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  • Writer's pictureKrystal Shuhyta

How to Choose the Right Elopement Planner

We love elopements! At Fly Free Photography, we have years of elopement planning and photography experience and we love sharing our expertise. If you are on the fence about eloping, we are here to give you the tiny nudge you need to begin planning your perfect day. 


Need a little help planning an elopement that surpasses your wildest dreams and expectations? We have put together convenient package deals featuring videography, elopement photography, and planning. We can’t wait to cheer you on and celebrate with you every step of the way!


Read on to get the scoop on choosing the right elopement planner - you’ll see what working with a planner can do to make it easy for you to simply enjoy your elopement wedding.


Eloping couple kissing in Banff  National Park at Sunrise

Things to Consider When Eloping

There are many things to consider when eloping - we get it! You may be asking:


Do I need a planner?

An elopement may involve fewer guests, but that doesn’t mean it will be simple or without planning. There are many details to be considered and things to line up. A good elopement planner will manage all the details perfectly so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.


How do I start planning an elopement?

With so many vendors "specializing" in elopements out of pure necessity since the world went a little crazy, it can be hard to decide who is really worth it. Who can you trust to plan your elopement that will take your vision as seriously as if you were planning a wedding with 200 of your closest family and friends? Hi, it’s us. We have been huge supporters and lovers of elopements since before they were trendy and we are experienced and excited to help you plan yours.


Planning an elopement can be less expensive than planning a large wedding, but it is still important for you to consider your budget. Expenses can add up quickly, especially if you are planning a luxury destination or an elopement reception. Choosing an elopement planner with a fair amount of experience in location scouting and vendor referral makes a world of difference. Choosing your wedding location is another expression of you and can say a lot about what kind of couple you are and what’s important to you. 


If you’re planning to travel to your elopement, you’ll want to consider booking flights and finding lodging as early as possible. Your planner will suggest or source great locations near your location for lodging or other activities. 


How do I know who to hire?

With all of the planning that goes into an elopement - wedding attire, activities, renting flowers, elopement photography, and more - it can be tricky to know who you can trust with your big day. Choosing the right planner to help and guide you will make all the difference if planning an elopement feels overwhelming.


At Fly Free Photography, we give trusted recommendations for vendors we have worked with for years. Our trusted insights and references relieve stress related to planning an elopement for many couples. When it comes to choosing your vendors - don’t worry - we’ve got you!


Rockies Heli bride and groom

Elopement Planner Insights

Our relationships with local vendors, officiants, and locations are all invaluable insights that make your elopement wedding exactly what you’ve envisioned. If you’re eloping because you desire an experience with as few people as possible, combining our planning and elopement photography services will help you achieve exactly what you imagine for your special day. 


No matter your reason for eloping, you deserve to feel like the most beautiful woman in the room. That might mean splurging on an incredible wedding gown, wearing something you already own and love, or borrowing something fantastic. Sometimes finding the perfect pieces can feel like a lot - we are more than happy to help.


As elopement photographers and planners with many years of experience, we have curated helpful tools from planning to a client closet to save your elopement budget and help you find just the right thing for your big day. These are just a couple of the many benefits you will reap with our elopement packages.



What Can an Elopement Planner Do?

Let’s talk about the role of an elopement planner and what they can do to make the planning and day of absolutely perfect.


While many elopement photographers offer some planning with their packages, we are different. We are committed to being available to answer your questions every step of the way. We are full of interesting elopement ideas, planning tools, and general cheerleading to help you!


Find an Elopement Location

Whether you’re searching for “all-inclusive” elopement packages or something secluded, your elopement location is one of the first things you’ll want to decide. An experienced planner can help find the most incredible location or venue for you. Here are some of the best places to elope in Canada with gorgeous elopement shots from Fly Free Photography if you’re still deciding. 


Help Choose Elopement Vendors

Be sure you ask your planner how they choose the vendors they recommend. A great planner can help you find the right officiant, florist, hair and makeup artist, or rental company for your elopement wedding. We have experience working with dozens of local, trusted vendors and we share our list with clients to ensure they are choosing reputable and tried and true vendors. 


As you plan your elopement, you’ll have lots of questions. Don’t underestimate the value of having a “go-to” person you can email or call. You only get married once, and whether you choose a big celebration or something intimate, you deserve to be supported in your vision by all of your vendors - a planner will ensure that’s exactly what happens.


