Welcome to the blog, where resources are available to help you plan your best adventure yet!
I’m guessing one of the big reasons you’re opting for an elopement instead of a big wedding is the sense of adventure that lies in your soul—the one you can’t ever seem to tame, the one that is always craving a thrill, a new experience, a new memory to create. You likely dream of being surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes in the world as you exchange your vows, swapping the artificially-lit room of a traditional venue for the bright blue skies of Utah, or maybe the foggy clouds of Norway. No matter what your dream elopement looks like, you know you want it to be unforgettable from start to finish, and that’s why I’m here to help you pick at least one or two bucket list adventures to have on your elopement day.
Now, what exactly do I mean by “bucket list adventures,” and why would those even be a part of your elopement in the first place?
We’ve probably all made a bucket list at some point in our lives, whether it was when we were ten years old and had no idea what any of it meant, or when we were in our teenage years, saving photos of beautiful places to many a Pinterest board. Maybe your bucket list items have morphed into New Year’s resolutions over the years, every January compiling a list of all the things you want to finally make happen once and for all.
I’ll let you in on a little secret, friend: your elopement day is the perfect opportunity to make these dreams come to life. The perfect opportunity to spend a day (or multiple) as if you could literally do anything in the world.
Think about it: this is a day you’ll be planning for months on end, down to every last detail to make sure it’s exactly what you’re envisioning. This is an event you’ll be investing a significant amount of time, money, and energy into; an event that will hold a huge amount of meaning in your love story for the rest of your lives together. So why not turn it into a once-in-a-lifetime trip where you get to experience brand new things, see breathtaking places, and create epic memories that you’ll never forget?
Before we dive into a big list of epic activity ideas, I wanted to share a few practical things you should keep in mind as you plan your adventures!
While I absolutely will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone on your elopement day—whatever that may look like for you—I also want to make sure you’re realistic about what’s possible for you, as well as for any guests that will be involved. Let’s say you’re dying to take a hot air balloon ride, for example, but one of your parents is super anxious about the idea and would rather stay behind. Maybe you spend one day of your elopement enjoying quality time with them, doing things they’re comfortable with, and the next you go off on your own to enjoy your dream hot air balloon ride!
In addition to what you and any guests coming along are comfortable with, you’ll also want to think about what you’ll realistically be able to do. A 10-mile hike through the desert might sound amazing right now, but will it still sound exciting when you’ve flown across the country/world, are jet lagged, and have already spent a couple of days exploring? If so, incredible—we’ll make it happen, and we’ll make sure to plan it at a time when you’ll be full of energy! But if not, you may want to lean toward something less challenging or energy-exerting. You know your limits, and you know yourselves better than I ever could, so this is totally up to you!
Planning your timeline is a crucial part of ensuring your elopement is smooth and stress-free as can be, so any activities you include will have a big impact on the flow of your trip. Right off the bat, I want you to know that this isn’t something you’ll be expected to go at alone—I’ll be there to help you curate the perfect timeline for your unique day. When picking your activities, we’ll want to take into account a few things:
Again, don’t worry about doing this on your own, as I’ll be guiding you the whole time! As a general rule of thumb, I recommend not planning more than one activity per day—but there may be exceptions depending on the exact details of your trip, of course.
Finally, hiring the right photographer to capture your adventures is key. Some of the activities included on the list below are pretty intense, risky, or challenging, and may even require a photographer with experience doing that activity themselves. Rock climbing on your elopement day, for example, means you’ll need a photographer who knows how to capture you from the base as you climb, OR climb with you (my preferred method of getting the most epic shots!).
Or how about scuba diving? You’ll need a photographer who has the experience and equipment necessary to document that experience for you. I’m well-versed in many of these adventurous activities, so you can head into your day trusting that I’ll be able to capture every thrilling moment for you!
Ready to see all the incredible possibilities your elopement day can bring? Consider your major bucket list items checked ✔️
I may be biased because I love climbing myself, and because I’ve spent many years exploring the expansive deserts of Utah, but rock climbing is always a good idea for adventurous couples looking for epic adventures. I have experience photographing the coolest couples making their way up some of the biggest rocks in Utah, rappelling down massive cliff faces, and getting all geared up in their elopement attire—and they’re some of my favorite shots of all time. Plus, it helps a ton to have an experienced climber as a photographer, since they’re able to tag along with you to get the best angles! (see myself and Michael photographing a climbing elopement in the photos below)
If you’re curious about what it could look like to elope in Moab, read through my full Moab Elopement Guide next.
