Everything You Need to Know to Elope in Edmonton
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Step 1: Define your vision and set your budget
The Power of Intimacy: Decide first, are you truly eloping (just the two of you, maybe a couple of witnesses, and the officiant/photographer)? Or are you planning a micro wedding (a small, styled event with up to 30 guests)? Maybe something more?
The Budget Breakdown: Unlike traditional weddings, most of your micro-wedding budget will likely go toward vendors (especially photography) and experience (travel, dining). Determine your absolute maximum spend and allocate funds strategically.
Eloping is not necessarily about being cheap. It is about prioritizing quality experiences over quantity.
2. Choose your location
The Location Vibe: Are you dreaming of a dramatic mountain backdrop, a historic city hall ceremony, or a cozy, styled dinner party at a boutique rental home?
Permits and Legality: If you choose a stunning natural location (like a National Park or public land), you must research if a special-use permit is required. Check these requirements before booking flights or vendors.
The Date: Consider a weekday! Weekday weddings often mean lower vendor fees, fewer crowds, and greater availability for that perfect spot.
If you don’t want to stress over it, Edmonton Elopements can handle everything for you. We offer location planning and will give you a giant list of spots with photos, pricing, and brochures. We’ll do all the planning and the talking, so you just show up and enjoy your day.
3. Book your vendors
Once your license and location are sorted, it’s time to think about who’s actually going to make your day happen. At a minimum, you’ll need a marriage commissioner and a photographer. Everything else is optional: flowers, hair and makeup, a videographer, or even a content creator if you want social media-ready shots. You don’t have to hire a ton of people, but having a few trusted vendors makes the day flow smoother and keeps stress low. If you want to keep it simple, a great photographer and a commissioner can cover most of what matters.​
Edmonton Elopements can handle this too. We coordinate all the vendors, book them for you, and make sure everything is timed perfectly. You don’t have to chase anyone down or juggle calls, we do it all so you can focus on each other. Go to our prices page, scroll down to add-ons to see a list of potential vendors you may want for your big day.
4. The logistics​
Here’s the breakdown according to the Government of Alberta’s official marriage license requirements:
- You must go in person to an Alberta registry agent office.
- Both partners must attend together to apply.
- You must each bring acceptable government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence or passport).
- The license is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued.
- It’s totally fine (and smart) to get it about a month before the wedding
5. The details
This is where you pull everything together and personalize the day. Think:
- Your dress, suit, or outfits
- Hair and makeup
- Cake or dessert choice
- Wedding colours or aesthetic
- Bouquet, boutonniere, or simple florals
- Ceremony music, aisle song, exit song
- Party playlist
- Transportation
- Hotel or Airbnb for getting ready/after
- Rings
- Any small decor touches you want (candles, petals, ribbon, arch flowers)
- Champagne, snacks, or a simple celebration after
- A small gift or favour if you want to give guests something
- Anything personal: pets, a family heirloom, a letter, or a keepsake box
- Emergency kit (bobby pins, lip gloss, safety pins, wipes, etc.)
Once you know your budget, your location, your vendors, your logistics, and all your little details, you’re set. Your day doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. It just needs to feel like you. And if you want the whole thing handled for you, Edmonton Elopements can take care of the planning, the vendors, the locations, the timelines, and everything in between. You show up, get married, and actually enjoy your day without worrying about a single thing. That’s the whole point of eloping... simple, beautiful, and completely yours.