What Vendors You Need for an Elopement
(And How I Help With All of It)
One of the biggest misconceptions about elopements is that because they’re smaller and more intimate, you don’t need vendors at all.
And I completely understand why people think that.
When most people hear the word elopement, they imagine something spontaneous: two people running away together, hopping on a plane, and simply showing up somewhere beautiful with no planning involved.
And while elopements absolutely feel more effortless, intimate, and flexible than traditional weddings… they still require thoughtful planning behind the scenes.
The difference is that you’re not building a huge wedding production team with dozens of people involved.
You’re intentionally choosing a small circle of professionals who genuinely contribute to your experience and help create a day that feels seamless, meaningful, and stress-free.
Instead of asking yourself “What am I supposed to book because weddings say I should?” the better question becomes:
“What would make this day feel easier, more beautiful, and more aligned with us?”
At the core, most elopements include a few key vendors.
Your photographer: often the biggest support system of your day
Yes, your photographer is there to document your day beautifully. But in the elopement world, your photographer often becomes so much more than someone holding a camera.
They’re frequently one of the people you’ll spend the most time with throughout your entire wedding day. And that is ME.
They help you build your timeline.
They recommend locations.
They help you figure out the best light.
They often know hidden spots tourists don’t know about.
They help create flow throughout the day.
They calm nerves when emotions start kicking in.
And during the actual day? They become part storyteller, part planner, part problem solver, and sometimes even part dress zipper, bouquet holder, hiking companion, veil fixer, and emotional support person.
Especially for destination elopements in Italy, having a photographer who understands logistics, locations, travel timing, permits, weather changes, and local culture can make an enormous difference.
This person isn’t just documenting your wedding day.
They’re often helping shape it from the very beginning. This is how my elopement package is built! To help you with just more than photography.
Florals: small detail, huge emotional impact
Flowers are often one of those things couples initially think they can skip.
And of course—you can.
But florals often have a much bigger impact than people realize. A bouquet gives your hands something natural to hold during emotional moments.
Flowers can add movement to photos. They can bring color into your day. They can tie your overall vision together.
Even something incredibly simple—like a bouquet, boutonnière, floral hair piece, or a few ceremony arrangements—can completely elevate the atmosphere of your elopement.
And beyond aesthetics, flowers often become keepsakes in your memories.
You’ll remember how they smelled.
How they looked in the sunlight.
How they felt while reading your vows.
They become part of the sensory experience. I am so excited to say that for elopements I happily make and prepare bouquets myself; as they are included in my elopement AD ASTRA package. I am not a professional by any means, I do not pretend I am, but I do love preparing them. You send me the inspiration and I do my best!
Your officiant: making your ceremony meaningful
Depending on where you’re getting married, legal requirements can vary a lot. Some couples choose to legally marry at home first and have a symbolic ceremony during their elopement. Others want their ceremony abroad to be legally recognized.
This is where an officiant can be incredibly important. They help guide the ceremony itself and create a meaningful experience that reflects your relationship. A great officiant doesn’t make your ceremony feel generic or scripted.
They help tell your story.
They create intentional moments.
They help you feel present during your vows.
And in some locations, you may even be able to self-solemnize, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant present. It all depends on where you’re eloping and what feels right for you.
MY HMUA RECOMMENDATIONS
MY CELEBRANTS RECOMMENDATIONS
- Enrico https://www.instagram.com/celebrante.enrico.epifani/
- Giuliano https://www.instagram.com/celebrans_by_giuliano_bonelli
- Passaggi Weddings https://www.instagram.com/celebrants_passaggi_weddings/ i’ve worked with Giulia
Hair and makeup:
helping you feel like your best self
Professional hair and makeup isn’t about transforming you into someone else. It’s about helping you feel confident, comfortable, and fully present. Destination elopements often involve wind, humidity, long hours outdoors, travel fatigue, and emotional tears.
A professional artist helps ensure everything lasts beautifully throughout the day.. And perhaps most importantly—they create a calm start to your morning. Instead of stressing over getting ready alone in a hotel mirror, you can simply relax and enjoy being cared for.
Videographer: preserving movement, sound, and emotion
Photos freeze moments beautifully. Video captures movement, sound, and emotion in a completely different way.
Your vows.
Your laughter.
The shaky nervous voice before the ceremony.
The sound of the ocean.
The way your dress moved in the wind.
These are memories photos can’t fully recreate. For many couples, having both photography and videography creates a fuller memory of the day.
Planner or coordinator: your behind-the-scenes lifesaver
Not every elopement needs a planner.
But for multi-day experiences, luxury villas, private venues, guest-inclusive celebrations, or complicated logistics, planners can be incredibly valuable.
They help with:
- vendor communication
- timelines
- reservations
- transportation
- backup plans
- permits
- guest logistics
They handle details you may not even think about until they become stressful.
A planner allows you to fully enjoy your day instead of managing moving parts.
Private chef, dinner experience, or picnic setup
This is one of the most overlooked parts of elopements—and often one of the most memorable.
Your day shouldn’t end right after your ceremony.
Imagine finishing your vows and then sitting down to an intimate dinner overlooking the Tuscan hills.
Or sharing pizza in Rome.
Or having a private chef cook for you in your villa.
Or enjoying a beautifully designed picnic after hiking to your ceremony spot.
Food becomes part of the celebration.
And often some of the most meaningful conversations happen during these quieter moments.
It’s not about having more vendors—it’s about having the right ones
This is what matters most. You do not need a giant team. You need people who understand that your elopement is not “less than” a traditional wedding.
It’s not just a photoshoot.
It’s not just a trip.
It’s not just a checklist.
It’s your wedding day. And the right people help make it feel exactly that way.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone
And this is where I step in beyond simply being your photographer. I help couples build an experience that feels effortless from start to finish. That means helping with:
- location recommendations
- timeline creation
- trusted vendor referrals
- travel logistics
- permits
- backup plans
- ideas you may not have even considered yet
Instead of spending countless hours researching and second-guessing every decision, you get to feel supported from the very beginning. Because planning your elopement should feel exciting. Not overwhelming. And when you have the right people around you helping it?
Everything flows naturally, beautifully, and exactly the way your story deserves.
