What Wedding Planners Won’t Tell You
Hiring local vs traveling vendors
This is always a tough choice, and honestly, it comes down to your priorities. Local professionals are excellent because they know all the secret spots tourists never find. They understand the weather patterns, permit requirements, and can adapt quickly when things change. Plus, hiring locally reduces your travel expenses and environmental impact. So what are the Adventure Elopement Secrets that wedding and elopement planners are not telling you?
But bringing your own team? That ensures you have a shared vision, and communication is smooth sailing. This is especially valuable for photographers since your wedding photos are lasting memories of your meaningful day.
Let’s face it, traditional weddings are EXPENSIVE! We’re talking about an average of $35,000. That’s like buying a new car just to throw a party! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the wedding planning madness or you’re craving something that actually feels authentic to you and your partner, you’re definitely not alone.
Here’s the thing – adventure elopements are becoming super popular, and for good reason. Instead of stressing about seating charts and managing your great-aunt’s dietary restrictions, you get to focus on what actually matters: celebrating your love in a way that feels right for YOU.
Picture this: saying “I do” on a breathtaking Irish cliffside, your toes in the sand on a secluded Mexican beach, or surrounded by the stunning Swiss Alps. Sounds pretty amazing, right? Plus, you’ll be doing your wallet AND the planet a favor. Traditional weddings typically produce 400 pounds of waste and 63 tons of carbon dioxide – yikes! Your intimate ceremony can slash that impact significantly.
And friend, let’s be real about where you are in life. Maybe you’re buying your first home, starting a family, or investing in your education. An adventure elopement lets you prioritize what truly matters without breaking the bank or your sanity.
Now, here’s what most wedding planners won’t tell you upfront about adventure elopement secrets. They’ll show you the gorgeous Instagram photos and talk about the “romance,” but there are some real pros and cons you need to know about. This guide will give you the unfiltered truth about what you actually gain by ditching the traditional route, plus how to create an unforgettable experience that’s 100% you and your partner.
Ready to dive in? Let’s do this!
The Real Pros and Cons of Adventure Eloping
Alright, let’s get real about adventure elopement secrets! Behind all those dreamy Instagram photos and epic mountain backdrops, there are some actual truths you need to know. Before deciding if this non-traditional approach is right for you and your partner, here’s my honest take on what you’re signing up for.
Pro: Intimate and stress-free experience
Friend, when couples tell me about their adventure elopement day, they literally use words like “1000% relaxed”. And I totally get why! Instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off, greeting your second cousin twice removed and stressing about timeline after timeline, you actually get to be present. Like, genuinely present with your person.
Privacy is EVERYTHING. You can share those super personal, 15+ minute vows filled with inside jokes and all the raw emotion without worrying about Aunt Martha judging your choice of words. If you’re more of an introvert (and honestly, who isn’t when it comes to declaring your deepest feelings in front of a crowd?), this privacy is going to feel like a gift.
Picture this: you wake up with your partner, maybe cook breakfast together, and sip your coffee while getting ready for your big adventure. No bridesmaids drama, no groomsmen showing up late, no family members asking if they can change the music. Just you two, soaking in every single moment.
Con: Limited guest list and fewer gifts
Here’s where things get a little tricky. Adventure elopements typically mean 0-20 people, which sounds great until you realize you have to choose between your college roommate and your work bestie. Yep, those decisions can be tough.
And let’s talk about family drama for a hot second. Some relatives might feel personally hurt by not being included, especially if they’re from the generation that believes weddings should involve the whole extended family tree. Plus, here’s something nobody warns you about – some families don’t give gifts if they’re not attending a “real” wedding celebration. Just saying!
Pro: Budget-friendly and eco-conscious
Now THIS is where adventure elopements really shine! While your friends are spending $35,000 on their traditional wedding, you’re looking at $5,000 to $15,000. That’s a vast difference that lets you spend money on experiences instead of centerpieces nobody remembers.
But it’s not just about the money (though that’s pretty awesome). You’re also making a meaningful choice for the planet. Traditional weddings create SO much waste – we’re talking single-use decorations, tons of leftover food, and all those guests flying in from different states. Your intimate ceremony? Way less environmental impact.
Think about it – instead of spending $75 per person to feed everyone and their mother, you can put that money toward paying off student loans, your house down payment, or making your actual elopement adventure even more epic. Priorities, right?
Con: Less structure can be overwhelming
Okay, so freedom from tradition sounds impressive until you’re staring at a blank planning page thinking, “Now what?” Analysis paralysis is real, friend! When you have literally unlimited possibilities and no traditional roadmap to follow, it can feel overwhelming.
