Whether you live in the area or are traveling, figuring out how to elope in the Catskills can be
Alot…..
In addition to planning and photographing Catskill elopements, I also planned and held my own elopement, so I know exactly where you’re at right now. You two want that epic, too good to be true adventure. All the amazing views and intimate moments that blends your love for each other with your love for nature. But when you think about how to elope it’s a bunch of ???????????
State lands vs State parks? A TRP Permit? Vendors? What should you two pack? And how can you two find a location that’s epic AND secluded? Here’s a step by step on how to elope in the Catskills!
1) Choose your date and vibe.
When planning how to elope the first step is choosing your date/season. The Catskills are famous for their fall foliage, spring flowers, winter wonderlands and summer greenery. What do you want to be a part of your adventure?
After you two have decided your elopement date, start dreaming up some epic location ideas. Are you two hiking to one of the 33 high peaks of the Catskills (want a list of the high peaks? Find it here)? Are you two doing a short hike to an epic mountain top view and cozying up next to a fire at your airbnb? Do you two want to say I do under a romantic towering waterfall? Dream big about what matters most to you two and take notes! This will help you narrow down your location!
2) Book your vendors and lodging.
Maybe I’m biased but start with your photographer. When I start helping a couple plan their elopement, I include curated, pre scouted location suggestions, vendor and lodging suggestions, and an officiate included! So you can give me your dream location ideas and we will narrow down and find your perfect location and go through a list of some pretty amazing vendors that will match your vibes, and help make your elopement that much better.
If you are looking elsewhere, a great way to find local vendors if your photographer doesn’t suggest any is Facebook! Join a bridal group in the area you’re eloping (like this one here) where you can get first hand reviews from other brides, chat directly with local vendors, or ask questions! These groups are super supportive, great for advice, and finding your perfect vendor match that will keep it chill like you two!
3) Permits and Marriage License
Permits. When dreaming about how to elope no one wants to be stopped by a ranger mid ceremony. And more so, we want to make sure everything we are planning is legal and safe. If i’m helping plan your elopement I will take care of your permits (cost included) so you don’t have to stress it.
If not, heres a little permit to do list..
- Figure out what type of land your location is. State land permits are handled through the NYSDEC, these lands include Forest Preserves, State Forests, Multiple Use Areas, and Unique Areas. If you two are planning some epic backcountry camping (we’re talking some serious camping) there are additional guidelines and permits that need to be filed. State Parks are handled through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
- File your permits at least 60 days before your elopement. This ensures enough time for the permits to be processed and approved, and if there’s any hiccups, you have enough time to mend them. There are fees for filing permits which are different depending on which office you go through so make sure to discuss filing fees.
- Once everything is approved print a physical copy. You’ll want to keep this tucked in your hiking bag with your marriage license on elopement day just incase a ranger wants to do a check (we love their diligence)
Up next, your Marriage license. The process for applying is super smooth if you go in prepared. So let’s keep this easy for you two and prep accordingly. Reminder that is only applies to New York State! New York City has its own process.
How to get a marriage license in NYS:
- Both of you have to go in person to any town or city clerks office to apply.
- Bring 2 forms of ID such as passport, birth certificate, drivers license etc. if you want a full list click the more info link below for the full NYS approved list.
- There is a $40 filing fee due at the time of your application.
- Your marriage license will be issued right away but wont be active for 24 hours. After that, your license is good for 60 days. Pro tip, come a few days early for your elopement on a week day so you can get your license, and it is active at the time of your elopement.
- You need 1 witness for your ceremony. If we are planning your elopement together, I will act as your witness while my husband Trent will officiate.
Again guys I cannot stress this enough, all of this info only applies on how to elope in New York State. If you are looking to elope in the NYC, there is a different process. NYC might as well be its own state tbh.
If you want more info on the marriage license application process you can find more info here!
4) Plan the timeline and details!
Now the fun stuff! You two can start planning the timeline details of your elopement! When planning your timeline its important to keep a few things in mind like travel time from location to location and giving yourself a grace period. If you want to start with a first look at your airbnb at 6am, then have a sunrise ceremony, give yourself time to travel to the trailhead and about 10-15 minutes extra so you two don’t feel stressed or rushed!
When I plan timelines with couples I also make sure to include time to just be together because thats whole whole point right? Ridged timelines with no space for you two to just be in the moment together can lead to a stressful day and who wants that?
When you two are thinking about how to elope, what to bring is a super common stressor. I provide my couples with a curated checklist for day of items to help relieve some of that stress. Items should be location and date specific (you don’t need snow shoes in the summer) and be items that will relieve stress and help make your elopement better.
Some basic items to include can be..
- A portable charger
- Rain protection
- ” We Eloped” signs
- Bear Spray (because you never know)
- Water
- Protein or granola bars
- Flashlights or headlamps
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