Can You Plan an Elopement in Under a Month?
The short answer: YES!
If you’re dreaming up your elopement day and worried that there’s not enough time to pull it all together… stop right there. There’s plenty of time. Trust me.
Some of my favorite elopements have come together in under two weeks and I am here to help you do it, too!
Oh thank God! Let’s Start Planning an Epic Elopement Day Together!
How to Plan a Last Minute Elopement
Consider the Season
When planning a last minute elopement, you’re more or less committing to a specific season. Most places look wildly different depending on the time of year. Understanding the season will help shape the entire feel of your day and what kind of adventure fits best.
Here in Vermont we have 4 very distinct seasons (some people may even say we have 6). Winter, Spring (and mud season), Summer, Fall (and stick season). There’s magic in every one and we can walk through the pros and cons of all of them together.
01. Winter (Dec-Mar)
Winter temperatures range from single digits to the low 30s with occasional cold snaps dipping into the negatives. Covered in glistening snow and icy cliff faces, Vermont is absolutely stunning in the winter months and a great time for sleigh rides, snuggling up by a fire, ice skating or skiing (my personal favorite).
02. Spring (April-June)
The flowers begin to blossom and the hills become lush with forests of ferns – so many beautiful ferns! Like many places, spring can often be a little wet, but the fog brings a dramatic feel to your photos and typically clears to reveal the most epic view just at the right time. Spring is also the only time of year when sugar farmers are making maple syrup!
03. Summer (June-Sept)
Of course, summer is popular no matter where you are, but you can always find a quiet corner down by the river or high up on a hill. Vermont summers are typically in the 70s (though can reach into the 90s), but a cool mountain breeze keeps it comfortable. Summer is a great time for hiking, biking, paddling and horseback riding.
04. Fall (Sept-Nov)
The foliage is unbeatable in Vermont, but it’s also the most popular time to visit. Plan for sunrise or sunset and you’ll be golden. Fall temps vary but typically bring crisp morning and evening air paired with warmer days. Be sure to dress in layers so that you’re prepared for all of it. And don’t you think about leaving town without having some of VT’s famous cider donuts!
Choose a Location
Think about what feels most like you. A mountaintop at sunrise, a quiet lake, a cozy cabin tucked in the woods or an elegant inn with mountain views. Your elopement doesn’t have to look one specific way — Vermont gives you room to make it your own.
A few of my favorite elopement locations in Vermont are:
- Lake Champlain
- Shelburne Farms
- Lake Willoughby
- Mount Mansfield
- Warren Falls
- Woodstock
- Manchester
Pick Your Vendors
Even a last-minute elopement deserves a solid team. A photographer who helps with planning, a florist who embraces the season, a private chef for your Airbnb dinner, or a hair + makeup artist willing to meet you at a trailhead can make the day feel seamless and intentional.
If taking a DIY approach feels better – great! Make your own bouquet, do your hair and makeup (or don’t!), fix yourselves a PB+J picnic. Whatever feels most you. Do that.
Ready to Brainstorm what YOUR day might look like? Let’s hit the drawing board!
Planning Tips
Last minute elopements don’t have to feel rushed or chaotic. In fact, planning a last minute elopement is usually way simpler than people expect. Sometimes having less time means less overthinking and more focus on what actually matters. Once you strip away the pressure and unnecessary extras, you can focus on building a day that actually feels fun, meaningful, and true to you.
Here are a few things I always recommend keeping in mind while planning:
- Choose 1–2 meaningful activities to build your day around
- Sunrise ceremonies often give the best light and the most privacy.
- Focus on how you want the day to feel, not just how you want it to look in photos.
- Consider eloping on a weekday as you’ll avoid crowds and have more time to relax.
- Keep your guest list small (or non-existent).
- Prioritize flexibility, especially with weather. Some of the most beautiful moments happen in unexpected conditions.
Last Minute Does Not Mean Less Meaningful
You do NOT need months of planning to have an epic and memorable wedding day. You just need the two of you, a simple plan and a beautiful or meaningful location.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how long you planned — it’s about creating a day that feels honest, connected, and fully like the two of you.
If this sounds like type of wedding day you’re looking for, I’d love to help you and your partner craft a truly memorable experience. Reach out and let’s start planning.
