Guide to Planning Your Small Wedding or Elopement in Croatia and Dubrovnik
As someone who has experienced a big traditional wedding myself, I understand the beauty and excitement of such celebrations. However, my journey as a photographer has led me to appreciate the deeper, more intimate stories behind marriages. Over time, I've grown to love capturing small weddings, elopements, and adventure elopements. These experiences have shown me that the essence of a wedding is truly about the two people and their love for each other, rather than the grandeur of a party or the presence of acquaintances.
In intimate settings, I've witnessed the pure emotions, heartfelt moments, and genuine connections that make each love story unique. The focus shifts from orchestrating a large event to cherishing the bond between two individuals. This shift in perspective has inspired me to specialize in small weddings and elopements, particularly in the stunning landscapes of Croatia and Dubrovnik.
Whether you envision a quiet ceremony by the Adriatic Sea, an adventurous elopement in the Croatian countryside, or a romantic exchange of vows within Dubrovnik's historic walls, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Trusting your photographer to capture the theme and experience of your special day allows you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the moment. This detailed guide will assist you in planning a small wedding or elopement that truly reflects your love story, emphasizing the meaningful connections and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide on How to Plan an Elopement
Let’s skip all the fluff and get right down to it – I am here to ensure you have the elopement of your dreams! The internet was missing a straight-to-the-point, step-by-step guide on how to plan an elopement, and that's what I aim to provide.
As a specialized elopement photographer who has the inside knowledge to help you create an unforgettable experience, I created this small guide, complete with industry secrets, elopement ideas, location scouting tips, guidance on timelines and more! While I wrote this guide with Croatia and Dubrovnik in mind, the principles and steps can be applied to any location.
I hope this can help you if you’re feeling lost about how to elope and not sure what to do next! Keep in mind this is not a one-size-fits-all, but it’s certainly a start.
If you have any feedback or are interested in working with me, please contact me at princinophoto@gmail.com.
Table of content
Imagine Your Elopement Day
Begin by sitting down together with a bottle of wine or a cup of coffee.
Each of you will need a piece of paper. Write down at least three things that are most important to you when it comes to your wedding day.
Besides getting married, are there other priorities such as photography, florals, having your family there? What means the most to you?
Once you have those three things written down, share them with each other.
This exercise may seem simple, but it’s crucial for the overall vision of your wedding day! It helps you prioritize and shapes the entire elopement experience.
Calculate The Cost Of Your Elopement
Here are the main expenses to help give you a running start. It’s very likely you won’t need to budget for every single item, so make sure to factor in the ones that are most important to you.
Elopement photographer
Transportation (flights, rental car, parking, tolls, insurance, etc.)
Airbnb or a place to stay
Florist
Makeup trial (if any)
Hair & Makeup Artist
Décor rentals
Baker
Musicians
Officiant
Videographer
Vow booklets
Wedding rings
Permits and fees for marriage license
Permits and fees for national or state parks
Additional details such as stationery, invitations, thank you cards
Food, snacks, drinks
Dress and/or Tux Rentals/Purchases
Make Your Guest List (Or Skip This Step Entirely)
Start off by writing a draft list of guests you would like to invite. Ideally, less than 30 people is more of an intimate gathering and will allow you to spend time with each of your guests. Personally, I only take on elopements & intimate weddings with 20 guests or less.
Next, think about how you plan to invite your guests. Formal invitations? Email? Word of mouth? Maybe you’re looking for more of a special touch and would prefer stationery designed perfectly to fit your personality and wedding theme?
Here are several FREE wedding planning websites that can help you automate and manage your guest list, send out invites, and even make a wedding website (some do charge for use of additional features like a wedding website):
GREENVELOPE (for email invitations only & RSVP tracking)
Once you have your location and date, you can send save the dates or personally contact your family members to let them know about your wedding day.
Pick Your Date and Time of Year
This is when your elopement finally starts to feel official!
If you don’t already have a date in mind, then I suggest choosing a weekday during your preferred season if possible. If it’s a popular location, then opting for a weekday often means more seclusion. Believe it or not, national parks can turn into a literal traffic jam, often caused by wildlife.
Hire Your Specialized Elopement Photographer & Planner
Trust me when I say that hiring a photographer before you even have a location can be a game-changer.
A local elopement photographer who specializes in elopements can help you find the perfect location, plan your timeline, pick the perfect accommodations, and be your local guide. The good news? This is my specialty. I can show you exactly how to elope in Croatia and Dubrovnik!
