Planning an elopement is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming.

From the weather to how much it will all cost… Where do you even begin?

After photographing weddings and elopements for over 7 years, I’ve learned that a little guidance goes a long way. Whether you’re planning an intimate Big Sur adventure or a destination elopement somewhere across the world, these elopement planning tips will help you start with confidence and avoid some of the biggest headaches along the way.

1. “We Don’t Even Know Where to Start.”

I totally get this! Whether you’re planning an elopement or a wedding, all of the details and unknowns can be overwhelming.

What type of scenery do we want? Do we need permits? How much does everything cost? What vendors do we need to book? The list goes on.

The good news is there actually is a roadmap.

If You’re Planning an Elopement…

I almost always recommend couples start by researching their dream scenery or location. Maybe that’s traveling to a foreign country.

Maybe it’s planning a destination cliffside elopement here in Big Sur, California.

Once you figure out where you want to elope, I honestly think your first vendor should be your photographer.

I’m not just saying that because I am one!

Finding a quality photographer who understands your vision is really going to yield the results that you want and help guide you to execute the perfect elopement plan.

You don’t want to book your hotel first without knowing if your photographer is available and can make everything work logistically.

My advice? Research your dream location. Find your dream photographer. Then start filling in the details like hotels and the rest of your vendors.

If You’re Planning a Large Wedding…

The roadmap is a little different. I recommend starting with either your dream venue or a quality wedding planner.

If you’re not sure where you want to get married yet, a great planner has incredible connections and can help you find venues you may have never considered. They’ll also know which venues fit your guest count, style, decorations, and overall vision.

After you’ve booked your venue or planner, then it’s time to book your media team. Photography and videography are usually some of the first vendors to book out, so don’t wait too long.

Once you have those first few vendors secured, you’re on the right track. Don’t stress too much about everything else, because that team will help point you in the right direction and connect you with amazing vendors who can help bring your day to life.

2. “What If the Weather Ruins Everything?”

I totally understand this concern. Everybody wants their ideal weather on their wedding day. 

For some couples that’s a dramatic sunset, others are hoping for a soft, intimate overcast sky. Either way, weather is one of those things that nobody can control.

Because of that, I always encourage couples to find confidence knowing that regardless of the weather, we’re going to create stunning photos and your day can still be magical.

Honestly, some of my favorite wedding memories have been running around in the rain with a carefree couple who fully embraced it. And afterwards they told me running around in the rain was actually their favorite part of the day! 

Don’t let weather steal your excitement while you’re planning. Because at the end of the day, there’s honestly nothing you can do about it.

Your job — and my job — is to make the most of whatever nature throws at us and choose to enjoy the day beyond the circumstances!

That said, having a backup plan is always smart.

I worked with a couple in Carmel whose wedding landed on a rainy weekend. Their wedding planner made sure umbrellas were available for every guest and prepared an indoor ceremony space just in case.

It ended up sprinkling lightly, but not enough to move everything inside.

The couple really wanted to get married outdoors, so we stayed with Plan A and everything turned out beautifully.

Having contingency plans gives you peace of mind, even if you never need them.

3. “How Much Does an Elopement Actually Cost?”

This is easily one of the most common questions couples ask, and it’s also one of the hardest to answer!

There are so many different budgets, priorities, and types of elopement experiences.

Some couples are looking for the most value possible. Others want a luxury experience and aren’t necessarily searching for a budget photographer.

There are so many factors that affect cost: Where are you getting married? Is it a destination elopement? A luxury hotel? A wedding venue? A local location?

Every decision changes the investment.

I live on the California coast in Big Sur, one of the most beautiful (and honestly one of the most expensive) places in California.

It’s similar to areas like San Francisco and the Los Angeles coast.

As of 2026, professional elopement photography in this area typically starts around $3,000 and can easily reach $10,000 or more.

I even know photographers whose elopement experiences begin at $20,000-$30,000.

At first glance those numbers can feel overwhelming, but at the end of the day, I believe the most important thing is to find a photographer whose style you like and who you have really good chemistry with. Majority of your photography experience and wedding day will be around your photographer so you want to make sure that it is a person you want to be around and trust to execute your vision in a beautiful way!

My Biggest Piece of Advice

If I could leave you with one final elopement planning tip, it’s this:

Don’t try to figure everything out on your own.

My job isn’t just taking beautiful photos. It’s also about being there to help create the beautiful day my couples deserve.

Planning an elopement should feel exciting, not overwhelming. And with the right team around you, it absolutely can!