Top Ten Elopement Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Planning your elopement is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll take—it’s your chance to create a day that’s truly unique and completely you. But here’s the thing: even small weddings come with big decisions, and without the right guidance, it’s easy to stumble into some common pitfalls. We want you to be completely informed as to mistakes that couples make when planning their elopement.
We’ve worked with over 100 couples to plan and photograph elopements & intimate weddings, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right planning can turn an amazing idea into the best day ever. Ready to avoid some of the most common mistakes? Let’s dive in!
1. Narrowing Down Locations Too Soon
It’s tempting to start with location—mountains? Coast? Forest? City? But narrowing your focus too early could mean missing out on incredible options.
Here’s the deal: couples often spend hours researching online and think they’ve seen all the possibilities, but the truth is that Google can only take you so far. Publicly available info is just a sliver of what’s actually out there.
Instead of limiting yourself, share your vision with us. Are you dreaming of misty mountain views, private gardens with romantic live oaks, or a peaceful riverside spot? We’ve spent years exploring the Southeast and know about hidden gems you’ll never find on a Pinterest board. Whether you’re drawn to the Smoky Mountains, coastal Charleston, or somewhere in between, we can help you uncover the perfect spot for your story.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
2. Underestimating Guest Count Implications
Guests may start as an afterthought—“It’s just a small group!”—but they can have a big impact on your day.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Most outdoor locations max out at 20 guests, and many can’t accommodate more than 10. Parking, trail access, and group size limitations make logistics tricky.
- Once you go beyond 10 guests, your dinner plans get more complex. You may need a larger Airbnb with adequate space, plus professional catering or a private chef.
- Between 15–25 guests, costs escalate quickly. Larger homes with event-friendly policies often come with premium price tags, and venue options become limited.
The guest list is one of the biggest factors in shaping your day, and we’ve helped couples navigate these decisions countless times. Whether it’s keeping things intimate or finding creative ways to include loved ones, we’ll guide you toward the right balance.
3. Overloading Yourself with DIY Planning
“We’ve got this!” is something we’ve heard many couples say… until the to-do list starts piling up.
Here’s the reality: even the simplest elopements have tons of details to manage. Permits, vendors, transportation, timelines—when you’re doing it on your own, it’s overwhelming.
We’ve seen this play out especially with brides, who often end up shouldering the bulk of the planning. What starts as “simple” can quickly become stressful.
To put it simply:
- Do you want to spend hours online in the months prior to your elopement searching for vendors? Wondering if you’ve hired the right people? Looking for an Airbnb or VRBO?
- Do you want to be on your computer and phone constantly in the weeks prior to your elopement making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be? To coordinate with vendors about time and location? To write out instructions for your family?
These are just a few examples of work that we take off of the shoulders of our couples. It is a LOT of work to put together just the right event for your day. Underestimating this can be a big mistake, and the downside is not having any time to enjoy your engagement or your wedding day.
That’s why we’re here. From handling logistics to connecting you with the best vendors, we take the heavy lifting off your plate so you can actually enjoy being engaged. Let us make it easy for you to focus on what matters—each other.
4. Overloading the Day
Adventure elopements are amazing, but trying to cram too much into one day is a recipe for stress.
Timelines for elopements are more like travel itineraries than traditional wedding schedules. You’re moving between locations, chasing golden-hour light, and soaking in the moments together.
Here’s where couples often trip up:
- Assuming getting ready will take 5 minutes (trust us, on your wedding day, it takes longer!).
- Thinking you can visit three locations in one afternoon without feeling rushed.
- Forgetting to build in time for unexpected delays or simply being present.
We create timelines that flow naturally, ensuring your day is stress-free and full of joy.
5. Skipping a Coordinator
Even small weddings need a point person. Without one, you might find yourself playing host or troubleshooting logistics on the fly—two things you don’t want to do on your wedding day.
When you work with us, planning and coordination are baked into the process. We’re not just there to take photos; we’re there to make sure every detail runs smoothly, so you can be fully present.
6. Choosing the Wrong Photographer
Elopement photography isn’t just about the photos (though those are important!). Your photographer should also be your guide, planner, and day-of coordinator.
We’ve seen couples hire someone “just for photos” and realize too late that they still had all the planning to figure out. Traditional wedding and portrait photographers are more accustomed to working in a system – a system of cookie cutter weddings where there are many other vendors around to do specific jobs in the “production” of a wedding day.
In contrast, elopement photographers must be well versed in all the aspects of your day, and are essentially taking on the roles of the multiple vendors (especially your planner and day-of coordinator) into one.
