What exactly is an adventure elopement? Spoiler: it’s not just hiking in a dress. It’s a whole new way to get married, one that’s grounded in meaning, not expectations. Here’s what you need to know to start planning yours.

A New Way To Say “I Do”

Weddings have evolved. What once revolved around ballrooms, timelines, and seating charts is now opening up into something much more personal. These days, couples are craving experiences that feel intentional, connected, and grounded in who they really are. They’re looking for more than just a pretty space to stand in. They want space to breathe, explore, and be fully present.

That’s where adventure elopements come in. It’s not just about where you say your vows; it’s how you feel when you do it. It’s about standing in a place that makes your heart race, surrounded by nature, not noise. It’s about choosing the kind of moment you’ll actually remember and not just because of the view but because of what it means to you.

If that sounds like your version of “I do,” welcome. You’re in good company.

So what’s an adventure elopement? 

Adventure elopement. It’s exactly what it sounds like, mostly. But there’s more going on beneath the surface. It’s more than a trend, more than a pretty photo op, and definitely more than skipping a big wedding.

So, what is it really? Let’s start with the definition. And we promise, it’s not pulled from a dusty old dictionary.

adventure elopement (noun) ad·​ven·​ture e·lope·ment

[ ad-ven-cher ih-lohp-muhnt ]

1 a small, intimate wedding ceremony that takes place in a scenic or unconventional outdoor location—like a mountain, forest, desert, or beach—often involving hiking or travel, and focused on the couple’s experience rather than a traditional event.

Forget the runaway elopements of the past. Today’s adventure elopements are anything but last-minute. They’re planned with care, packed with personality, and often include pro photography, custom vows, and even a handful of guests—minus the pressure of a big production.

Intimate by Nature

Adventure elopements are intentionally small, not because you’re excluding people, but because you’re narrowing the focus. It’s not about trimming a guest list. It’s about making space for presence. Whether it’s just the two of you or a few of your closest humans, intimacy shifts the entire feel of the day. You’re not juggling conversations, posing for endless group photos, or managing expectations. You’re free to be fully present, to soak it all in, and to connect without the distractions of a crowd. When the day revolves around your relationship, and when that happens, everything else becomes simpler and more meaningful.

Experience First

This isn’t a wedding with a side of adventure. The adventure is the wedding. It’s not built around seating charts and color palettes. It’s built around the experience you want to have together. That could mean hiking to a summit before sunrise, kayaking across a glassy lake, or finding a quiet alpine meadow to exchange vows with the wind in your hair. There’s no rigid script, no stopwatch ticking. The day unfolds like a memory in real-time, not a production on a schedule. You’re living it, not checking it off a to-do list—and that difference changes everything.

Scenery That Speaks

When you elope in nature, the landscape doesn’t just frame your wedding. It shapes it. The cliffs, the forests, the desert light, and the crashing surf all become part of the story you’re telling. You don’t have to decorate a mountaintop (that’s probably illegal). You don’t need an arch when the tree line curves around you just right. Nature already knows how to set the stage. The setting isn’t an afterthought. It’s an active part of the emotion, the memory, and the meaning. It’s what makes your day feel bigger than yourselves.

Rooted in Intention

Every piece of an adventure elopement is chosen with care. You’re not going through motions that don’t fit. There are no “shoulds” here, only decisions that reflect what matters to you. Want to wear hiking boots with your dress? Go for it. Want to exchange vows at sunrise and spend the afternoon exploring? Absolutely. When you step away from convention, you step into freedom. The freedom to design a day that feels aligned with your values, your rhythm, and your relationship. It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing what matters most.

How to plan an Adventure Elopement

Yes, it’s intimate and a little wild, but winging it… probably won’t work. Here’s how to map it out step by step.

Location. Location. Location.

Start with a place that sparks something in you. Maybe it’s sentimental, maybe it’s just wildly beautiful, or maybe it’s both. Once you’ve got a spot in mind, do your homework. Check the weather patterns, seasonal highs and lows, how easy it is to access, and what kind of legal boxes you’ll need to tick before you can say your vows there.

