The Ultimate (but concise) Adventure Elopement Planning Guide
DAMNNNN can wedding planning be stressful—which is why here at Adventure Pact WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Say goodbye to pulling your hair out stressing about the when, the where, the deets…Check out this guide to help you decide:
1. Whether eloping is right for you
2. Other rad options that AREN’T eloping but less stressful than a traditional wedding + How to decide how much time is right for you
3. Where to say ‘I do’
4. Fun activities to incorporate in your day
and MORE
Is eloping the right choice for me?
Maybe this is blaspehmous to say as an elopement, micro wedding and epic honeymoon planner and photog and I can tell you right now…
for as popular and trendy as eloping is right now, it’s just not for everyone (and thats OKAY!)
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I ONLY recommend elopements if:
You are shy or don’t like the idea of having too many people around (if any) for when you share personal vows with your future spouse
You prioritize quality time and don’t want to be distracted by loads of people greeting you and congratulating you
You want to be fully present on your wedding day and distractions, chaos and loads of logisitcs will distract you from being full in-the-moment
Having an adventurous or unique experience on your wedding day would be more meaningful for you then a big party
You like the idea of a big wedding but its just not in the budget right now —-Many people are buying homes, starting families, going back to school, etc so this is a BIG reason to do a “split day” which I will go into more below
2. other unique wedding ideas that aren’t eloping + Deciding how much time you need
As I mentioned above one great idea is a SPLIT DAY. Simply put this IS an elopement but with a reception, party or wedding at a later date. This option has become increasingly popular with my couples as a best-of-both-worlds way to have your intimate elopement and party too. This can look like:
A 2 hour courthouse elopement followed by a large reception at your favorite rooftop bar with jsut drinks and like snacks a month later
A week long adventure honeymoon + elopement with a “thanks for supporting our love story” dinner in your backyard the day you get back
A 6 hour adventure elopement doing your favorite adventure activity together with a big blow-out wedding abroad on your one year
Not into this vibe? Here are some other great otpions to say I do in a different way:
The microwedding: 10-30 People
A traditional wedding (over 75 people) with non tradtional events such as games, dance offs, horseback riding, canoeing and more
The adult summer camp wedding
The week abroad family wed-cation
The wedding scavenger hunt
But Kayla, How do I decide?
So if your having a hard time choosing what is the best route for you check out this blog I wrote about deciding on the best fit for your day OR feel free to schedule a free consultation and bounce some ideas off of me!
Typically I have my badass couples break down what they want into categories:
Where do you want to elope (think mountains, desert, beach, a specific country, etc)
What time of year/date do you want to get married?
What adventure activities do you want to include, if any? Much of this will be dependant on the time of year.
Do you want to include friends and family?
What is your budget?
What traditional wedding elements (if you are going the elopement route) do you want to include such as first look, first dance, champagne toast, vow exchange, cake cutting, etc
With this iformation I am able to direct couples not only to what type of wedding would be a good fit but also direct on how many coverage hours are best.
Typically for traditional wedding 6-10 hours is recommended but for adventure elopements most couples end up choosing 10+ hours so they really can soak in the time with their partner without feeling rushed.
3. Where to say I do
(based on your interest, personality, time of year and more)
International: If youve been dreaming about exploring, immersing yourself in a new culture, and getting a little mroe bang for your buck, international elopements and mciroweddings are the way to go. From remote jungle eloipements to incredible multi-day adventure elopements with an adventure honeymoon for less than half of what you would pay for a traditional wedding, there really isnt a way to go wrong here.
DISCLAIMER: The majority of the following locations are for commitment ceremonies only unless noted. This means you will need to be legally married before or after in your home country. The countries where you can legally get married in-coutnry without an on-ground requirement (period of time where you are required to reside before being allwoed to wed regardless of immigration or residency status) are marked by an asterisk*
Ecuador -
Best for: The couple that wants to get out of their comfort zone and try new things together. The mountaineer couple. The couple that wants a lot of bang for their buck.
Why we love it: There is a reason they call it the land of All in One Place. High alpine glaciers, lush Amazonian rainforest, white sand beaches and multi-sport activities for all skill levels.
Activities to do: Trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, backpacking, paddleboarding, kayaking, cultural experiences, speed flying, food tours, cooking classes, helicopter rides.
Peru -
Best for: The spontaneous couple. The mountaineer couple (or couple who wants to try mountaineering for the first time). The couple that enjoys learning about other cultures
Why we love it: Other-wordly landscapes, budget friendly, escaping the norm, alpacas.
