I’ve helped a lot of couples simplify their wedding plans by cutting out everything that felt complicated or unnecessary. The biggest realization I’ve seen people have is this one:

You don’t need a big wedding to have a meaningful wedding.

What you actually need is a clear plan, the right location, and a package that takes care of the details instead of forcing you to handle everything yourself.

That’s what I focus on here.

I’m sharing a step-by-step approach to planning an elopement that feels intentional, simple, and beautiful. I also point you toward a company that specializes in handling everything for you, which is especially useful if planning is stressing you out or you’re working with limited time.

You’ll learn exactly how to choose your location, how planning actually works, and how to avoid the mistakes that make the process harder than it needs to be.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do next.

Before we go deeper, here’s where you can start getting a feel for the process:

How to Elope
All Inclusive Elopement Packages

Both links point to the same company I recommend later in this guide. They specialize in planning everything for you, which is what makes the process smoother.

Why Simplicity Matters

Big weddings often become about logistics.

Guest lists.
Seating charts.
Venue deadlines.
Family expectations.

If that already feels heavy, there’s a reason.

Eloping lets you return to the part that actually matters. The moment. The two of you. The experience you’re choosing to remember for the rest of your life.

That’s the real value of an elopement.

Step 1: Choose a Meaningful Location

Pick a place that feels like yours.

This could be:

• A scenic overlook
• A historic garden
• A cozy chapel
• A private park spot with real atmosphere

You’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re trying to create a memory that feels honest.

Some of the most popular elopement locations today include:

• Nashville for its charm and character
• Gatlinburg for peaceful mountain views
• Charleston for classic romance
• Savannah for timeless atmosphere
• Sedona for dramatic natural beauty

Each offers a different mood. Focus on the feeling you want from the day.

Step 2: Choose a Company That Handles the Details

This is where things either stay simple or become stressful.

You want a company that:

• Has real experience with elopements
• Handles photography, officiants, planning, and logistics
• Knows how to coordinate permits and venue access
• Guides you through the steps without confusion

Elopements Inc. is one company that consistently does this well.

They have served more than 11,000 couples, which tells me they understand both the emotional and logistical parts of the day. Their locations are hand selected. Their photographers are professionals who understand intimate ceremonies instead of large events. And their officiants are comfortable leading meaningful, personal ceremonies without turning it into a performance.

Their packages include things like:

• Planning calls and support from an elopement expert
• An experienced officiant for your ceremony
• Professional photography with edited digital photos
• Destination guidance and recommendations
• Assistance with permits and venue details
• Clear pricing and payment flexibility

They also offer videography and raw photos as add-ons in many places. It’s all structured to reduce stress, not add to it.

The benefit here is simple:

You’re not left trying to coordinate everything yourself.

You choose a package and the planning team handles the rest.

Step 3: Keep the Day Authentic

You don’t need to script the day.

Here’s what works:

• Bring one meaningful detail, not twenty
• Write personal vows even if they’re two sentences
• Choose a location that already has beauty built in
• Make space to pause and enjoy the moment

Elopements are powerful because they remove the noise.

Lean into that.

Step 4: Capture the Memory

Photography matters.

Years from now, your photos will be the thing you return to. Your memory changes over time. Your photos help it stay real.

This is why choosing a company with experienced elopement photographers is real value. Not just someone who knows how to operate a camera, but someone who understands how to guide you into natural moments without awkward posing.

Elopements Inc. includes photography in their packages for this exact reason.

It creates consistency. It ensures quality. It prevents the stress of trying to book someone separately.

Final Thought

You can have a wedding day that feels calm. You can have a ceremony that feels personal. You can build a memory that is about love instead of logistics.

Your next step is straightforward:

Explore locations.
Decide the kind of atmosphere you want.
Choose a package that covers the details.

And let the experience unfold from there.