If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous way to tie the knot, an elopement in the great outdoors might just be perfect for you.
Planning an adventure wedding can be daunting, but with the right approach (and help from me), it can be an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.
Below are some tips to help you plan your dream elopement!
Start Dreaming Up Your Elopement Day
How do you want to get married? When you and your partner close your eyes, does any certain scenery come to mind? Are you surrounded by mountains, or water, or beaches, or cacti, or red rocks? Do you have any loved ones surrounding you or is it just the two of you? Are you getting ready together in the morning or waiting to see each other? Are you staying in a hotel or in a cabin or in a tent on top of a mountain?
If you can’t picture anything, yet, that’s okay, too! As long as you think you want to elope and you picture yourself doing so outdoors, you’re in the right place to get started.
Begin brainstorming. Write down your wildest ideas. No dream is too big. Just put it out there and see what sticks.
Start with a list of what’s most important to include in your day.
You may be thinking, how long is enough time to plan all of this?
I’ve helped couples plan anywhere from 12+ months to only 1 month out from their elopement day.
However, time is always your friend! To ensure you can book the places and vendors that you want, it is ideal to plan about 3–9 months ahead of time.
2. Make the Big Decisions: Choose an Elopement Photographer, Location, Time of Year, and Who to Include
Whether it’s raining, snowing, or sunny – I will be there on your elopement day! We will prep ahead of time for any type of weather and still create the BEST day for you two.
Choosing an Elopement Photographer: This is at the top of my list because a photographer (like myself) that specializes in elopements and elopement planning, will help you plan out all the details for your day. I will walk you through the whole process of eloping/getting married.
What’s included when you book with me?
All of my elopement couples gain access to my 80+ page elopement planning guide that goes over EVERYTHING you need to know about eloping.
Planning Questionnaire – I get to know you two a little more & begin putting together a list of vendor recommendations & location options.
Local Vendor Recommendations – I help narrow down some of the big decisions by creating a customized list of vendor recommendations. I try to find local vendors from the area where you’re getting married.
Location Scouting & Planning – It’s okay if you don’t know where you want to elope! Whether you’re still deciding on the city, state, or just a specific area, I’ll help you with ideas & create custom guides to help make those decisions.
Timeline Planning & Construction – Although the beauty of an elopement day is that you can do ANYTHING you want & you don’t have to have a set structure, I always create a timeline for the day to keep us on track (when needed) to fit in the most important aspects of the day & make sure we include everything you want to do.
Location Permits & the Legal Stuff (i.e., your marriage license) – If the location you’ve chosen requires a permit, I will help you two go through the whole process–from filling out paperwork to who you need to contact. I can also help point you in the right direction for getting & filing for your marriage license.
P.S. I am ordained & can legally marry you, too!
Unlimited Calls, Whenever you Have Questions or Want to Go Over Things – I am here to help you two as much as you need!
Creating the Best Day Possible – I am so much more than just a photographer. I am here to help guide you two throughout the whole process. Cheer you on. Encourage you. And create an unforgettable day to kick off your marriage.
Choosing an Elopement Location: You can go into the planning phase with no idea on where you want to elope. However, it helps to narrow down an area or region. If you’re in the U.S., do you want to stay in the U.S. or leave the country? Do you want to stay in your home state or travel somewhere? Do you want a location you’ve been to before or somewhere totally new?
The location of your elopement will be one of the most important decisions you make.
Look for a location that speaks to your sense of adventure and has the right combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and amenities. You’ll also want to consider factors like the weather, the season, and any permits or fees required for the location.
Other things to consider: Does the location you like have good weather for the time of year you want to get married? Do you want somewhere warmer or cooler? Do you want a place more private? What’s the accessibility like? What activities can you do there? How many guests can you bring?
Need ideas in the Southwest region? Check out my blog post: Nine of the Best Places to Elope in Arizona
Choosing When to Elope:
Do you want a fall, winter, spring, or summer wedding? Is there a certain month that is important to you & your partner?
Ideally, knowing where you want to elope before choosing when to elope is ideal because some locations are better during certain times of the year.
Something to keep in mind: We cannot control Mother Nature. Certain times of the year in some locations have more ideal weather conditions, but ultimately it’s best to be prepared for anything (& make the best of it).
Choose Who You’re Going to Include in Your Day:
One of the benefits of an elopement is that you don’t have to worry about a large guest list. However, you may still want to invite a few close friends or family members to join you on your adventure. Consider the logistics of having guests join you on a hike, and make sure everyone is physically able to participate on the hike you choose or location you go to.
For who you’re considering inviting as guests, do you know that they will be equally as excited about your decision to elope? Is there anyone that may try to convince you to do something else for your day?
