What Vendors Do You Need For An Elopement?
The best part about eloping is that there are no rules! You get to choose to have everything exactly the way you want it, including the vendors you choose to work with or not. There isn’t a set list of vendors you need to hire. There actually isn’t a single vendor you HAVE to hire in order to elope, but there are a few you probably should! You can focus on the ones that help to create you dream elopement and forget about the rest! I’ve put together a list of vendors you might want to consider working with for your elopement.
Photographer & Videographer
You definitely need a photographer to document your once in a life time elopement day! Having photos that will freeze this moment in time forever is priceless! Imagine sharing the photos with future generations years and years from now. You’ll want to share news of your elopement with your friends and family and a photo is one of the most popular ways to do it! It’s also so important to work with a photographer you get a long with well (you’ll be spending the most important day of your life together)!
Officiant
In Alberta you can have a friend or family member officiate your wedding (they have to be a Canadian resident who is 18+), a member of the church or a government official. You cannot marry yourself (self-solemnize). So if you’re eloping anywhere in Alberta you don’t necessarily need to hire an officiant but you do need to choose someone to marry you. You also need to have two witnesses! If you are already legally married you do not need an officiant.
Florist
Working with a florist is one of the best ways to elevate your elopement! They can add so much depth and beauty with a bouquet, boutonniere, floral arch and a table arrangement if you’re having a dinner.
Hair and Make Up
Unless you’re a skilled hair and make up artist, leave it to the professionals. And even if you are a talented HMU artist you deserve to be pampered on your wedding day! You shouldn’t have to worry about any of the details, including hair and make up. Professionals will also know all the tips and tricks to keep you looking your best all day! Some will even off a touch up service throughout the day.
Caterer
Although you won’t be feeding 100+ guests you can still offer a unique dinning experience for those you choose to celebrate with, even if it’s just the two of you! While grabbing a drink and your favourite meal at a restaurant is an option if you’re going for a more casual vibe, hiring a private chef or caterer is a great option if you’re looking to host loved ones for a meal at your house or an Air Bnb! It takes all the stress off you for all things meal related!
Planner
Usually an elopement photographer will help you bring your dream elopement to life (think help planning your timeline, vendor recommendations, location and activity suggestions and help with permits and licenses) but if you’re looking for a completely hands off approach, a planner might be a good option for you!
Cake
You can have your cake and eat it too!
Get A Way Car
Arrive (or exit) in style! Hiring a vintage or luxury car with a chauffeur for your elopement is a great way to treat yourselves and an other way to allow yourself to sit back and enjoy your day, because who wants to worry about traffic and bad drivers on their wedding day??
Banff Vendor Recommendations
Videography:
Hair & Make-Up Artists:
Florist:
Cake & Desserts:
Transportation:
Highland Vip Group
Officiants:
You can find a list of Alberta officiants HERE
You can find all the information on having a friend or family member officiate your elopement HERE
Wedding Planners:
RAVEN ALEXANDRA SIGNATURE WEDDINGS
JACQUELINE RAE WEDDINGS DESIGN
Suggested Timeline For Booking Elopement Vendors
12-18 months before your elopement date depending on how in demand the vendors you’re working with are. It’s always better to inquire early than to be turned away because your dream vendors are already booked!! If there is a vendor you can’t imagine your day without you can always ask for their availability and choose your date based on that too!