How to Elope in Alabama – Locations, Permits, & Alabama Elopement Packages
Planning on eloping in Alabama? You’re in the right place. Alabama is one of the easiest states to elope in legally — and one of the most underrated when it comes to natural beauty.
From waterfalls and canyons to lakes, forests, and Gulf Coast sunsets, Alabama offers a wide variety of landscapes for couples who want an intentional, stress-free elopement experience. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: Alabama’s marriage laws, the best places to elope, when to plan your day, where to stay, sample timelines, and what elopement packages look like.
Why Elope in Alabama
Alabama is one of the most underrated elopement destinations in the U.S. — and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Couples choose to elope in Alabama because it offers:
One of the simplest marriage processes in the country — no officiant, no witnesses, no courthouse appointment required
Incredible landscape diversity in a single state, from mountain overlooks and waterfalls to lakes and white-sand beaches
Less crowded locations compared to many western elopement destinations
Year-round elopement potential, with mild winters and long shoulder seasons
Flexible permit rules in many outdoor locations, making planning far less stressful
If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement that feels intentional, relaxed, and deeply connected to nature — Alabama might surprise you in the best way.
What is Alabama Known For (And Why It’s Perfect for Elopements)
Alabama is known for its lush greenery, dramatic waterfalls, winding canyons, peaceful lakes, and warm southern light. The northern part of the state sits along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, while the southern coast offers expansive beaches and vibrant sunsets along the Gulf.
This combination makes Alabama especially unique. Couples can choose a mountain, forest, lake, or coastal elopement without traveling far.
Can You Elope in Alabama?
If you’re considering eloping in Alabama, one of your first questions is probably whether or not you actually can. The answer is yes — and Alabama is one of the easiest states to elope in legally!
How to Elope in Alabama (Marriage Laws + License Info)
Alabama is one of just a few states that doesn’t require couples to appear in person at a courthouse or official government building to obtain your marriage certificate. In fact, Alabama doesn’t even require couples to say vows or have an officiant or witnesses to be legally married. Instead, couples complete and submit a marriage certificate form — and that’s it!
Here’s how it works:
Fill out the Alabama marriage certificate form online with your partner
Have the completed form notarized
Submit the notarized form to an Alabama probate court within 30 days
When filling out the form, you’ll need basic personal information for both parties, including full legal names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and parents’ names.
Notary services are widely available at banks, libraries, UPS stores, AAA offices, and some pharmacies.
Each Alabama probate court sets its own recording fees, so it’s best to check the specific court’s website or call ahead. Many couples choose the court closest to their lodging or airport.
Once submitted, you are legally married — no ceremony required.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate can later be ordered through the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Center for Health Statistics.
That’s all you need to legally elope in Alabama: no officiant, no witnesses, no courthouse appointment.
Where to Elope in Alabama
Growing up in Alabama (and really anywhere), you become so accustomed to your surroundings. You get used to the unique and special locations that might excite someone else. When you’re browsing through the beautiful locations that have potential for eloping in Alabama, I hope you’re as pleasantly surprised as I was. There are so many unique locations!
Some Alabama elopement locations require a fee and/or a special use permit, while others are completely free. For example, in some places, you can simply hike to your favorite spot or even just walk up and exchange your vows. It’s important to note, however, that many of these locations limit guest capacity and do not allow chairs or certain decorations, like flowers.
If you’re hoping to include parents, siblings, or a small group of loved ones, choosing the right location is especially important. Some Alabama elopement spots are better suited for guest-inclusive ceremonies than others, and this guide on How to Elope With Family walks through guest limits, accessibility considerations, and ways to make everyone feel included without sacrificing the intimacy of your day.
If you’re still unsure of which location would be best suited to your Alabama elopement, contact a local elopement photographer to get guidance from someone who’s familiar with these locations (that’s me!) and their rules and regulations. They can usually walk you through the process of applying for any permits needed, as well. A local Alabama elopement photographer will be able to help you choose your perfect location and also help nail down a date and time for your location that will avoid intense weather, traffic, and busy trails.
