwards from sunset, I’ll help put together a timeline that fits in everything you want to see while making sure that nothing feels rushed. Some quick timeline tips:
- Always reserve the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset (AKA Golden Hour) for couples photos– this is when the best lighting of the day is, and you’ll want to use it for your portraits!
- Round everything up– travel times, how much time you need to get into your outfits, how long any guests might take to walk to the ceremony spot… add cushions throughout the day and it’ll help prevent things from running behind!
- Read this blog for the lowdown on elopement timelines– it has everything you need to know 🙂
9. Pack what you need
Absolute must-haves for your elopement:
- Marriage license (+pen!)
- Rings
- Attire for each of you (dress, suit, jumpsuit, etc.)
- Water bottles
- Extra layers, sunscreen, bug spray, umbrellas, or whatever else the weather may demand of you
Nice-to-haves for your elopement packing list:
- Any necessary accessories for each of you (jewelry, tie, cufflinks, etc.)
- Plenty of snacks
- Picnic blanket
- Bluetooth speaker
- Ring box
- Cute backpack or tote bag
- Flowers (bouquets and/or boutonnières, pocket squares, etc.)
10. Be present and enjoy your big day!!!
You did it! You successfully planned a last-minute elopement and no matter what it looks like, I know it is beautiful. Because you’re here to marry the love of your life, and there’s nothing better than that.
Take a deep breath. Remember why you’re here. Remember what this means to the two of you!
FAQs for planning a last-minute elopement
Yes, absolutely! The only limitation you technically have regarding how soon you can get married is whatever your local marriage license waiting period is. In Washington State, there’s a 3 day waiting period before you’re able to use your marriage license. But if you have your documents and someone to sign off on them, then you technically have everything you need to legally elope in less than a week!
In order to elope on public lands like State and National Parks, you’ll need at least between 3-6 weeks to apply for your necessary permits. Permit requirements and turnaround times vary from park to park, so check out the guidelines for whatever parks you’re specifically considering!
The only vendor you technically need is someone who is ordained to sign off on your marriage license. But I also think a photographer should be mandatory! Those are the two most important considerations, after which you may consider a hair and makeup artist, florist, or private chef.
As soon as you can! The best time to book an elopement photographer is 6-12 months out, but if you’re less than 6 months out, the best time is right now.
Timeline planning chart – what’s possible in your timeframe?
Planning A Last-Minute Elopement
What’s possible within your timeline
| 3+ Months | 6–8 Weeks | 3–4 Weeks | 1–2 Weeks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal | ||||
| Marriage licenseWA state: no waiting period, valid 60 days | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vendorsweekdays only–weekends often book out much further in advance! | ||||
| Elopement photographerAvailability varies–reach out ASAP | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ~ |
| OfficiantAvailability varies greatly | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ~ |
| Hair & makeup artistBooks fast–prioritize this early | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| Florist / bouquetFind someone who offers à la carte options | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Location Permits | ||||
| National park permitMost parks require at least 4 weeks for processing | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✗ |
| Attire | ||||
| Attire purchased or rented onlineTry stillwhite.com, suitshop.com, or graceloveslace.com | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Bought off the rackLocal bridal & formalwear shops, department stores, thrift | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| In-store suit rentalsMany formalwear shops need 2–4 weeks notice | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ~ |
| Custom suite.g. Indochino–made-to-measure, 4–6 weeks | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✗ |
| Custom wedding gownCustom gowns typically need 4–6+ months | ~ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Rings | ||||
| Custom design ringsRush orders possible–plan for extra cost | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ✗ |
| Rings ready in your sizeCheck Etsy and local jewelers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel & Accommodations | ||||
| Travel & accommodationsCabins near parks book up fast in summer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
Last-minute elopement photographer
Still feeling overwhelmed? That’s okay, that’s what I’m here for!! The photos you see on my website are from elopements that may have been in the works for a year or as little as a few weeks. I remember my very first adventure elopement client reached out exactly 4 weeks before the big day, and we put together a gorgeous day with 14 hours of coverage in a state that neither of us lived in. Anything is possible!
Whether your elopement is 6 months away or 6 weeks away, I’d absolutely love to help you pull it all together. Reach out here and let’s talk about what we can do!
