elopement Photography &
Planning Support All in One
Elopement Planning Checklist
I’m Kristin, a California elopement photographer and planner who helps couples plan stress-free, unforgettable days.
Here’s my Elopement planning checklist to get you started! Elopements are all about intimacy and personal connection, so feel free to customize this checklist to fit your elopement vibe!
If you have already hired me for your elopement, we’re already tackling your elopement planning checklist as planning is included in all of my packages.
Elopement Planning Checklist
Decide on the Basics
- Date: First things first, determine which season, then choose your elopement date.
- Location: Select your elopement destination (domestic or international).
- Budget: Set a budget that will cover travel, accommodation, activities, ceremony, photography, and other necessary vendors.
Legal Requirements
- Marriage License: Research the legal requirements for getting married at your chosen destination. Ensure you have all necessary documents. I guide couples that are traveling to the area on where to go to obtain their marriage license, so don’t worry! Some counties just require mailing, so it really depends on where you plan to elope.
- Officiant: Decide if you’ll need to hire an officiant or have a friend to officiate your wedding. Getting ordained is so easy and can be done online at Universal Life Church.
- Witnesses: Check if your location requires witnesses, and if so, arrange for them. California and Nevada require 1 witness. With my intimate elopement packages, I can be your witness if it’s just the two of you and I adventuring!
Travel & Accommodation
- Travel Arrangements: Book flights, rental cars, or any other transportation. It’s always better to book early rather than later to guarantee flights that fit your traveling schedule.
- Accommodation: Book a hotel room, reserve a place to stay, ideally close to your ceremony location. With my intimate elopement packages, I will provide you with lodging options based on where you will be.
Hire Vendors
- Photographer: Hire a photographer you vibe with! You'll have a smooth wedding day with my elopement photography and planning packages. You will have a blast and I make the experience unforgettable!
- Flowers: Order a bouquet and boutonniere if desired. I can guide you on easy DIY bouquets if you wanted to save on costs, it’s really easy!
- Hair and Makeup: Decide if you’ll hire a professional or do it yourself. Book appointments if needed.
- Special Details: Bring any personal touches like letters, meaningful objects, or cultural elements. We’ll discuss this in your questionnaire after booking and start planning your elopement.
Ceremony Planning
- Vows: Write your personal vows if you’re planning to have them.
- Rings: Purchase your wedding rings if you haven’t already!
- Attire: Choose your wedding outfits, including shoes, accessories, and any needed alterations. I offer styling assistance with every elopement package.
- Permits: Some locations will require a permit. This is an easy process that can be done online and I will guide you through the permit process with every elopement package. Permits do need to be reserved by the client, but I will obtain all the necessary documents, communication with the park, all that tedious foot work stuff, so you can focus your time on something else!
Celebrate Afterward
- Reception/Dinner: Plan a special meal or celebration for after the ceremony, even if it’s just the two of you.
- Cake or Dessert: Arrange for a small cake or special dessert to celebrate.
Plan the Day’s Timeline
- Create a Schedule: Outline a timeline for your elopement day, including getting ready, the ceremony, photos, and any post-ceremony activities.
- Communicate with Vendors: Share your timeline with any vendors involved to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Honeymoon where you elope!
- Extend Stay: Plan to extend your stay! Make it easy and save money by honeymooning in the location you eloped! There are plenty of activities that I can share with you. Some couples like to begin or finish off their trip with a couples photoshoot with me!
- Separate Honeymoon: If you’re going somewhere else, start planning your honeymoon.
Elope!
- The moment you have been waiting for.. your elopement day! All the hard work, visualizing, dreaming of your day has finally come. Be sure to be present with your love as you adventure together and get married along the way!
This is where I come in. I will help you every step of the way so you don't have to worry about a checklist!
I’m a California elopement photographer and planner for couples who want a wedding day that feels intentional, relaxed, and genuinely fun.
I don’t just show up with a camera, I help you plan your elopement from the beginning. From talking through locations and logistics to building a timeline that flows, I’m there to guide you, cheer you on, fix your dress, and keep the day feeling calm and easy.
I care about what lights you two up and what makes your connection yours, and I help create an elopement day that feels like it was made just for you.
I specialize in elopements across California, especially Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, and help couples navigate the planning process without it feeling overwhelming.
Hey, I'm Kristin!
"We really wanted someone that was going to make our pictures fun while taking them and that’s exactly what we got."
- Hailie & Justin
Eloping with Kristin Smith Photography
A Simple, Intentional Way to Plan an Elopement That Actually Feels Like You
As your elopement photographer and planner, I don’t just show up on the day —
I help you shape the entire experience from the beginning.
These steps from my elopement guide are here to give you clarity, direction, and confidence — even if you don’t have everything figured out yet.
elopement planning checklist
This isn’t just photography.
this an experience built around the two of you!
The laughter, the quiet moments, the adventure
are captured beautifully and wrapped in a stress-free,
red-carpet process from start to finish.
Planning Support: Location scouting, permits, timelines, vendor recommendations — I handle all the behind-the-scenes details so you can focus on what matters most: each other.
Creative Touches: From faux florals and color palettes to the tiny details that make your day look and feel cohesive, I’ll help design your setup so it’s both beautiful and stress-free.
Faux Florals: Custom faux florals are included with every elopement. I’ll help you choose a bouquet and boutonnière that match your colors, location, and vibe — no wilting, no stress, and they photograph beautifully in every season.
Picnic, Cake, & Toast: Celebrate your “just married” moment with a cozy picnic setup, a mini cake, and a bubbly toast (non-alcoholic options available!). It’s the perfect way to slow down and take it all in together.
Two Photographers (Add-on): When you want full coverage, my husband Rick joins me — capturing your day from every angle so nothing goes unseen.
Day-Of Coordination: I’ll keep your day running smoothly from start to finish so you don’t have to think twice about what’s next.
Sneak Peeks & Final Gallery: A handful of teasers within 24 hours (because I know you’ll be dying to relive it), and your full gallery delivered within 45 days — filled with images that bring it all rushing back.
the experience
Take a peek at what I offer to make your elopement experience easy, intentional, and actually enjoyable.
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