When my couples contact me, most have zero idea of where or when they should elope, what to expect on their big day, or how to plan an elopement and that’s totally okay! I guide all of my couples through the elopement planning process from beginning to end.
The locations I share with you here are only some of the most beautiful places for eloping in Alabama — that doesn’t mean they’re your only choices! Tagging and sharing specific trails isn’t generally practiced among professionals familiar with Leave No Trace principles. We, as photographers, do our best to act as stewards of these locations and keep them as beautiful as possible. So as you go through this list, if you’re looking for something a little different, just contact me and we can start the process of finding your ideal Alabama elopement location. I can share some stunning hidden gems that may just be exactly what you’ve been hoping to find!
Best Places to Elope in Alabama
How to Choose the Right Alabama Elopement Location
When choosing where to elope in Alabama, it’s important to consider accessibility, guest count, seasonal conditions, and permit requirements. Some locations limit decorations, seating, or group size — while others allow a simple, low-impact ceremony with little planning required.
If you’re unsure which location fits your vision, working with a local elopement photographer can make the process much easier. I help couples narrow down locations based on season, privacy, lighting, and accessibility — and guide them through any permit requirements along the way.
National Park Service
Eloping on National Park Service land can be incredibly scenic, but it often comes with stricter permit rules, location restrictions, and guest limits compared to other options. If you’re deciding between protected federal land and more flexible locations, this guide on National Park vs State Park: Which is Better for Your Elopement? breaks down the pros, cons, and planning considerations of each.
Russell Cave National Monument
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Alabama State Parks
Many Alabama state parks allow elopements with minimal setup and low guest counts, but rules can vary by park. If you’re planning to elope in one of these locations, this guide on how to elope in a state park walks through permits, logistics, and what to expect so you can plan confidently.
Buck’s Pocket State Park
Cheaha State Park
Chewacla State Park
Gulf State Park
Monte Sano State Park
Oak Mountain State Park
USDA Forest Service
Alabama offers a mix of State Parks, Natural Areas, National Forest land, and other publicly accessible outdoor spaces—each with different rules around ceremonies and permits. If avoiding permit logistics is a priority, I walk through the types of Alabama locations that often work for low-impact, permit-free elopements in Best Places to Elope in Alabama Without a Permit.
William B. Bankhead National Forest
Talladega National Forest
Miscellaneous Alabama elopement locations
Dismals Canyon
Noccalula Falls Park
Lake Martin
Smith Lake
Walls of Jericho
Keel Mountain Preserve
Alabama is home to a surprisingly diverse landscape — waterfalls, canyons, mountain overlooks, quiet lakes, and dense forests — making it an ideal destination for couples who want natural beauty without overwhelming crowds. If waterfalls are part of your vision, this guide to Waterfall Elopement Locations in Alabama with Easy Access is a great place to start narrowing down the type of scenery you’re drawn to.
Where to Stay for Your Alabama Elopement
Choosing the right place to stay can set the tone for your entire elopement day. I recommend accommodations with privacy, natural light, and enough space to get ready comfortably.
Many couples turn their Alabama elopement into a multi-day experience by staying in a secluded cabin, treehouse, or lakefront home. Treating your elopement like a mini-honeymoon not only gives you more breathing room on your wedding day, but also creates space to slow down and celebrate — similar to what couples do when exploring the best places to honeymoon in the U.S.
Best for Mountains + Waterfalls (North AL)
Best for Lakes & Waterfront Views
Best for Gulf Coast Elopements
When Is the Best Time to Elope in Alabama?
Alabama experiences four distinct seasons and generally has fairly mild weather, so there’s really no right answer for this. It’s all in how you envision your wedding day! Below I’ll help guide you to the right time of year based on what you’re hoping for. Whether it’s fall colors, spring flowers, or beach season, we’ll find the best time for you for eloping in Alabama!