Activities to do: Trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, camping, backpacking, cultural tours.
Bolivia -
Best for: The couple that wants to escape the norm. The mountain-loving couple.
Why we love it: High alpine glaciers, unique landscapes, insane rock climbing.
Activities to do: Trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, cultural experiences.
Panama*-
Best for: The chill couple. The couple looking to experience new things without going too far from home. The island-hopping couple
Why we love it: Endless hidden waterfalls, raw off-the-beaten-path experinces, over water bungalows without going to French Polynesia.
Activities to do: Hiking, camping, cultural experiences, food tours, cooking classes, scuba diving, community projects.
Colombia -
Best for: The couple that values culture and community. The couple looking to adventuremoon on top of their elopement.
Why we love it: One of the most culutrally-rich locations we offer Colombia will welcome you with open arms. THE FOOD AND COFFEE. Jungles, snowy mountains and remote islands and hidden riverside bungalows that are just out of this world.
Activities to do: Hiking, cycling, coffee tours, TEJO, mountaineering (yes, really), kayaking, glamping, bird watching, cooking classes, cultural tours, waterfall chasing.
Mexico*-
Best for: The couple that wants to get out of their comfort zone and try new things together. The mountaineer couple. The couple that wants a lot of bang for their buck.
Why we love it: There is WAY MORE to Mexico than just Cancun and Playa del Carmen. From the endless charm of pueblos magicos, the jagged peaks and world class climbing of El Potrero Chico, and innumerable canyons with cascading waterfalls inside them…There is more to Mexico than meets the eye.
Activities to do: Trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, paddleboarding, kayaking, cultural experiences, food tours, glamping, scuba, camping, wildlife tours, cooking classes
Costa Rica* -
Best for: The couple that wants to get out in the wild without sacrificing amenities.
Why we love it: This is one of the easiest foreign destinations to get LEGALLY hitched
Activities to do: hiking, atvs, snorkel, rafting, camping, glamping, cultural tours.
Guatemala-
Best for: Couples seeking to have family and close friends on their day in a unique and affordable destiantion.
Why we love it: Lake Atilián micro weddings. Enough said.
Activities to do: hiking, camping, glamping, atvs, kayaking, cooking classes, swimming, textile tours.
Domestic: As much as we love a good international elopement there are tons of jaw-dropping locations stateside that truly are one-of-a-kind. From the ease of paperwork to increased access for friends and familly to attend, here is our list of some of our favorite spots to exchange vows in the USA
Utah -
Best for: The couple that wants to do it all.
Why we love it: Transitioning landscapes from red rock desert to winding rivers and snow-capped peaks. Hidden gems for a truly intimate experience—Did you know? You can take a prop plane to some spots for a truly off-the-grid experience.
Activities to do: Rock climbing, canyoneering, pack rafting, off roading, base jump/skydive, camping, backpacking, skiing/snowboard (seasonal), stargazing.
Nevada-
Best for: The couple that wants a lot of bang for their buck. Desert lovers. The couple that wants a best-of-both-worlds (city and desert). The couple that truly wants to run off and elope.
Why we love it: Obviously there is some sort of magic with eloping in Las Vegas but did you know Vegas (and Nevada in general) is home to some of the best rock climbing in the country as well as endless hiking trails, hot springs, and even a ski resort?
Activities to do: Hiking, kayaking, hot springs, rock climbing, helicopter tours, food tours, tattoos (yes you can do this on your wedding day!), Las Vegas shows, Sandboarding, jeep tours, stargazing.
Sierra Nevada, California -
Best for: The hiking and climbing couple that values off-the-grid experiences.
Why we love it: Alpine lakes and world-class climbing.
Activities to do: Trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, snowboard/ski (seasonal)
Washington -
Best for: Mountain and temperate rainforest lovers. Mountaineers who dont want to go international. East-coasters looking to escape (yep, we said it)
Why we love it: The HOH. Mt Rainier. Being able to go from snow to green forests, ferns and waterfalls within one hour. Pristine blue alpine lake hikes, ring-making classes.
Activities to do: Hiking, camping, pack rafting rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, alpine climbing, glamping , cycling, sea kayaking, winery tours, animal sighting, nature photography
Idaho-
Best for: The backpacking couple. The couple that values privacy and truly intiamte expeirences
Why we love it: The Sawtooth mountains, Stanley, the largest concentration of hot springs in the United State (
Activities to do: Trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, camping, hot springs, snowshoeing (seasonal), cycling, cross country skiing (seasonal)
Colorado -
Best for: The “LFG” couple (let’s fucking go) that likes to do everything—thrill seekers. The no-frills couple. The family-oriented couple.
