Happy Friday, Friend! I don’t know about you, but I am so glad it’s the weekend! Last weekend I was in San Antonio, TX visiting some friends and we had a blast, but I also had to drive about 20 hours round trip, so it wasn’t exactly restful.
This week’s blog post is all about different types of *elopements*. There are so many things I love about elopements; the intimacy and quietness that a day free from distractions brings, how couples are able to prioritize time together on their wedding day, the flexibility to include non-traditional elements, and how each timeline can be customized specifically to what each couple is wanting. But I think my favorite thing about elopements is that there are so many different types that can fit anyone’s preference and personality.
So if you’re considering eloping, keep reading to see if any of the different types of elopements that I’ve listed below resonate with you or speak to your soul. This is by no means a comprehensive list because you can easily tailor your elopement to fit your own personal wants and needs and the vision you have for your wedding day. Choosing to elope can set you free to think outside the box and create the wedding day of your absolute dreams!
Adventure Elopement
You may think that you could never have an adventure elopement because you’re not “outdoorsy” enough or because you don’t regularly hike 14ers, but this is not true! There are a lot of different adventures you can have with varying levels of physical exertion required. Here are just a few examples to spark your creativity:
Mountaintop
Epic views and beautiful sunsets seen from the top of a mountain are beautiful backdrops for any elopement. Some mountains require miles of hiking to reach the summit, and some lookouts are only a short distance from the road. Knowing your comfort level and physical limitations, taking into consideration the fact that you and your partner will be wearing wedding attire, and carefully planning a realistic elopement day timeline with input from your vendors is key when choosing your ceremony location.
Hot Air Balloon
For many (including me!), taking a ride in a hot air balloon is a bucket list item. What better time to check an activity off your bucket list than on your elopement day?! Creating brand new memories with your brand new spouse is such a special way to spend your day.
Helicopter
Not only is riding in a helicopter an extremely cool experience, but they also make reaching otherwise-inaccessible locations easy! From landing on a glacier in Alaska to landing on the rim of a desert canyon, helicopters can help you find some of the most remote locations for your ceremony.
Secluded Elopement
One thing that a lot of couples like about eloping is the intimacy and privacy it provides. Creating a little bubble for you and your partner to exist in on your elopement day takes some planning, especially in today’s world of cell phones, social media, and the internet in general. Here are a few ideas to help you get started planning your secluded elopement:
Elope in your honeymoon location
Eloping in your honeymoon location is so helpful, not only logistically but also to help keep yourselves secluded. It’s a lot harder for your wedding to be interrupted at a vacation rental than in your own backyard.
Turn off your cell phones
Or, even better, go somewhere that doesn’t have cell reception! *I always recommend taking safety measures when you’re in remote locations like sharing your itinerary, having scheduled check-ins, carrying a satellite phone for emergencies, etc.*
Find different ways to include loved ones who won’t be at your ceremony
How and when you tell your loved ones about your elopement is completely up to you, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to follow anyone else’s timeline. But, if you do decide to tell them in advance, you have the opportunity to find ways to include them in your wedding day even if they aren’t at your ceremony. Here are a few ideas:
1) ask them to write a letter to you and your partner to read on your elopement day
2) plan celebrations that they can attend, either before or after your elopement (bridal shower, bach parties, reception, etc.)
3) have them record a video toast that you can watch on your elopement day
4) have your bouquet dried and put the petals in a Christmas ornament to gift to your loved ones
5) have a first look with them before the elopement and arrange for your photographer to capture the moment
6) have your mother’s, grandmother’s, aunt’s, or any other special lady in your life’s wedding dress re-tailored to fit you and your style
Eloping on Public Land
Public lands are some of the wildest and most beautiful areas in the country, and can definitely make beautiful backdrops for elopements. When planning your elopement, always remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace and always, always reach out to the park’s office to see if you need a permit at your desired location. Permits and fees ensure that the beautiful place you’ve chosen for your elopement stays beautiful.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Mostly found in the western U.S., more information can be found here.
National Park
The National Park Service preserves the most beautiful and historic areas in every state, and one of these parks could be the perfect location for your elopement. Check out this blog post about my own national park intimate wedding!
National Forest
Although I personally have found their website a little bit hard to navigate, I have been able to get the information I needed in the past by calling individual field offices directly. Contact information can be found here.
State Park
I absolutely love state parks for elopements! Each state varies wildly on the fee and permit requirements for elopements, so be sure to do your research! If you’re interested in getting married in an Arkansas state park, click here to check out the blog post I wrote all about it!
Eloping at City Hall
City hall elopements can be so beautiful, but I feel like they are (unfairly) looked down upon. It you’re interested in having a courthouse elopement, do your research to find out what the options are for different courthouses in your area. Many of them are only open on certain days for weddings, and most require a reservation.
Eloping at A Non-Traditional Venue
If you aren’t too keen on having an outdoor elopement, or if you plan to elope in the winter or summer when temperatures are more extreme, booking a non-traditional venue can allow you to get married somewhere that has personal significance for you or includes a hobby of yours.
Library or Bookstore
Old books have my heart! If Keith and I were getting married again, we would definitely elope. And if we were planning for a winter elopement, I’d definitely try to find a library or a used book store that would let us get married there.
Vacation Rental
Most vacation rentals have no problem allowing guests to elope there, but always be sure to check with the hosts before booking. Usually any concerns have to do with the number of people who will be in attendance.
Museum
What a beautiful way to incorporate your love of art into your elopement day! Be sure you ask the museum about any rules regarding professional photography and relay that information to your photographer before booking!
I hope this post was helpful as you plan your elopement! Whether you choose just one of these types for your elopement or you combine a few elements or ideas from different types, your wedding day should reflect you and your values, and I’m sure it will be so special and beautiful!
*All my blog posts contain a selection of images that I’ve taken. If you are interested in booking a wedding or session with me, I am more than happy to send you a full gallery upon request! If you want to see more photos from this elopement at Mount Rainier National Park, click here.
I’m a wife, a dog mom, a foodie, a wanderer, a registered nurse, and a couples/intimate wedding/elopement photographer … and this blog will cover it all! If you enjoyed this post, first of all thank you, and second of all please follow me on Instagram + Facebook and sign up for my monthly newsletter to get exclusive wedding planning advice and access to all of my new (and old) freebies! If you have any questions about elopement photography, my journey from nursing to photography, or my time spent as a full-time RVer, drop a comment and I just might write a blog post answering your question (but I definitely will)!
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