What time of year should we elope?
Winter
Although there are some regional variations, the average winter temperatures across the state are about 48°F, with the average lows being 33°F. Winter temperatures in Alabama typically only last from January through February and are relatively warm the remainder of the year.
If you’re looking to have a snowy winter wonderland elopement, Alabama may not be your best choice. It gets an average of just 0.7 inches of snow per year. For most of the state, snow is actually a very rare occurrence, but the northern region, which is more mountainous, sees an average of 1-2 inches of snowfall each year.
Spring
The average spring high in Alabama is 78°F, with the average low 52°F. Keep in mind that March is the wettest month of the year statewide, averaging a staggering 5.5 inches of rain. Peak tornado season also begins in March and lasts through May.
Spring brings a ton of new growth and colorful blooms for all of Alabama. From March through April especially, spring flowers and bright green new growth surround you. My favorite native flowers are azaleas, wisteria, and the passion flower.
Summer
The average summer temperature is 79°F, but don’t be surprised if it rises into the 90’s, especially closer to the coast. Also keep in mind that Alabama is a subtropical area, meaning there’s enough humidity in the area to make it feel even hotter than it really is (interestingly, this is opposite in the winter — the humidity makes it feel colder).
July and August are the two most uncomfortable months in the state of Alabama and I always recommend staying away during this time altogether (the heat and humidity can be outrageous, not to mention dangerous!).
Hurricane season for Alabama begins on June 1st and lasts through November 30th, but in each of the last seven years, storms have formed prior to the official June 1st kickoff date for hurricane season.
Fall
While September welcomes the official arrival of fall, the temperatures still reflect the summer heat, with an average high of 85°F and average low of 64°F. October and November welcome more pleasant temperatures averaging 61°F.
September and October are the two driest months of the year in Alabama, so if you’re hoping to avoid the rain and have more comfortable temps, October may be your best bet!
If you’re wanting those classic fall colors while you’re eloping in Alabama, they traditionally peak around late October and continue into early November. Some of the best places to see fall foliage are Little River Canyon National Preserve, Oak Mountain State Park, and William B. Bankhead National Forest.
Reasons to Consider A Weekday Elopement
If you haven’t already decided on a date for eloping in Alabama, I highly recommend a weekday.
Weekends can get extremely busy, especially if you’re considering eloping at one of the more popular locations like Gulf State Park or Cheaha State Park. On the other hand, it’s not uncommon for couples to find themselves the only ones at their elopement location on a Monday evening or Wednesday morning. And isn’t that part of the fun of eloping, the seclusion to exchange your vows privately and be one with nature?!
If you’re not totally sold on a weekday elopement, here are five reasons you should consider one.
More Privacy. When you imagine your elopement, I’m sure you don’t picture strangers in the background as you say your vows, gawking at you while you take portraits (and sometimes even snapping their own cell phone photos!), or yelling “Congrats!” from their windows as they drive by. Weekends get busy during the fall and spring and you’re more than guaranteed to have at least 2/3 of these happen on your elopement day. Privacy may happen on weekends if you opt for a longer or less popular hike, but the easily accessible hikes and viewpoints will be swarmed with people.
Less Traffic. Driving into one of Alabama’s state parks or around Gulf Shores on a weekend trying to find parking can be a massively time-consuming part of your day. If you get to your elopement location and you’re unable to find parking, it can put a lot of stress on your day, especially if you have guests or there’s no cell service to contact anyone to let them know. Another concern is that if you’re taking photos during “golden hour,” trying to find parking can very literally make you miss your short window of opportunity for pictures. Weekdays have significantly less traffic, more available parking, and you can be confident that everyone will get to where they need to be!
Easier Reservations. Some ceremony sites have a set number of approved sites and require advance reservations. These sites can book up months in advance for weekends. Airbnbs and hotels also typically have more availability on weekdays rather than weekends, when the majority of people do their traveling.
