How To Elope On Long Island - A Detailed Guide
Guide to Eloping on Long Island
Eloping here on Long Island is growing in popularity as many couples decide that the “traditional Long Island wedding” is not for them. However, many couples don’t even realize you can have an epic elopement right here on Long Island! People here elope and they think: Adirondack Mountains, Vegas, or NYC - which are ALL amazing options. But not everyone wants to travel for their elopement. Some prefer to stay close to home, for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’d like a few close family members to be there. Maybe Long Island is special to you and you want it to be a big part of saying your vows. That’s where this blog comes in. I put together the ultimate guide to eloping, with tips straight from a Long Island elopement photographer!
Choose a Date
Choosing a date for your Long Island elopement should be intentional. Many couples think they should choose a weekend because most weddings are on the weekend. But for the best elopement experience, I actually recommend eloping on a weekday. Here’s why.
First, you will have less crowds and a more intimate experience. As Long Islanders, we all know that all the best spots are crowded on the weekend. Eloping on Long Island should be a stress-free and exciting experience, and the last thing you need is crowds negatively impacting your day. The second reason is that you will have a lot more choices for vendors. Many Long Island wedding vendors are already booked out on weekends a year in advance. If you choose a weekday, you are increasing your chances of being able to book your dream vendors for hair, florals, photography and anyone else who is a must have part of your elopement day a-team.
You will also want to consider the scenery that you will have during the time of year you pick. If you choose a fall wedding, you will have gorgeous fall foliage, and during spring/summer, lush greenery. If you want to elope in winter, you should consider that the trees and scenery outside will not be the same as during the spring and fall.
Book a Photographer
You’re having a non-traditional “wedding” - why hire a traditional photographer? For elopements, I highly reccomend a documentary-style, non traditional photographer. Someone who will capture all of the moments that are the reason you even chose to elope - intimacy & emotion - all while doing it as a “fly on the wall.” Documentary-style and candid photography coverage allows for a way more relaxed and seamless experience. This is exactly how I approach elopements. I absolutely guide you through portraits and important moments, but I allow many moments to happen naturally, documenting your elopement in an authentic way. This means that your moments are captured the way that they are actually happening, steering away from "creating" moments or faking things. As a Long Island elopement photographer, I also offer location scouting, vendor recommendations, and timeline planning assistance in all of my packages.
Hire an Officiant
Think about who will officiate your elopement! You have the option of hiring a professional officiant, or having a friend or family member officiate for you, to add a personal touch. Just make sure they get the proper certifications. You will also need one witness to sign your marriage certificate! My personal recommendation for Long Island officiants is Christine Korkidis!
Book a Videographer
It is so important to hire photographers and videographers whose style compliments each other for your Long Island elopement. When you hire a photographer and videographer with different artistic visions, you will find that your day will not run as smoothly. Traditional videographers will have you posing over and over again - when the exact reason you hired me was for a documentary and candid style. I encourage you to not hire a videographer based solely on price - but hire someone who aligns with your photography team.
That’s why I offer recommendations for incredible videographers to all of my clients that I can vouch for. We work perfectly together, and all of our wedding days run smooth. The final delivery of your gallery and films reflect your true, candid, authentic self.
One of my top recommendations is MC Visuals!
Find Your Wedding Attire
As a non-traditional wedding photographer who absolutely loves fashion, I love sharing my tips with you. I’ve written a couple of blogs giving styling tips for non-traditional elopement fashion! You can find my favorite bridal styling tips here!
Some of my favorite brands for elopement fashion are: 12th Tribe, Anthropologie, Eloquii (offering styles and sizes for all body types!) Windsor, and Selfie Leslie!
Choose a Location + Obtain Necessary Permits
When choosing a location, be sure to obtain any necessary permits! Not all locations require them, but some so. Some locations that require permits are: Old Westbury Gardens, Bayard Cutting Arboretum, and Vanderbilt Museum. As a Long Island elopement photographer, I always offer location scouting services to my clients. During my location scouting, I will find all of the rules for you and guide you through the process of obtaining your permit.
Get Your Marriage License
Anyone eloping on Long Island must both apply in person for a marriage license at a town or city clerk in their state. I recommend using your own town/city clerk. During covid, town clerks were limiting services to their own residents. As of today, I am unsure if that has been lifted, so best to start where you live.
The legal age to obtain your marriage license without parental consent is 18 years of age.
A marriage license for eloping on Long Island is valid for 60 days, starting the day after it is issued. However, the elopement ceremony cannot take place within 24 hours from the exact time that your license was issued. This license can be used only within New York State.
No premarital physical exams or blood tests are required for obtaining a marriage certificate in New York State.
The marriage certificate fee is $40.
You will be required to submit proof of age and identity. Two valid forms of Legal Identification are required, one of which must have a photo.
These forms include any of the following:
Current Driver's License
Non-Driver's License ID
Current Passport
Naturalization Papers (originals only)
Current US Military ID
Employer's Photo ID
Birth Certificate (If under 21 - certificate must have raised seal)
Baptismal Record
If either of you have been married before, you will need to bring a certified copy of the Decree of Divorce with Official Seal or a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage. If widowed, a certified copy of the death certificate must be presented.
Sample Timeline & Elopement Ideas
Need some ideas for your elopement? I got you. Here’s a sample timeline for a dream elopement I’d love to photograph! This timeline is based on a couple who wants to get ready together, elope at Old Westbury Gardens, and head to a cafe for food and drinks + some fun portraits after their elopement, on a Monday in spring.
4:00pm - Getting Ready at Viana Hotel & Spa
5:00pm - Photos in hotel lobby, possible flash photos at the bar
5:30pm - Head to Old Westbury Gardens (8 minute drive from hotel)
6:00pm-7:00pm - Elope + photos at Old Westbury Gardens
7:0pm - Head to La Petite Framboise French Restaurant (20 minute drive from Old Westbury)
7:30pm - Photos of dinner & drinks at the restaurant
If this sounds like your dream elopement - you can reach out to me here and we can get to planning.
Of course, any timeline will be personalized to you as a couple and the things you value - so if there’s things you want to change, we will make it 100% you.
Day of Advice
I recommend creating a checklist of things you will need for your elopement day to go over a couple of time when on the days leading up to your elopement. This can be anything from makeup, hair tools, accessories, personal items or props you would like to include in your photos, heirlooms, etc. Going over it multiple times gives you the opportunity to catch anything you may have forgotten and add it to your list. You may want to consider renting a vintage car for your elopement, if it is in budget! This can provide an opportunity for some epic in-between traveling photos and add a unique touch to your album.
If this advice was helpful to you, and you resonate with all of the photos and inspiration I’ve provided here, you can reach out here to have me capture your elopement!