Is there a better way to spend the day than ripping around on ATVs with the love of your life? I honestly can’t think of anything better. Whether it’s through the untouched highlands of Iceland or the red rock deserts of Utah, off-roading is an awesome way to explore wild and rugged terrain that you wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. Depending on where you elope, your off-roading experience might take you through sand, gravel, snow, mud, dirt, or even over riverbeds! I’ve worked with many amazing companies that rent ATVs and Jeeps for off-roading experiences, so I’d be stoked to help you find one wherever you’re eloping.
Are you envisioning an off-roading elopement adventure through the desert? Here are 23 beautiful desert elopement locations that would be killer.
If you’re eloping near a river with whitewater rapids, or close to a remote area that’s only accessible by rafting, I highly recommend going white water rafting or packrafting! White water rafting is a thrilling way to move through fast-moving rapids on a river, and can easily be done through a local tour company wherever you’re at.
Packrafting, on the other hand, is better for couples who want to make a trek into a remote area that requires you to traverse through water. Packrafts are small enough that you can fold them up and carry them in a backpack, making them super easy to transport and get out/put away as needed. Such a fun way to explore areas with a mix of both water and land!
Ice caves are probably one of the coolest things to ever exist on this planet, and can be found all around the world, but especially in Iceland, Alaska, Austria, and the Arctic in general. Exploring ice caves is an absolutely mind blowing experience, as you’re surrounded by striking caves full of unique ice formations that have been preserved for many years—essentially experiencing the inside of a glacier! Iceland is famous for its vibrant crystal blue ice caves, especially those found in the Vatnajokull glacier.
Learn more about all the magic that Iceland has to offer here!
For those of you who would rather take in the views from the sky, an elopement day helicopter ride is definitely the way to go. Getting a birds-eye view of spectacular landscapes such as the colorful Great Barrier Reef, the expansive Grand Canyon, and the soaring dunes of Namibia is an unreal experience, and totally different from exploring on the ground. Helicopter rides are also a great way to access remote locations that are inaccessible by foot or vehicle, such as certain glaciers deep in the Alaskan wilderness!
Interested in a hot air balloon elopement? Be prepared for an early morning! The ideal time for take off is around 5:30am due to better weather conditions. Hot air balloon rides are extremely dependent on weather, and can’t take off with over 5mph winds. Don’t worry, I got you covered monitoring that! You can soar high above the ground for your epic elopement. Check out some of the vibrant and colorful photos I took with K + M at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival!
Want to literally ride off into the sunset with the love of your life? You totally can if you schedule a horseback ride during your trip! Riding on horseback is such a cool way to get familiar with the unique terrain of the destination you’re visiting, whether you’re atop Icelandic horses as you ride through fields of lupine, or trekking on a pony through the Scottish highlands.
I honestly don’t think anyone would ever say no to a relaxing soak in a remote hot spring, especially if it’s after a long day of hiking or outdoor exploring. From the iconic Blue Lagoon in Iceland to the natural hot springs found in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, this is such a beautiful and romantic way to wind down on your elopement day! Just be sure to follow hot spring etiquette no matter where you are (which often includes wearing appropriate clothing, keeping glass away from the spring, and respecting other visitors), as well as adhering to any local rules.
There’s nothing more magical than seeing a dark night sky lit up with sparkling stars across the Milky Way, no matter if you’re in the Arctic or in the middle of the Texas desert. You’ll have the best chance of seeing more stars during a New Moon, and at a remote location away from light pollution—especially Dark Sky Places. These are locations that have been recognized for their incredible night skies, thanks to a lack of light pollution, brilliant views of the Milky Way, and/or potential to see epic celestial phenomena!
On that same note, how incredible would it be to see the Northern Lights during your elopement? Truly something out of a romantic storybook, in my humble opinion. If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights, you’ll want to plan your elopement date during the season that’ll give you the best chance at seeing them; fall and spring, for example, are the best times to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Swimming with whales is one of my biggest dreams, and I know that shark dives or swims with dolphins are on many people’s bucket lists, too. So I figured I had to include it in this list! Tropical destinations such as the Maldives, the Bahamas, and French Polynesia will be your best bet for swimming with such majestic wildlife, so make sure you’re okay with an elopement full of sunshine and beach days (I mean, who wouldn’t be?).