More Available Vendors. Vendors also have more availability on weekdays, since most people set traditional wedding dates for weekends. My weekend dates are always the first to get booked by weddings and engagement sessions up to a year, or even a year and a half, in advance. So if you’re planning on eloping in Alabama 3-6 months from now, a weekday will give you a lot more options to choose from as you search for your vendors.
More Affordable. Some vendors, especially venues and others who work primarily with big weddings, offer weekday discounts. Even some Airbnbs offer weekday discounts! Other vendors such as florists have high minimum booking requirements for weekends, but can easily put together a bouquet and boutonniere for a weekday elopement.
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Alabama?
Every elopement is different, but here’s a realistic look at what couples typically spend when eloping in Alabama. Costs can vary widely depending on how much time, planning support, and flexibility you want the day to hold.
If you’d like a deeper breakdown of real-world investment ranges—and how different experience levels shape the overall cost—I walk through that in more detail in How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Alabama?
Keep in mind that most costs below are approximate and can shift based on location, season, and how your day is structured.
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$55 - $86.50 — marriage certificate (in Alabama, individual probate courts establish their own fees)
$500 — 3-night Airbnb stay
$4000 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $5,786
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$55 - $86.50 — marriage certificate
$2000 — 4 night luxury airbnb stay
$10500 — photographer
$1000 — bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner
$3000 — wedding dress
$1000 — suit purchase
$800 — private chef
$350 — 5-6” custom cake
$800 — hair + makeup
$200 — permit fee
Total: $19,737
Alabama Elopement Packages
Your elopement experience is fully customized from the very beginning. All Alabama elopement packages include:
All travel within Alabama (your investment does not change based on location)
Personalized location recommendations based on season, accessibility, and your vision
Permit research and guidance (when required)
Curated vendor recommendations (florals, hair + makeup, private chefs, etc.)
Activity ideas unique to your relationship and interests
A handcrafted elopement timeline designed for a relaxed, intentional experience
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights, delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, print, and share your images with loved ones — so you can relive your experience for years to come.
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
Starting at $10,500
Designed for couples who want their elopement to unfold over multiple days. This experience allows you to exchange vows in one iconic Alabama location and spend another day exploring a completely different landscape — creating space for both adventure and restoration.
This option is ideal if you’re dreaming of a deeply immersive experience that feels more like a getaway than a single-day event. An example of this would be eloping at the top of a mountain and the following day booking a UTV tour or even zip-lining nearby!
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 8 Hours)
Starting at $8,500
Perfect for couples who want to slow down and fully experience their elopement day without watching the clock. This coverage allows time for multiple locations, longer hikes, scenic drives, or a relaxed celebration with loved ones.
This is the most popular option for couples who want a complete, story-driven elopement experience.
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
Starting at $5,500
Designed for couples who want a beautifully intentional elopement while keeping the day more streamlined. This experience is ideal for a single primary location, a short hike, and a relaxed ceremony followed by portraits and a meaningful activity.
Intimate Local Elopement Coverage (Up to 4 Hours)
Starting at $3,250
This coverage option is available exclusively for couples planning a simple, low-key elopement within a limited radius of my home base in the Florida Panhandle. It’s designed for couples who want something intimate and meaningful without the need for extended travel, multi-location timelines, or all-day coverage.
Intimate Local Coverage includes:
Available within 150 miles of Century, Florida
One primary ceremony location
A short ceremony and relaxed portrait time
Location guidance for accessible, low-impact outdoor settings
A simple, streamlined timeline
Alabama Elopement Planning Checklist
Alright, we’ve made it to the hardest part of eloping in Alabama — planning! I know this is probably the first elopement you’ve ever planned, and it can feel overwhelming to even know where to begin. But with a little help from this checklist, you’ll be well on your way!
Psst…want to see all of this info in one neat-and-tidy, nicely organized document? Check out my Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist!
