Planning the Perfect Elopement - Stage 1 - Dream & Brainstorm

Dear adventurous couples,

It’s great to see you back, thank you coming back!   I’m excited to share with you my step by step guide to help you plan out the most amazing and unforgettable elopement experience!  As I wrote in my previous blog, planning out the perfect elopement happens in stages. The very first stage we are going to dive into is the Dream & Brainstorm stage.  All the best plans start with a well thought out brainstorming session. One of the best things about eloping is that you can truly go to the most awe-inspiring places in the world to say your vows. 

So... if you could go anywhere in the world to get married... where would you GO?

The goal of the dreaming & brainstorming stage is to form an overall vision for your day.  Here are 3 easy brainstorming tips to get you started! 

Find a relaxing space together.

The best way to dream & brainstorm is to sit down with your partner some place comfortable and imagine your perfect elopement day from beginning to end. Try cuddling up at home on the couch together or going for a walk.  

Keep an open mind.

It’s important to keep an open mind during the dreaming & brainstorming stage.  Don’t let yourselves get bogged down in all the details, what’s possible or not, or what’s realistic.  Keep your ideas vague and have fun imagining all the possibilities!

Inspiration is everywhere. 

Inspiration can come from anywhere and the sky is the limit!  To help yourself plan and get excited, try using Pinterest, Instagram, travel guides, books or a variety of interesting magazines.   

As you are brainstorming about your epic dream elopement day, ask yourself these questions:

What is the overall intention of your day? 

Is this day just for the two of you? Do others play a role in your day? 

What does the scenery look like?

Are you in the mountains, on a cliff, on a beach or deep in redwood country?

What season is it?

Do you two like hot or cold weather better?  Do you imagine there being snow, or fall colors? 

How much time are you able to use on the trip?

 Is the elopement day part of a larger trip or combined with your honeymoon? How much time are you able to take off from work?

Will it be just the two of you or will you include others?

This is important because it will help determine any permits you will need or accessibility concerns. 

What do you want the ceremony to look like?

 Are there important cultural or religious traditions you’d like to incorporate into the ceremony?

What do you want to wear?

 A dress or suit? Something more casual?  What footwear do you need?

What activities do you see yourself doing? 

These can be activities that you enjoy doing together or ones you’ve never tried before. Hiking, climbing, stand up paddle boarding etc...

Are you starting to have a vision on what your day will look like now?  Even if your vision is a little blurry, that’s okay! It’s a great place to start!  Congratulations, you’ve got stage 1 in the developmental process!  

In my next blog, we will be going over stage 2, the research & logistics of elopement planning.  So stay tuned, it’s coming right up! 

~  Parky’s Pics Photography