The weather is going to be your biggest wildcard. You’ll need Plan B, Plan C, and maybe even Plan D. Sometimes that means being flexible enough to move your date by a day or two. And if you’re choosing a remote location (which, let’s be honest, is probably part of the appeal), you might find limited vendor options or need to bring professionals from elsewhere.
The thing is, without all those traditional wedding “rules,” every single decision falls on you and your partner. Some couples find this super liberating – they get to craft every element exactly how they want it. Others? They miss having a template to follow. There’s no right or wrong way to feel about this!
What You Gain by Skipping the Traditional Wedding
Okay, so we’ve talked about the pros and cons, but let’s get real about what you actually GAIN when you ditch the traditional wedding route. Because trust me, it’s about so much more than just what you’re giving up! We are about to get into some juicy adventure elopement secrets.
Get this – over 60% of engaged couples would consider eloping. That’s more than half! This isn’t just some tiny trend, friends. Couples are waking up to the fact that there’s a better way to celebrate their love.
More time with your partner
Here’s what nobody tells you about traditional weddings: you barely spend any time with the person you’re marrying! You’re literally hosting a party for everyone else. Many couples report that after their traditional wedding, “they barely had time together and, if they could do it again, they would elope”.
But with an adventure elopement? You get your day back! You can:
- Wake up together and make breakfast (no rushing to different getting-ready locations!)
- Actually help each other get ready instead of being separated all morning
- Share quiet moments before your ceremony without 200 people watching
- Have real conversations throughout your day
Without those crazy, rigid timelines, you’ll have the freedom to savor sunrise coffee by the fire, record personal video messages to send to loved ones, or share a private sunset dance under the stars. How romantic is that?
Freedom to choose your own adventure
This is where adventure elopements really shine! You’re not stuck with the same cookie-cutter wedding experience as everyone else. The entire day can unfold exactly as you want—in a dream destination with activities that reflect who you are as a couple.
Want to hike to a stunning viewpoint for your ceremony? Do it! Feel like stargazing at midnight? Go for it! Picnic in the mountains? Yes, please! Your timeline stays loose, so you never feel rushed from one moment to the next.
And here’s a bonus: couples who elope often describe their planning process as “a breeze” compared to coordinating a traditional wedding. With fewer vendors to manage and no guest list drama, you’ll actually enjoy planning your wedding day. Revolutionary, right?
A day that reflects your values
This is perhaps the most crucial part. Adventure elopements create space for authenticity. The underlying theme among eloping couples is “a dissatisfaction with the ordinary, a commitment to living life as a grand adventure”.
Your ceremony becomes a true reflection of your relationship, not what everyone else expects.
Eloping couples report feeling empowered to “re-evaluate traditions and really choose what they wanted to keep, change, or get rid of”. Every single element of your day carries personal significance. Nothing exists just because “that’s how weddings are done.”
For environmentally conscious couples, the reduced ecological footprint feels meaningful. For those who prioritize experiences over stuff, redirecting funds toward adventures that matter is invaluable.
Your elopement becomes what it should be—an authentic celebration of your unique connection, focused entirely on what matters most to you both: no performance, no pretense, just pure celebration of your love story.
Planning Tips You Won’t Hear from Wedding Planners
Alright, here’s where things get real, adventure elopement secrets galore! Most wedding professionals are trained to execute those big traditional ceremonies, but adventure elopements? They’re a whole different beast. And honestly, many planners won’t tell you some of this information because it contradicts everything they’ve been taught.
Let me share some insider advice that traditional planners rarely mention when considering this path.
Why you don’t need a full itinerary
Traditional weddings run on those crazy, precise schedules (you know, like “5:23 PM – bride walks down aisle”). But friend, adventure elopements thrive on flexibility! Most couples tell me their favorite moments happened spontaneously, entirely outside of anything they actually planned.
Over-scheduling your elopement day can actually create unnecessary stress and prevent those authentic, magical moments from happening naturally.
Embrace the white space in your timeline. Instead of cramming activities back-to-back, give yourself generous time buffers throughout your day. This breathing room lets you soak in those meaningful moments without constantly checking your watch or rushing to the next spot.
Here’s something to remember: outdoor adventures ALWAYS take longer than you think. That 3-mile hike? Yeah, it might take twice the standard hiking time when you’re wearing wedding attire and stopping for photos every few minutes. Trust me on this one!
How to build a flexible elopement plan
Begin with a simple framework rather than a minute-by-minute schedule. Think of it like sketching out your day rather than writing a detailed script. Here’s what I recommend focusing on:
- Morning intentions – How do you want to start your day? Maybe with a sunrise hike or just a quiet breakfast together?
