Planning an Adventure (ish) Elopement
DESTINATION ELOPEMENT PLANNER // ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER // SWITZERLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
If you’re thinking about eloping in a beautiful place somewhere in the world you’ve undoubtedly come across the term “adventure elopement”. Despite being certain you want to do something out of the box for your wedding day, once again you’re being boxed in by this new term. Now you’re contemplating if you’d even define yourself as “adventurous”, trying to navigate where you fall into the spectrum of outdoorsy-ness, and getting lost in a sea of options. Enter ME. Your little beacon of light. Guiding you through the bullshit and confusion towards a day that is simply defined by: “doing-whatever-you-want-to-do elopement” (…I’ll work on a less wordy definition later)!
Let’s talk about what kind of experience will leave you daydreaming about this day months before and a lifetime after it happens. And how to make that happen.
The truth is…eloping is an adventure.
Planning an unconventional wedding is an adventure.
Doing something that excites you is an adventure.
Starting your life together is an adventure
So what we need to figure out first is: How adventurous do you want your elopement to be?
How Adventurous Do You Want Your Elopement To Be?
charter a boat
jeep to a scenic overlook
celebrate with your besties
go around a puddle
travel to a beautiful, historic destination
go through your day slowly
hire a team of vendors
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
kayak together
hike to a summit
only celebrate just you two
go through a puddle
travel to a nature-centric location
have a day full of experiences
keep things simple
If you find yourself getting excited about the first options, stay right here, friend!
| If you find yourself leaning towards the second options, sound like you’re more of an adventurous duo! Read this instead. → | Planning an Adventure Elopement |
Even though you’re not going down the full muddy boots – adrenaline laced – up before sunrise – path, I PROMISE, you’re not missing out!
Reasons couples are drawn to eloping
Maybe you’re on the fence and need that final push OR you know this is what you want to do and this is a “hell yes” reminder – either way, let’s talk about it!
- You have space to focus on each other and what really matters.
- You are investing in an incredible experience instead of a party.
- You get to travel and explore somewhere amazing.
- You feel grounded in the outdoors and the world around you.
- Your day can be as intimate as just the two of you or shared with a handful of loved ones.
(Bonus #6: the photos will be like…really really REALLY cool.)
When Planning Your Adventure-Ish Elopement You Should Know…
You don’t have to hike to get epic views for your elopement.
Lemme guess, your Instagram and Pinterest saves are full of couples watching sunrise on cliffsides, making out in front of waterfalls, and looking just as dramatic as the landscapes they’re in. Sure some of them hiked miles to get there, but others simply rode a gondola. Or took a helicopter ride. OR they literally pulled off at a scenic overlook and walked 100 feet. There are countless incredible views that you don’t have to break a sweat getting to, and better yet, the mode of transportation getting there can add to your experience!!
There are incredible outdoor ceremony sites to accommodate your loved-ones.
Did you know that throughout the National Forests and National Parks there are designated ceremony sites that can accommodate anywhere from 25-100 people!? If you have your heart set on a grandma or your kiddos attending your wedding, opt for a space that is accessible to them! Unlike a traditional venue with all the trappings, mother nature has already done all the decorating for you!
Being adventurous doesn’t have to involve getting dirty.
The experiences on your wedding day don’t have to be rugged to be adventurous! In fact… they can BOUJEE, RELAXING, and COOL AF. Here are some of my favorites:
Cruise around in a vintage car
Cater a beach picnic
Charter a sailboat
Helicopter ride
Hot air balloon ride
Go glamping
Get tattoos
Soak in a hot spring
Make a bonfire & stargaze
Take a jeep tour
Go on a gondola ride or tram
Rent an epic Airbnb
Your elopement experience doesn’t have to be epic to anyone else, but you.
Do you love sharing a cup of coffee together in the morning? Is there a trail you’ve made memories on over the years? Is there a location that’s not overseas, but just hours away, that you’ve always wanted to visit? That all sounds amazing. It’s epic that you get to do what you love and make meaningful memories on your wedding day!
Steps To Kick Off Your Adventure(ish) Elopement Planning
BRAINSTORM YOUR DREAM DAY
Who’s coming, how do you want to spend your day, what setting gives you butterflies, what senses do you want to experience throughout your day
RESEARCH LOCATIONS THAT ALIGN WITH YOUR VISION
Are the experiences you want feasible there, what is the travel time/cost, how’s the weather, is it accessible, looking at the pictures are you in love with the area
BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER ASAP
Is your photographer familiar with that location, does their style align with your vision, do they have experience with elopements, are they a knowledgeable resource (not to toot my horn or anything but…TOOT! You know where to find me!)
HIRE VENDORS WITH EXPERTISE IN THAT AREA/EXPERIENCE
Will a planner make things easier, will their help enhance your day, do you see yourself in their work, are their reviews good
PLAN 1-2 THINGS YOU’LL BOTH ENJOY
Is this activity in the realm of your comfort zone, what will bring you joy, what do you love to do with one another, who will be joining you
Where To Go For Your Adventure Elopement
Woof, what a loaded topic! Honestly, adventure can be found anywhere, even your own backyard – so don’t feel pressured to travel hundreds, or thousands, of miles for your elopement. But… if you want some suggestions for locations around the globe that give off laid-back, gorgeous, adventure vibes…I have some ideas…
Need An Elopement Photographer? I Know A Gal.
Spoiler alert, it’s me! I deeply understand the itch to explore and create meaningful memories with the people you love. It’s what I do – with couples and in my own life. You get it, that’s why you’re here! You’re wanting a wedding experience that will light you up and you’re leading with your hearts to make that happen.
