What is An Adventure Elopement?

An adventure elopement is an intentional, non-traditional wedding that focuses on what truly matters—just the two of you (and maybe a few loved ones), surrounded by nature, doing something you love. It’s choosing to have a meaningful experience instead of a stressful, obligatory event. It’s creating a day that’s truly yours—filled with what brings you joy, not what’s expected. It’s choosing to be surrounded by the ones who matter, without compromising the day you’ve dreamed of.

Adventure elopements often center around the outdoors, bringing the focus back to nature. They create space for genuine connection, authenticity, and unforgettable memories in a place that’s either brand new or familiar. But adventure looks different for everyone. It might be hiking, camping, or off-roading—or simply standing in awe together as you see a National Park for the first time. Whether it’s saying your vows on a mountaintop or at a quiet a-frame cabin, adventure elopements are about crafting a day that feels true to who you are—authentic, meaningful, and wildly your own.

Is An Adventure Elopement Right For You?

At the heart of an adventure elopement is the outdoor element. Whether it’s hiking to a hidden waterfall, exploring a desert landscape, or exchanging vows under towering mountain peaks, the outdoors adds an adventure to your special day! The travel aspect also plays a big role—many couples choose to elope in a destination that’s meaningful to them, whether it’s a bucket-list location or a spot that holds personal significance.

Also, adventure looks different for everyone. Some people are seasoned backpackers who live for the outdoors! That’s where they’re the most comfortable, so it makes sense for them to have a backpacking elopement. Some people love the idea of eloping, but have never really been hiking before or aren’t super familiar with the outdoors. Both of those situations—and everything in between—is perfectly fine! Adventure is about trying new things, maybe getting out of your comfort zone, exploring a little, and just truly enjoying your life and the experiences you create for yourself!

If any of that sounds like the perfect wedding experience, than an adventure elopement is for you!

How To Have An Adventure Elopement

Planning an adventure elopement might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s really about simplifying your day and focusing on what matters most to you. With a little intention and the right guidance, you can create an unforgettable experience that reflects YOU. From choosing a breathtaking location and deciding who—if anyone—you want to share the moment with, to figuring out the legal details and capturing it all through photo and video, here’s everything you need to know to start planning your perfect elopement day!

Book Your Elopement Photo + Video Team

We’re more than just a photo and video team—we’re adventure elopement storytellers who truly get it. After exploring over 20 national parks and having our own intimate wedding in Glacier National Park in 2022, we’ve lived the magic of eloping firsthand. From off-roading in the desert to kayaking alpine lakes and snowboarding down mountain slopes, we’ve captured love in all kinds of wild, beautiful places.

But what sets us apart isn’t just the epic locations—it’s how much we care about our couples. We’re here to help craft a day that’s authentically you, with thoughtful timelines, trusted local vendors, and solid plan B options for whatever the weather throws your way. Your adventure is our passion, and we’re here to make it unforgettable. If you want to learn more about working with us, check out our experience page!

Pick The Perfect Elopement Date

The second step is choosing a date—and honestly, that’s all you need to have locked in when you book us! While having a general idea of your elopement location helps us send the most accurate pricing info, you don’t need to have the exact spot picked out just yet. If you’re unsure about when to elope, start by thinking about the kind of setting you’re dreaming of. For example, if you’re eyeing a popular National Park, consider planning your elopement during the off-season—fall, winter, or early spring—for fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience. But if you’re aiming for the mountains, consider that the snow likely won’t be melted until June or July. One more tip: opt for a weekday! Locations are typically quieter Monday through Thursday, giving you a better chance at privacy and uninterrupted magic.

To summarize… (1) Choose a season (2) Consider a weekday (3) Pick a date

Choose Your Adventure Elopement Location

Once you’ve picked your date, it’s time for the fun part—choosing the perfect location for your adventure wedding! Here’s how to start narrowing it down:

1. Pick a general region.
Do you want to stay close to home, explore another state, or go international for your elopement? Think about how far you want to travel and what kind of experience you’re looking for.

