How to Simplify Elopement Planning

In a world dominated by a massive wedding industry, there are endless options and a million micro-decisions to be made. Planning burnout isn’t just possible – it’s common.

When you decide to elope, especially for an adventure elopement, there isn’t a cookie-cutter framework for you to build off, like there is with a traditional wedding. No two elopements look the same, and while the freedom is liberating, it can also feel daunting and overwhelming.

The beauty of an elopement is that you and your partner are in every single detail.

• Anything you don’t want? Easily left out.
• Things you dislike? Don’t even need a second thought.
• Everything you genuinely loved? Wrapped right into your day.

To keep our journey stress-free, I’m introducing a system to making your elopement planning easy & seamless: The Priority Funnel.

What is a Priority Funnel?

The priority funnel is a simple system that ranks everything you want for your elopement, and filters out the rest. Whenever you hit a fork in the road or feel stuck on a choice, you run it through the funnel. If it doesn’t fit your core vision, it automatically gets kicked out.

This is how you make elopement planning easy.

Small decisions can add up …

• Should you invite your brother or keep it strictly just the two of you?
• Do you need ceremony decor, or is the mountain peak all you need?
• Is a formal dinner necessary, or would a trail-side meal feel more like “you”?

Without a funnel to simplify the planning the process, every single question feels like a major debate. With a funnel, decisions make themselves based on what you and your partner have already agreed matters most.

Step 1: Starting Your Priority Funnel

Set aside some quiet time together – pen and paper (or notes app) in hand. I suggest doing this separately first, so that neither of you accidentally influences the other or overlooks a high-level personal priority.

Take a few moments to think about and envision your elopement.

• What are the overarching themes?
• What moments keep coming back to you?
• What have you always dreamed of experiencing on your wedding day?

Write those down. These items should be the big, non-negotiables, must-have anchors, most important to you, can’t leave out, preserve at all cost, kind of things.

Your list might include …

• physical items – such as the *perfect* dress
• activities and events – like off-roading or hiking, or a first-dance
• a specific feeling or vibe – like feeling slow, connected, quiet and unhurried
• people – like bringing your pup or ensuring you can include your best friend since pre-school
• location – like a dream bucket-list destination or a place that holds deep personal history

Try to narrow your list down to 3 key items. Anything else? Write it off to the side – we’ll come back to these shortly.

Step 2: Finding Your Shared Non-Negotiables

Once you’re both done, come together and compare notes.

If an item appears on both of your lists, it automatically lands in Tier 1—your end-all-be-all. If you have more than 3 overlapping ideas, work together to hone it down to your top 3 shared non-negotiables.

Why Tier 1 Matters:

These 3 items represent the heart of your elopement. They are the reasons you chose to elope in the first place. When budget, weather, or outside opinions test your plans, Tier 1 is your North Star. If a decision protects Tier 1, it stays. If it compromises Tier 1, it goes.

Step 3: Building Out the Rest of Your Funnel

Once Tier 1 is set, the rest of the structure falls into place naturally. Here is how the whole funnel looks from top to bottom:

Tier 1 (Core Vision): Your shared top 3 anchors that define the experience.

Tier 2 (Legal & Logistics): Everything required to legally marry you (marriage license, officiant/witnesses if required, permits) plus whatever logistically supports Tier 1.

Tier 3 (Wishlist Items): Personal desires that didn’t make the top 3 cutoff, but would add great joy to your day without causing stress or strain.

Tier 4 (Optional Add-Ons): “Bonus” elements. If time, budget, or circumstances allow for them, awesome! If not, your day is still 100% complete without them.

Stuck on ideas? Anything that brings you joy, comfort, or adventure can find a place in your funnel. Or visit the bottom of this blog post under “Need Help Building Your Funnel?” for more ideas.

Step 4: Putting Your Tunnel to Work

When new decisions arrive, filter them through your funnel.

Run your decisions through this checklist?

• Is this legally or logistically necessary? Goes to Tier 2
• Does this directly support Tier 1? Keep it
• Is this a love-to-have item that fits our vision for the elopement day? Goes to Tier 3
• Is this just “nice to have” if extra time or budget exists? Goes to Tier 4
• Does this interfere or distract from Tier 1 or Tier 2? Kick it out!

Navigating Hard Decisions & Outside Pressure

The hardest decisions usually aren’t about venues or gear—they’re about people and tradition.

When family members or friends express strong opinions about guest lists, traditions, or expectations, refer back to your Priority Funnel together. Ask: “Does adding this obligation protect our Tier 1 vision, or does it dilute it?”

Having this framework gives you a unified front. You aren’t saying “no” just to be difficult; you’re protecting the intentional experience you designed together.

Unapologetically Yours

No matter the decisions you make for your elopement, there will always be outside opinions, noise, and pressure. But this day doesn’t belong to anyone else, its yours. Your elopement isn’t a performance for anyone else.

By filtering out the clutter, you are creating space for a genuine, unforgettable adventure centered entirely on your love. Trust your funnel, lean into what matters and get married exactly how you want.

Need Help Building Your Funnel?

Need help building your elopement vision and finding the perfect backdrop? Let’s chat and start planning your adventure!

I work one-on-one with every couple to build their funnel, help them navigate the logistics (like permits, locations, recommendations, etc.), and plan out the perfect elopement day for them.

If you’re looking for ideas or examples for your funnel, check out the list below.

Activities & Experiences

• A sunrise hike
• Cliffside stargazing
• Off-roading in a Jeep
• Taking a helicopter flight to a remote mesa for your ceremony
• Renting a classic car, camper van, or kayaks
• Playing your favorite board game
• Reading letters from home
• A private first dance at sunset
• Soaking in a natural hot spring after the vow exchange

Locations & Scenery

• A specific high-alpine peak
• A national park or wilderness area that holds personal meaning
• A cozy backcountry cabin, A-frame, or luxury yurt
• An accessible location that your parents can access
• Somewhere you can include all your favorite outdoor activities
• A place with your favorite weather

Attire, Details & Keepsakes

• An epic, wind-catching dress or tailored suit built for hiking
• Matching custom hiking boots, jacket patches, or socks
• Hand-bound vow books to keep as heirloom souvenirs
• Heirloom jewelry, family keepsakes, or custom ring boxes
• Bringing a polaroid camera or audio guestbook for memories

People & Furry-Friends

• Having your dog (or pet) present as a witness or ring bearer
• Inviting a tight-knit inner circle (parents, siblings, or best friends)
• Keeping it strictly just the two of you
• Including an officiant who is a close personal friend
• Hiring an adventure photographer/videographer to document it all

Food, Drink & Celebration

• A trail-side charcuterie board or custom picnic spread
• Hiring a private chef to cook a multi-course meal at your Airbnb
• Popping a specific bottle of champagne or craft beer you’ve saved
• Tacos, pizza, or a food truck in the woods
• A mini wedding cake, pie, or campfire s’mores