1. Start dreaming
That’s right, before you book a single thing, I want you to set time aside to get really inspired and dream up your absolute perfect elopement day. Browse Pinterest, surf the web, search hashtags on Instagram, look for wedding inspo videos on TikTok…do it all! You’ll find unique ideas to incorporate into your elopement and it’ll help you get a firm grasp of what you want your day to be.
Consider what you and your significant other most enjoy doing together. Would you typically day-hike or go backpacking? If not, there’s no rule saying you have to hike on your elopement day (on the flip side, though, this may also be a wonderful time to try something you’ve always wanted to, together)! You could rent an amazing Airbnb and elope on a deck overlooking the Gulf, or exhange your “I do’s” on a boat on one of Alabama’s many lakes. Your options are truly limitless! There are no boundaries, no guidelines, and no expectations whatsoever — that’s the primary reason for eloping in Alabama!
2. Set your budget
This is arguably the most important step in planning your Alabama elopement, as it will set the framework for literally every aspect of the day.
3. Book your elopement photographer
You’ve probably pieced this together by now, but your elopement photographer is heavily involved in the entire planning process — far more so than any other vendor. Because of that, it’s smart to lock that in first! I recommend starting your search on Google or social media by typing in “Alabama elopement photographer” to find local photographers.
Look through a ton of websites and feeds (you’ll be sick of it by the end of this, I assure you!) to really get a feel for the style of photos you’re most drawn to. Then, reach out to your absolute favorite photographers via their website contact form to schedule a consultation.
I truly can’t emphasize this enough; it is so, so important to find a photographer you LOVE! He or she will be with you ALL DAY on your wedding day, not to mention throughout every step of the planning process, so having someone you get along well with and who makes you feel comfortable is crucial! Plus, the photos they take of your elopement can’t be recreated, so you’re relying solely on them to really capture the true essence of the day. As you look through different portfolios, make sure the photographer specifically has experience photographing elopements and that you absolutely LOVE their work.
4. Decide on a location and apply for necessary permits
Once you have your photographer on board, you should be actively working together to dial in the perfect Alabama elopement location. Your photographer will be an absolute life saver during this part of the planning. We have a lot more insight on locations, from having personally been there and from various tools we use to scout trails and locations. Using this information, we can recommend a ton of amazing locations based specifically on what you’re looking for.
As you narrow locations down, your photographer will be able to tell you if your location requires special permits or fees. If it does, they’ll help walk you through the application process. Keep in mind that often, you have to apply for permits at least three months in advance, so prioritize this task. The last thing you want is to find the perfect location and then learn that it’s no longer available because you waited too long!
5. Book other elopement vendors
As soon as you finalize the location where you’ll be eloping in Alabama, it’s time to look for any other vendors you may want to create the wedding day you’ve been dreaming of. Your elopement photographer should be able to help guide you by providing a list of recommended vendors they’ve worked with. At a minimum, couples typically consider booking a florist, hair stylist and/or makeup artist (in many places, one stylist provides both services), officiant, and some type of food, whether that’s catering, a private chef, or reservations at a local restaurant.
6. Book travel accommodations
As soon as you have a date and location locked in, I highly recommend booking all your travel. In some areas and on popular weekends, rental cars and hotel rooms can become scarce, and flight prices increase the closer you get to the trip date. Plus, if your dates are somewhat flexible and you start looking with plenty of advance notice, you can keep an eye on general flight and accommodation prices and plan your elopement around those dates.
If you’re looking at a specific unique Airbnb or other property for your Alabama elopement, the same rule applies — the sooner, the better! The more unique accommodations in Alabama, such as lakeside cabins, modern tiny homes, and yurts, tend to book up well in advance (I’ve seen some with limited availability as far out as a year!).
7. Plan your Alabama elopement day
Your elopement photographer can assist in planning your day-of timeline and every detail of your day. We know that you’ve never planned, or possibly even attended, one, so there’s an excellent chance you have no idea what to expect. As elopement photographers, we’ve planned and attended several elopements prior to yours, every single one of them unique, so we have a solid idea of how the day will go (or at least, should go!), various tips and hacks to ensure the day runs smoothly, and can offer ideas to incorporate into your day.
