There’s something about an easy afternoon in a breathtaking outdoor spot surrounded by only your closest loved ones, nothing overbearing or chaotic. You are in the perfect location, all is calm and quiet in the world around you. You grab your partner’s hand and begin saying your vows for only those closest to you to hear. The sun begins its evening descent with the world slowly turning to a golden hue. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. You finally kiss your partner for the first time as husband and wife and turn back to your loved ones who cheer loudly as everything is as it should be. There’s no agenda, no strict guidelines. Only a day that is simply yours to do whatever comes to mind.
Simply put, this is why adventure intimate wedding days are so special.
Why Many Couples Are Choosing Adventure Intimate Weddings
By now you’ve probably heard or seen some couples who fly to a grand scenic national park, take a full day of hiking to an incredible secluded spot, and say their vows privately between just the two of them. It’s a beautiful day filled with so much awe and wonder, but also requires couples to be formally prepared for the logistics and physical demands that come with planning an adventure elopement. This can be doable for some couples, but not all.
Many couples still desire an adventure-filled outdoor wedding day but also want to add a few small, close guests and not pack their full day with exploring and long hikes. These celebrations strike the perfect balance. It allows couples to embrace the beauty of nature while remaining comfortable and sharing meaningful moments with those closest to them.
If you’re still hoping for some alone time with your partner where you can sneak away and enjoy a shorter hike to a beautiful view and grab formal portraits together, that is absolutely an option. Outdoor intimate ceremonies are a lot like adventure elopements. You still have the complete say over what you want to do on your wedding day. You can invite your guests to gather at a nearby restaurant or your AirBnb to celebrate, while you and your partner slip away for a private experience together. Your day and your timeline is completely up to you. There are no set rules into what you can and cannot do.
Adventure-Inspired Ideas for Your Celebration
If you’re leaning towards an adventure intimate wedding and want some ideas as to what you could add to make your day truly unique, I’ve listed some ideas below that can get the creative juices flowing:
- National or State Park approved-ceremony sites.
- Sunrise or sunset toasts together soaking in the views.
- Getting ready together or separate rooms at your private AirBnb before seeing family.
- First look with your partner or parents/grandparents at your booked AirBnb.
- Kayaking or canoeing as a pre or post-ceremony activity.
- Boating together with your family pre-ceremony.
- Skiing/snowboarding winter wonderland during your vows.
- An intimate picnic or campfire reception later in the day after the ceremony and photos.
- Nighttime stargazing with blankets to enjoy after dinner.
- Intimate moments in a hot tub after the day is done.
These are only a few ideas that can elevate your adventure wedding celebration. Remember, your guests can be a part of your day whenever you want them to. You’re free to do experiences with or without them and have them join later to celebrate into the night.
Practical Advice for Planning an Intimate Outdoor Wedding with Loved Ones
Planning an intimate adventure wedding with a few close guests comes with a unique set of joys, but a couple of considerations.
The first and foremost is choosing an accessible location for all guests. You’ll want to keep things realistic while still keeping the location feeling special. Accessibility ensures everyone can enjoy the adventure without any added stress.
Next, you’ll want to make sure to build some private time into your timeline for you and your partner. Including guests is a beautiful consideration but your intimate moments are still a huge part of your day. Make sure to carve some time to get away for romantic sunset portraits or taking a small hike together.
Comfort should also be key for your wedding day. Adventure doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Let your guests know what to expect with shoes, clothing, and weather considerations. Comfortable guests are relaxed guests, which means more positive energy throughout your day.
As noted earlier when discussing the timeline, it’s important to remain flexible. Mother nature is unpredictable and sticking to a strict guideline takes away from the magic and ease of the day. Stick to broad windows of time instead of timing every detail.
Finally, invite your guests to be part of the adventure, but don’t force participation in every activity like I mentioned. Some might want to explore trails with you, while others prefer to relax or enjoy the views from a comfortable spot. Giving choice ensures everyone enjoys the day in their own way while still feeling included in your outdoor wedding celebration.
At the end of the day, an adventure-filled intimate wedding is about what matters most including celebrating your love, embracing the beauty around you, and sharing it with the people you care about. There’s no strict schedule, no crowded venues, only a day that feels effortlessly, beautifully yours.
For those who feel at home in the outdoors and want to include guests, let me help you turn your day into an intimate wedding celebration for everyone.
If you’re thinking about an adventurous elopement day instead, take a look into this Ultimate Adventure Elopement Checklist.
