Adventure Elopements: The Best Way For Couples to get Married in the Great Outdoors

What is an Adventure Elopement?

If you’re anything like me, you have a deep rooted love for the outdoors and when you think about your wedding day, you don’t just want to get married outside, you want to connect to the place where you’re choosing to say “I do”. An adventure elopement gives you all of that and more.

A modern day elopement certainly isn’t what it used to be. No more “running away together” or making a quick stop to City Hall. An elopement is so much more than that. It is a day specifically crafted for you and your partner to celebrate your love with intention (and a little bit of adventure). Wake up and watch the sun peek out over the horizon with a hot cup of coffee and your baby by your side. Go on your favorite hike and breath in that fresh mountain air. Spend the day doing things that you’re both passionate about. You'll have the entire day to be fully present with each other, which is exactly how you should be spending your wedding day.

Is an Adventure Elopement Right for Me?

Adventure elopements are a popular alternative to the big traditional wedding, but they aren’t for everyone. Many couples choose to have a big wedding because they aren’t aware that there is another option. Couples are often pressured into sticking to tradition but I want to open your eyes (and hearts) to the idea of throwing the rule book out the window.

Close your eyes and picture yourself, hand in hand with your partner, ready to move through life together. Where are you? Who is with you? How did you spend your morning? How will you spend the rest of your day? What type of adventure do you see yourselves on?

IF THIS IS GETTING YOU EXCITED ABOUT PLANNING A WEDDING THAT’S OFF THE BEATEN PATH, LET’S CHAT! I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR WHAT PIECES OF THIS RESONATE WITH YOU AND START BRAINSTORMING YOUR OWN ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT!

How to Plan an Elopement

The planning process for adventure elopements is often a bit out of order when compared to a traditional wedding where you typically pick a date and venue and then dive in to searching for vendors to help pull it all together. With elopements, you have a lot more freedom, and picking your date and location aren’t always the first steps.

Planning your elopement is no small potatoes. It’s more like a big russet baked potato with lots of butter melted into it. It takes time and energy and best with special tidbits that you love sprinkled on top. Why am I comparing wedding planning to baked potatoes? I don’t know… maybe I’m hungry 🤷🏼‍♀️ But even the smallest of weddings can still take a lot to plan. However, if you break it down the right way, it can be a lot easier to chew.

Brainstorm with your Partner

Make this a date night! No idea is too big or too small. Your wedding can look however you want it to, so don’t let tradition or family opinions stand in your way.

Make the Big Decisions First

Make those big decisions early on. Who are you inviting (if anyone)? Where do you want your ceremony to take place (on top of a mountain, on the beach)? How long do you want it all to last (half day, 3 days)?

Plan Out The Details

Once the big stuff is figured out it’s time to buckle down on the small stuff (vendors, clothing, activities). This is where you can really have fun and make your elopement filled with things that are unique to the two of you!

Craft a Timeline

Your elopement photographer will lend a big hand in this step. This is where we make sure there’s enough time in each day to enjoy every aspect of your celebrations!

DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE SOME FUN ACTIVITIES!
READ MORE: MY FAVORITE ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES

Get Ready to Go!

The planning is done! Next up is to make sure you have everything you need to go get hitched (rings, license, reservations, bag/car packed for adventure)!

Have the BEST Day!

Proper planning means that when your day comes, you can be fully present with your partner, taking in each and every moment that passes.