- Ceremony timing – Pick a general timeframe, not an exact minute
- Must-have experiences – What are the 2-3 activities that matter most to you both?
- Meal plans – General ideas for when and how you’ll eat throughout the day
Next, prepare multiple backup locations within a reasonable distance of your primary spot. Weather conditions can change SO quickly in outdoor settings, and having options is essential for a successful adventure elopement.
And here’s something super important – research permits and regulations for each potential location. Many natural areas require special permissions for ceremonies, and you don’t want to find this out the day before your elopement!
The truth about elopement costs
Ok, let’s bust a myth here. Adventure elopements aren’t automatically cheaper than traditional weddings. While the average adventure elopement costs between $5,000 and $15,000, compared to the $35,000 average for conventional weddings, your final budget depends entirely on your choices.
Photography typically represents your most significant expense, with experienced adventure elopement photographers charging between $3,000-$8,000 for full-day coverage. But this investment gives you tangible memories to share with loved ones who couldn’t be there with you.
Travel expenses often surprise couples planning destination elopements. Beyond flights and accommodations, consider transportation between locations, baggage fees for wedding attire, and emergency funds for unexpected weather delays. But here’s the good news – you’ll save significantly on reception costs since you won’t be feeding 100+ guests!
Adventure elopements let you allocate your budget toward experiences instead of obligations. Want to hire a helicopter for a mountain landing? Go for it! Private chef for a cliffside dinner? Yes, please! Luxurious accommodations after your adventure? You’ve earned it!
The key is spending money on what creates meaningful memories for YOU both.
Adventure Elopement Ideas That Go Beyond the Norm
Alright, now we’re talking! If you’re looking for wedding day experiences that’ll make your friends’ jaws DROP, adventure elopement secrets are where it’s at. We’re talking about activities that showcase who you really are as a couple – no cookie-cutter venues here!
Hiking, mountaineering, and stargazing
Picture this: you’re hiking to your ceremony location, and it’s like the most epic journey to say “I do” ever! You can go for a challenging trek that gets your heart pumping or keep it chill with a gentle stroll – both lead to absolutely breathtaking backdrops. For outdoors-loving couples, getting into the heart of nature is where you feel most connected to each other.
Sunrise and sunset hikes? Chef’s kiss! The sky transforms into this gorgeous medley of colors that’ll make your photos look like they’re straight out of a magazine. And can we talk about mountaineering for a second? You literally summit a peak together as you begin your marriage – talk about symbolism! Imagine shouting “I do” from a mountaintop. Pretty impressive, right?
But wait, there’s more! Stargazing during your elopement is absolutely magical. Find a dark area with clear skies, snuggle under blankets, and gaze upward together. There’s something incredibly romantic about contemplating your place in the universe on your first evening as a married couple. Pro tip: Schedule around the new moon phase and pick locations far from city lights for the best star viewing.
Heli-tours, dog sledding, and scuba diving
Want to access those remote, impossible-to-reach locations? Helicopter tours are your answer! You get killer views without having to hike in your wedding dress, plus the photo opportunities are absolutely insane. Hot air balloon rides offer a totally different vibe – imagine floating over red rocks at sunrise. Dreamy!
Dog sledding is such a unique adventure, especially in winter destinations. Alaska offers epic combinations of helicopter rides and glacier dog sledding. You get adventure AND adorable dogs – what’s not to love?
Water lovers, listen up! Underwater ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re truly incredible. Scuba diving or snorkeling elopements, especially in places like Costa Rica, let you exchange vows surrounded by marine life. The photos alone will take your breath away!
Ring-making and scavenger hunts
This one’s really special – participating in a ring-making workshop creates the most meaningful symbols of your commitment. Learning to craft your own wedding bands together adds personal significance that you can’t get from a store-bought ring. Plus, it builds anticipation for your ceremony!
Scavenger hunts are such a fun twist! You can design them as “build your own elopement” experiences if you’re working with a tighter budget, or use them as group bonding activities if you’re including a small wedding party. Each clue can connect to meaningful locations or memories in your relationship – it’s like telling your love story through adventure!
Photography and Vendor Secrets
Alright, let’s talk about capturing your adventure elopement! This goes way beyond just finding a pretty backdrop (though that’s important too). You want the right professionals who’ll help you preserve these memories while making sure your day runs smoothly, no matter what curveballs Mother Nature throws your way.