When you work with us, you’re getting more than stunning images—you’re getting a team that’s been through this process hundreds of times and knows how to make your day flawless.
7. Navigating Family Dynamics
Including family can be wonderful, but it can also bring challenges. We’ve seen:
- Tension between divorced parents.
- Pressure to invite someone’s significant other when you’d prefer to keep it small.
- Family opinions clashing with your vision for the day.
Here’s our advice: make decisions that honor your relationship first. It’s your day, and we’re here to help you navigate those tricky dynamics with grace and confidence.
And while we’re at it, please – please please… if you’re the type, do not get yourself into the position of having to “host” everyone. This is for those brides who are people pleasers. We know where you are coming from! Planning your own wedding day can come with the stress of feeling like you have to do things for your guests, and “play host.”
The solution here is to have the right professionals along your side to take that worry away from you. You need someone who can insulate you from that “need” to be the host, by taking on the role of “day-of coordinator” so you don’t have to.
Eloping with loved ones along is a topic unto itself! Read more here: How to Elope with Family
8. Skipping Personal Details
Elopements give you freedom, but don’t let “simple” turn into “bare-bones.” The little details—like wearing a family heirloom or including a handwritten vow book—make your day truly unforgettable.
Think about what matters most to you. Whether it’s incorporating a favorite song or planning a unique first look, we’ll help you infuse your day with meaning. don’t forget the activities you like to do together as a couple. Most couples initially think that they couldn’t do something on their day but realize later that it was actually possible. Want to kayak, hike, mountain bike, play pool, go to a winery… or something else? Yes, it can be done!
And while we’re here, a nod towards tradition … you don’t have to feel like you need to do anything in particular for your elopement. But at the same time, it’s important to consciously consider those things that you want to include. Are there things that you want to do to memorialize this day together? Sand pouring, a unity candle, or other symbols of your marriage?
Another common thing we’ve seen – using your phone to read your vows. We understand, our lives are all digital these days. But there is something very tangible, real & timeless about hand writing your vows. They will forever be captured in your photographs and will become keepsakes for later years. Why not take the time to write them out?
9. Forgetting Videography
If there’s one thing couples regret most, it’s skipping videography. An often quoted statistic from big weddings is that “not hiring a videographer” is the number one regret of couples after their traditional wedding. Even more so, this is a regret of couples who eloped – especially if you had wanted to involve family and loved ones. For elopements, it’s even more essential because not everyone will be there.
A highlights film lets you relive the magic and share it with loved ones. Trust us—years from now, you’ll treasure this keepsake.
Capturing your ceremony on video allows you to share it later with family and friends who couldn’t make it. Choosing a Highlights Film of your entire day gives you the chance to live it all over again in movie theatre style and share with your loved ones the whole reason why you chose to elope in the first place, because they get to experience it and see “what it was all about.”
10. Not Having Backup Plans
Plan A is great, but what if it rains? Or the trailhead is crowded? Or a road is unexpectedly closed?
Having backup plans isn’t just smart—it’s essential. We create multiple contingencies for weather, crowds, and more, so no matter what happens, your day stays carefree.
11. Assuming an Airbnb wedding is easy
Ok we said this is a top ten but here is a bonus number eleven … renting an Airbnb for your elopement!
It may look straightforward, to research a place to rent and then have your ceremony there. However, there are a lot of details to watch out for if you’re thinking about an Airbnb elopement. Rental agreements are a mile long and it’s easy to miss some stipulations that could prevent you from having your event at the location. Or you might find a place that you love but discover in the fine print it has a steep fee for weddings on the property.
On top of that, rental properties aren’t the same as a wedding venue (the latter having a layout/infrastructure for weddings). You don’t want to arrive on the day realizing there isn’t a good space for getting ready, or keeping separate before your first look, or there’s no place for your hair and make-up artist … just to name a few things!
Here’s the thing – we’re experienced Airbnb hosts and know both sides of the equation. We have lots of tips and tricks to navigate the finer details of booking a place to stay that can double as a ceremony location, all while staying within the property owners policies. Not to mention, we’ve curated a list of all the best elopement friendly places to get married in the Southeast so you don’t have to do the research!
How to avoid Elopement Planning Mistakes
The simple way to avoid mistakes – hire us!
With the right team (hey, that’s us!), you can avoid these mistakes and have the day of your dreams. In fact, you’ll have the elopement beyond anything you could have dreamed of, because right now where you are – honestly – you don’t completely see all the possibilities. Once your eyes are opened to how things can be, you’ll look back and realize you had an incredible day because you chose to hire the right kind of help. We’ve helped 100+ couples navigate every step of the process, and we’d love to help you too!
Let’s create something unforgettable together!
