Eloping is all about crafting a wedding day that undeniably you— iconic, intimate, and free from the stress of traditional wedding planning. But even with the beauty of an elopement’s simplicity, there are a few pitfalls that can derail the experience. To make sure your day is as unforgettable as it deserves to be, here are five mistakes to avoid when eloping. While I’m a Las Vegas based elopement photographer, these tips are great no matter where you choose to elope, so keep scrolling!

1.) Thinking Small When it Comes to Investing in Yourself

Sure, eloping can save you money compared to a big wedding, but that’s all the more reason to treat yourself to the things that matter most. This is your chance to go big on the details that make your day feel like you. Dreaming of a jaw-dropping dress that’s red carpet-worthy? Get it. Obsessed with lush florals that make your photos look like a magazine spread? Don’t hold back. Hair and makeup that make you feel like a celebrity? Worth every penny.

When you elope, you’re not skipping out—you’re leveling up. You’re trading cookie-cutter traditions for something truly unique, so go ahead and make it everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Trust me, future you will thank you when you’re flipping through those next-level photos. And it’s not just about the visuals; investing in yourself means investing in the memories. When you feel like your best self, you’ll radiate confidence—and that energy will show in every single photo.

If you’re wondering where to start, think about the elements that matter most to you as a couple. Is it the dress? The location? The décor? Allocate your budget to make those dreams a reality. Remember, you’re not just planning a day—you’re curating an experience. Check out my blog on ‘10 Ways to Customize Your Las Vegas Elopement‘ on all the ways you can invest in yourself and your elopement.

2.) Skipping on The Right Photographer

This might be the most important decision of your elopement (besides saying “I do”). Your photographer is more than someone who snaps a few pics; they’re the person who captures the vibe, the energy, and the story of your day. Don’t just settle for someone who’s available. You want a photographer whose work makes you feel something—someone who understands your vision and makes you feel like a star.

Trust me: the right photographer will make you feel comfortable, confident, and like the main character in your own love story. Don’t skimp here—you deserve to have photos that will hit different every time you look at them. Look for someone whose style resonates with you. Are they giving editorial vibes? Do their photos feel like they belong in a fashion magazine? If that’s your style, they might just be the perfect fit. And if that is your style, make sure to check out my recent work. We might just be the perfect fit, too. ⚡

And don’t forget to connect with your photographer before the big day. Whether it’s through email or a call, take the time to get to know them. This isn’t just about hiring a vendor; it’s about finding someone who will be part of your inner circle on one of the most important days of your life. They should feel like a friend, not a stranger.

3.) Forgetting the Legal Stuff

Nothing kills the elopement vibes faster than realizing you’ve forgotten the legal paperwork. I’ve seen it happen before—a couple’s party bus had to make an emergency trip back to the hotel to grab the marriage license. It was almost a disaster. Luckily, they made it in time, but you don’t want to tempt fate.

Do yourself a favor: triple-check your paperwork before the big day. Research what’s needed for a Las Vegas elopement, from your marriage license to officiant details, and make sure everything is ready to go. The last thing you want is for your iconic Vegas day to be overshadowed by a technicality. Check out my ‘How to Elope in Las Vegas‘ guide for the 2 easy steps to getting your marriage license in Las Vegas.

Pro tip: Create a checklist and keep all your documents in a dedicated folder. For a Las Vegas elopement, that means having your marriage license, officiant details, and any permits ready to go. Vegas makes it easy to tie the knot, but you’ll still want to be organized to avoid any last-minute stress.

And if you’re eloping abroad, there’s a little more to consider. Passports, visas, and local marriage laws all come into play. Some destinations may require specific documentation, waiting periods, or translations for your paperwork. Avoiding these “mistakes to avoid when eloping” will keep your day as stress-free and iconic as possible, no matter the destination.

4.) Settling For What’s Easy

Eloping should be stress-free, but that doesn’t mean it should be boring. If you’re only choosing what’s “easy,” you’re missing out on creating a day that’s truly unforgettable. Don’t just pick the nearest chapel. Instead, think about what excites you as a couple. Looking for an iconic chapel that matches your vibes? Check out my ‘Top 10 Wedding Chapels in Las Vegas, Nevada For Your Wedding‘

Want to exchange vows in the Las Vegas desert at sunrise? Go for it. Picture yourself in a sleek Vegas suite with neon lights in the background? Make it happen. This is your chance to create a day that’s all about you and your love story. Easy might be convenient, but iconic is what you’ll remember forever.

Think about the small details that can elevate your day. Maybe it’s a vintage getaway car, a private chef to cook your post-ceremony dinner, or a champagne toast at a rooftop bar. Whatever it is, make it meaningful. This isn’t just any day—it’s your wedding day. Go the extra mile to make it something you’ll never forget!

5.) Inviting the Wrong People (or Too Many)

The beauty of an elopement is that it’s intimate. It’s about you, your partner, and the love you share. Adding the wrong people to the guest list—or too many people—can shift the focus away from that.

If you’re inviting guests, keep it small and intentional. Choose people who genuinely support your relationship and add to the vibe of your day. If someone’s presence feels more like an obligation than a joy, it’s okay to leave them off the list. Remember, this is your day. Protect that energy.

When deciding who to invite, think about the atmosphere you want to create. Are these people going to add to the joy and excitement? Will they respect the unique nature of your elopement? If the answer is yes, they’re in. If not, it’s okay to say no. Your day should feel effortless and full of love—don’t let the wrong guest list ruin that.

Now You Know The 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Eloping, Are You Ready to Start Planning Your Iconic Las Vegas Elopement?

Eloping is about rewriting the rules and creating a wedding experience that’s unique to you and your partner. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make your elopement iconic! Looking for a Las Vegas elopement photographer? You can learn more about me below. And now that you know the 5 mistakes to avoid when eloping, you’re ready to dive into my ‘Ultimate Guide to Planning an Epic Elopement in Las Vegas‘.

Meet Kyra – Your Las Vegas Elopement Photographer

As a Las Vegas elopement photographer, my passion is all about helping couples create unforgettable memories in this city of lights. I’m all about capturing the vibe—whether it’s glitz, glamour, or those iconic vintage Hollywood feels. As a wife, empath, and lover of all things romance, I pour my heart into every frame to make sure your love story shines.

If you’re already dreaming of making Vegas your backdrop, let’s chat and bring your vision to life! Planning something extra like a boudoir shoot with classic Hollywood vibes? Or looking to elevate your bachelorette party? I’ve got you covered. This is your moment to make it iconic, and I’m here to make sure your Vegas elopement is nothing short of unforgettable. You can learn even more about me here. If I sound like the Las Vegas elopement photographer, inquire with me!

If you loved these 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Eloping in Vegas, check out some more of my drool worthy resources for eloping in Las Vegas:

Top 10 Las Vegas Photoshoot Locations

Top Fremont Street Photoshoot Locations in Las Vegas

Sure Thing Chapel Elopement Guide

Ultimate Guide to The Little White Wedding Chapel

Risky Exposure Photography | Las Vegas Elopement Photographer