How to Pick the Perfect Elopement Location
Choosing The Perfect Elopement Location
Eloping is a great option for couples who want an unconventional, fun, and adventurous wedding. Especially for couples who hate the thought of planning a wedding for months! Eloping leaves you with little or no guests, or ceremony, to stress about. Sure, you need to put one or two things in order to make the wedding possible, but unlike regular wedding ceremonies, the details of the wedding are solely for the couple’s pleasure – not guests or the family.
• A PLACE THAT’S SPECIAL TO “YOU”
The first thing to put into consideration when choosing a location for elopement is the sentimental value of the location. Think about the a place that inspires you, moves you, and makes you feel at home. Already got those creative juices going? How about a trip you’ve gone on together? Or a mountain you’ve climbed? Or a waterfall you’ve dunked your head under? Was there a place on that trip that you shared a special moment together? If so, it could be a great choice for you!
Even if you and your partner haven’t traveled together, you can find inspiration in a number of different ways. Your location could be a place you saw on Instagram or a magazine. You could also choose a location based on some things you enjoy. If you enjoy hiking, then you can select your favorite peak. If you enjoy the beach, then you can choose your favorite sandy spot by the ocean. I’ve also helped lots of couples find a beautiful backdrop for their elopement! I love giving couples a list of places based on their love and interests. As long as the location has some sentimental value, it will make your wedding day more memorable.
• CHOOSING A PLACE WITH EPIC VIEWS
One of the best things about an elopement is the sense of adventure it brings. Who doesn’t like a little adventure?!
Eloping gives you a chance to exchange your vows in a beautiful backdrop that you might not have for a conventional wedding. You can get married on a 14er in Colorado, on the beach in Oregon, in front of a waterfall in Washington, or in the sandy rocks of Utah. There is literally no boundary to where you can choose to elope – as long as you pack enough trail mix for you and your photographer!
Ask yourself; what kind of setting would you like to get married in? What kind of scenery do you want in the background of your pictures? This question can make the decision easier. Sit down and check instagram, Pinterest, or even my blogs! I have a number of great suggestions based on my experiences in traveling and capturing couples elopements. There is plenty of resources and inspiration for your elopement location!
• SHOULD BE EASY TO GET TO
When selecting an elopement destination, you also need to put the accessibility of the place into thought. This requires prior preparation in order to avoid arriving at your desired location only to find it unavailable or inaccessible!
A lot of places require a permit for you to take photos and share your vows. Make sure you check with local areas to see if you need any required documents to elope legally at your preferred destination. I also give all couples the proper maps and permit information so they are well informed and prepared for their elopements!
You also need to be sure there is transportation that can take you exactly where you need to be. So when you choose a location, find out what means of transportation will be getting you there. I also offer free transportation on your elopement day so you can sit back and enjoy your day without having to worry about driving!
You and your partner should be able to undertake the journey your destination requires. Also if you’ll be including some wedding guests, you should consider how accessible the location will be for them. You don’t want your guests regretting their decision to attend your wedding!
Putting these points into consideration can help make your location selection easier. It will also prevent you from discovering too late that the elopement destination of your point is inaccessible.
• CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEASON
When choosing a location to elope, consider the season in that location. Is it summer over there as it is in your country? Is it raining or snowing? That is, the period should matter just as much as the place. This can save you from a hazardous wedding! Seasons change based on where you are. It could be summer in your location but spring elsewhere. For example, eloping in Patagonia during the summer requires you to get there during our winter period. You could desire the lush green and white colors of simmer and end up in a with heavy snow and rain.
Sieve through your elopement destinations by checking out their seasons and comparing them to the season you’d prefer!
• IS WHERE YOU’RE GOING SAFE?
Although elopements are meant to be fun and adventurous, don’t forget to apply caution when choosing a location. It is super important that you put the safety of yourself, and everyone else involved, into consideration. If you want a mountain top wedding, ensure that all the equipment needed to make it safe, are available. If hiking would be required to get to the location, ensure you have all the important hiking gear including the proper amount of food and water.
• HOW INTIMATE IS THIS SPOT?
While the majority of couples prefer a quiet, secluded venue to elope in, others don’t mind locations with other people in sight. If you’re one of the latter, you might not have much of a problem finding an elopement location. This is because most places which used to be secluded and fit for a quiet wedding are no longer secluded. No thanks to social media and geotags, most private venues are now known by almost everyone! So try to think of places that are easy to get to in the early mornings or during the week.
Asides that, the major reason couples elope is because they don’t want a crowd witnessing their wedding – hence seclusion becomes important. You might want a private wedding so you can be yourself and gush over your partner without an unwanted audience staring. This is completely understandable. Though finding a secluded location might prove to be challenging, it’s very possible! . I suggest elopements to happen Monday-Friday and early rising to assure yourselves the private and secluded elopement you deserve.
• HAVE A BLAST!
Lastly, when choosing an elopement location, remember that the entire purpose of eloping is to have a fun, adventurous, and exciting wedding. Choose a location that’s fun for both you and your partner! It could be at the very peak of a mountain or at the very bottom of the lake – so long as it keeps you humming with excitement, go for it!
Eloping is ten times better when you find the perfect location. Putting all of these tips into consideration will help ensure you choose the perfect spot for your wedding. If you need help, then reach out! I love helping couples plan and coordinate their big adventure!
ELOPEMENT LOCATION TOOLS
TEAM
My name is Sean, and I can’t wait to help create your adventure elopement! I’m a free spirit who has dedicated my life to exploring this wild world and connecting to the people in it.
I know firsthand what an important and personal decision this is—my wife and I eloped to Northern Ireland. You’re trusting me to capture this amazing day, and I make it my responsibility to make sure you have an incredible experience from start to finish.
My passion has led me here, where I can follow my heart and share my love for the outdoors with others on their wedding day. It’s truly an awesome experience, and I’m stoked every time I get to document your day.
When I’m not photographing couples, I love to go exploring with my wife and our corgi. Our dream is to own an Airstream and take Vows and Peaks on the road!
Sound like the perfect match? Reach out so we can get started on your epic elopement!
such valuable information on eloping! Thank you for this!
So much good advice for couples! Love all the points you made 🙂
Love this, these are so helpful!
Love this blog post! Great information about eloping!
This is so great you wrote this! You did amazing putting all the information in one place 🙂
You’re amazing and I love you!
This is a great blog! So many couples can take info from this and really take their elopement to the next level. Great work!!
Great idea for a blog post! Very valuable information:)
such good insight to one of the biggest choices you make when eloping!
Wow what a great article! Thanks so much for writing this! Such great and helpful tips!