9 Steps To Choosing The Right Adventure For Your Elopement
Eloping is all about crafting a wedding experience that is intimate, personal, and deeply meaningful, but there are ten key considerations you must take into account when choosing the right adventure for your elopement. Whether you’re hiking to a mountaintop, sailing across crystal-clear waters, or exchanging vows in a remote desert landscape, your adventure should be as enjoyable as it is breathtaking.
But before you pack your bags and head off into the wild, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure your elopement adventure is everything you’ve dreamed of—and nothing you’ll regret.
1. Your Budget
Eloping may be a more affordable alternative to a traditional wedding, but costs can still add up—especially when travel, permits, accommodations, and adventure activities come into play. Be realistic about your budget and avoid going into debt for your dream day. Prioritize experiences that hold the most value for you, and look for creative ways to save without sacrificing the magic of your moment.
2. Your Physical Condition
Every adventure elopement comes with its own set of challenges. Whether it’s hiking to an alpine lake, scuba diving in tropical waters, or enduring extreme temperatures in the desert, consider how the environment will affect you. If you have any medical conditions, ensure that your itinerary, accommodations, and meals align with your health needs. Safety should always come first!
3. Your Fitness Level
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of an epic adventure elopement, but it’s important to be honest about your fitness level. Overestimating your endurance—or underestimating the difficulty of an activity—can turn a dream adventure into an exhausting ordeal. Be prepared for unexpected changes, such as bad weather or challenging terrain, and choose an adventure that matches your ability level.
4. Your Skills
Certain adventure activities require technical skills, training, or prior experience. Before booking that rock-climbing elopement or backcountry skiing vow exchange, ask yourself: Do we have the necessary skills? If not, are we willing to train in advance or hire a guide? The goal is to have a memorable experience, not a stressful or dangerous one.
5. Your Time
How much time do you have for your elopement? Some adventure elopements require only a weekend, while others may involve multi-day treks, boat rides, or seasonal availability. Be sure your chosen adventure aligns with your schedule. If you’re flexible with time, even better—you’ll have more options for off-peak travel and last-minute weather adjustments.
6. The Destination’s Culture & Living Standards
When eloping in another country, approach the experience with an open mind. Respect local customs, traditions, and ways of life, even if they differ from what you’re used to. From language barriers to cultural etiquette, understanding and embracing the local culture will make your elopement even more enriching.
7. Mandatory Requirements
Many destinations require specific paperwork, such as visas, travel insurance, and special permits for ceremonies in national parks or remote locations. Some countries also have vaccination or health insurance requirements. Research these details ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises.
8. Plan Ahead—but Leave Room for Spontaneity
Adventure elopements require planning, but they also thrive on spontaneity. While it’s essential to have a well-thought-out itinerary, be flexible enough to embrace unexpected detours. Sometimes, the most magical moments happen when things don’t go according to plan!
9. Hiring an Adventure Elopement Photographer to Help Plan Your Dream Day
Many couples don’t realize that hiring an adventure elopement photographer is about more than just taking stunning photos. An experienced adventure elopement photographer is also a guide, planner, and problem-solver—someone who understands the logistics of getting married in the wild and can help craft an experience tailored to your needs.
Ready to Start Planning?
Before you book your dream team of vendors, start with ELOPE: A Modern Elopement Guide for the Free-Spirited and Adventurous and the ELOPE Planner. These additional resources will help you clarify your vision, stay stress-free, know what questions to pose to your vendors, and will help lay the foundation for your perfect day. They are your roadmap to an epic, meaningful elopement that feels 100% like you. Start your adventure the right way—with intention, clarity, and zero stress.