Pick Your Ceremony Location
Time for the fun part: choosing your ceremony location!
Remember in step one when you imagined your elopement day? Revisit those details. How is the weather? What is the landscape around you? Are there trees? Lakes? Tall mountains or buildings? Is it sunny and warm, or snowy? Is it at sunrise or sunset? In the middle of the day on the beach?
There is no wrong answer here. Once you have your criteria, start researching areas that may have all of those characteristics.
As your elopement photographer, I will provide a detailed location guide based on your preferences. This guide will include everything you need to know about each location so you can make an informed decision.
Hire Your Remaining Wedding Vendors
Here are the typical vendors you might consider:
Hair & Makeup Artist
Private Chef
Baker
Videographer
Florist
Decor Rentals
Officiant
Check For Additional Permits for Weddings & Photography
If you are getting married in a national forest or protected land, then a permit will likely be required for photography and/or the ceremony. I highly suggest researching your ceremony location to avoid any surprises. Typically, your elopement photographer will guide you on any restrictions or additional fees.
Research How To Get A Marriage License & Get Legal
Every country has different requirements. It’s very important you plan your elopement way ahead of time when it comes to researching the laws and requirements before making any official booking plans or reservations.
Have a Plan B and Plan C
It’s never a bad idea to have a backup plan, especially if you are having an outdoor ceremony. Mother nature can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for elopements to be moved to a different spot due to overcrowding, weather, or other potential hazards. Having a plan B and C can ensure your day goes smoothly despite any unforeseen circumstances..
Book Your Accommodations & Travel
Don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to choosing your accommodations! You’re going to want a place to stay that is close to your ceremony location and has great lighting. Photographers typically love any location that has big open windows and is void of clutter.
Why not book a modern a-frame cabin in the woods or something with beautiful views that’s going to make you feel a little spoiled? It is your wedding day after all!
Plan Your Elopement Timeline
While everyone’s timeline will be different, here is a rough draft of all the items you may want to include if you need help on how to elope.
I’ve even included the minimum length of time to provide for each activity:
Getting Ready: Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours for hair and makeup. During this time, your photographer will likely be collecting photos of the little details such as your wedding dress, wedding rings, invitations, etc.
First Look: (Optional) If you’d prefer to see each other before the ceremony, a “first look” is a wonderful way to calm your nerves and get any jitters out of the way before the ceremony. Allow a minimum of 15-30 minutes for this.
Drive/Transportation Time: Include any travel time to the ceremony location. If you’re planning on hiking to your destination, then add additional time as needed. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour depending on your location.
Ceremony: Depending on the details of your ceremony, allow a minimum of 15-30 minutes.
Congratulations/Photos with Family: This time is reserved for hugs, kisses, and a couple of group photos if you have guests present. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes.
Couples Portraits: This is the perfect time for you and your partner to share special moments together while your photographer captures intimate, candid moments. Allow a minimum of 1-1.5 hours.
Reception: Whether you’re having a full reception, a private dinner, or a picnic, allow a minimum of 2 hours.
Prepare For Your Big Day
About 1-2 weeks prior to your wedding, create a list of items to bring. This will include your wedding rings, any wedding day details (vow books, stationery, invitations, family heirlooms, etc.), hiking boots, extra layers (for colder weather), any specific snacks or drinks you want to have on hand, and of course, your dress and tux. The more prepared you are, the smoother your day will be!
This guide is designed to help you plan a magical and memorable elopement, filled with love and adventure. Trusting your photographer with the details ensures you can focus on what truly matters – celebrating your unique love story in a way that feels authentic and personal. Let’s embark on this journey together and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Additional Tips
Embrace Local Culture: Incorporate Croatian traditions or elements into your ceremony.
Golden Hour: Plan your photography around the golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) for the best lighting.
Weekdays: Choose weekdays for fewer crowds and more privacy.
Be Flexible: Embrace the adventure and go with the flow. Unplanned moments often become the most memorable.
Planning a small wedding or elopement in Croatia and Dubrovnik is a unique and beautiful way to celebrate your love. By following this detailed guide, you can ensure that your day is perfectly tailored to your vision and filled with unforgettable moments. If you need any assistance or want to discuss your plans further, feel free to contact me at princinophoto@gmail.com. I'm here to help make your dream elopement in Croatia and Dubrovnik a reality!
PRINCINO PHOTOGRAPHY DUBROVNIK | COUPLE'S PHOTOGRAPHER
Comments