A Complete Guide On
No longer does it mean running away and getting married in secret! Eloping means having an intentional wedding day, celebrating your love in a fashion that is unique to you both.
So if you've just started the planning process and have realized that a big, traditional wedding just isn't what you're wanting, I think an adventure elopement might be just what you're looking for!
You've seen the pictures of couple's eloping in beautiful places. You love the idea of it, but you're just not quite sure on where to start or how to navigate the process! And that is why I am here to help!
So grab your partner, make a pot of coffee and nestle up in a cozy spot. I've got all the how-to's coming your way!
Before you choose a location, you both will need to decide on what time of year you'd like to have your elopement! You don't need to nail down a date just yet, but having a season in mind will help you pick a location, as this will determine how the landscape looks.
What type of scenery makes you giddy and saying, "I absolutely want to get married there!"
Do you love the desert scene with towering Joshua Trees? Or perhaps the moodiness of the PNW is calling your name. Maybe it's a winter wonderland in the mountains of Colorado.
Once you have decided on your ideal season and the vibe you're going for, then you can start to narrow down your locations and then ultimately decide on a set date!
If your dream day is more of an intimate wedding vibe, then do it! Creating an intentional guest list of your closest family members and friends is an amazing way to celebrate your day!
If you're wanting the ceremony with family and friends but still want an adventure, consider a multi day event!
And that is a perfect option as well. Remember, this day is about you two and celebrating your love for another! There is no wrong way to have an adventure elopement.
If you are choosing to have guests attend, this will need to be kept in mind when selecting a location for your ceremony. I will help you find a beautiful spot that allows a small gathering.
Each state and country has it's own laws regarding witnesses, officiants and the filing of the paperwork. If having a civil ceremony on the day of your elopement is an absolute must, then I recommend researching the laws in each location you are considering. Don't worry, I will be here to help you navigate the process!
And.... here in the state of Texas, I am an ordained officiant, so you if you're wanting it to be just the two of you, I got you covered! I can legally marry you!
Navigating the legal system in other states and countries can be stressful and confusing; I totally get it! But remember, this day is about having a fun, stress-free time.
So, consider filling for the marriage license in your home state and then celebrating with an adventure elopement in your dream location. You can have all the fun without the hassle of legalities.
Take your time picking out your wedding attire. You want to find something that you absolutely love and are comfortable in. Are you planning a hiking elopement? Pair your dress and/or suit with your favorite set of hiking boots. It looks amazing! If you don't want to risk ruining your clothes, I'll help you pack it all up, Once we reach the end of our hike, we'll find a spot for you both to change.
If the location you've picked out is known for quick changes in the weather, consider bringing additional layers. You can pair a beautiful, custom denim jacket or an edgy leather jacket with your dress. Nude leggings are perfect for going under your attire
and are a great way to keep you warm. Once we have narrowed down a location, I will help you decide what additional layers you may need!
This is where you really get to make your adventure elopement a completely unique experience. I want you to think about activities that you love doing together and then think about some activities that you both have been dying to do. Write these down. These can be as adventurous or laid back as you'd like. This is will be the foundation for planning your day's timeline.
Maybe your ideal day is to rent a beautiful cabin and spend the day lounging with each other. You can cook breakfast together, play games, go swim in the lake and then at sunset, recite your vows to one another with only nature as your witness. And then you can end the evening over a campfire making s'mores and soaking in the hot tub.
Or maybe you want a more action packed day. Picture horseback riding through the Tetons, or taking a jeep excursion through Rocky Mountain National Park.
Or maybe, you've been wanting to take a hot air balloon or a helicopter ride.
Your options are endless.
Your adventure elopement can be as extravagant or minimalistic as you'd like. The two (maybe three) vendors you will usually need for your day are lodging, your photographer and a videographer if you'd like video. If you would like to hire other vendors for your dream day, then by all means, do it!
You may be asking what are some additional vendors you may need outside of photography? Again, this is totally dependent on your wants for the day and if you are wanting to take more of a DIY approach or if you'd like to outsource it.
