Maybe a big wedding just isn’t for you. So many couples have been choosing to elope instead. It’s definitely a way to knock the stress level down a couple of notches. If you’re planning to elope in Houston, keep reading these tips to help take some of the guesswork out of it.
Get Your Marriage License
First and foremost you have to take this step! Please don’t skip it and don’t procrastinate because it could take a lot more effort than you thought. Thankfully in the state of Texas, you can technically get your marriage license in any county. Most couples aim to get theirs in the county they live in but it might not always be easy or possible to do so. Plan ahead and do your research to make sure the right offices are open and available to assist you. There’s a short waiting period before you can have your ceremony but aside from that, you have 90 days to submit your completed license (signed by an officiant). Then you’ll get your official marriage certificate. Read this blog to learn more about how to get your marriage license.
Hire A Wedding Photographer
It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t start with this step first. Yes, there are other important vendors for you to narrow down, but your photographer is one of the most important when you’re eloping. You want to make sure your dream photographer is available on your wedding day. It’s going to be crucial to hire them as soon as possible because there are only so many weekends in a year. Unless of course, you decide to elope during the week, then you’ll have a little more wiggle room with availability.
Get Your Florals
This is probably going to be the area where you save the most money- other than ditching the venue. All you’re going to need in the floral department will be your bouquet, a boutonniere, and maybe an arrangement for an arch or alter. Feel free to get creative: make a flower crown, and toss flower petals once you’re announced as husband and wife. Trust me, your florist with thank you and you’ll get beautifully unique photos as a result.
Buy Your Wedding Dress
You have tons of bridal shops to choose from. Click here to view a number of bridal shops in Houston. I’m sure you’ll be able to find THE dress. You still want to schedule your bridal appointment several months in advance so that you have the time to get any needed alterations. This could take months. I’d suggest giving yourself a decent amount of time to start dress shopping before your big day, no less than 6 months which might still be pushing it.
Rent a Tuxedo
This isn’t my area of expertise, but there are definitely a number of options for nice suits for weddings. You don’t have to rely on Men’s Wearhouse or Amazon for suits (though they are decent options). Here in the Houston area, you can check out locations like Alvin Tuxedos, Al’s Formal Wear, or Jos. A. Bank. You can also check online at Indochino, Alain Dupetit, or The Black Tux. Schedule appointments a few months in advance so that all the groomsmen can get fitted and their size can be ordered in advance. Unless you’re going for a more casual look, you can get away with more toned-down wedding attire.
Who’s Going To Marry You?
You can’t get married (legally) without an officiant! You’ll be able to find a lot of vendors by either searching online (Google, Wedding Wire, The Knot, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) or you can recruit your friends and family. I’ve worked with several couples who hire a family member to perform their marriage ceremony. All they have to do is get ordained and voila.
Don’t Forget Your Makeup and Hair!
I can’t stress enough how important it is to book any and all of your vendors in advance. That goes for an elopement and for traditional weddings. You never know how quickly your favorite vendor can book their calendar until it’s nearly too late.
On your big day, you can spend extra time getting pampered like the queen that you are without all the stress of a full bridal party around you.
Do You Need A Cake?
Now, this depends on if you’re going to be renting an indoor venue/studio or if you’ll be outdoors. If you go with the first option then definitely bring on all the cake! You can have your cake cutting, a cute first dance and a quick getaway to start your honeymoon. But, if you’re planning for something outside, you might want to rethink having a cake so that it doesn’t melt… because Houston.
Find The Perfect Location
If you’re eloping in Houston (or the surrounding areas) you can rent out a studio space like Out Under The Trees, The Creative Chateau, or The Oak Atelier. All of which are beautiful locations and have plenty to offer when it comes to taking beautiful photos. If you’ve booked your venue but decided not to go along with the whole sha-bang, you can still use the property for your wedding day. You can even drive out to Galveston beach or a nice local park if you’re looking for other photogenic scenery options.
TALK TO ME
Are you having a traditional wedding or did you plan to elope? Where are you planning on eloping? What do you think is the hardest part about eloping? What is something you wish you knew before you eloped?
I’d love to hear more from you ❤️