Create an Elopement Timeline

Creating a timeline is one of our favourite parts of elopement planning! We love working together with you to create a timeline that’s curated to you and your vision for the day. 


Planning an elopement timeline is personal and unique. It’s all about putting together thousands of little details to create the most incredible elopement wedding for you.


The right timeline is essential. It’s important to time your day to get the best of your location and ensure you don’t run out of time to do everything important to you. An elopement planner will help determine how long it will take to get to each location and how much time you want to spend there, including building a buffer for traffic. You’ll be able to be fully present and focused on your big-day knowing that your planner has taken care of all of the details - big and small.


Delegating

The best planners are experts at delegating. When you have lots of moving parts, it’s important to have a point person. A planner can take on the role and delegate tasks accordingly, taking stress away from the bride and groom. 



Elopement Photography

We take elopement planning seriously. This is why we include planning and coordination in our elopement photography packages. You can expect us to work closely with you to create a custom timeline, and provide curated lists of trusted vendors and location recommendations we trust based on years of experience.


Fly Free Photography combines elopement planning and elopement photography for a seamless experience that’s exactly what you dreamed of. Having a photographer who knows exactly what’s important to you as a couple, has lots of experience photographing elopements, and has been with you from the beginning is invaluable!


As elopement photographers, we have seen elopements of all shapes and sizes. Some couples have always dreamed of an intimate elopement and have planned out many elaborate details.  Other couples aren’t too fussed about the wedding ceremony and are ready to splurge on a honeymoon. No matter your reason for eloping, we can ensure you get the beautiful wedding day photos you want and deserve.


At Fly Free Photography, we will work with you to answer all of your questions. We believe that every wedding is as unique as the couple - meaning every wedding requires individualized curation. We want to help you plan and execute an incredible day with photo memories that will take you back to your wedding day each time you see them.


Our elopement packages in Calgary and the Rocky Mountains make your day beautiful and meaningful. We know your love is unique and we want to help you tell your lovestory with a custom elopement. Reach out to the Fly Free Photography team and let’s get started! 


Elopement Receptions

There are many reasons couples choose to have elopement receptions. If you still want to celebrate with friends and family after eloping, you might be wondering the best way to plan an elopement reception.


An elopement reception can be much less stressful than a wedding reception. Separating the reception from your ceremony will take lots of pressure off both events and give the bride and groom the chance to enjoy themselves more. 


Your elopement reception doesn’t have to be a large, stressful, expensive party. Rather, it is an ideal solution for couples who still want to share the excitement with friends and family after the big day.


Arrange for Speeches and Toasts

Speeches and toasts help family members and friends who weren’t at the elopement to feel included. Ask them ahead of time to prepare a toast - video or written - and enjoy the free entertainment with this sweet memory.


Elopement Photography Slideshow or Video

Show a slideshow of photos from your elopement. This is a great way to help friends and family feel like they were there and it’s a fantastic conversation starter too. Enjoy sharing memories and special moments from your elopement day with your friends and family. 


You can also show a wedding video. Calgary Wedding Videographer can help you capture your elopement on video to share with friends and family after the big day. Wedding videos allow you to relive your wedding with all the raw and beautiful emotions you felt in that moment.





Elopement Packages

Are you dreaming of an intimate and picturesque wedding surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Alberta? Elopements have become a popular choice for couples looking for a more personal, intimate, or adventurous way to say their vows. If you are considering planning an elopement in Alberta, these elopement packages are perfect for you. 


From the mesmerizing beauty of the Canadian Rockies to serene lakes and forests, Alberta offers a magical backdrop for any elopement wedding. These beautiful settings make it easy to be truly present and focused on the commitment you’re making to one another.


Discover packages at popular venues like Hill Rise Ranch near Calgary, locations all over Banff National Park, and “build your own adventure” elopement packages that are available with Fly Free Photography elopement planning and photography.


Choosing the right planner or the right elopement package is a big decision, after all, this is an important day. We know you’ve put a lot of thought into your elopement and we can’t wait to get planning together and help you celebrate and create memories that will last a lifetime.


Till Next Time Friend,

Xo Krystal



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