The Ultimate Guide to Self-Solemnizing Your Elopement: Adventure, Privacy, and Love

So, you’re ready to ditch the traditional wedding circus and have an elopement that’s intimate, adventurous, and uniquely you? Hell yes. Enter self-solemnization—the ultimate way to legally marry your partner on your own terms without an officiant. But before you exchange rings on a mountaintop or in a desert canyon (dreamy, right?), let’s make sure you do this properly.

I eloped myself (best decision ever!) and now help couples plan and photograph their dream elopements across Colorado, Pennsylvania, and beyond. I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know about self-solemnizing your marriage the right way. Let’s dive into how you can make it official—your way!

What is Self-Solemnization Anyway?

Self-solemnization (aka self-uniting marriage) is a fancy way of saying you can legally marry yourselves—no officiant, no witnesses (in most states), just the two of you making it official. It’s legal in a handful of states and allows you to create a ceremony that feels deeply personal without any outside pressure.

Here’s the thing—your love story doesn’t need to fit inside anyone else’s box. You don’t owe anyone a performance, a guest list, or traditions that don’t mean anything to you. An elopement is about stripping all that away and focusing on what actually matters: the two of you, your adventure, and the life you’re building together. Whether you exchange vows on a mountaintop at sunrise or in a quiet forest with just the trees as witnesses, your wedding should feel as authentic as your relationship.

As an elopement photographer (and sometimes officiant, if you want me to be), I’m not here to enforce rules or expectations. I’m here to help you create a day that reflects your love—no pressure, no scripts, no “shoulds.” Your marriage isn’t about living up to anyone else’s standards. It’s about celebrating what makes your connection unique. 

Why Self-Solemnization is Perfect for Private Adventurers

If you’re reading this, you’re probably my ideal couple: private, adventurous, and allergic to cookie-cutter weddings. Self-solemnization means:

• No officiant breathing down your neck
• No witnesses (unless required – more on that later)
• Just you, your partner, and whatever breathtaking location you choose

It’s intimate, meaningful, and 100% yours.

How to Perform a Self-Solemnization Ceremony

Step 1: Check the Legal Stuff

Not every state allows self-solemnization, so make sure you’re getting married somewhere it’s legal (more on that later). Colorado and Washington D.C. are the easiest options—no caveats, no witnesses, just sign your marriage license and go. Pennsylvania also allows it but requires two witnesses to sign in place of an officiant (that’s where I can step in!). Other states like Nevada, Kansas, Illinois, California, Wisconsin, and Maine also allow self-solemnization but may have additional requirements.

Step 2: Get Your Marriage License

Once you’ve picked your state, head to the county clerk’s office to get your marriage license. In Colorado, it’s as simple as picking up the standard license; no extra paperwork needed. For Pennsylvania and other states with requirements, make sure you’ve got everything lined up before your big day.

Step 3: Plan Your Ceremony

This is where things get fun! Decide if you want traditional elements like exchanging rings or unity rituals—or go completely rogue with something unique to your relationship. Whether you want a full-day or a multi-day adventure with hiking, picnics, and stargazing, the possibilities are endless. I’ll help you find the perfect location (hidden gems are my specialty!) and create a timeline that feels relaxed yet intentional. 

Step 4: Write Your Vows

Writing vows can feel intimidating, but don’t overthink it! Focus on what makes your relationship special—shared memories, inside jokes, promises for the future—and let your heart do the talking. I’ve got tips for making them heartfelt and uniquely yours (keep reading for those!).

Step 5: Document Your Day

Since there’s no officiant or large guest list, capturing your ceremony through photos is essential. My job is to not only document every moment but also help make your day stress-free and fun—think of me as part photographer, part planner, part photo ninja!

