So You've Decided to Elope...Now What??


First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! You've decided to celebrate your marriage in the best way - the one that is most authentically YOU. I absolutely ADORE intimate weddings & elopements, and think they are the perfect way to ensure that your dream of a perfect day doesn't become lost in the chaos that is a traditional wedding. So you've got the fiancé(e), you've got the sparkly ring...now where do you start on this whole planning adventure?? Let me help guide you on the AMAZING adventure that is planning your adventure elopement in Missouri.

 

Close-up shot of hands wearing engagement rings symbolizing love and commitment.
Collection of elegant gold jewelry including rings and pearls displayed on white surface.
Diamond engagement ring placed artistically on red berries with dark background.

 

STEP ONE - Choose Your Missouri Elopement Photographer


Couples who choose a traditional wedding day typically choose their venue & date first, but I always encourage my eloping couples to make documentation of their day a priority! When you aren't inviting vast quantities of people to your wedding day, you are left with MUCH more freedom when it comes to date & location. I STRONGLY encourage you to look to hire your photographer first! I am here to help ensure that your day is captured in the best & most authentic way possible, and that's easiest to do when I'm able to be there for you from the beginning.


Once of the excitement of your day is over, your images & video will be all you have left to remember you adventure by. Choosing a photographer/videographer that you enjoy can make or break the magic of your day! For each of my clients, I choose to invest myself fully. When you book with me, you are booking not only your photographer, but your own personal guide through the wilderness that is planning an elopement! I will help you choose the perfect location for your elopement, offer vendor recommendations based on your chosen location, and be there to celebrate every special moment along the way. On your elopement day, I will capture both photo and video through every sweet moment of the amazing adventure that is your elopement. If you REALLY want to get every angle covered, we can even bring a second photographer along for the ride! The photos & video that I will deliver after your elopement day will be a time capsule to transport you back to your favorite day ever, for years to come. I am here for YOU from start to finish (and in all the years to follow!), and I would have it no other way❤️


 

Let's Work Together
A cheerful scene on a ferry deck against a sunset sky and water view.
Family enjoying an outdoor adventure at a mountain lake surrounded by rocky terrain.
Hiker standing on snowy mountain peak with dramatic mountain landscape in background.
Adventurous couple celebrating on mountain summit with scenic valley views below.

 

STEP TWO - Select Your Elopement Date & Location


Now we start getting into the nitty-gritty details! What kind of landscape is your favorite? Would you prefer a backdrop of fall foliage, spring flowers, or a vibrant summer prairie? Choose ONE aspect that means the most to you, be that the exact location you'd like, or the time of year, and we'll work from there to create your perfect day! Missouri has a wide range of options to choose from, and I'll help you pick the one that suits YOU & your dream day best! Need a bit of inspiration? Here are just a few of your MANY options❤️


OUTDOOR LOCATIONS


ELOPEMENT VENUES




 

Let's Choose Your Perfect Location
Romantic moment captured in golden field with autumn trees in background.
Couple's reflection in puddle with rustic wooden fence and winter sky backdrop.
Wedding couple embracing on rocky cliff with dramatic forest backdrop and flowing white dress.
A couple and their small dog cross a city crosswalk in wedding attire, captured in black and white.

 

STEP THREE - Fill Your Day With Elopement Activities


There is no shortage of activities you can pack into your elopement day, and the best part of choosing an elopement is that we can curate a day that is totally customized to YOU. Want to feel like your loved ones are included in your day? Read some notes from them before your ceremony! Are you a sucker for a good, old-fashioned ice cream date? We can fit that in before sunset! Here are just a FEW ideas of what we can do to make sure your elopement adventure is most authentically YOU.


  • Wake up & watch the sunrise together before getting dressed
  • Get brunch at your favorite restaurant
  • Take a hike (to your ceremony location, or just for fun!)
  • Go kayaking on a nearby lake
  • Read letters from loved ones
  • Plan a picnic at your ceremony location
  • Go on a cave tour
  • Take a helicopter ride
  • Play a round of mini golf before dinner
  • Get ice cream from a retro diner for dessert
  • Stay up late & watch the stars (astrophotography is my FAVE)

 

Let's Create Your Perfect Day
A romantic nighttime photo under a starry sky with glowing lights creating a magical atmosphere.
A red-lit tent glows beneath a starry night sky with silhouetted trees in the background.

 

STEP FOUR - Hire Any Additional Vendors


Now that you know what you want to do when, it's time to hire those vendors! If you've chosen any extra activities that include things like guided tours, now is the time to get those helpful folks booked. And you definitely can't forget the lovely people that will be getting you all dolled up for your elopement! Don't forget about an officiant either (if you don't want me in my role as ordained minister on your elopement day, that is!).  Need recommendations for ANY of the vendors you're looking to hire for your day? I'm here to help you choose the BEST Here are a few folks to keep in mind at this stage of the planning process❤️


  • Hair & makeup artists
  • Florists
  • Curated picnic creators
  • Outdoor recreation guides
  • Vacation planners
  • Helicopter pilots

 

Let's Build Your Dream Team

 

STEP FIVE - Apply for Your Missouri Wedding License


We're down to the "fun" part...the legal stuff.


Here in Missouri, you need to apply for your marriage license within 30 days of your wedding date, but there is NO waiting period. This means that you could apply for your license on the same day you choose to elope (if you want to, that is) ! The initial application process may be completed online, but you still need to pick your license up at the county recorder's office prior to eloping. Again, you MUST use your license within 30 days of applying, but you do not have to get married in the same county that issued your license!


Your wedding license must be signed by an officiant or judge, along with two witnesses. How does this work on an elopement day?? Lucky for you, I'm ordained! So I can either recommend an officiant to preside over your vows, or I can personally sign your license for you. And those witnesses?? If you don't want to bring anyone in particular along for the ride on your elopement day, I can either personally arrange witnesses to sign your license, OR (the more fun option) we can find some other public land users to sign for you! I haven't been turned down yet when I've asked random citizens to act as witnesses for the day.

 

Book Your Ordained Photographer Now
Black and white close-up of hands signing paperwork with a pen on printed documents.
Black and white image showing hands signing an official document or certificate on a formal paper.
A couple celebrates their graduation with playful poses on a sunny day outside a university building.

 

STEP SIX - Have Your DREAM Elopement Day


The day is HERE.


Now is the time to follow through on all of those epic plans made! I'll be there to help you get ready (I've tied more than my fair share of ties, and zipped more dresses than I can count!), give you the time & space to experience EVERYTHING you want included in your day, and capture all of the moments along the way! We'll include all of the things you WANT and none of the things you don't in your day, and in return you'll receive your FAVORITE gallery EVER a few weeks down the line.


So...you ready for this??

 

I'm Ready for my Elopement!
A couple walks hand in hand down a leaf-covered forest path on an autumn day, viewed from behind.
A close-up view of hands exchanging wedding rings during a marriage ceremony.
A couple in wedding attire shares an intimate moment in a scenic field during golden hour.