I recommend spending some time with your significant other brainstorming ideas for your elopement day and how you can make it unique and special for both of you. Do you want to exchange hand-written notes while getting ready or play your favorite music in the background as you exchange vows? Have a picnic after your ceremony? The options are truly endless!
Pro Tip: When your write your vows, be sure to write them in a nice notebook or on thick cards — not your phone! Better yet, consider getting a special vow book from Etsy or Amazon. You’ll thank me later, as the photos of you holding your phone and squinting to read the small print never turn out well!
8. Get your marriage license
As we touched on earlier, getting your Alabama marriage license is super simple. Here, you can apply for and receive your certificate on the same day! All you need to do is fill out the form and have it notarized, then submit it to an Alabama probate court for them to file. It’s really that simple! And remember, you don’t need an officiant or witnesses.
9. Congrats! You’re officially eloping in Alabama!
This is the day you’ve been waiting on and working so hard for — enjoy it!
What to Wear for Your Alabama Elopement
What you wear for your Alabama elopement will depend heavily on the season and location — especially if you’re hiking, walking near water, or dealing with humidity. This guide on what to wear when you elope walks through practical outfit considerations while still keeping things elevated and intentional.
Choosing shoes for your elopement
On your elopement day you’ll want to wear shoes comfortable enough for you to potentially walk several miles in and keep your feet dry (and warm, if your Alabama elopement is during the cooler months!). Keeping your feet comfortable will allow you to fully enjoy your elopement for longer, without stressing about being in pain or just generally uncomfy.
This doesn’t mean you can’t bring some super cute white boots with a heel or whatever else you have in mind! Pack ‘em and put them on once you get to your ceremony location! This also goes for you fellas; dress shoes aren’t typically very comfortable for extended periods of time and they don’t have much traction on the soles to keep you from slipping.
Wedding dresses for adventure elopements
On your elopement day, you’ll want to be wearing a lightweight, free-flowing dress. Form-fitting gowns and heavy gowns with multiple layers are difficult for elopements because they don’t have that full range of motion you’ll want (and need!) for your elopement day. One way to make sure your dress is comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement is to put it on and move around. Walk, sit and stand, bend over, and raise your arms. If you’re feeling any kind of restriction, tightness, etc. while you’re simply trying it on, you’ll definitely feel that on your elopement day!
Also, I cannot stress this enough, but it’s crucial that you feel FABULOUS in your wedding dress! Not just from a practical comfort standpoint, but in the way you feel that it makes you look. The more confident you are, the more that will shine through in your elopement photos!
Suits you can hike in
If you’re wearing a suit, the same rules apply — you’ll want to be comfortable! When you’re choosing a suit, make sure it’s not too tight in the thighs, and that your shirt and jacket aren’t too tight in the arms or shoulders. It should also be light and breathable if you’re eloping in Alabama in the warmer months, or, if it’s a cooler month, opt for warmer fabric such as wool or tweed.
It’s also important that your pants fit properly with your shoes. Try on your pants with the shoes you’re planning to wear, to be absolutely sure they’re not too long or too short. Keep in mind that when you try pants on barefoot, they’ll look slightly different than when you have shoes on.
Gear for adventure elopements
If your elopement day includes a full day of hiking, you absolutely need to be prepared. Some things you should bring with you on your elopement day adventure include backpacks, headlamps, proper footwear, a blanket, snacks, navigation, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, portable speaker for some tunes, and a toiletry bag with items like deodorant, makeup for touch-ups, pocket mirror, bobby pins, safety pins, tide pen, lint roller, and toilet paper.
What Will Your Alabama Elopement Day Look Like?
It can be hard to get a solid idea of what you want your elopement day to look like, let alone trying to plan every detail, especially if you’re doing a destination elopement in a place you’ve never visited. You can actually make this part really fun, however! Your photographer can help guide you through this process, but this part is really all about making your wedding day about the two of you.