Best States for Self-Solemnization

Colorado (The Holy Grail of Self-Solemnization)

No witnesses. No officiant. Just pure, unfiltered freedom.
Amazing Colorado Elopement Spots:

• Alpine Loop: Jeep road + wildflowers = epic elopement vibes
• Crested Butte: Emerald lakes, wildflower capital of the US
• Great Sand Dunes: Feel like you eloped on Mars
• Mesa Verde: Ancient cliff dwellings as your ceremony backdrop

Pennsylvania (Easy, But Needs Witnesses)

Two witnesses must sign—but guess what? Your photographer counts as one. Wink.
Best Pennsylvania Elopement Spots:

• Ricketts Glen: Waterfall wonderland (seriously, 22 falls)
• Cherry Springs: Stargaze while saying “I do”
• Hickory Run State Park: Historic chapel + waterfall = enchanting

Washington DC (Witness Free)

Washington DC is a dream for self-solemnizers—no witnesses needed! Here are some iconic Washington DC elopement spots:

• Tidal Basin: Cherry blossoms in spring, serene waters year-round.
• Meridian Hill Park: Cascading fountains and a European-style mansion.
• Union Station: Grand arches with no permit needed.

Other States (With Some Fine Print)

• Nevada: Quirky desert vibes (Death Valley elopement, anyone?)
• California: Two witnesses required (your photographer can sign!)
• Kansas/Illinois/Maine: Possible but with extra steps 

Curious about other elopement options? Explore my guide on the Easiest States to Elope In for a deeper dive into states where you might still need an officiant, but the views are always worth it.

Tips for Writing Vows That Don’t Sound Like Hallmark Cards

Let’s be real—writing vows can feel like trying to compose poetry while under pressure not to cry (spoiler alert: crying is totally fine). Here are some tips to keep things authentic:

1. Start early so you’re not scrambling the night before your ceremony.
2. Include personal anecdotes that make your partner laugh or tear up.
3. Keep it simple—focus on what matters most instead of trying to sound fancy.
4. Practice reading them aloud to make sure they flow naturally.
5. Don’t be afraid to get cheesy—it’s your day!

Leave No Trace + Permits: Don’t Be That Couple

Leave No Trace

As someone who loves exploring beautiful places with my couples, I’m passionate about following Leave No Trace principles to protect these wild spaces for future generations. Here are some key tips:

By taking these steps, we can ensure your elopement leaves nothing behind but beautiful memories.

Permits 101

Many popular elopement locations require permits for ceremonies or photography (or both). Trust me—you don’t want to skip this step and risk getting fined or asked to leave mid-vows! Here’s what you need to know:

I help my couples with all permit logistics—because nothing kills romance like a park ranger writing you a ticket.

“What If We Still Want an Officiant Who Gets Us?”

Hey, it’s me—your elopement photographer (and ordained officiant). If you:

• Love the idea of a no-witness elopement but want backup (in case you need someone to hype you up).
• Want a mini-ceremony with vows (but still hate crowds).
• Need someone to help plan your adventure while capturing the magic.

I’ll be your adventure guide, emotional support person, and legal safety net—all while documenting your journey. Let’s get one thing straight—I’m about as far from a traditional officiant as you can get. No robes, no religious verses, and definitely no awkward “speak now or forever hold your peace” moments. Here’s how this works:

You lead your own ceremony (because who knows your love story better than you?). Pick your spot—a mountaintop, a desert canyon, under a neon sign in Vegas—and do whatever feels right. Read vows? Exchange rings? Do a dramatic reenactment of how you first met? Go for it.

I’m your personal paparazzi, quietly snapping away while you two have your moment. Think of me as a ninja with a camera—present, but not interrupting the magic.

The legal part? Takes 30 seconds. When you’re done, I’ll step forward and ask the two mandatory questions to make it official (yes, you have to say “I do”—no loopholes here). Then I sign your license, and boom! You’re married. No fuss, no frills, just pure, unfiltered you energy.

Your Perfect Elopement, Your Way

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what feels right for you two—whether that means having me officiate (all while still taking gorgeous photos) or self-solemnizing (keeping it completely your own). Either way, you get a ceremony that’s 100% yours—no rules, no pressure, just you two. You’ll have stunning photos to remember every moment, a legally binding marriage that’s signed, sealed, and totally official, and someone there to remind you to breathe when the emotions hit (and, okay, maybe also to help you find the perfect spot). 

So what’ll it be? Self-solemnizing for ultimate privacy? Or an officiant who doubles as your photographer and adventure guide? Either way, I’ve got you covered. Let’s make this official—your way.