The Reality of Planning Your Dream Destination Elopement: What Pinterest Doesn’t Show You About Permits & Rules

Sara Michaels
Dec 23, 2025
5 min read

The Reality of Planning Your Dream Elopement

What Pinterest Doesn’t Show You About Permits & Rules

Planning a destination elopement usually starts with inspiration.

A dramatic cliffside.A quiet beach.A mountaintop that feels untouched and meaningful.

And while choosing a beautiful location is an important part of the process, it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

What Pinterest doesn’t always show you are the permits, rules, and logistical realities that determine whether an elopement location actually works… legally, safely, and seamlessly.

Understanding these details early doesn’t take away from the magic. It protects it.

Why Permits Matter More Than Most Couples Realize

Many of the locations couples dream of eloping in are protected in some way.

National parks.State parks.Beaches.Cliffside overlooks.Historic or culturally significant land.

What couples often don’t realize is that each of these comes with its own set of rules.

Some locations allow ceremonies but restrict photography.Some require separate permits for each.Some limit group size, décor, sound, timing, or where you’re allowed to stand.Some require permits weeks — or even months — in advance.

And some locations quietly prohibit ceremonies altogether, even if people appear to be eloping there online.

This isn’t red tape for the sake of it. It’s about preservation, safety, and respecting the land you’ve chosen to stand on.

A good planning question to ask early:

Does this location require a permit for ceremonies, photography, or both — and who is responsible for securing it?

Knowing the answer upfront avoids last-minute stress, interrupted ceremonies, or the disappointment of having to pivot plans unexpectedly.

One More Thing About Permits (That Matters More Than You Think)

This is also where it’s important to understand what role your photographer actually plays in the planning process.

Some photographers are there to show up on the day, take beautiful photos, and leave the logistics entirely to you.

They’ll meet you at the location, document what unfolds, and that’s where their involvement begins and ends.

Others offer a more hands-on experience . . . helping navigate permits, location guidelines, timing considerations, and the behind-the-scenes details that make the day feel smooth instead of stressful.

Neither approach is inherently wrong… but they are very different experiences.

For me, supporting couples through the permit process and location logistics is part of the experience I offer. I don’t just show up at a beautiful place . . . I help you understand what’s required, what’s allowed, and how to plan your day in a way that feels intentional, respectful, and fully supported.

That way, when your elopement day arrives, you’re not wondering if something was missed or hoping everything works out. You’re able to be present… because the groundwork has already been thoughtfully handled.

If you’re curious about what that level of support looks like, you’re always welcome to explore my collections and experiences to see what’s included. And if it feels aligned, I’d love to hear about the day you’re dreaming of and talk through what’s possible. inquire here

Rules Aren’t Universal … They Change by Location

One of the biggest misconceptions couples have is assuming rules are the same everywhere.

They aren’t.

What’s allowed at one beach may be restricted at another just a few miles away.What’s permitted in one country may be illegal in another.Even neighboring parks can operate under completely different guidelines.

This is especially true for:

international elopements
coastal locations
protected land
popular scenic overlooks

This is why researching location-specific rules matters — and why experience plays such a large role in planning a smooth elopement day.

Pinterest shows you the dream. . . It doesn’t show you what goes into making it a reality.

Terrain, Access, and Safety Are Part of the Experience

A location might look effortless online… but feel very different in real life.

Cliffs mean wind exposure and footing.Beaches are affected by tides, weather, and access points.Mountain locations can involve elevation changes, hiking, or rapidly shifting conditions.

These aren’t reasons to avoid adventurous locations — they’re simply things to plan for.

Helpful questions to consider:

Is the location accessible year-round?
Does it require hiking or scrambling?
Are there tide windows or weather patterns to plan around?
Is there a safer alternative nearby if conditions change?

When a location is chosen thoughtfully — with access and safety in mind — the experience feels grounded instead of rushed or reactive.

Timing, Crowds, and the Reality of Popular Places

Another detail Pinterest doesn’t show is when a location works best.

Some places feel intimate at sunrise and crowded by mid-morning.Others are peaceful on weekdays and busy on weekends.Some are stunning during certain seasons and nearly inaccessible during others.

Privacy isn’t always about choosing a remote location.Often, it’s about choosing the right moment.

Understanding timing can be the difference between:

feeling rushed vs. feeling present
sharing space with crowds vs. having quiet moments
reacting to conditions vs. moving through the day intentionally

Drone Use, Airspace, and Location Restrictions

Drone imagery can be beautiful… and it’s also one of the most regulated aspects of elopement photography.

Many locations prohibit drones entirely.Others require specific certifications, permits, or advance approval.Some countries have strict penalties for unauthorized drone use.

Without proper clearance, flights can be restricted — or stopped altogether — and in some locations this can result in significant fines or legal consequences.

Adventure is part of many elopement experiences…but dealing with authorities mid-day probably isn’t the kind of story you’re hoping to tell later.

Understanding drone rules ahead of time keeps the focus on the experience — not the interruption.

Why Guidance Matters More Than Ever

This is why planning an elopement is about more than choosing a beautiful place.

Permits.Rules.Terrain.Timing.Logistics.

All of these shape the experience — whether you realize it or not.

When these details are handled thoughtfully, the day feels calm.Supported.Intentional.

You’re able to stay present instead of managing logistics in the background… which is the entire reason most couples choose to elope in the first place.

A Gentle Next Step

If you’re still exploring locations, I’ve created resources to help you navigate destinations thoughtfully — without overwhelm.

And if you already have a place in mind, you’re always welcome to reach out. I’m happy to talk through logistics, possibilities, and what your day could look like in that space.

Because planning your dream elopement isn’t about following a script. Its about understanding the landscape… and allowing the experience to unfold with intention. For those who are still in the planning phase. . . have carefully curated my BEST resources for you to help guide you through the process. Like having a $5K elopement planner in your pocket without the price tag. The Ultimate Elopement Bundle to help guide you with clarity. . . without overwhelm.

It includes:

• The Dream Destination Guide — curated elopement locations around the world, organized by landscape and experience • The Ultimate Elopement Guide & Checklist — the questions, details, and decisions that matter most • The Elopement Planning Workbook & Planner — a guided space to bring your vision into focus

and through this post . . . you can use the code ELOPE7 to get the entire bundle for $7 www.rachelsuephotography.com/offer And if it feels aligned, I’d love to hear about the day you’re dreaming of. Feel free to inquire here xx, Rachel