What Is An Adventure Elopement?
When it comes to getting married, the traditional route of a large wedding is not for everyone. Many couples prefer to celebrate their wedding day in a more intimate and private setting. Enter the adventure elopement, a non-traditional way to tie the knot that emphasizes adventure and nature. But what exactly does the “adventure” in adventure elopement mean, and how can you make it your own?
Easy to Feel Like It's Not for You
At first glance, the idea of an adventure elopement might seem daunting, undoubtedly due to the epic scenic shots on Instagram. Getting those views can conjure images of 14KM hikes and carrying huge backpacks. And that might be the case for some, but you can also decide to have a beach picnic. Adventure elopements give you the freedom to design your day however you want. To create a unique and memorable experience that is a true reflection of who you are. Plus, with an adventure elopement, you'll get to focus on what really matters: your love for each other. And isn’t what this day is ultimately all about?!
Define What Is an Adventure Elopement
So, what exactly is an adventure elopement? At its core, it's a non-traditional wedding that emphasizes adventure and nature. Instead of a traditional wedding venue, you'll choose a location that speaks to you, whether that's a mountaintop, a beach, or a forest. The focus is on the experience rather than the production, so you can plan a wedding that feels authentic to you.
An adventure elopement is a unique way to celebrate your wedding day. It doesn't necessarily mean extreme activities/sports but rather doing something that is different from the typical wedding day routine.
It can still include getting ready, a ceremony, photos, and a reception, but with a twist. For example, instead of a traditional ceremony venue like a church, you could hike to a scenic location to exchange vows, have a private beach ceremony with a close friend officiating, or even sign the papers in your pajamas before exchanging vows at your favourite lake. The possibilities for an adventure elopement are endless and allow you to create a truly personalized and memorable experience.
5 outdoor adventure elopement ideas
Hiking - If you and your partner love the great outdoors, consider a hiking elopement. Choose your favourite scenic trail or one that you've always wanted to explore and make your way to the top. You can exchange vows at the summit and take in the stunning views. Examples close to Vancouver:
Hardcore - Norvan Falls (14km round trip)
Low-key - Lighthouse park (max 6km)
Picnic in the park - For a more laid-back post-ceremony meal for your adventure elopement, consider a romantic picnic in a scenic location. Pack a basket full of your favorite foods, and a bottle of bubbly, and find a quiet spot in the park or on the beach to celebrate your first day as a married couple.
Beach ceremony - Are you a water baby at heart? A beach elopement is a classic choice for adventure-seeking couples. Choose a secluded spot on the sand and exchange vows with the sound of the waves in the background. You can even jump in the water for a post-wedding swim. Pro tip: Low tide at Spanish Banks makes for an amazing backdrop, especially if you’re bringing your four-legged family member(s)
Helicopter ride to the top of a mountain - all the views without the hike. Consider a helicopter ride to a mountain top and you'll get to take in breathtaking aerial views of your chosen location before landing for your ceremony.
Saying I Do on a Boat - Vancouver is a port city that offers amazing sunset views in the summer from the water. Take a boat ride, breath in the salty air, let your hair get the wavy-beach look, and exchange vows at sea. And maybe hope for calm waters (both for seasickness and sharpness of photos purposes! 😜)
5 indoor adventure elopement ideas
Cook a meal together - Even if you're not a master chef, cooking a meal together can be a fun and intimate activity to share with your partner. Pick your favourite recipes and enjoy a homecooked celebratory meal at home.
Play ping pong/pool - For a fun and playful indoor elopement, consider a friendly game of ping pong, pool, or video games.
Play/dance to music - For a romantic/fun indoor elopement, consider playing or dancing to music. Create a playlist of all your favorite songs and have it playing on repeat all day long!
Pub crawl - For an adventurous indoor elopement, consider going on a pub crawl. Choose your favorite bars and pubs and make your way through the night. Start from one end of the city and make your way across town.
Backyard fire - For a cozy and intimate indoor elopement, consider ending the night with a nightcap by your backyard firepit.
EXAMPLES OF ADVENTURE WEDDINGS
Gabby + Piers Intimate Wedding
Gabby’s family has owned a place on Gambier island since before she was born. It has a special place in her heart and thankfully, it has a special place in Piers’ heart as well. A place they go to often, it was the perfect setting for Gabby + Piers’ ceremony.
Only a short boat ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, this island has a quiet secluded feel away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by immediate family only, they said their I Do’s.
After a bite to eat and a quick change back in to “boat clothes” the couple headed back to the family home where a backyard catered dinner was being prepared for the family + guests who where joining them for the evening.
Aki + Andy 2-day Adventure engagement session
Aki + Andy are from Hong Kong but Andy attended university in Vancouver and he fell in love with the mountains. They chose to get married in Vancouver and they were able to arrive a few days earlier so that we could still fit in an engagement session.
Aki loves mountains and lakes, and wanting to make the most of their time here, we planned a 2-day engagement session in Whistler. One day was spent on Whistler making our way to the top of Peak. The next day we hiked to the second of the three Joffre Lakes.
Tips to help you find the right adventure to add to your day
Make a list of your absolute FAVOURITE moments together. Whether it was the activity, the location, or the company that made it that memorable, let’s re-create that same FEELING
Are you naturally a homebody or an outdoor enthusiast? We can plan a day based on where you love spending all your free time.
Consider who else is attending. If it’s just the two of you, then dream up your biggest adventure. If you have family + friends joining for a portion or all of the day, choose an adventure that everyone will be able to participate in.
Not Sure Where To Start Planning Your Elopement?
Download my free How to Elope guide! It’s perfect for small weddings, intimate weddings, and elopement weddings, and there are even some good tips in there for bigger weddings if that’s your jam.