Before the Elopement
Here is a general breakdown of what the next steps are and what to expect leading up to the day of the elopement.
Pick a Location
You most likely have a date and general location picked for your elopement, so that means it's time to figure out the exact location! I have two separate guides about this topic, because picking a location is really important! I'm happy to offer custom location recommendations too if we haven't decided on one already.
Complete the Elopement Day Questionnaire
About 3 months out from your elopement date, I will send you an elopement day questionnaire. This questionnaire is super in-depth and will include everything I need to know about your elopement day. This questionnaire also asks for a draft of your timeline. I will need this questionnaire completed by 30 days before the elopement date. Really take some time to think about and answer the questions and be as open and honest as you can. Your answers will help me to capture your relationship the best I can! Feel free to send me inspiration images if you'd like too!
Things to do Before the Elopement
Discuss Final Logistics
About 2-3 weeks out, we will set up a final call to talk through final logistics for the elopement day.
Tips for Picking a Location
Create a Timeline
Next, you'll want to create a timeline for your elopement day. When planning the timeline for your day, I encourage you to think about this question: What would the best day ever look like for you and your partner? You'll want to think about what activities you want to do together, whether you want to invite any guests, and how you want to spend the day. When you elope, you can have a bit more flexibility in your timeline, but I do recommend creating at least a general timeline for your day. I can help as much or as little as you'd like with creating a timeline.
Activity/Adventure Ideas
Colorado Location Guide
Timeline Planning Guide
Book Your Vendors/Venues/Activities
Make sure you book all the necessary vendors, venues or guides for what you have planned for the day. Potential vendors include a florist, an officiant (though you don't actually need on in Colorado), hair and makeup, videographer, transportation, accommodations, meals, small venue rentals, guides, or anything else you may want to bring your day to life. While I am happy to recommend vendors, I do not book other vendors for you. I am also not a professionally certified outdoor guide. While I can guide you on hikes and general outdoor activities, I recommend hiring a certified guide for more specific or technical activities such as rock climbing, ice climbing, 4x4 off roading, etc.
Elopement Day!!
It's finally here!! Get excited, relax, and have fun. It's the start of your marriage and a day that you'll remember forever. Enjoy every minute.
A few months out: Engagement Session (if applicable)
If you're doing an engagement session, we'll start by planning the session. Most couples schedule their engagement session to take place about 6-8 months before their elopement, but it's completely up to you when to schedule the session.
30 Days Out: Questionnaire Complete
I ask that you submit the questionnaire and a draft of your timeline by 30 days (about a month) before your elopement date. This gives me time to look through everything and plan accordingly. The final payment is also due 30 days before the wedding date.
90 Days Out: Questionnaire
About 90 days out from the elopement, I'll send you an in-depth elopement day questionnaire. This questionnaire will come to you via email.
Before the Elopement Timeline
We're Official
Once the contract is signed and the retainer is paid, we are official! I send you an email with planning resources and an outline of next steps.
2-3 Weeks Out
After you submit the questionnaire, I'll email you again to set up a final call. These calls usually last about 20-30 minutes. During the final call we will talk through your finalized timeline and go over the questionnaire. I'll ask you questions, you can ask me questions, and by the end, we'll both me on the same page for your elopement day!
Elopement Day!
Your wedding day is here! Relax and enjoy it.
After the Elopement
To see what to expect after the elopement, check out this page!
Final Notes
I'm here to help! If you ever have a question or want to run an idea by me, feel free to email me anytime.
Copyright Abby Shepard Photography
