When most people think of eloping, they picture something quick, simple, inexpensive, and at the court house. While that can be true, elopement planning doesn’t have to mean cutting corners or settling for less. In fact, dreaming up an elopement full of adventure is something completely unique in itself. But when you’re starting to sort through some ideas, you might find that the list can be a little overwhelming.
The wonders of eloping is about stripping away the excess and holding onto what matters. Your connection, adventure, presence, and peace of mind. And because elopements are so flexible, you get to decide what deserves the most focus. There is so much you can do with your big day that I’ve put together this elopement planning guide to help you prepare everything seamlessly and feel at ease every step of the way.
Dreaming Up Your Vision
This is easily the most exciting part of planning your adventure elopement. And the ultimate best part? No hard details are necessary yet! Right now, it’s all about imagining what your dream day could look like and letting your creativity roam free.
Gather some alone time with your partner to daydream together. Picture the moments you want to feel, not just the logistics. Ask yourselves questions like:
- Do you see an entire day full of hiking to a breathtaking overlook, or exploring hidden trails together?
- Are there special activities or experiences you might want to include? (Maybe a picnic, a kayak trip, or simply a slow morning together?)
- Is there a specific place you’d love to stay that adds to the vibe? (A cozy cabin, a mountaintop lodge, or a riverside retreat?)
- How do you want to end your night? (Under a blanket of stars, a campfire, or a quiet dinner for two?)
The list is positively endless, and the great news is that your elopement day can be completely yours. Your vision will guide every other decision so let it be a reflection of your story together.
Finalizing the Perfect Date, Location & Obtaining Permits
One of the biggest advantages to eloping is that the world itself becomes your venue. Many state parks and national parks require a small permit fee and application for intimate ceremonies. While you don’t want to rush any of your decision-making, you will want to book your location sooner rather than later. Applications can take time to process with the parks system and you’ll want to give yourself more time to plan additional activities and lodging for yourself (if interested).
If you’re craving something that feels remote, consider off-season travel. Mountain overlooks, coastal cliffs, and national forests are often quieter in spring or early fall, giving you more privacy and softer light for photos. But keep in mind, every location is different. Virginia’s, for example, tends to be from late-November until mid-March. You’ll discover serene, stunning locations where crowds are minimal. Many plan sunrise ceremonies to secluded trails and sweeping overlooks. It’s easy to create an intimate, personal elopement experience in this east coast state. (You can find more about why Virginia is a great spot to elope here). But if peak season isn’t your concern with any location you choose, there are still a lot of options to keep your ceremony intimate.
The key is to choose a place that feels true to your story for your elopement day. Whether that’s a short hike to a foggy overlook or a quiet corner of the woods. Always trust your gut and go with the location that speaks most to you and always have a backup plan just in case. And if you need help navigating trails or parks, I’m always here to help guide you along the process.
Choose Vendors Who Align with Your Vision
When your elopement planning, the vendors you choose can make all the difference. The right team doesn’t just show up for the day. They help shape the experience, guide you through the process, and ensure everything feels true to your vision.
A few tips for building your team:
- Look for vendors who understand your style and story. Pick those who understand elopements are about experience, not production.
- Keep it small and intentional. Every person you include should enhance your day, not complicate it.
- Ask about experience with outdoor or adventure elopements. Logistics like hiking, weather, or remote locations require extra preparation.
These are just some of the basics you want to look for. If ultimately you don’t feel like you vibe with the vendor, that’s not a good sign either. Always trust your gut.
The most common elopement vendors are:
- Photographers – This should be a given! You want to remember your day not only through memories but also through priceless photos that tell your story the way you envision it. A lot of the time, this is where couples spend the most when eloping. Photos are something you’ll hold on to forever and one of the biggest things you’ll take away from your elopement day.
- Officiant – In some states, you can marry yourselves or get legally married before or after your elopement. But if you want to be legally married the day-of, you’ll need to find an officiant.
- Florist – If you think adding a bouquet to a hiking elopement might be too much, think again! A lot of brides will tuck them in to the top of their hiking gear and bring them along. Even a small floral touch can make your day feel intentional and personal.
- Hair & Makeup Artists – Most brides still want to feel their absolute best on their elopement day and this is a good way to pamper yourself! Do the research and make sure you find someone who understands what your day looks like. A lot of HMUA’s will provide extra lipgloss/sticks or extra mascara if they know you’re going to have an active elopement day.