If you decide not to include anyone else in your elopement day, think about how you want to tell your friends & family. Do you want to tell them ahead of time or wait until after? How will they handle learning you want to elope?
3. Plan the Details: Book travel & accommodations, pick & book other vendors, purchase wedding attire, plan activities, secure permits
Book Travel & Accommodations: Once you’ve decided on WHERE you’re going to elope, you’ll want to book any travel and accommodations that are needed.
Extra tip: Arrive early to your destination. In the event of delayed flights or traffic jams, you’ll be happy to have an extra day or two to relax before your elopement day.
Take hotel aesthetic/lighting into consideration – will you have getting ready photos taken at the place you’re staying? Are you traveling to a location that has a higher chance for inclement weather? Ensuring the place you’re staying could be a good back-up location is something to keep in mind!
Book Other Vendors: Hair & makeup artist, florist, officiant, bakery (or dessert), picnic supplies, videographer, catering, private chef, or 4x4 vehicle? It may seem like a lot of questions to consider, but don’t be intimated. With me, I’ll be able to walk you through it & provide recommendations along the way.
You can include whatever you want in your day! For a lot of people, they’re choosing an elopement because they want the day to be just about them and they want the day to be more simple. That doesn’t mean you can’t have your hair & makeup done, or have a bouquet, or have a wedding cake!
Purchase Your Wedding Attire: Decide what type of clothing you want to wear. Will you be wearing a dress or full suit?
Things to consider when buying your wedding attire: Weight, material, movability, packability.
What time of year are you getting married? Will it be warmer or cooler? Lighter materials are better for warmer months & thicker materials can be helpful during cooler months!
Will you need alterations? Wedding dress alterations can take at least 3-4 months.
Think about your footwear! If you’ll be wearing hiking boots, make sure you break them in ahead of time!!
Do you want to wear your wedding attire on your hike or would you rather pack it & change once you get to your ceremony location?
Other possible gear to purchase: Hiking backpack, hydro-pack to carry water, headlamps, food/snacks for hike, trekking poles, sun protection, sturdy hiking socks.
Choose Your Activities: Hiking, picnicking, kayaking, relaxing in a hammock, hot air balloon ride, 4x4 driving, wine tasting, drinking tea or coffee, horseback riding, champagne toast, or stargazing?
What do you two enjoy doing together? This is an excellent way to make the day unique to the two of you. Include activities that make you the most happy & can commemorate you getting married!
Secure Permits: Some places require these things and ya can’t get married without them! I help you fill out any paperwork you may need to do & where to send it.
I was recently polled by Montana elopement photographers on "Do you tip elopement photographers?" Check out my response!
4. Plan out your elopement timeline
First things first – you’re not in this alone. I will help create a timeline for your elopement day that’s specific to your wants and needs for your elopement. These are just things to consider that factor into the big picture of the timeline for your day.
*Reminder: The beauty of eloping is that you have flexibility throughout your day. We create a timeline for the day so that we don’t miss any of the big moments, but if you decide you want to stay at a certain location longer or forgo doing something else on your elopement day, you can!
Do you want to see the sunrise or sunset together? You can also do both!
Don’t feel the need to rush through your day. Savor the moments you’re spending together as you celebrate your love. Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean this is a super quick day where you just sign your marriage license & leave. We’re celebrating your love! You can have an all-day or even multi-day adventure if you want!
Should you have getting ready photos? I know traditionally getting ready photos can seem like an over-posed time at the start of the day that’s just about getting your hair & makeup done & finishing last details. It can be so much more than that though. Imagine starting the morning off with having your favorite breakfast together before hopping in a bubble bath to relax before your hike. Afterward, you spend time getting ready together – sometimes with other loved ones present – and you have an intentional, slow morning.
First look or no first look? For some, you may get ready together and not feel the need for a first look. But others still want the element of surprise when debuting their wedding day look. You can also wait to see each other when you’re going down the “aisle” – this just sometimes requires a bit of extra logistical planning depending on your ceremony location.
Plan Your Ceremony: Your elopement ceremony can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. If you’re working with an officiant, be sure to communicate your vision for the ceremony and any special requests you have.
Do you want to say personal vows during your ceremony? Or just include traditional ceremony vows & save personal vows for a different time during the day?
Consider incorporating nature in your ceremony, like a tree-planting ritual (if permitted). Or simply just taking in and appreciating your surroundings.
Other ceremony ideas: Hand-fasting, unity ceremony, reading letters from loved ones, creating a space or moment for those not present, include music, or a different activity that is special to the two of you.
Prepare for the Hike: Hiking can be physically demanding – depending on where you’re planning on going – so, it’s important to be prepared. Make sure you have the right gear, including comfortable (preferably broken-in) hiking shoes, plenty of water and snacks, and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Official Photos: Group photos (with those present) & designated time for portraits of just the two of you!