Why we love it: THE VIEWS. So many things to do in a small area. Craft beer and cute cabins. Great for microweddings (10-30 people)
Activities to do: Hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, paddleboarding, kayaking, ice climbing, off-roading, rappeling, camping, dog sled tours, zip lines
Tennessee -
Best for: The couple that wants an adventure experience without going too extreme. The couple that wants a micro wedding. The couple that enjoys southern charm and cute BnB’s
Why we love it: Serene trails, stunning fall foliage, affordable micro wedding venues.
Activities to do: Hiking, rock climbing, zip lining, glamping, canoeing, kayaking, high ropes courses. ADULT SUMMER CAMP.
North Carolina-
Best for: The hiking couple. The hipster couple. The fall lovers
Why we love it: Tranquil treehouses in the mountains. The food culture in Ashevulle. Waterfalls. The llama train (yes, this is a real thing)
Activities to do: Hiking, backpacking, food tours, glamping, camping, canoeing, whitewater rafting, ski/snowboard (seasonal), distillery tours, ring making.
Alaska
Best for: The wildlife lovers. The couple that wants to see it all without trekking tens of hundreds of miles. The roll-with-it couple (because weather happens)
Why we love it: GLACIERS. Aurora season. Wildlife
Activities to do: Hiking, glacier walks and landings, sea kayaking, aurora tours, animal watching, dog sledding, helicopter rides.
Georgia -
Best for: The getaway couple.
Why we love it: A lot of yall mgiht be wondering why this one is on the list —but hey we are biased since this is Kayla’s (owner of AP) home state. Wineries. Stunning canyons. Dreamy Treehouses.
Activities to do: Hiking, winery tours, kayaking, camping, glamping.
4. An adventure elopement isn’t one with the >>ADVENTURE<<
When we say you should live your love story loudly we mean it. Throw out the rule book, have some fun, and get WILD
A lot of people wonder—how the hell can I actually incorporate adventures into my wedding day?
Its easier than you might think.
Most of our rad couples choose to do their activities pre or post ceremony to set the tone for their upcoming forever adventure. That being said, there are ways to safely incorporate certain activities (in your wedding attire) into the actual day of…and TBH they make for some pretty rad and hilarioius photo ops.
Here are some of our favorites:
Mountaineering- summit ceremony for just the couple or as a pre or post wedding activity. Can be good as a group activity pre wedding (like Emily Harrington and Adrian Ballinger did)
Hiking- The most popular elopement activity option as most couples choose to hike in to their ceremony location…this also opens up possibilities for locations as many of the most stunning you have to work to get to
Pack-rafting- This one can be one of the most fun, especially post-elope. Imagine saying I do, packing uo your raft and heading down some rad rapids to your camping or glamping site for your “reception”
Rock climbing- Tie-in for life. A favorite for those already experiences climber couples to “handfast” with a figure 8 —cute AF I KNOW- but can also be a great way to bond as a newlywed couple and one of our most booked activities for couples that adventuremoon (adventure elopement + honeymoon) with us
Cycling- Although this is mostly chosen by regular cycling enthusiast we love the idea of incorporating this as a group activity or as a unique way to get from a ceremony site to a reception site
Backpacking - If youre trying to do our split day coverage with a sunset and sunrise this may be the activity for you. Hike in, roast marshmallows and sleep under the stars and wake up for sunrise vows with your adventure-companion-for-life
Heli-tours- Another amazing option to find seclusion and take in amazing views without the hike in.
Dog sledding - Heading to Colorado or Alaska? Say I do and then ride to your picnic or reception site by the aid of the cutest little sled dog team you’ve ever seen.
Stargazing/Aurora Chasing- Milky way and Aurora season are other wordly ways to take your breath away next to the person who takes your breath away.
Camping/glamping- Great as a group activity or just you two, we highly recommend post elope roasting marshmallows, singing songs and just relaxing by a camp fire.
Skydive/base jump - One of our dream elopes is getting a rad skydiving couple to send it for their ceremony—that being said, there are laods of tandem options to take a real leap of faith on your wedding day.