You and your significant other should brainstorm what kind of activities you’d like to do for your elopement and if there are any traditions or family heirlooms you’d like to incorporate. Think about how you’d like to spend your day before, during, and after your elopement, how you’d like it to feel, and what’s meaningful to you both.
There’s a plethora of options of things to do, whether you take a sailboat to the middle of the Gulf, take a jeep down a trail to watch the sunset, or have pizza in front of a bonfire. Your elopement can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you want it to be. Whatever you choose, though, make it unique to your relationship!
During this process, decide how long you’d like your elopement to last! Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be limited to one day — you can make it a full weekend, or even a week full of adventures.
As you're starting to piece your day together, write down ALL of the experiences that you’d like to have. Once you’ve created a general outline, work with your photographer to create the official timeline and see how many of those wishlist items can be incorporated. They’ll make sure you have plenty of time to truly enjoy your day, plus they know when the best lighting will be, how much time is needed for each activity, and other factors to help your day be the best that it can be!
Things to consider when planning
While you’re brainstorming with your significant other and writing down all the experiences you’d like to have during your Alabama elopement, ask yourself these questions.
Where do you want to get ready? Getting ready really sets the tone for your entire elopement day. I mean, it’s literally the first thing you’ll be doing! You’ll want to consider if you’ll get ready together or separately, and then the same location in different rooms, or completely separate locations. I always recommend getting ready in a space that you feel comfortable in. Somewhere clutter-free, with lots of windows, natural light, and minimal fluorescent lighting.
How do you want to spend your morning? Do you want to sleep in? Make pancakes together in the kitchen? Walk together to a local coffee shop around the corner? Maybe you want to wake up in time to watch the sunrise!
Do you want to do first looks? Having a first look, aisle look, or not having one at all is a decision that’s solely up to you! If you’re considering having a first look, think about where you might like to have it. The backyard of your Airbnb? Drive separately to a particular location nearby? Your ceremony location?
Are you comfortable doing a long hike to a location? While you’re trying to decide where you’d like to have your ceremony, think about how far and how much time you’d actually like to spend hiking to that location. Would you prefer to just drive up, have a short 2-mile hike, or spend the majority of your day immersed in nature on a day-hike to your ceremony site?
Do you want a morning or evening ceremony? Lighting plays a huge role in your final elopement day timeline. Your ceremony is the highlight of your day (pun intended!) and we want to make sure to recommend the best time in terms of lighting for your ceremony, to give you the best images. Ceremonies in the morning typically happen right at or immediately following sunrise, before the sun gets too high in the sky. Evening ceremonies are usually held just before sunset so you’re not getting that mid-day sunlight blasting you with harsh shadows. Then, immediately after your ceremony, you can roll right into sunset portraits!
Are there multiple locations you’d like to go? If your Airbnb and your ceremony location aren’t the only places you’d like to see, do a quick search of what’s nearby. For example, if you’re eloping in or around Huntsville, you’ll be super close to many amazing waterfalls and Monte Sano State Park. Consider having your wedding portraits at one location and your ceremony at another! This way, you can get a variety of landscapes in your elopement photos.
What’s travel time? When deciding on locations, always take into account the time it’ll take to travel from one location to the next. And be sure to account for time to find parking and the walk or hike to your actual location. When planning out travel, give yourselves a little wiggle room in case it takes longer than you anticipated to find parking or you hit a bit of traffic. Remember, your ceremony and photos are carefully timed for optimal lighting.
Do you want portraits at sunset, sunrise, or both? Alabama elopements work beautifully at both sunrise and sunset, and the best choice often depends on privacy, lighting, and the overall pace you want for your day. If you’re torn between the two, this breakdown of sunrise vs sunset elopements can help you decide what fits your vision best.