-Florist for bouquets (and arrangements if doing an intimate wedding)
-A private chef
-Hair and Makeup
-A coordinator if doing an intimate wedding
-Companies for guided tours
Once you have your location selected, I will provide you with local vendor recommendations if you need them.
01.
Before you choose a location, you both will need to decide on what time of year you'd like to have your elopement! You don't need to nail down a date just yet, but having a season in mind will help you pick a location, as this will determine how the landscape looks.
What type of scenery makes you giddy and saying, "I absolutely want to get married there!"
Do you love the desert scene with towering Joshua Trees? Or perhaps the moodiness of the PNW is calling your name. Maybe it's a winter wonderland in the mountains of Colorado.
Once you have decided on your ideal season and the vibe you're going for, then you can start to narrow down your locations and then ultimately decide on a set date!
01.
If your dream day is more of an intimate wedding vibe, then do it! Creating an intentional guest list of your closest family members and friends is an amazing way to celebrate your day!
If you're wanting the ceremony with family and friends but still want an adventure, consider a multi day event!
And that is a perfect option as well. Remember, this day is about you two and celebrating your love for another! There is no wrong way to have an adventure elopement.
If you are choosing to have guests attend, this will need to be kept in mind when selecting a location for your ceremony. I will help you find a beautiful spot that allows a small gathering.
01.
Each state and country has it's own laws regarding witnesses, officiants and the filing of the paperwork. If having a civil ceremony on the day of your elopement is an absolute must, then I recommend researching the laws in each location you are considering. Don't worry, I will be here to help you navigate the process!
And.... here in the state of Texas, I am an ordained officiant, so you if you're wanting it to be just the two of you, I got you covered! I can legally marry you!
Navigating the legal system in other states and countries can be stressful and confusing; I totally get it! But remember, this day is about having a fun, stress-free time.
So, consider filling for the marriage license in your home state and then celebrating with an adventure elopement in your dream location. You can have all the fun without the hassle of legalities.
01.
and are a great way to keep you warm. Once we have narrowed down a location, I will help you decide what additional layers you may need!
Take your time picking out your wedding attire. You want to find something that you absolutely love and are comfortable in. Are you planning a hiking elopement? Pair your dress and/or suit with your favorite set of hiking boots. It looks amazing! If you don't want to risk ruining your clothes, I'll help you pack it all up, Once we reach the end of our hike, we'll find a spot for you both to change.
If the location you've picked out is known for quick changes in the weather, consider bringing additional layers. You can pair a beautiful, custom denim jacket or an edgy leather jacket with your dress. Nude leggings are perfect for going under your attire
01.
This is where you really get to make your adventure elopement a completely unique experience. I want you to think about activities that you love doing together and then think about some activities that you both have been dying to do. Write these down. These can be as adventurous or laid back as you'd like. This is will be the foundation for planning your day's timeline.
Or maybe you want a more action packed day. Picture horseback riding through the Tetons, or taking a jeep excursion through Rocky Mountain National Park.
Or maybe, you've been wanting to take a hot air balloon or a helicopter ride.
Your options are endless.
Maybe your ideal day is to rent a beautiful cabin and spend the day lounging with each other. You can cook breakfast together, play games, go swim in the lake and then at sunset, recite your vows to one another with only nature as your witness. And then you can end the evening over a campfire making s'mores and soaking in the hot tub.
01.
Your adventure elopement can be as extravagant or minimalistic as you'd like. The two (maybe three) vendors you will usually need for your day are lodging, your photographer and a videographer if you'd like video. If you would like to hire other vendors for your dream day, then by all means, do it!
-Florist for bouquets (and arrangements if doing an intimate wedding)
-A private chef
-Hair and Makeup
-A coordinator if doing an intimate wedding
-Companies for guided tours
You may be asking what are some additional vendors you may need outside of photography? Again, this is totally dependent on your wants for the day and if you are wanting to take more of a DIY approach or if you'd like to outsource it.
Once you have your location selected, I will provide you with local vendor recommendations if you need them.