Frequently Asked Questions

An elopement is an intimate wedding ceremony, typically with just the couple and a small number of guests (if any). Modern elopements are intentional celebrations of your relationship on your terms, free from the pressure and expense of a traditional wedding.

Yes, elopements are completely legal. Our officiants are legally registered in every state where we operate, and your marriage is recognized the same as any traditional wedding. We also guide you through the marriage license process for your chosen location.

Absolutely. While some couples choose to elope with just the two of them, many of our venues accommodate up to 20 or more guests. Your elopement planner can help coordinate guest logistics, seating, and even livestreaming for those who cannot attend in person.

We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, though we have pulled off elopements in as little as one week. Popular destinations and peak seasons (June through October) fill up faster, so earlier booking gives you the best venue selection.

We combine a dedicated personal planner with a technology platform that lets you manage every detail from one dashboard. With 50+ vetted local vendors in Miami, we handle all the coordination so you never have to chase down a single vendor yourself.

Yes, all of our packages are available for vow renewals. The process is the same as booking an elopement. Since vow renewals do not require a marriage license, the legal paperwork step is skipped, making the planning even simpler.

Every ElopMe package includes a dedicated personal elopement planner, access to our technology suite (planning dashboard, wedding page, hotel booking tools), 0% interest installment payments, and coordination support from booking through your ceremony day.

Yes. Each package serves as a starting point. You can add photography, videography, florals, hair and makeup, or additional coverage hours to any package. Your planner will walk you through all available add-ons and pricing during your initial consultation.

Positano includes an officiant, one hour of photography (75+ images), a planner, and our tech suite. Portofino includes everything in Positano plus a hand-crafted nosegay bouquet (8-10 inches) and matching boutonniere, arranged by a local florist and delivered to your ceremony site.

Bellagio is our adventure elopement package. It includes a dedicated officiant, up to four hours of photography (175+ images), permit and insurance coordination, and a personalized adventure itinerary. It is designed for couples who want to say their vows on a secluded beach, in a tropical garden, or along a scenic waterfront.

Photo counts depend on your package: Positano and Portofino deliver 75+ images within 15 business days, Sorrento delivers 125+ images within 22 business days, and Bellagio delivers 175+ images within 5 weeks. All images are professionally edited and delivered via an online gallery.

No. Ravello is designed for couples who have already handled their legal ceremony (courthouse, self-solemnization, etc.) and want professional photos. It includes one hour of photography, a planner, and our tech suite. If you need an officiant, consider Positano instead.

Yes. Your planner provides step-by-step guidance on obtaining a marriage license in your chosen state, including which office to visit, required documents, waiting periods, and any residency requirements. Note that we guide the process but the couple must apply in person.

Yes, we offer 0% interest installment payments on all packages. You can split your total into manageable payments leading up to your ceremony date. Full details and payment schedules are available in your planning dashboard after booking.

Cancellation terms vary based on how far in advance you cancel. Generally, cancellations made 30 or more days before your ceremony date are eligible for a partial refund or date change at no additional cost. Your planner can walk you through the specifics when you book.

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure online payment portal. Payments are processed through your planning dashboard and you receive a receipt for every transaction.

Witness requirements vary by state. Florida does not require witnesses for the marriage ceremony itself, though having them is common. Your planner will confirm the requirements and can arrange witnesses if needed.

The deposit amount depends on your chosen package and how far out your ceremony date is. Typically the deposit is a portion of the total package price. Your sales team will provide the exact amount during your initial consultation, and the remainder can be split into installments.

We currently serve Miami, Florida with a curated selection of vetted venues across the city — from beachfront locations to lush garden estates and stylish urban settings.

Absolutely. During your consultation, your planner will discuss your vision, budget, guest count, and time of year to recommend the best destination and venue options. We can also share photo galleries and virtual tours to help you decide.

Yes. Many outdoor and public venues require permits, and we manage the entire permit application process on your behalf. This is included in all packages and is especially important for national parks, state parks, and wilderness areas.

Our technology suite includes hotel booking tools with curated recommendations near your venue. We also provide restaurant suggestions for post-ceremony celebrations. While we do not book flights, your planner can advise on travel timing and logistics.

We currently focus exclusively on Miami, Florida. This allows us to maintain our high standards for vendor quality and legal compliance. If we expand to additional destinations, we will announce it through our newsletter and social channels.

Miami is a year-round elopement destination. The dry season from November through April offers the most comfortable weather with lower humidity and minimal rain. Summer months are warm and lush, with dramatic golden-hour light perfect for photos. Your planner can advise on the best timing based on weather patterns and crowd levels.

Your planner always has a backup plan. For outdoor venues, we identify covered alternatives or indoor options nearby. If conditions are unsafe (lightning, extreme wind), we work with you to reschedule at no additional cost. Many couples find that overcast skies make for the most dramatic photos.

Yes, and we encourage it. Your officiant will work with you on the ceremony structure and can provide vow-writing prompts and examples if you need inspiration. You can also choose from traditional vow templates if you prefer.

A typical elopement ceremony lasts 15 to 30 minutes, though there is no strict time limit. Your officiant paces the ceremony to feel natural, not rushed. Photography sessions extend beyond the ceremony itself, so plan for your total package time (1 to 4 hours depending on package).

Whatever makes you feel like yourselves. Some couples go formal with a gown and suit, others wear jeans and boots. For adventure elopements, we recommend layers and sturdy footwear. Your planner can share outfit inspiration galleries and practical tips for your specific venue and season.

Many of our venues are pet-friendly, and dogs in particular are welcome at most outdoor locations. Your planner will confirm pet policies for your specific venue and can suggest pet-sitters nearby if your furry friend needs a break during photos.

Your dedicated planner is your single point of contact from booking through ceremony day. They coordinate all vendors, manage your timeline and itinerary, handle permit paperwork, confirm venue logistics, provide marriage license guidance, and are available by phone, email, or text throughout the planning process.