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elopement guide

Rich in scenic views, stunning waterfalls, cozy and picturesque cabins and vacation rentals and well managed state parks and recreation areas, Arkansas is truly a perfect place to elope. 
Whether you already live in the Natural State or are exploring the possibilities in eloping in Arkansas, these resources are for you to plan the elopement of your dreams. 

I've been photographing elopements in Arkansas for over four years now and every elopement is beautiful and unique like the couples that choose this intentional and beautiful way of starting their marriage. 

Buffalo River

CONTACT ME

sam's throne

twin falls

compton

Lost Valley

Steel creek

pedestal rocks

hawksbill crag

big bluff

locations

how to elope in arkansas

Eloping in Arkansas is simple, affordable and fun! There are so many beautiful locations that are scenic and secluded. There are also unique urban areas as well. You can invite friends and family or privately elope, just the two of you. 

step one: decide on a location

step two: set a date + book lodging and vendors

step three: secure wedding outfits + plan activities

step four: apply for marriage license + enjoy your day!

further resources + instructions

THINGS TO DO + Places to stay

historic downtown jasper

elk viewing 

lost valley state park

float the buffalo river

horseshoe canyon ranch

A nesting place

romantic compton hideaway

a still point cabin 

lost valley view cabin

ponca creek lodge

buffalo outdoor center cabins

Fall canopy tour 

hike to big bluff 

stargazing in dark sky zone

Elopement-Friendly Vendors

Here are some of my favorite Arkansas elopement-friendly vendors!

Lauren Treats Hair 
Looks by Lana 
Strands by Jo

Earth and Thorn Florals
Sojourn + Abide 
Fleurish
The Flower Slinger
Samantha's Garden


Elope by JLK Weddings 
Stardust Weddings

Tesori Bridal 
Inverness Bridal Couture 
Unveiled Bridal
Lover's Society
BHLDN 
ASOS Bridal
Indochino Weddings 
Belle + Sward

hair + makeup

florals

elopement planners

dress + suit shops

Recent elopements

A dreamy elopement in ponca

A colorful elopement at steel creek

An adventurous microwedding at sam's throne

Tyler bend fall adventure elopement

RESOURCES

my favorite places to elope in arkansas

inquire

buffalo river water levels

buffalo outdoor center website 

helpful tips 

  • The closest large city is Harrison. 
  • The Buffalo River is approximately 1.5 hours east of Northwest Arkansas, 2 hours south of Springfield, MO and 2-3 hours north of Little Rock.
  • My favorite restaurants are Cliffhouse Inn, Low Gap Cafe, JJ's Buffalo Grill, Ozark Cafe and Blue Mountain Bakery. 
  • November is the best month to visit and most of November provides peak fall colors. 
  • The Buffalo River area is excellent for stargazing, as there are several areas that are registered dark sky zones. 
  • April through July is floating season, so it can get very busy. 
  • There is a $150 permit fee to elope at Steel Creek on the Buffalo National River. All the other locations require no permit as of this time.
  • There are several waterfalls near the Buffalo River and they flow seasonally. Contact me for details regarding a waterfall elopement. 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

6 PM - Arrive at Cabin for Cake + Champagne with friends and family

2 PM - Start Getting Ready at Cabin 

3 PM - Photographer arrives; First Look + Photos at Cabin

3:30 PM - Depart for location one

4 PM - Arrive at location one + Ceremony and Photos at location one

5 PM - Sunset Photos at location two; Depart for Cabin

Hi, I'm laura.

I USED TO BE JUST ANOTHER WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, BUT RECENTLY, I RETIRED FROM WEDDINGS TO FULLY COMMIT TO PHOTOGRAPHING ELOPEMENTS + MICROWEDDINGS IN ARKANSAS AND BEYOND. 

I LOVE BEING MORE THAN JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER, BUT A PLANNER, OFFICIANT, LOCATIONS EXPERT AND ALL OVER ELOPEMENT RESOURCE ENCYCLOPEDIA.

I LOVE TO HELP MY COUPLES CREATE THE ELOPEMENT OF THEIR DREAMS WITHOUT THE PRESSURE AND STRESS THAT COMES WITH A BIG WEDDING. WHEN YOU ELOPE, YOU CAN TRULY MAKE YOUR DAY YOUR OWN, AND I THINK THAT'S SUCH A GREAT START TO THE REST OF YOUR LIFE TOGETHER AS A MARRIED COUPLE.

I'VE PHOTOGRAPHED 250 ELOPEMENTS IN THE MIDWEST AND BEYOND AND I LOVE TO BE SUPER HANDS ON, HELPING YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AS YOU PLAN AND CREATE THE ELOPEMENT OF YOUR DREAMS.

INFO + PRICING

view the elopement collections