Your Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Alabama
Planning on eloping in Alabama? Congrats! This guide will cover all the legal details, the best places to elope in Alabama, choosing the best time of year, where to stay, what to wear, and so much more.
Table of Contents
What do I need to elope in Alabama?
Where to stay for your Alabama elopement
Reasons to consider a weekday elopement
Alabama elopement planning checklist
How much does it cost to elope in Alabama?
What to wear for your Alabama elopement
What will your Alabama elopement day look like?
Things to consider when planning
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. Well, great news: not only can you elope in Alabama, but it’s probably one of the easiest states to elope in!
How to elope in Alabama
Alabama is one of just a few states that doesn’t require you 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 any sort of formal ceremony to get married!
Fill out and print the Alabama marriage certificate form online with your partner
When you fill this form out, you’ll need to have some basic personal information: both people’s full legal names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, parents’ full names, and maiden names.
Get the completed form notarized
Notaries can be found at most banks, public libraries, UPS stores, AAA and even some pharmacies. Your personal bank should provide notary services for free, but there may be a nominal charge for notary services at some of the other locations listed.
Mail or hand-deliver the completed and notarized form to an Alabama probate court
Your completed marriage certificate for eloping in Alabama must be submitted within 30 days of having it notarized. Because of that, it’s extremely important that you don’t do this too far in advance (I know it’s hard when you’re just so excited!).
You’ll need to pay a small administrative fee when you submit your marriage certificate, and every county probate court in Alabama sets its own fees for recording documents. Call the specific office of the probate court you plan to visit for its current recording fees, or check the court’s website to find this information. I recommend choosing the closest one to you or, if you’re traveling from out of state for your Alabama elopement, the one closest to the airport or your hotel.
Are you ready for the really wild part?
This form is all you need to be officially married under Alabama law. It’s that simple!
To request a copy of your marriage certificate once you’re officially married, you must go through the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Center for Health Statistics. Certified copies of marriage certificates are $15 each, and each additional copy ordered at the same time is $6.
What do I need to elope in Alabama?
To tie that all together, all you need to legally elope in Alabama is a completed, notarized, and properly submitted marriage certificate form. You do NOT need an officiant or any witnesses.
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 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!
Alabama elopement locations
National Park Service
Russell Cave National Monument
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Alabama state parks
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
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
Where to stay for your Alabama elopement
T-Town Treehouse - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Case Rock Cabin - Kimberly, Alabama
Wanderlust Treehouse - Crane Hill, Alabama
Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Lake Front Home - Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama
The Bank – Vault Side - New Market, Alabama
The North Point at Little Point Clear - Fairhope, Alabama
Intimate Treehouse Retreat - Valley Head, Alabama
Crows Nest Casa de Playa - Fort Morgan, Alabama
The Cave - Houston, Alabama
The Little Lady - Gulf Shores, Alabama
King Cottage on the Lake - Hollywood, Alabama
Better on the Bluff at Dearborn Cottage - Pisgah, Alabama
Grant Summit Cabins - Bryant, Alabama
Peaceful Valley Rustic Yurt - Columbiana, Alabama
Azalea House - Mentone, Alabama
Singing Rivermont House - Florence, Alabama
Coyote's Cabin Treehouse - Albertville, Alabama
What’s 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.
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!
How much does it cost to elope in Alabama?
After helping plan and document several elopements in Alabama, I’ve put together this sample budget. Keep in mind most costs are approximate.
Affordable elopement budget
$55 - $86.50 — marriage certificate (in Alabama, individual probate courts establish their own fees)
$500 — 3-night Airbnb stay
$3000 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $4,786
Luxury elopement budget
$55 - $86.50 — marriage certificate
$1500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$9000 — photographer
$1000 — bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner
$3000 — wedding dress
$1000 — suit purchase
$400 — private chef
$350 — 5-6” custom cake
$300 — hair + makeup
$200 — permit fee
Total: $16,837
Alabama elopement packages
All elopement packages include my travel to anywhere within the United States (no hidden or extra fees!), customized location scouting and research, permit assistance if necessary, personalized vendor recommendations, unique-to-you + your location activity suggestions, and a customized elopement timeline for your one-of-a-kind day. Every elopement gallery also includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery so you can view, print, download, and share your gallery with your family + friends to relive the day with you!
4-Hour ~ $3000
Perfect for couples who want to take a more simplistic approach to their elopement day. Typically this package is ideal for capturing getting ready photos, a short hike to ceremony location, and couples portraits.
8-Hour ~ $5000
Perfect for couples who want a day of adventure like a long hike, off-roading, or traveling to multiple locations. This package is best for telling the complete story of your elopement day. Typically couples who elope just the two of them (without any guests) select this package to document their day for the friends + family who aren’t attending, to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their reception captured as well. Your reception could look like pizza at your Airbnb around a fire with your parents + siblings or a private chef serving you a 3-course meal on a table decked out in flowers.
12-Hour ~ $7000
Perfect for couples looking for complete coverage of their elopement story. This package offers the ultimate storytelling experience so you don’t miss a single detail. From waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after dawn. Couple’s who are eloping just the two of them will select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their full day with their guests documented.
Multi-Day ~ $9000
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you’re wanting to elope in one epic location and also experience another epic location the following day. 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!
What to wear for your Alabama elopement
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? I always, always, always recommend sunrise or sunset for portraits. This time of day, known as Golden Hour, has the best lighting. You get a literal golden glow and the soft colors of the sun as it sets (or rises) reflecting on the landscape around you.
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? After you say your “I do’s”, it’s time to celebrate! Whether it’s just the two of you or you invited 15 family members and close friends, there needs to be some sort of celebration! There is no right way to celebrate — you can grab a brewski at a local brewery, stop at an ice cream parlor and have ice cream cones, or head back to your Airbnb for a bonfire and champagne toast. Whatever you want, it’s just time to celebrate!
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.
Noccalula Falls elopement
9 AM - 2 PM | Spend the morning with family at Airbnb having coffee, making breakfast, and relaxing
2 - 4 PM | Hair + makeup artist + photographer arrive at Airbnb, everyone starts getting ready
5 PM | Photographer, officiant, bride + groom (arrive separately), and family arrives at the Gorge trailhead
5:15 PM | First Look
5:45 PM | Ceremony
6 - 6:15 PM | Family portraits
6:15 - 7:15 PM | Couples’ portraits at Noccalula Falls
7:15 PM | Start hike back to parking lot
8 - 9 PM | Drive back to Airbnb
9 PM | Pizza and champagne at the Airbnb
Gulf Shores Elopement
9 AM - 11 AM | Grab breakfast together at Ruby Slipper Cafe
12 PM - 2 PM | Hair + makeup artist + photographer arrive at beach house, bride + groom get ready together
2:30 - 2:45 PM | Walk out to ceremony location on the beach
2:45 PM | Ceremony
3:15 | Champagne pop on the beach
3:30 | Cake cutting on the deck of the beach house, private chef arrives to prepare meal
3:40 PM | Bride + groom share an impromptu first dance to their favorite song while listening to music and sipping champagne as their chef prepares dinner
5:30 - 6:30 PM | Dinner
7 - 8 PM | Couples’ portraits on the beach at sunset
9 PM | Head to the Flora-Bama for drinks!
Real couples, Real galleries, Real love.
More free resources.
Contact me to plan your Alabama elopement!
I hope you found this guide on eloping in Alabama helpful! I know there’s a TON of information to take in and it can sometimes feel overwhelming — contact me today and let’s start the conversation about your dream Alabama elopement. We’ll tackle it one step at a time, together, to ensure you have the perfect wedding day! I can’t wait to meet you!