I’m not sure this one even needs an explanation—just imagine you and your soon-to-be-spouse riding a 4WD through the vast African desert, surrounded by expansive mountain ranges, rugged savannahs, and incredible animals that you’ve never witnessed in the wild. Giraffes, zebras, lions, elephants, rhinos. . . the list could go on, and the photos + experience you’d get from this adventure would be absolutely phenomenal. I’ll be in my element just snapping away as you watch these beautiful creatures in awe, and in a lush, gorgeous landscape, no less!
Kayaking around icebergs is a wildly cool and once-in-a-lifetime experience, most readily available in places like Alaska and Iceland. Depending on where you are, you’ll be able to kayak down glacier rivers, get up close and personal with glaciers that have been around for longer than you can even fathom, and witness the vibrant blue tones that glacial lakes boast. Many kayaking tours like this require a jet boat or helicopter ride to get to, so you may even be able to hit two bucket list items with one stone!
Sure, I may be biased because I’m an elopement photographer who was based out of a camper van for years, but how awesome would it be to turn your elopement into a road trip together? Whether you create an itinerary that takes you across all the prettiest parts of southern Utah, or you make a trek across the vast Scottish highlands, a camper van is the perfect method of transportation for adventurous couples who aren’t afraid of a little spontaneity. There are a ton of van rental companies across the world that you can get a vehicle through for your trip, which is something I’m more than happy to help coordinate.
Snorkeling or scuba diving is a must if you’re eloping somewhere tropical, especially if the place you’re going is known for its spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. What you’ll be able to see will vary by location, of course, but if you visit the right spot, you could find yourselves swimming through the vibrant blue seas and seeing colorful schools of fish, vibrant reefs, and maybe even larger marine life such as dolphins, turtles, sharks, or jellyfish. Either find a snorkeling destination on your own time, or book a tour with a local company who knows all the best spots!
Dog sledding is a must if you’re eloping somewhere snowy—what better way to experience the magical landscapes than with a thrilling dog sled ride through the wintry wilderness? Countries like Norway, Finland, and Greenland offer pretty incredible dog sled rides through natural glaciers + the snow-covered countryside, and can even offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights, if you time your ride correctly.
If you want a totally one-of–a-kind elopement that embraces true adventure in every sense of the word, do it on a freaking volcano. Yes, that’s really something you can do! When I visited Guatemala, I hiked to the top of an active volcano and realized just how epic it would be to have a couple up there on their big day. Make sure you’re prepared for potential altitude sickness, and that you find a hike that matches your abilities!
One of the most epic ways to explore a glacial landscape is by literally getting on top of it, either via hiking, ice climbing, glacier climbing, or any combination of the three. Glacier climbing typically involves the use of crampons, rope, and your typical climbing gear, but it’s a totally different experience than rock climbing in a dry, desert climate. I would be SO stoked to photograph a couple looking like total badasses as they climb up a wall of ancient ice, surrounded by gorgeous blue tones and snow-covered landscapes—what a dream come true.
Swimming in a cenote is a must if you’re eloping in Mexico, especially along the Yucatan Peninsula in places like Tulum or Playa del Carmen. Cenotes are these really beautiful natural sinkholes that form under collapsed bedrock, and would often be used as water supplies for ancient Mayan communities. Many of these cenotes and caves are incredibly striking, with vibrant blue water fed by rain and rivers, and offer a uniquely stunning place to take a swim!
You’ve heard of skateboarding, and you’ve heard of snowboarding—but have you ever heard of sandboarding? It’s pretty self-explanatory: you simply ride down a sand dune atop a board similar to a snowboard. This is such a fun way to experience massive sand dunes like the ones you can find in Utah, Namibia, Peru, and other places with expansive desert landscapes! You’ll feel like you’re in Dune, except there won’t be a giant sandworm chasing after you (hopefully).
If I were you, I’d probably be reeling right now with all the spectacular opportunities and options that lie in front of me—so it’s okay if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. The most important part of incorporating bucket list adventures into your elopement isn’t picking the “perfect” ones, or the ones that seem the “coolest” from the outside—it’s choosing activities that will take you outside of your comfort zone, and create epic lifelong memories together.
My all-inclusive elopement packages are perfect for couples looking for a multi-day, adventure-filled experience anywhere in the world, as I’ll be there to help plan your entire elopement with you! And that includes picking the perfect bucket list adventures to add into your timeline. Reach out here if you’re ready to start planning your dream elopement experience—can’t wait to get to know each other and give you the most incredible adventure of your lives.