Adventure elopement photography tips
Here’s the secret to stunning adventure elopement photos – it’s all about connection, not perfection! First things first, take the time to get to know your photographer before the big day. This familiarity creates a comfort that is totally evident in your images. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Golden hour is your best friend! Those magical first hours after sunrise or final hours before sunset give you that dreamy lighting with way fewer crowds. Plus, the light is just chef’s kiss gorgeous.
Your most captivating photos will happen when you’re fully engaged with each other rather than trying to pose for the camera. Share something sweet or funny with your partner to elicit genuine reactions. Eventually, you’ll forget the camera is even there, and that’s when the magic happens!
Consider weaving meaningful activities into your photo timeline. Your photographer can capture you hiking, canoeing, or stargazing – whatever represents your unique relationship. Just remember to build in buffer time for these activities, as everything takes longer when wearing wedding attire (learned that one the hard way!).
Hiring local vs traveling vendors
This is always a tough choice, and honestly, it comes down to your priorities. Local professionals are excellent because they know all the secret spots tourists never find. They understand the weather patterns, permit requirements, and can adapt quickly when things change. Plus, hiring locally reduces your travel expenses and environmental impact.
But bringing your own team? That ensures you have a shared vision, and communication is smooth sailing. This is especially valuable for photographers since your wedding photos are lasting memories of your meaningful day.
How to find LGBTQ+ affirming professionals
For LGBTQ+ couples, finding affirming vendors gives you that essential peace of mind. Look for portfolios featuring diverse couples and gender-neutral language on websites and contact forms. Online directories like LGBTQ I Do and Equally Wed specifically highlight inclusive professionals.
Also, check out social media hashtags and keyword searches to identify vendors who openly support the LGBTQ+ community. You want professionals who celebrate ALL love stories, not just tolerate them.
Conclusion
Friend, we’ve covered A LOT of ground together! From the real pros and cons to those sneaky adventure elopement planning secrets that nobody talks about, you now have the inside scoop on what adventure elopements are really like.
Here’s the adventure elopement secrets I want you to remember: adventure elopements aren’t just about saving money (though that $5,000-$15,000 budget compared to $35,000 for traditional weddings is pretty sweet!). They’re about creating something that actually feels like YOU.
The flexibility? Amazing. The ability to focus on each other instead of managing 200 guests? Priceless. The chance to start your marriage with an epic shared adventure? That’s the stuff that makes my photographer heart sing!
Sure, there are challenges. Weather can be unpredictable, and yes, you’ll have to make some tough decisions about your guest list. But here’s the thing – those challenges are so much smaller than the incredible rewards of having a wedding day that’s 100% authentic to your relationship.
Your wedding should tell YOUR story, not what everyone else thinks it should look like. Whether you’re hiking to a mountaintop ceremony, saying “I do” under a blanket of stars, or having an intimate beach celebration, the magic happens when you stop trying to please everyone else and start focusing on what makes you and your partner happy.
So here’s my advice: take everything we’ve talked about, have an honest conversation with your partner about what you truly want, and then create something amazing. Don’t let anyone else’s expectations dictate how you start your marriage.
Ready to plan your own adventure elopement? I’m here to help capture every single incredible moment. Hit me up if you’d like to discuss making your dream elopement a reality!
Adventure Elopement Secrets FAQs
Q1. What are the primary advantages of opting for an adventure elopement? Adventure elopements offer a more intimate and stress-free experience, allowing couples to focus on each other without the pressure of entertaining guests. They are often more budget-friendly and environmentally conscious compared to traditional weddings, and provide the freedom to create a truly personalized celebration.
Q2. How much does an adventure elopement typically cost? Adventure elopements generally cost between $5,000 and $15,000, which is significantly less than the average traditional wedding cost of $35,000. However, the final cost depends on factors such as location, photography, travel expenses, and any additional experiences you choose to include.
Q3. What are some unique adventure elopement ideas? Some exciting adventure elopement ideas include hiking to a scenic viewpoint for your ceremony, exchanging vows during a helicopter tour, dog sledding in Alaska, underwater ceremonies for diving enthusiasts, or even participating in a ring-making workshop to craft your own wedding bands.
Q4. How do I plan for unpredictable weather during an outdoor elopement? When planning an outdoor adventure elopement, it’s crucial to have backup plans. Research multiple location options within a reasonable distance of your primary spot, and be prepared to adjust your date by a day or two if necessary. Always check local weather patterns and have appropriate gear for various conditions.
Q5. How can I make my elopement special without a large guest list? To make your elopement special, focus on creating meaningful experiences that reflect your relationship. This could include incorporating activities you both love, writing personal vows, selecting a meaningful location, or planning a one-of-a-kind adventure. Many couples also find that the intimacy of an elopement allows for more genuine moments and connection throughout the day.
