You’re Engaged! Now What? | Tips from your Elopement Photographer
You’re engaged. Deep breath.
This is such a beautiful season, and before anything else, I want you to slow down and really let it sink in.
You get to marry your favorite person.
Everything else can come later.
Take a moment to celebrate, call your people, pop something bubbly, or cozy up on the couch together.
Soak it in. This part goes by fast.
Once you have had time to enjoy being engaged, here are some simple and meaningful steps to help you move forward without the overwhelm. get engaged!
Step One: Dream Before You Plan
Before you jump into booking things, spend time talking with your partner about what you actually want your wedding day to feel like. Not what tradition says. Not what family expects. What feels true to you.
Ask yourselves:
• Do we want something quiet, intimate, and outdoors
• Do we want an adventurous day with hiking, waterfalls, sunrise or sunset
• Do we want a small gathering with a few people we love
Most couples I work with want something intentional and stress free. Something that lets them breathe and be present. If that sounds like you too, an elopement might be the perfect fit.
Step Two: Choose the Place That Feels Like You
The location sets the tone for everything.
If you want:
• Forest and ferns, think Washington
• Rugged coastline, think the North Shore in Minnesota
• Glaciers and wild adventure, think Alaska
• Waterfalls, cliffs, moody skies, think the Pacific Northwest
You do not need exact coordinates yet. A general area or state is enough to get started. Once you book your photographer, they can help you narrow it down and find the places that actually fit your vision.
Step Three: Create a Mood Board
This is the fun part.
Start fresh on Pinterest and pin anything that feels like your version of love.
- Colors
- Outfits
- Cabins
- Florals
- Landscapes
- Textures- even if it feels random, it helps you see what energy you are drawn to.
Once you choose a photographer (psssst… its me), you can add them to the board so I understand your vision, your style, and your priorities for the day.
Step Four: Pick a Season That Matches Your Vibe
You do not need an exact date right away. Start with a season that feels right.
Ask yourselves:
• Do we want fall colors
• Do we want wildflowers
• Do we want fog and moody skies
• Do we want warm summer nights
• Do we want snow and winter magic
Every season brings something beautiful.
Your location choice and your dream vibe will help guide when you should elope.
Step Five: Start Hiring Your Core Vendors
For elopements, your vendor list stays small.
Start with the people who will shape your whole experience.
Your photographer is usually the first big decision because they help guide location, timeline, permits, weather plans, and the entire structure of your day.
After that, you can bring in:
- An officiant
- Florals
- Hair and makeup
- A private chef or picnic setup
- Lodging or cabin rental
Take it one choice at a time. There is no rush.
Step Six: Build Your Day Intentionally
Once you have your location, season, and photographer, everything else falls into place. You can start planning:
• Sunrise or sunset
• Activities you want to include
• How much time you want alone
• Whether you want family there
• How you want to exchange vows
• Anywhere you want to stop and explore
Your elopement should feel like the two of you, not like a checklist.
You’re Engaged and Enjoy It
The most important thing I can tell you is this.
You do not need to have everything figured out right away.
Take time to enjoy this season.
Talk, dream, wander Pinterest, laugh, celebrate.
Then begin building a day that feels peaceful, intentional, and true to you.
If you ever want help dreaming up locations, timelines, or ideas, I’m here for you. Your elopement should feel like an adventure you will remember forever. Click here to contact me!
And if you want more tips, guides, or real elopement stories for inspiration, keep exploring the blog or come hang out with me on Instagram @paytonrademacherphoto.