Plan Travel, Lodging, and/or Activities
If you’re planning a full-day elopement with an overnight stay, this is the perfect time to finalize all your travel-day logistics. You’ll want to give yourself extra travel time to and from outdoor trails and locations. Weather and crowds can be unpredictable, and extra travel time lets you move at your own pace without stress.
If you’re researching lodging, choose a place that compliments your adventure vibe and consider proximity to your ceremony location. A nearby spot means you can maximize time together and minimize stress on your elopement day. If you’re hoping for getting-ready photos at your lodging, try to pick a place with great scenery and lighting. Maybe there’s an extra spot for photos for having morning coffee together on the porch, or a quiet location just outside for a “first look”. Choosing the right place to stay can add just as much magic to your day as the ceremony does.
If you want to include activities on your elopement day, it’s a good idea to plan and book them ahead of time as well. Whether it’s a picnic at a scenic overlook, a kayaking trip on a calm river, or a short horseback ride, having a plan ensures the day flows smoothly and you don’t waste time figuring things out on the spot. Consider how long each activity will take, travel or setup time, and any reservations or permits you might need. Planning in advance lets you enjoy these extras without feeling rushed.
Creating a Flexible Timeline
As an elopement photographer, this is where I come in!!
There are many things to consider when planning your elopement day timeline, and in reality you need to stay flexible. This won’t be down-to-the-minute planning, but rather blocks of time with a little leeway. It’ll give you a general idea of what is going on that day and what is going to happen next. There will be space for any travel or hiking time it takes to get to places and an overall understanding of the day. But like mentioned, you’ll want to stay flexible and embrace the unexpected. From weather changes, to wildlife spotting, to random detours you might need to make during your hike. Your elopement is an adventure first, and a flexible timeline ensures you can fully enjoy every step of it.
Outfits, Gear, and Packing the Essentials
Before you leave for your outdoor elopement, take a moment to think about what you’ll bring, and wear, on your big day. This isn’t just about practicality; it’s about planning out outfit(s) that lets you move freely, stay comfortable, and look amazing.
For your outfits choose clothing that feels like you while also working with your environment. Flowing dresses, linen suits, or casual layers can look incredible in photos without restricting movement on trails or uneven terrain. Worried about your dress dragging on the ground or ripping on the way? There are several options you can work with when planning your elopement attire. You can grab a dress lifter that can be worn on the way up. You can change at the top (I offer a travel-sized changing tent for my couples that I’ll carry with me). Or you can hold it up along the way and just embrace any dirt if it drops down on occasion. Chances are your dress is going to get dirty regardless. 😉
For footwear, hiking boots can totally match the vibe of an adventure elopement day. Some dresses are so long you won’t even notice them in the photos, or you may just want to embrace them considering the miles you hiked to get to your ceremony location! If your partner or yourself would rather wear formal shoes at the ceremony spot, then make sure they get packed last or toward the top of your bag so they are easy to get to.
And don’t forget, layering will be key during fall, winter, and occasionally spring. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so a light jacket, shawl, or wrap can keep you warm and photogenic. If you don’t plan on wearing the jacket the whole time, just wear it on the way to your location and set it off to the side. It’s your day and you can literally do whatever you choose.
Lastly, make a checklist and double-check it before you leave. Even small items such as snacks to give you energy, hair ties for your hair when photos are done, extra socks in case they get wet, or phone chargers matter. And of course don’t forget the sentimental pieces!! (Rings, vow books, or small keepsakes)
Finally, Enjoy Your Elopement Day!
It’s here!!
After all the planning, permits, packing, and timelines, the most important part is simply being present. Your adventure elopement day is about the two of you, the natural beauty surrounding you, and the moments that will become lifelong memories.
Take time to breathe, look around, and soak it all in. Pause between photos, walks, or activities to savor each laugh, each glance, and each quiet moment together embracing alllllll the emotions of the day. Don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. A little unpredictability often becomes the most memorable part of the day.
Remember, this day is yours. Slow down, enjoy each experience, and let the adventure unfold naturally. I hope this elopement planning guide helped ease your worries and made putting together your adventure elopement feel a little more manageable. If you’d like a little extra guidance along the way, I’d be honored to help bring your day to life.
