So, you’re planning an adventure elopement! Whether you’re heading to the cliffs of Kauai, the wild landscapes of Iceland, or the dreamy fjords of Norway, you’re about to embark on a day filled with exploration, stunning scenery, and unforgettable memories! Packing for an adventure elopement requires a blend of practicality and style to make sure you’re ready for the elements while looking amazing. Here’s a guide on exactly what to bring for the ultimate elopement experience in the great outdoors.

Let me guess, you want to elope but don’t know where? You’re probably thinking, “Duh Audrey, that’s why I’m here.” Well the good news is: you’re in the right place! As an elopement photographer I’m all about discovering and exploring epic destinations, so couples like you can get married in a way that is remarkably meaningful AND in a place that’s perfectly beautiful (and perfectly you). 

So, you’re dreaming of eloping in a stunning national park—imagine standing among towering redwoods, exchanging vows with panoramic mountain peaks behind you, or feeling the sea breeze on a rugged coastline. While eloping in a national park is an extraordinary way to celebrate your love, there are essential details to understand before you pack your wedding attire and set off on your adventure. One of the most crucial aspects is securing a national park permit. Let’s dive into why national park permits are essential, what they involve, and how incorporating Leave No Trace principles can make your elopement not only memorable but sustainable.

When many people hear the word “elope,” they may still picture a spontaneous, secretive escape to a city hall or a rushed wedding far from home. But modern elopements have evolved into something truly special and deeply meaningful. More than ever, couples are choosing to elope because they want to center their wedding day around their unique bond and what they genuinely value in their relationship. In this blog, we’ll dive into what it truly means to elope, why it’s becoming a cherished choice for so many, and how an elopement can be one of the most personal, intimate ways to begin married life together.

First, why choose New Mexico for your elopement?

Uhum where do I even start!? Southwest desert vibes, incredible history (hello, Santa Fe is the oldest city in the United states), and crazy-beautiful sunsets. Not enough? There are also rock formations, hot air balloons, and art districts. And lastly, New Mexico is full of wild landscapes similar to the surrounding states—except with half the crowds.

This place is so underrated. But hey, I’d rather keep this place as our little best-kept anyways! Let’s get into the details of planning your New Mexico elopement. 

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)! 

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 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)! 

Alaska’s vast landscape is brimming with electric blue glaciers, sprawling wildflowers, aurora borealis lighting up the skies, oceans full of whales, lush mountains teeming with wildlife, and truly undisturbed locations. Oh, and it’s all a domestic flight away. There is so much to do and see. And memories to create. If that’s not the perfect destination for a rustic outdoor elopement, I don’t know what is! 

Bringing your kids along for your elopement doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice intimacy or a dream-worthy experience—it just means you’ll need to do some extra planning! Having them there for your elopement is an incredibly beautiful thing. By making them an integral part of your elopement you’re fostering an even deeper connection as a family unit and modeling a healthy romantic relationship for them. 

Southern California has all the warm sandy beaches for your ceremony and trendy postnuptial drinks spots you could want…BUT that’s just the tippity top of the (desert) iceberg! You’ll also find: sand dunes, slot canyons, islands, and stargazing! SoCal has so much to offer the couples that want to venture off the beaten path and the couples simply want to venture to a quiet spot to catch the sunset.

You already have some of the pieces for your elopement: the love of your partner, the bravery to do something different for your wedding day, and the desire to create memories, not just photographs. The next step is picking a location. A great place to start is by simply imagining your wedding day. Is there an ocean breeze, the sounds of waterfalls, or the smell of juniper? Are you dusty from dancing in desert sands or are you wet from skipping rocks into the ocean waves? If any of these ring true for you then Southern California could be the perfect place for your elopement.

Here, let me show you a few spots!