2. Envision the scenery.
What kind of backdrop do you dream of for your big day? Picture it: Sunrise or sunset? Mountains or sand dunes? Lush forests, cascading waterfalls, desert landscapes, or the ocean? Let your imagination run wild—this is your adventure, after all.

3. Think about the adventures that light you up.
Do you and your partner love hiking, kayaking, off-roading, cliff jumping, ATV rides, or backpacking? Think about what activities would make your day feel like you—and what would be fun to experience together.

4. Match the scenery with the experience.
Once you know the vibe and adventures you’re into, it’ll be easier to zero in on the perfect spot!

And don’t worry—if you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’ve got your back! Every couple that books with us gets a custom list of epic location ideas based on their vision. We’re here to help!

Some of our favorite places to photograph elopements are: Mount Rainier National Park, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Oregon Coast, San Juan Mountains, and Southern Utah.

Secure Your Permits + Marriage License

Next up: let’s make sure all the legal and logistical details are covered—like securing the right permits, passes, and your marriage license! This step is especially important for adventure weddings. Unlike traditional weddings where you book a big venue, elopements in the great outdoors often require notifying the managing agency—whether it’s a National Park, National Forest, State Park, or BLM land. These locations usually have their own rules and permitting processes for events, so it’s key to stay on top of it!

We’re here to help you research and figure out exactly what you’ll need for your specific location. From special use permits (SUPs) to your marriage license, we’ll guide you through it all and give you a heads-up on any important deadlines. That said, it’s your responsibility to make sure everything is purchased and submitted on time. Don’t worry—we’ll make it as easy as possible so you can focus on the fun stuff while we help handle the fine print!

Invite Guests (or not)

When planning your outdoor adventure elopement, one of the biggest decisions is whether to include family and friends or keep the moment just between the two of you. Some couples choose an intimate, just-us experience to stay fully present and keep their day focused on what they want to do without any outside distractions or opinions. This is totally okay! Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for not inviting guests to your adventure elopement.

Others choose to invite a small group of loved ones to witness the moment, adding shared memories to the day. There’s no right or wrong choice here—just what feels most authentic to you. Whether you’re scaling a mountain at sunrise with no one present or exchanging vows by a secluded lake with 20 of your closest people, choose what fills your cup.

If you do want to include family and friends, think about how. Do you want them to be physically present on your elopement day? Or would you rather include them in other ways? There are lots of great options for both! You can invite people to your ceremony, have a family member or friend officiate, and/or plan a fun post-ceremony reception. If you don’t necessarily want them present on the day-of, you could include them in the planning process, help you pick out your wedding attire, or write you personal letters for you to read at your elopement. We have a whole blog on this! Check it out here: How To Include Family and Friends In Your Elopement

Please Note: If you have a dream location in mind for your wedding, or maybe a dream adventure (hiking a mountain to say your vows), you’ll need to consider guest limitations. Some locations only allow a certain number of people, and we’re included in that number! And your guests might not be able to hike a mountain with you. So, think about your priorities and what’s most important to you.

Book An Adventure Wedding With Us!

An adventure elopement isn’t always a cheaper alternative to a traditional wedding—it’s about being intentional with how you spend your money. Instead of footing the bill for dinner for 200+ guests (including a few you barely know), you’re investing in an unforgettable, experience-driven day that truly reflects you. That might mean hiking to a mountaintop for your vows, kayaking across a lake, or putting part of your budget toward an epic honeymoon adventure. The best part? Adventure elopements are for everyone—you don’t need to be an experienced outdoorsy person to have one. All you need is an open mind and a love for meaningful moments. Also, you can absolutely include traditions if they’re important to you—this isn’t about skipping everything, just the things that don’t resonate.

Your adventure elopement can be as short or as long as you want, and unfold in whatever way feels right. We offer packages in the Pacific Northwest and Montana, as well as other destinations, that range from 4 hours to 2 days—and yes, you can always add more time if you want! And don’t worry—we value your experience over everything, so your elopement won’t feel like an exhausting photoshoot. We’re more like friends tagging along to capture your story, candidly and authentically. When the moment’s right, we’ll gently guide you with prompts that reflect your connection. If this sounds like your kind of day, we’d love to hear from you—reach out and let’s start dreaming! Contact us here ❤️