Elopement Checklist: Everything You Need for Your Big Day

Elopement Checklist

Planning an elopement can feel simple, but there are still important details to remember. A checklist helps you stay organized and ensures your day goes smoothly.

As Connecticut elopement photographers and an officiant team, Brian and I guide couples through every step. Here is a complete elopement checklist to help you plan your intimate wedding.

Connecticut Officiant elopement photographer wedding ceremony

Legal Requirements

  • Marriage license – Apply at your local town hall and check timing rules.
  • Officiant – Make sure you have someone to legally marry you.
elopement wedding license

Planning Your Ceremony

  • Choose your location – Garden, park, waterfront, or meaningful spot.
  • Personalized vows – Write vows that reflect your story.
  • Ceremony script – Plan the flow of the ceremony with your officiant.
  • Timing – Decide on the best time of day for light and privacy.
Bride and Groom saying their own vows beach wedding

Photography and Videography

  • Hire your photographer – Capture the moments that matter most.
  • Plan portraits – Decide which locations and shots you want.
  • Consider videography – Optional, but a great way to relive the day.
intimate wedding photographer

Attire and Details

  • Wedding outfits – Dress or suit for the couple, optional accessories.
  • Flowers or bouquet – Optional, but beautiful for photos.
  • Rings – Don’t forget the rings!
  • Props – Optional: blankets, signage, or small decorations.
elopement details

Guest and Celebration Options

  • Invite a small group – Close family or friends if you want.
  • Virtual attendance – Stream the ceremony for loved ones far away.
  • Meal or toast – Plan a small picnic, brunch, or dinner after the ceremony.
intimate wedding reception dinner

Final Tips

  • Pack a bag with essentials: water, snacks, touch-up items.
  • Check permits and location rules ahead of time.
  • Relax and focus on each other. The day is about your love, not the details.

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She said yes! ❤️💍

We have the best job in the world!!!!
Your wedding vows are the heart of your ceremony, but we know that staring at a blank page can feel a little overwhelming! 

Whether you want them to be tear-jerkers or filled with inside jokes, the most important thing is that they are honest. Brian and I have seen so many beautiful promises exchanged, and we’ve put together a guide to help you find the right words.

From sharing your "why" to making clear promises for the future, we’re breaking down exactly what to include to make your vows feel 100% like you.

Check out our latest blog post for all the inspiration! Link in bio!

#WeddingVows #MarriagePromises #WeddingPlanningTips #ElopementOfficiant #MBMweddings #BrideToBe #GroomTips #WeddingInspiration
Eloping doesn’t mean skipping the magic 💍✨​​​​​​​​
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An engagement session captures this once-in-a-lifetime season of your love story, helps you feel confident in front of the camera, and gives you beautiful photos to treasure forever.​​​​​​​​
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Thinking about eloping in Connecticut? Don’t miss this must-read!​​​​​​​​
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Read the full blog post! Link is in the bio!
Some wedding days are quiet in the very best way 🤍​​​​​​​​
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Sydni & Filip’s intimate Wickham Park wedding was filled with intention, presence, and so much love. Surrounded by blooming gardens and their closest people, they took their time, soaked it all in, and focused on what mattered most- getting married.​​​​​​​​
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This day was heartfelt, meaningful, and beautifully true to who they are. So honored to be the ones to document it.​​​​​​​​
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Link in bio

We are located in East Granby, CT and serve all of New England, including CT, MA, NH, VT, ME, RI and NY. We also service all of the PNW and destination weddings.