One of the benefits of eloping is getting to skip a lot of the planning (and vendors) that comes with traditional weddings, and you can say “I do” a hell of a lot faster. So if you’re engaged, and starting to feel the itch to just do the damn thing already, here’s a few tips to help you tie the knot before the year is over.
Get the paperwork over quickly (and beforehand)
Getting legally married doesn’t have to happen the same day as your elopement, wedding or celebration. In Washington, you can go to the courthouse, wait the three day period, sign some paperwork and ta-da, you’re married! Although it’s a simple process, making sure you get these legal documents handled correctly can add to the stress of planning an elopement. One way to avoid this is to do all the legal paperwork before the day you choose to say your vows, or otherwise tie the knot. The couples I’ve spoken to that have gotten legally married before their ceremony day have all said it hasn’t taken away any of the magic of that moment, just the stress.
Avoid national parks
Some of the most popular spots to elope (and especially to elope in Washington) are national parks. Although they’re beautiful, they also require special use permits that can take up to 4 weeks to process. Luckily, Washington is overflowing with stunning landscapes, and many of them have shorter turn-around times for a special use permit (or don’t require them for an elopement at all).
Pick a local photographer
It may sound biased, but it’s also true. Choosing a photographer who is local to the area you want to elope in is absolutely crucial when you’re trying to elope quickly. Local photographers can give you the best advice, local tips, location ideas, and other important information to make the planning process as efficient as possible. This is especially true in Washington, where the fall and winter seasons change conditions so quickly. Some years, the beginning of November can bring crisp, clear days in the North Cascades. Other years, those same mountain highways close in October. You need a local guide who can help you navigate all of this.
I’m Allison, your Washington elopement photographer
My goal is to bring the beauty of Washington landscapes and relationships together. I want your photos to make you feel the same way your partner makes you feel. I want you to just gasp and feel giddy and cry in disbelief that you made it to this day. I am here to help you tell your story in your own experience, without any outside influences or inputs.
Consider a weekday
As the weather starts to turn and the days start to shorten, there are fewer options for outdoor adventures. Everyone in Washington knows this, so local hikes, activities, and parks tend to get more crowded when a sunny weekend does happen. Eloping on a weekday gives you more options to avoid crowds during your special moment, while still enjoying the same beautiful views. Plus, if you’re looking for an AirBnb, campsite, special restaurant, or other reservation, there’s likely to be more availability during the week.
Stay flexible
This one is the most important thing. If you don’t remember anything else, please remember this: stay flexible! Eloping always has twists and turns, no matter how much planning you put into it. Remember to have a plan B and C, and to be open to changes. Spontaneity can make your elopement experience even more amazing, as long as you don’t get stuck on one experience.
Let’s face it, summer is coming to an end. In Washington, that means the days are getting shorter, and we’re all starting to dread the 4pm December sunsets. But we’re not quite there yet, and there is still plenty of time left in 2024.
Elope with Allison Haley Photography
Washington is one of the simplest states to elope! If you want to tie the knot before the year is over, I can help suggest locations and itineraries to cut out the amount of paperwork (and bureaucratic timelines) involved. Let’s hop on a call!
