So you’re planning to say “I do” outdoors, far from home. That’s a bold and lovely move. Destination elopements mix adventure, romance, and stunning backdrops without the stress of a big wedding. Here’s how you can plan it all, from choosing the location to getting photos that tell the whole story.
Start With The Big Picture
First, you need to decide what “feel” you want. Do you prefer total privacy with just the two of you, or would you like a few loved ones nearby? The answer changes everything else.
You also need to pick your season before your exact location. Choosing summer, winter, fall, or another season can significantly impact your wedding’s overall theme.
Next, you will need to rough out your timeline. Sunrise ceremonies offer magical light and privacy. Sunset gives a golden hour glow. Midday works too, but brings stronger sun.
Choose Your Ceremony Spot
Pick a spot that matches how you like to move. If you don’t hike much, skip the long trail. Choose an easy viewpoint instead. But if you love a bit of adventure, head up to a mountain top. Make it a full day and enjoy the ride.
Ceremony spots come in many styles. You can choose forest trails, beach overlooks, alpine lakes, cozy cabins, A-frame rentals, or boutique hotels. Each place changes the mood of your photos. Like choosing a playlist. Same song, different vibe.
If you want an actual venue, book early. These places fill up fast, even for small events. Also, plan for bad weather. A cabin porch can save the day if rain shows up.
Permits And Park Rules
This step can trip up so many couples! National parks, state parks, and public lands often need special permits for ceremonies. And yes, even just for photos in some places.
These permits can limit many aspects: how many guests you can bring, which decorations are allowed, whether music is permitted, and even where you can stand. Some areas also only issue permits on certain days.
Don’t lock in plans until you know what’s allowed. The worst outcome could be a ranger asking you to leave on your wedding day for skipping the permit process.
Build A Simple “Wedding Week” Experience
Your elopement should deserve more than a quick “get in, get married, leave” approach. So true to create a mini vacation around your vows!
You can start with activities that match your vibe. You can rent canoes on a lake, or even book a cabin with morning coffee views, or perhaps take a scenic drive. If your location offers it, take a helicopter ride to a glacier and make it a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
You can also bring guests in for some parts and keep the other parts just for you two. A welcome dinner is an easy win. Then schedule an adventure day later for more private time.
Photography Planning
Your photographer is your sidekick on elopement day. So pick someone you can laugh with. Both of you should go through the plan together and also cover getting ready shots. You can also map out travel time and set the ceremony timing. Then add portrait time and a few calm moments to breathe.
Tell them what you want most. It could be candid laughs or perhaps big views. Or perhaps you might want to go for small details like rings and hands. When they know your must-haves, they can pack the right gear and guide you in a way that feels natural.
Guests, Invitations, And Communication
You need to confirm your guest count early, as permits and lodging depend on it. Even six people can change what is possible at many outdoor spots.
For tiny guest lists, simple email invites plus a basic wedding website work nicely. You can also add a paper invite if you want a keepsake.
If you’re planning multiple days of activities, you can send a basic schedule so everyone knows what to pack. Also, suggest nearby lodging options if you want everyone to be close.
Food and Drinks So Nobody Gets Hungry
You also need to plan meals to match your day. A sunrise ceremony means breakfast comes early. Evening commitments could mean you need to plan lunch first, or your day will drag.
When hiking, the best practice is to pack snacks and water. Also, go for easy wins like nuts, fruit, and trail mix. A picnic can save the mood, feed you, and give you a neat photo setup, too. If you don’t want to do DIY, local luxury picnic companies can handle the whole thing.
If you have guests, book a dinner spot after the ceremony. Or perhaps even hire a private chef at your rental. Food trucks also work well for small groups, as it feels like a mini party on wheels.