So you want to elope somewhere in the great and wild American west?

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If your goal is to elope somewhere in the great and wild American West, this guide is everything you’ll need.

Let’s break it down and make this vision a reality. You’ll learn about the different areas to elope, how to make your day unique, badass vendors that will do the damn thing, and an inside look at real elopement timelines. Don’t let any goal feel unobtainable. You deserve this experience, and we’re here to guide you along your planning stages.

As professional photographers, filmmakers and rock collectors, we take pride in knowing the logistics surrounding elopements in the American West. Some elements can see tricky to handle, permitting can get confusing, and all the small details that go into planning an adventurous elopement can become stressful or overwhelming. You should be able to genuinely enjoy and trust the process. Wether you hire us to create a custom elopement experience in the American West, or use this guide to help plan your own adventure, stay true to who you are the elopement story you want to tell.

What does eloping mean to you?

When you consider that word, what do you see? Are you standing outside the courthouse wearing band tees and doc martens? Are you having a private ceremony and then celebrating with friends? Or maybe when you hear elopement, you see yourself riding dirt bikes in the desert, saying your vows as the sun sets behind the sandstone formations, and dancing under the stars.

There’s no wrong way to elope. But there’s a lot of aspect to consider, and step one is definitely sitting down with your person and talking opening and honestly about what an elopement means to you. In the eyes of the human law gods, you need a marriage license just like any other wedding ceremony. Details can differ from state to state, but here’s a basic rundown for marriage licenses in the American West.

UTAH: Marriage license is applied for, in person, at any county clerk’s office. It must then be solemnized by any authorized officiant. At least two witnesses are required.

ARIZONA: Marriage licenses in Arizona apply to any ceremony within the state. You will need an officiant and at least two witnesses.

NEW MEXICO: You do not need to be a resident of New Mexico and the license applies to ceremonies anywhere in the state. Two witnesses are needed.

CALIFORNIA: Choose whatever county is best for you and make sure your ceremony is within 90-days of obtaining your marriage license. Only one witness is required.

Please remember, all this information is subject to change and the pandemic has made many counties restructure their services. Always research for the specific location you intend to host your ceremony.

But there’s always work arounds! Need witnesses? That can be us! Want to avoid the stress of handling paperwork when coming from out of state? Apply for a marriage license in your home town and use the elopement experience as a way to celebrate!

Planning Intentional elopement Experiences

If I’m being honest with you, I think this is easily the most important step. Most people take it for granted. Don’t be most people.
Fuck unobtainable Pinterest goals. Fuck the bride magazines. Fuck outdated traditions.
Your elopement experience deserves to be as unique as your love story.

So how do you do that?
How do you plan an intentional, honest and memorable experience when eloping in the American West?

Okay step one is stop letting your truth be swayed by what people tell you is in trend, versus what your heart knows to be timeless. There’s you and then there’s the instagram version of you. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s the year 2045 and social media is embedded in our habits and daily thoughts. But you’re not eloping for the Instagram version of you. You’re doing this because you’re fucking obsessed with this one incredible human and you’re ready to scream it with lungs full of dry desert air.

Here are some unique things TO do while eloping in the wild American West!

• Plan an off-road adventure somewhere private and scenic!

• Go for a long hike and bring the dogs.

• Grab a kayak and explore twisting canyons.

• Enjoy a picnic while watching the sun set behind epic sandstone monuments.

• Bring the dirt bikes, a speaker, good beer and some friends!

• Get tattooed in town, share a pizza, and have a bonfire with s’mores at your cute AirBnB.

• Spend all day exploring new places and end with a dance party with your closest friends.

• Rent a boat and lounge around the Colorado river.

• Take your skateboards through a national park and end with cocktails and live music.

• Rent a vintage sports car and pretend like you’re in vogue, when really you’re in the middle of fucking nowhere.

And like, a bajillion more. Get weird with it and embrace the things that make you who you are.