If a traditional wedding doesn’t feel like “you,” an adventure elopement could be the perfect solution. These days are about meaningful experiences, memorable locations, and capturing the real energy of your relationship without the stress of a large guest list. From rugged mountains to quiet forests, from coastal cliffs to snowy backcountry, adventure elopements combine exploration and intimacy. This guide shares practical tips, ideas, and ways to make your day run smoothly with an adventure elopement photographer.
What is an Adventure Elopement?
An adventure elopement is a wedding day that blends your ceremony with a meaningful experience in the outdoors or at a location that reflects who you are. Unlike a traditional wedding, it’s not about décor, seating charts, or a set schedule. It’s about experiences: hiking to a hidden overlook, kayaking to a quiet cove, or driving to a remote mountain trail.
The goal is simple: make your day about the experience and the environment, while your adventure elopement photographer captures the journey. You don’t need to pose or plan overly styled moments—your photos are a reflection of real movement, surroundings, and interactions.
How to Plan an Adventure Elopement
Planning an epic elopement can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes it manageable:
- Choose your activity and location. Think about what matches your style and energy as a couple. Hiking, kayaking, camping, or even road-tripping are all options. Your elopement photographer can suggest spots that are scenic, safe, and practical for photos.
- Check permits and accessibility. Many national and state parks require permits for weddings or photography, especially for larger groups. Research early to avoid last-minute headaches.
- Pack strategically. Comfortable layers, sturdy footwear, and activity-appropriate gear are a priority. Nothing ruins an experience like being uncomfortable or feeling unsafe.
- Plan photography coverage. Adventure elopement photography packages can cover just the ceremony, or the full day including prep, hiking, and exploration. Clear expectations with your photographer will ensure every part of your day is captured.
- Timeline and logistics. Map your day around light, access, and activity time. A seasoned adventure elopement photographer can advise when to start hiking or paddling so you get the best lighting and experience without feeling rushed.
15 Adventure Elopement Ideas
Here’s a range of ideas for couples who want their wedding to feel like an actual adventure, with photos that reflect real moments rather than staged setups. They can be adjusted based on your energy level, comfort, and style.
- Helicopter Elopements – Reach remote mountain peaks, glacier clearings, or hidden lakes with a helicopter. Perfect for couples who want an epic backdrop without the long hike.
- Hiking and Backpacking – Exchange vows on a mountaintop or in a secluded forest. These elopements can combine stunning views with the satisfaction of a shared adventure.
- Jeeping and Off-Roading – For thrill-seeking couples, take your ceremony to rugged terrain, desert trails, or mountain roads accessible only by Jeep or off-road vehicle.
- Horseback Riding – Ride into your ceremony on horseback, whether through alpine meadows, along beaches, or through forest trails.
- Hot Air Balloon Elopements – Celebrate above the world with a sunrise or sunset balloon ride. The journey and views make for one epic elopement..
- Canoeing or Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Exchange vows on a quiet lake, river, or calm bay. Water-based adventures add both tranquility and movement to your photos.
- Waterfalls – Say your vows with the roar of cascading water behind you. This works well in locations like the Pacific Northwest or Northern California forests.
- White Water Rafting – For couples who crave action, consider a ceremony along a river before or after a thrilling rafting trip.
- Camping and Stargazing – Extend your elopement into an overnight adventure. Camp under the stars, enjoy a fire, and wake up to a sunrise ceremony.
- Ice Caves and Glaciers – Tie the knot surrounded by otherworldly ice formations. Vatnajökull National Park is a prime location for glacier and ice cave elopements.
- Beach Cliffs – Not all adventure needs to be inland. Coastal cliffs, rugged beaches, and hidden coves make for dramatic backdrops.
- Mountain Lakes – Canoe, hike, or just stand on the shore of a turquoise alpine lake for a serene yet stunning ceremony.
- Forest Hideaways – Quiet, moss-covered forests create intimate and photogenic settings for couples who love nature and privacy.
- Snowshoe or Ski Elopements – Winter adventure elopements can include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or backcountry skiing with powdery mountain views.
- Desert Landscapes – Think red rock formations, wide-open skies, and sand dunes. Desert adventures, like dune buggies, offer otherworldly vistas and unique textures for photos.
Need to Know: Gear Tips & Safety
An epic elopement comes with incredible experiences, but they also require a bit of planning to stay safe and comfortable. The right gear ensures your day goes smoothly and your photos look amazing.
- Footwear: Hiking boots, trail shoes, or waterproof footwear are a must for trails, mountains, or wet locations. Even short walks on uneven terrain can be tricky in dress shoes or sandals.
- Clothing: Layering is key. Bring moisture-wicking base layers, jackets, and weather-appropriate clothing. Pack your elopement wedding dress or suits separately so they stay fresh for photos.
- Safety Equipment: Helmets for biking, rafting, or off-roading; life jackets for water adventures; and trekking poles or crampons for snow and ice make your day both safer and more enjoyable.
- Weather Prep: Check forecasts ahead of time and be ready for sudden changes—mountains, lakes, and deserts can all shift quickly. Bugspray, sunscreen, hats, and rain gear are practical must-haves.
- Supplies: Snacks, water, first aid kits, and small packs for essentials help you stay energized and prepared for longer hikes or unexpected delays.
Why Hire an Adventure Elopement Photographer
Having an adventure elopement photographer on your team is about more than getting great pictures. They are guides, planners, and storytellers who help the day flow. From scouting the best locations to planning around weather and light, they make sure your adventure goes smoothly.
Experienced photographers understand outdoor logistics: tricky terrain, shifting light, and even unexpected weather. They can help you move naturally, give practical guidance, and capture your adventure elopement photography in a way that tells the full story of your day—not just posed portraits. Ensuring your experience is documented authentically, safely, and creatively.
Scenic Vows Elopement Photography Packages
Choosing the right photography package is key to capturing your adventure elopement without stress. Our elopement photography packages are designed to cover everything from your ceremony to the explorations and spontaneous moments that make your day unique.
Packages always include:
- Professional adventure elopement photography coverage of your full day
- Location scouting and personalized recommendations for epic spots
- Guidance on timing and light to maximize photos during hikes, boat trips, or other activities
- Assistance with permits, logistics, and access to hard-to-reach locations
- Post-elopement editing to create a gallery that reflects your experience and the surrounding environment
Whether you want a short ceremony captured with adventure portraits or a multi-day experience that documents every activity, our packages are flexible and tailored to your vision.
Start Dreaming with Scenic Vows
Working with Scenic Vows goes beyond hiring a photographer. We’re your guides, planners, and biggest advocates on the day of your elopement. From helping you choose your location to carrying snacks on a mountain hike or assisting with wardrobe tweaks, we make sure your adventure runs smoothly.
Our approach is hands-on but low-pressure. We focus on capturing authentic moments while keeping things relaxed, practical, and fun. Every adventure elopement photography package includes our full support, guidance, and experience so that you can immerse yourself in the adventure without worrying about logistics or missed moments.
Ready to plan your epic adventure elopement? Contact Scenic Vows today to learn how we can craft a day that’s truly yours.
