How to Elope in Austin

I love photographing elopements. I did one elopement awhile back for a lovely couple who were both getting remarried and both had kids. Their wedding was just them, their kids, the rabbi, and me.

I think people sometimes think eloping means there's absolutely no planning, but there's always some planning involved. Even if it's just 3 people attending! 

If you want to elope in Austin, here are a few things you need to know:

You need to get a marriage license 72 hours in advance. Unless you're active military or work for the Department of Defense, you'll need to wait 72 hours after getting your license to get married. But it's only valid for 30 days, so you have to get married within that timespan. 

Bring your IDs and cash. There's nothing worse than when you want to elope but forgot to bring your driver's license, right?

Learn more about what you need and when you can get your license here.

Google told us these links are too close together so definitely check here too.

Same-sex marriage is legal in Travis County. So you're all good there!

Find an officiant. The Universal Life Church allows you to get instantly ordained online. You can have a friend do it in just a few minutes. 

Don't forget photos. State parks are great for photos and free to go into. Backyard elopements are also really beautiful and special. If you're going to a state park or somewhere else outside, the best time is within 2 hours after sunrise or 2 hours before sunset. You'll get that glowy, golden light.

Don't stress about clothes. When you're eloping, it's much easier to do something nontraditional with clothes since there aren't as many opinions flying around. If you want to wear a giant princess gown, do it. If you want to wear a sundress or some shorteralls, that's great too! The main thing (in any wedding, actually) is to feel good in what you're wearing and not feel like you can't enjoy yourself because you're weighed down or can't breathe or are worried about getting dirty.

You can still add little touches to make your elopement special. Your wedding, your rules. You can keep it small but invite more than three people. It doesn't have to be super tiny! I also think it's really nice to make your own bouquet. You can pick up greenery from Central Market and put together a simple, natural bouquet, which always looks great.

My main advice is this: don't worry too much about anything. Just do what's going to make you feel great. 

Scroll down to get inspiration for your elopement from two elopements I've photographed. 

If you're thinking about eloping, I would love to capture those memories for you! Get in touch here.