How to Elope: The Complete Elopement Checklist

Updated for 2026 Weddings: Elope the easy way with this simple elopement checklist! (PDF included)

 

Updated November 24, 2025

 

Eloping is the biggest wedding trend of the new year for a reason! Or, many reasons, actually: It's less stress than a big wedding. You can elope on any budget. And eloping gives you the freedom to do exactly what you want to on your wedding day, wherever you want to do it. To make it even easier, we've designed an elopement checklist (with PDF download) to guide you through how to elope with confidence.

 

Learn more: What Does It Mean to Elope & Is It Right for You?

 

This simple elopement checklist will help you plan the perfect ceremony, whether you're dreaming of a deluxe destination elopement, or a quick 'make it legal' marriage license signing at your favorite cafe. The whole process is broken down into simple steps, with the legal requirements you shouldn't skip, plus plenty of room to create your own custom experience.

 

Make note of the legal essentials – the list items you can’t skip, no matter how spontaneous you’re feeling. These include applying for your marriage license, finding a wedding officiant to perform your ceremony, and filing your completed license.

 

 

Get married the easy way with this simple elope "to do" list! (Photo: Sandy Millar / Unsplash)

 

 

The Complete Elopement Checklist 

 

 

► DOWNLOAD HERE: ELOPEMENT CHECKLIST PDF 

 

A simple checklist to help you plan an elopement that's uniquely YOU

 

 

⬜ Check the 'Marriage License Waiting Period'

 

Start by answering these two important questions: How long does it take to get a marriage license in your state? and How long do you have to wait to use the license? (This is called the marriage license waiting period.) This info is essential if you're planning a same-day wedding or elopement. 

 

- Marriage License Waiting Period (Info by State)

 

Some states require couples to wait 1 to 3 days between receiving their marriage license and holding their marriage ceremony. You won’t be able to elope the same day you purchase your license in a state with a waiting period.

 

 

⬜ Pick a date to elope

 

Once you’ve got the waiting period figured out, choose a date to elope! This date will also inform when you need to purchase your marriage license. 

 

• Is your chosen date after the required waiting period? 
• Does your chosen date give you enough time to prepare and invite guests/ witnesses?

 

Wedding date ideas & inspiration: The Luckiest Month to Get Married According to Superstition
 

 

⬜ Choose where to elope

 

One of the best parts of eloping is that you can hold your tiny ceremony almost anywhere, at any time – including underwater or while skydiving! If you’re planning a destination elopement or adventure elopement, make sure to book your travel and lodging in advance.

 

If you’re considering an international destination or cruise ship wedding, read this first. 

 

• Do you need to arrange travel or hotels? 
• Do you need a venue? 
• Do you need a permit or special permission to hold a ceremony? 
• Will you need any special equipment, clothing, or gear? 
• Do you need to book reservations for meals? 

 

Get inspired: 2026 Destination Wedding Trends: Iconic Views & Candid Pics Create an Intimate Adventure

 

Planning to elope in Hawaii, Florida, or another popular seasonal destination? Don't forget to book your travel and lodging as early as possible, and research whether you need a special events permit for your ceremony (for example when planning a beach elopement, or to get married in a state park) (Photo: Micah & Sammie Chaffin / Unsplash)
 

⬜ Find a wedding officiant

 

Ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding to make the day truly special and intimate! Your friend officiant will need to get ordained before the ceremony, and might need to register as an officiant (depending on which state you’re in). This process is usually simple, and online ordination only takes a minute. 

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If you want to hire a professional wedding officiant, book them as early as possible. Let them know exactly what you’d like the elopement to be like. Great officiants can make a any simple elopement memorable – even a quick license signing ceremony at your favorite cafe.

 

• Friends can get ordained online with AMM here for free to officiate your wedding. 
• See if new officiants must register in your state by visiting Weddings By State.
• Choose an officiant that fits your values, faith, style, and budget

 

Related: How Much Does a Wedding Officiant Cost? (& Should You Tip Them?)

 

 

⬜ Book your wedding vendors 

 

Elopements are small in size – not mood. They can be as luxurious as you want them to be. Decide what sort of vendors you want to help with your event, such as florists, photographers, videographers, caterers, musicians, a DJ, or any others. Once you’ve decided, book them as soon as possible. 

 

• What other types of vendors do you want at your elopement? 
• Contact them early to be sure they're available.

 

 

⬜ Apply for your marriage license 

 

The timing of this step depends on which state and county you want to marry in. Each county has its own guidelines to apply for and purchase a marriage license, so check those details first. In most counties, you’ll apply for your license through your county clerk, registrar, or court clerk. 

 

This process usually requires both parties to apply together, and you’ll need to bring valid IDs. You might also be asked to provide a divorce decree/s if you’ve been married before. Gather your paperwork before heading down to apply!

 

Expiration period: In almost every state, your marriage license has an ‘expiration period.’ This is the amount of time you have to use your license after purchasing it. If you don’t elope before your license expires, you’ll have to buy a new one. Check the expiration period in your state here. 

 

• Do you need an appointment to apply or can you just walk in? 
• Do you need to start the application online? 
• What do you need to bring with you to apply? 
• Don’t apply too soon, and don’t wait until the last minute. (Remember the waiting period and expiration period.)

 

(Photo: Sylvia Becerra Gonzalez  / iStock)

⬜ Invite wedding witnesses

 

Some states require one or two witnesses to attend the wedding ceremony and sign your marriage license. Find out if you’ll need a witness here. 

 

• Do you need a witness or two? 

 

Related: Who Can Be a Witness for a Wedding & How Do You Choose?

 

⬜ Guest list: Invite friends and family

 

Most elopements are under 10 people, but you can invite as few or as many people as you wish (as long as you have an officiant and the required witnesses present). 

 

• Who do you want with you at your ceremony? 
• Do guests need to arrange travel or lodging? 
• How will you invite them? (By mail, email, phone, or video chat?)
• Do you need to tell them about a dress code, or will they need to bring any special clothing or equipment? 

 

 

⬜ Nail down the ceremony details 

 

Meet with your officiant before the wedding day to decide what to include and say during the ceremony. Some couples want to celebrate with a unique, personalized ceremony and custom wedding script. Others want a simple and pre-written ceremony script. This is completely up to you, and your officiant will help you pull it all together. 

 

• Do you want a custom wedding ceremony script? 
• Do you want to include a unity ceremony or ritual? 
• Do you want to write your own wedding vows? 
• Religious or nonreligious? 
• How long do you want your ceremony to last? 

 

Visit AMM's Wedding Ceremony Script Library.

 

 

After the elopement ceremony, you and your officiant must return your completed marriage license. This is the last essential step to ensure your elopement is a success, and your marriage is legal. Congratulations! 

 

 

For more help planning your wedding ceremony: 

 

• Ceremony Planning Articles

 

• Articles for Engaged Couples

 

And check out these other eloping ideas & inspiration: 

 

• Elope With a Dreamy, Teeny-Tiny, Covid-Era Ceremony

 

• Why You Should Elope (An Illustrated Guide)

 

• ‘Preloping’ - A Cute Name for Signing a Marriage License Before the Wedding
   

 

Illustrations by Jessica Levey from 'Why You Should Elope (An Illustrated Guide)

 

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You might also like: 

 

• Attention Couples: Want an Awesome Ceremony? Schedule regular meetings and work closely with your officiant!

 

• 10 Micro Wedding Ideas to Inspire An Intimate Ceremony
   

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