Other activity options: First dance, pop some champagne or sparkling cider, read letters, write letters to each other during sunset to open on your 1-year anniversary!
Celebratory meal or cake! People tend to think that because they are eloping, they can’t have a celebratory meal or even wedding cake. But guess what? You can do whatever you want! Celebrate with a meal that’s special to the two of you (or with something that just sounds good). You can even get a small wedding cake to share while sitting on a blanket and taking in the nature around you.
Below is a sample timeline of what an 8-hour day could look like with me. It’s important to keep in mind that you can customize your day ANY way you like. You can include or not include anything you see fit. This is just a basic timeline to help you start dreaming up an outline for your OWN elopement day.
Sample 8 Hour Timeline:
12:00 p.m. - Getting ready together at hotel/BNB
1:00 p.m. - First look & time together at area around or near hotel/BNB
1:30 p.m. - Head to first location for ceremony
2:00 p.m. - Arrive at ceremony location, begin hike
2:30-3:00 p.m. - Arrive at top, take in views – find spot for ceremony
3:15 p.m. - Begin ceremony, ring exchange, & personal vows
3:45 p.m. - Sign marriage license & post-ceremony portraits
4:15 p.m. - Celebratory picnic
5:15 p.m. - Head to 2nd location for site-seeing & more photos
5:45-6:00 p.m. - Arrive at 2nd location, begin hike
6:30-7:00 p.m. - Arrive at spot – take in the views
Celebration options:
Mini cake, champagne toast
Read letters from family, write post-ceremony letters
First dance
7:15 p.m. - Official sunset time
7:30 p.m. - Lantern photos at blue hour
8:00 p.m. - Begin walk/hike back to parking lot
5. Last minute prepping
Make sure you’ve gotten everything together you need! I will send you a suggested packing list ahead of time!
Write your vows – if you’re including personal vows in your day, you may want to start thinking of what you want to say/write.
Break in your boots! Ideally, you should be doing this quite a bit in advance so you don’t have to worry about blisters on your elopement day.
Get your marriage license or know what day you’ll be getting it when you get into town! Double check what courthouse you will be going to & the hours. If you’re getting married in Arizona, this blog post goes over how to get your marriage license in AZ.
Check your permits! Ensure you have all the proper paperwork & send me your finalized permit so I can have it on-hand day of.
Talk with your guests! Make sure they know the plan for the day & the whole trip. Ensure they are all wearing proper footwear, attire, bringing water, snacks, & other hiking supplies if needed!
Download maps offline for any location you may be going to! Lots of elopement locations are in secluded areas or spots with iffy signal, so make sure you will still know how to get to the area!
Talk about an unplugged ceremony – even when you have a small group, sometimes phones or other recording devices can be distracting, not just in photos, but for others attending. Let your guests know you’ve hired a professional for a reason & they will all have access to your gallery (if you choose to share it with anyone). :)
Check the weather in the weeks leading up, especially when you’re less than 7–10 days out. We will plan & prepare as much as we can for whatever the weather might be & make the best of it – no matter what it is!
LEAVE NO TRACE! Always stick to the trails, leave what you find, pack everything out that you bring with you, don’t bother wildlife, take only pictures, & leave only footprints!
Read more about why I’m a certified Leave No Trace Aware Photographer.
Breathe. It’s almost time to celebrate & everything is going to work out exactly as it should.
HAVE THE MOST AMAZING DAY – DON’T STRESS
Be present, what happens, happens.
Planning an elopement in the great outdoors can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be. With a plan, it can be an unforgettable experience that you’ll treasure for the rest of your lives. By choosing the right location, preparing for the hike, and capturing the moment, you’ll be on your way to a beautiful and adventurous wedding day.
Remember, this doesn’t have to be a carbon-copy of a day that you’ve seen on Pinterest. You don’t have to fit into a certain mold or include something you don’t want to.
This is YOUR day to celebrate your love & getting married.
Are you Ready to start planning your elopement?
Me in my element on an elopement day! This was taken at Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona.
I’m Samantha – based in Arizona, I specialize in elopements full time! I genuinely believe that eloping is the best way to get married. Creating a day that’s focused around just the two of you & celebrating your love out in nature.
When you book with me, outside of photography you get: access to my 80+ page elopement planning guide, elopement planning questionnaire, personalized location guides, local vendor recommendations, help with permits, curated timeline planning, additional activity ideas, & help with everything that comes along with planning an epic elopement experience.
When I’m not photographing couples, you can find me exploring new hiking trails in AZ, reading on my Kindle in my backyard, or going to the movies.