Some popular destinations include 

• Colorado: From sunrises over tundra trails to moody mist in evergreen forests, Colorado’s terrain can shift fast and surprise you faster. It’s stunning, yes, but also demanding. Plan for beauty, but prepare for unpredictability.
• California: The parks of California aren’t just a pretty backdrop. They’re an elopement playground carved out by glaciers and framed by ancient sequoias, epic cliffs, and waterfalls that roar. Want to say your vows with El Capitan looming behind you like a stone sentinel while trading rings in Yosemite? Totally doable. They’re wildly beautiful and surprisingly reachable, which means you get the magic without needing a helicopter.
• Hawaii: If your idea of an elopement involves hiking through tropical forests, scrambling over volcanic rock, and standing on cliffs above crashing waves, Hawaii’s your playground. Just bring the right gear and a readiness to adapt.

Not into any of these destinations? No worries. Check these out.  

So, who’s coming? 

Eloping doesn’t mean going it entirely alone—unless that’s what you want. Adventure elopements can include just the two of you or a few close friends and family. But remote spots often come with quirks. Limited access, long trails, or rocky terrain can make it tricky for guests without a solid pair of hiking boots. That doesn’t mean you have to leave them out. It just means planning for comfort, safety, and realistic expectations.

Call in the pros

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. A solid team can make the day feel intentional, not improvised. Start with an adventure elopement photographer or videographer who’s comfortable shooting in nature, not just ballrooms. A planner or guide can help you navigate logistics and weather. You’ll need an officiant unless you’re in a self-solemnizing (or self-uniting) state. A mobile hair and makeup artist is a game changer, and florals, especially dried ones, can add character without wilting mid-hike.

What to look for in a photographer 

• Choose someone with real outdoor experience. Not every wedding photographer is ready to hike, navigate remote areas, or shoot in unpredictable light. Ask about their comfort level in nature and how many outdoor elopements they’ve done.
• Ask about their gear, backups, and emergency plans. What cameras do they bring? How do they store files on-site? What happens if their batteries die or the weather shifts suddenly? A prepared photographer will already have answers.
• Request full galleries, not just curated highlight reels. Anyone can post ten stunning photos on Instagram. You want to see how they handle a full day—lighting changes, real moments, less-than-perfect conditions, and all.
• Make sure their style fits your vision. If you’re picturing raw, documentary-style photos, someone who shoots soft and dreamy might not be the best match. Know what you want and be honest about it.
• Trust matters. You’re spending your whole day with this person, in some cases in pretty vulnerable conditions. Make sure you vibe with them as much as you like their work.
• We offer adventure elopement packages for couples who want more than a ceremony. They want an experience. From epic views to remote locations, we’ll line up everything you need, including vendors and logistics. All you have to bring is your marriage license and the person you’re wild about. 

Paperwork, Permits, and the Fine Print You Actually Need to Read

Thinking of eloping in a different state? Love it. Eloping often means less stress and fewer moving parts, but don’t skip the fine print. Each state has its own marriage laws, and they’re not all created equal. Some require you to apply in person, others tack on a waiting period, and a few let you handle the whole thing by mail. Many parks and outdoor spaces also require special permits for weddings or photography, so it pays to check with land managers early.

Luckily, we’re on it. While we don’t handle every permit, we take care of many. We also help coordinate officiants, photographers, and the other puzzle pieces that make your elopement legal and memorable. You bring the vows. We’ll wrangle the rest.

Packing and Dressing for a Ceremony in the Wild

Style and comfort are both non-negotiable when you’re trekking to your ceremony spot or braving a windy cliff edge. Choose outfits that breathe, pack well, and move with you, whether that’s a dramatic dress, a layered suit, or something totally unexpected. Wear solid hiking boots for the journey and change into something dressier if you want, but only if it makes sense for the terrain. Bring layers, stay warm, and don’t forget the essentials: snacks, water, first aid, backup batteries, and any specialized gear your location requires. Capes, jackets, veils, and accessories are your friends. Just make sure they’re as functional as they are fun.

Plan a Dream Adventure Elopement with Simply Eloped

From bucket-list destinations to your favorite local trailhead, Simply Eloped helps you say, “We’re doing this,” in a way that actually feels like you. Whether you’re dreaming of mountaintop vows, a quiet forest clearing, or a city park that holds a special memory, our all-inclusive elopement packages are built to make it easy, personal, and stress-free without sacrificing the moments that matter.

We’ve planned over 14,000 elopements across the country, so yes, we’ve seen a few things. We’ve helped couples get married in national parks, on rocky coastlines, deep in the desert, and sometimes right in their own backyard. No two elopements are the same, and that’s the whole point.

Have a specific spot in mind but don’t see it on our list? Reach out. If it’s doable, we’ll make it happen. And if it’s not? We’ll help you find something just as epic. You bring the vision; we’ll bring the know-how.