How to elope quickly ?

Is it really possible to plan an elopement in 3 months?

Why choose an elopement rather than a big wedding?

Do you dream of an intimate, authentic destination wedding that reflects your personalities… but you only have three months?
Don't worry, it's absolutely possible. As a europe elopement photographer, I've helped couples plan their day in record time. And often, these express weddings are the most genuine and beautiful because they focus on what truly matters: your love, your story, your adventure.

In this article, I'll share a step-by-step guide to planning your elopement in just three months, stress-free, authentic, and romantic.

Step 1: Define your vision (Week 1)

The first step is undoubtedly the most important. Ask yourself: what kind of experience(s) do you want to have?

- Do you want to elope in the nature, and hiking ? Or have a small wedding in the city and visit museums?
- Would you prefer to go abroad or stay in a region you love?
- Do you want to be surrounded by a few close friends or just the two of you?
Take the time to imagine it. Picture the light, the location, the season. Your elopement should reflect who you are as a couple.

I've have created a complete elopement guide that's free; I encourage you to request it—it's right here!

Step 2: Choose the destination and date (Weeks 1-2)

In three months, it's best to be realistic: choose an easily accessible elopement destination that doesn't require too much paperwork.

Here are a few ideas for perfect locations to elope quickly:

- The French mountains (Alps, Pyrenees, Auvergne)
- South of Spain (Andalusia)
- Scotland or Irland
- Italy, or Portugal, or even Greece (check my guide on eloping in Greece !); in fact, Europe is a vast area to have a beautiful micro wedding in a few times.
- A national park near you.

=> Light makes all the difference. Find out the sunrise/sunset times on your chosen date to plan an intimate ceremony in the most beautiful light possible. Ask your photographer; they'll be able to help!

Step 3: Book your essential service suppliers (Weeks 2-3)

When you're eloping, beauty lies in simplicity. You don't need 15 vendors, but just a few who will make your day flow smoothly and magically.
Essentials to book quickly:

- An elopement photographer: to capture every moment. (I recommend booking as soon as the date is set, as schedules fill up quickly, even at the last minute).
- Officiant or celebrant: (if you want a symbolic ceremony).
- Makeup artist/hair stylist: to help you feel like yourselves, but with a little something extra.
- Florist: a bouquet and a boutonniere are often enough to enhance the day.

=> Surround yourself with vendors who understand your way to planning the elopement of your dream. Look for people you truly connect with, as they will be part of your intimate adventure.

Step 4: Administrative procedures (Weeks 3-4)

This is the slightly less glamorous, but essential, part. Depending on the country where you're getting married:

- In France, the civil ceremony must take place at the town hall of your place of residence. Many couples choose to have a small, private legal ceremony at the town hall, followed by a symbolic elopement.
- Abroad, be sure to check the legal requirements (some countries require several months' notice, while others are simpler).

=> Don't hesitate to separate the legal part (civil ceremony) from the emotional part (elopement). This simplifies the planning and allows you to fully experience your special moment.

Step 5: The details that make the difference (Weeks 5-8)

Once the foundations are laid, let the magic begin:

- Outfits: Choose clothes in which you feel free to move, walk, run, and dance.
- Accessories: A hat, a jacket, a blanket… these can also tell your story.
- Transportation & Accommodation: Book early to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Ceremony: Write your vows, prepare a playlist, or plan a symbolic ritual (candle, exchange of letters, stone circle…).

=> The more personal your details, the more unique and emotionally powerful your photos will be.

Step 6: Live in the moment (D-Day)

The most beautiful thing about eloping is that there are no rules. You can get ready together or separately, exchange vows at sunrise or by moonlight, go for a hike, or simply walk hand in hand.

As your europe elopement photographer, my role is to discreetly accompany you, capturing your laughter, your tears, your tender gestures, without ever interrupting your private moment. It's this authenticity that makes your images timeless.

Why 3 months is
enough

Many couples worry about running out of time, but the truth is that elopement doesn't require two years of planning. In three months, you can experience:

- a more spontaneous day,
- less logistical stress,
- and an experience focused on the two of you, and nothing else.

And believe me, the most beautiful elopements I've photographed were often organized in record time… but filled with sincerity.

Before diving in "how quickly can you elope", let's pause for a moment to understand what is an elopement. 
Eloping isn't an escape from family and friends anymore; it's a intentional choice of simplicity and intimacy. It's saying "I do" in a setting that reflects who you are, whether it's:

- on a mountaintop at sunrise,
- in a small chapel by the sea,
- or even in your favorite place, just the two of you.

Planning an europe elopement in three months is possible precisely because it focuses on you, not on overwhelming logistics.