New Hampshire Elopement Planning Guide
You’re getting married and you still deserve to celebrate your special day in style. It doesn’t have to be a simple vow exchange and feel like nothing more than a business transaction. You and your love deserve to have your cake and eat it too…literally! Here are the steps to take when planning your elopement.
Step One: Set a Budget
Similar to planning a wedding, setting a budget is the first thing you and your SO should discuss. Elopements can range in price vastly. We’ve seen simple courthouse elopements ranging from $500 to lavish destination elopements priced around the $20,000 mark. Typically an elopement in the US ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Usually 60-75% of an elopement budget is spent on elopement photography.
Step Two: Are guests a thing?
OF COURSE! If you want your most beloved family and friends, they should definitely be there. Many couples who choose to elope nowadays might invite a handful of guests to celebrate with them. We’ve seen many couples even opting to have a maid or honor and/or best man involved to be by their sides when they say “I Do” to their best friend. And if you want to traditionally elope with just the two of you, that’s 100% okay too. However you choose to elope, do what makes you happy.
Step Three: Pick A Date
We recommend picking a date in a season you two love most so you can do the activities you enjoy most on your special day. Eloping gives you the opportunity to take a hike, paddle on the lake or ocean, climb your favorite cliffs, or even take a helicopter ride! If you want dramatic sunrise or sunset photos, remember, May/June/July may not be the best time for that since the sun rises early and sets later unless you don’t mind your ceremony a little later or earlier of course.
Step Four: Location, location, location!
Steps four and five can definitely be combined based on where you want to go. Photographers are great resources to hit up for help with location planning!
Now the world is your oyster and you get to choose a beautiful location in which to start married life. You can keep it simple and stay local, find a beautiful outdoor location a few hours away, find a venue elopement package, or make it a destination. We recommend that you find a spot which is special and harbors meaning to your relationship. If you want to elope in New England, here is a list of places we highly recommend!
Step Five: Choose Your Photographer
This is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your elopement. Most photographers will be there for you every step of the way. We recommend choosing a photographer based on a style which most resonates with you and your love. Once you narrow down a few photographers set up calls and find the one you click with the most!
We specialize in epic adventure elopements. Spend the day doing what you love.
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Step Six: Find the Rest of Your Vendors
And don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for help here. Most of us know and have worked with many amazing florists, the all important officiant, videographers, hair and makeup artists, bakers, and even caterers/restaurants who will make the day that much more special with your favorite meal.
Step Seven: Go Shopping!
We find that many couples have a stigma about eloping, that it must be kept casual, when that simply isn’t true. If casual is your style, then by all means go for it, but if you want feel like a bride you deserve that beautiful gown. Gentlemen, it’s okay to rent that tux and look like a million. Do what feels right, and don’t be afraid to dress up if that is what you truly want.
However you choose to elope, we wish you all the happiness in the world. Congratulations on your engagement!
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