Are there any traditions you want to incorporate? Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate any wedding traditions you don’t want to pass up. If you want to have your first dance as newlyweds to your favorite song or cut the cake and smash it in each other’s faces, we can do that! This is YOUR day!
What kind of reception + post ceremony activities do you want? Once the ceremony is over, many couples choose to keep the celebration going — whether that’s a private dinner, a cabin stay, or a few days exploring the area together. If you’re wondering what comes next, this guide on what to do after eloping offers simple, meaningful ways to extend the experience.
Example Alabama Elopement Timelines
Here, I’ve put together a few different examples for Alabama elopement timelines. None are ever truly the same, as each couple plans their day differently. Because there are so many options when planning your elopement, your timeline will be completely unique to your day! These examples can help give you an idea of what to expect for yours and give you some planning inspiration.
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7 - 8 am: Breakfast together, Enjoying coffee with a view of Little River Canyon from your Airbnb’s porch
8 - 9 am: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
9 am: Depart to Little River Falls in Little River Canyon National Preserve
15 minute commute
9:25 am: Arrive at Little River Falls (only a short walk from parking lot) and exchange vows with the rushing falls behind you
10 am: Portraits around Little River Falls and the forest edge
10:30 pm: Hike to Martha’s Falls
0.75 miles, one-way, approx. 25 minute hike
11 am - 12 pm: Hang out at Martha’s Falls, enjoy a celebratory Solo Cup of champagne, with portraits along the rocks
12 pm: Return back to Little River Falls Parking Area
0.75 miles, one-way, approx. 25 minute hike
12:30 pm: Drive to Vintage 1889 for lunch in Fort Payne, AL
20 minute commute
12:50 - 2 pm: Enjoy a relaxing lunch with southern charm in a cozy, historic setting at Vintage 1889
2 pm: Depart to Canyon Mouth Park to fish along Little River for Red Eye Bass — Be sure to bring an AL fishing license
25 minute commute
4:30 pm: Return to Airbnb to freshen up to grill out as the sun sets
25 minute commute back to Airbnb
6 - 7:30 pm: Enjoy dinner and cake river-side at your Airbnb
7:30 pm: End your day fireside, wrapped in blankets under the stars
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On Day 1:
8 - 10 am: Coffee & a light breakfast on the dock while writing vows
10 am - 12 pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Separately
12 - 1 pm: First look on the dock followed by portraits around the dock and Airbnb property
1 - 2 pm: Charcuterie board on the porch of the Airbnb
2:15 pm: Officiant arrives, Ceremony on the dock followed by a champagne toast
3:30 pm: Return back inside to change into swimwear
4 - 5 pm: Head down to the dock for barefoot, playful, romantic photos before jumping into the lake with your floaties
5:15 pm: Dry off and light up thee grill for burgers, veggie skewers, & grilled corn while sipping an ice-cold beer
7 pm: After dinner, share a slice of hummingbird cake under the string lights on the porch
7:45 pm: Final golden hour shots of the day twirling on the dock and cuddles in a hammock
On Day 2:
10 am: Load up your boat docked at your Airbnb and take off to explore the coves and cliffs
12:30 pm: Drop anchor somewhere scenic and lounge on floats while enjoying sandwiches, chips, and ice-cold beers
2- 4 pm: Take turns water skiing and jumping off the boat before returning to your Airbnb to dry off
If you’re still in the early planning stages and trying to understand what a realistic overall elopement investment looks like, this guide on how much you should budget for an elopement can help you set expectations before choosing locations or coverage.
Is Eloping in Alabama Right for You?
Previous Alabama Client Experiences
Ready to Start Planning Your Alabama Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of an intentional elopement in Alabama and want guidance from someone who knows these locations inside and out, I’d love to help you start planning.
Reach out below and we’ll begin crafting an elopement experience that feels effortless, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important parts of planning an elopement, especially when your day is centered around experience rather than tradition. If you’re still weighing your options, this guide on how to pick a photographer for your elopement can help you feel confident moving forward.
