The Adventure Elopement Planning Checklist

Man and woman embrace on the edge of a cliff at Zion National Park in Utah

An adventure elopement is an amazing way to celebrate your love in a unique and exciting way. If you’re planning to elope in the great outdoors, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared! While one of the benefits of eloping is that there are less logistics to worry about than traditional weddings, there is still plenty of things to consider when planning an adventure elopement. (Read more about the benefits of an adventure elopement here.) This adventure elopement checklist will help make sure that your beautiful adventure goes off without a hitch!

Table of contents:

CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION

CHOOSE YOUR DATE

HIRE YOUR OFFICIANT

THE LEGAL STUFF

DETERMINE YOUR GUEST LIST

PLAN YOUR ATTIRE/GEAR

CHOOSE YOUR VENDORS

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS

PLAN YOUR CEREMONY

HAVE FUN!

First things first! Choose your location for your adventure elopement.

The first thing to consider when planning your adventure elopement is where you want to get married! This is the fun part! Imagine your perfect day. Do you see yourself exchanging vows on a remote mountain surrounded by mountain views? Maybe you picture yourself on a coast somewhere with the sounds of waves crashing in the background. This is your chance to think up the location that best fits you and your love the best! Research locations, consider the weather and accessibility, and be sure to find out if there are any permits required to elope in that location. (Click here and here for adventure elopement location ideas!)

Choose the date for your adventure elopement.

Research the season/months that your chose location has the optimal weather for your elopement day and then pick your date! It may be better to choose the time of year that you would like to elope as opposed to getting stuck on a specific date because if your adventure elopement location requires a permit, you will have to choose a date that you are able to get that permit. Sometimes you will be able to snag a permit on your ideal date and others you might not be able to get the permit for that specific date but rather a date close to it.

Hire your officiant.

You’ll need someone to legally marry you. You can ask a friend or family member to get ordained online, or you can hire a professional officiant who specializes in adventure elopements.

Determine the legal requirements for getting married at your chosen location. No matter where you choose to have your adventure elopement, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. Requirements vary by each state/country, so be sure to research the process for the state/country that you plan to get married in.

Determine if any permits are needed to get married at your chosen location. Most National Parks and other protected areas require a permit to be married on their property.

Determine your guest list.

Do you want this special day to be just the two of you or do you want to include some close family or friends? Adventure elopements are typically small, intimate affairs, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t include a few loved ones. Decide who you want to invite and make sure everyone is on board with the adventure aspect of your elopement.

Plan your attire and gear.

Think about everything you will need for your adventure! Gown, suit, shoes/hiking boots if your adventure will include a hike, bridal accessories, meaningful items that you may want photos of or with, and the rings!

Choose your vendors.

Consider what vendors you will need to make your adventure elopement everything that you are dreaming of. Think: Photographer, Videographer, Hair + Make up artist, Florist, Musician. These are just a few ideas. You don’t need all of these. This is your day, your way..so bring whoever you want to bring!

Your adventure elopement is sure to be a memorable experience, so you’ll want to hire a photographer who is up to adventure alongside you two and can document your beautiful, unique love story in your stunning, dream location. I’m always up for an adventure and live to document love stories! I’d love to chat!

Plan your travel accommodations.

Plan all of your travel accommodations. You will need to book your flights and lodging. Check out Airbnb and VRBO for lodging for all types of budgets! Determine how you will get to your elopement location..will you need a rental car? Make sure to pack all of the essentials (including any important documents/permits, etc.)

Plan out your adventure elopement ceremony.

Whether you want a traditional ceremony or something more unique, make sure you plan out your ceremony in advance. Consider writing your vows, including special rituals or traditions, and incorporating the natural beauty of the stunning landscape that surrounds you.

Have fun!

Your day is here! Take it all in. Above all, remember that your adventure elopement is about celebrating your unique love. Embrace the adventure together, soak up all the beautiful views, and enjoy what is sure to be one of your most favorite life adventures!

Planning an adventure elopement takes a little extra work, but the result is a truly unique and unforgettable wedding experience. I hope these helpful tips that I provided you help you to stay organized and help make your planning a little easier. If you’re ready to start planning your adventure elopement, click the button below! I would love to chat more about your dream adventure!

leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Instagram

follow ME ON