Offroading- The best way to get to remote locations
Canyoneering- Canyoneering can vary from dry desert canyons in Utah to rappelling waterfalls in Costa Rica; this activity is best incorporated as a post elope or adventuremoon activity.
Ring making - A pre elopement through and through what is more special than making your wedding bands (avaialble in North Carolina and Washington by hand to exchange during your ceremony
Scuba diving- Whether your want to get SCUBA certified as a couple or incoporate this as a honeymoon activity these make for not only some epic photos but a fanstic start to exploration as a married pair.
Snowboard/ski- Dang do we really love a snow-lope. Grab your crew, your board and hit the slopes with the gang. This is prob our favorite photo-op and its hella fun for a winter wedding.
Scavenger hunts- So this is something we curate uniquely for our couples and can be incorporated day of as a “build your own elope” for those ballin-on-a-budget couples or the day after for those looking for a more themed day. This option is also great for multi day micro weddings to do a group bonding activity with friends and family (and can be color-war style)
5. Legalities, ceremony types and the nitty gritty
So this might be the most important section of this guide…
Eloping Domestically (state side)
Each state and country has their own rules and regulations regarding legally getting married. Typically this involves both partners being legally single, providing a valid form of identification, paying and fee and a waiting period. Each state and municipality has specific rules towards the needed documentation so we suggest visiting the country registrar and licensing office in the country in which you want to be wed.
Please note: Some counties require you to come in person to apply and other require a waiting period. Please take this into consideration when choosing your elopement location
Eloping Internationally
Contrary to what many elopement photographers say, you CAN NOT legally bring your stateside marriage certificate to a foreign country and get married, regardless of where the officiant legally resides.
The MAJORITY of eloping couples choose to do what is called a commitment ceremony where they get legally married in their home country at the courthouse before or after the spiritual ceremony and vow exchange. This option takes out the bureaucratic hassle of having documents translated, apostilled, etc. Many countries also require a substantial on-ground wait period (typically anywhere from 1-3 months) before you can get married legally within the country, even if your future spouse is from the same country as you.
Although this is the most popular route for eloping abroad, there are some countries where the process is relatively straightforward
Easiest countries to elope as a US or Canadian citizen: Denmark, Costa Rica, Mexico,Iceland, Italy, Panama
Ceremony Types
We’ve already mentioned Commitment ceremonies which are an incredible and fun way to say I DO (read more about that here) but there are so man other ways to get hitched.
Religious Ceremonies - tradtional ceremony foucsed on unitrd two people through a marriage focused on god or another relgious figure.
Non-denominational cermeonies- cermeonoes where the officiant directs their ceremony script on the story of the couples beginnings and the comittment they are making to one another.,
Courthouse quickies- The “old school” elopment. These ceremonies can be religious, non-denominational or sign and go
Unity ceremonies- Typically done with candle lighting or sand pouring, these ceremonies involve an activity that symbolizes the union made between two souls.
Handfasting- Routed in Paganism, Handfasting ceremonies are when the couples hands are tied together with ribbon rope or anotehr binding material. The colors of the bindings signify different facets of the couples union —most commonly respect, love, family, growth and joy. Although there are many ways to do handfasting our favorite allows the couple to pull the ribbons through each other hands to create a knot—hence the term “tying the knot”
The nitty gritty
“What the hell is the nitty gritty"?” you might ask. This is where we keep it real with you. Transaprency is imporant and we want to make sure youre ready for the best day ever
Come prepared not only for a good time but with the right attitude to your elopement. Things happen, weather happens…and as much as we try to mitigate undesirable thigns happening…sometimes it just does. Your attitude dicatestes if your going to have an amazing day or a “it couldve been better” day.
Trust us. This is easier said than donem, espeically in regards to a new adventuree sport. Our team is the best of the best. This doenst mean things cant happen but we do our best to have the best gear, the best team and to carry out all couples activities safely (no sketch ATC belays just for a photo). We also make sure that we have our network ready in the case of an accident.
Check your documentation. Especially in regards to family members and children in microweddings; please be through with checking the names, sigantures, validity, etc of documents.
Investing in us and we will invest in you. Our time, experience and expertise is worth a lot and we will make sure that is apparent during your day (s) We do our best to work with most budgets but this is a small business that supports community organizations. We hope to be around for a long time which means providing ourselves and our teams sustainable wages.
Get insurance. Wedding insurance, Spot insurance, travel insurance, health insurance…seriously. $hi% happens.
Read your contract. We are humans too, but the contract is in place to not only protect us but you.
Dont stress. We’ve got you