Adventure Elopement Trends in 2022

Elopements in general have become a trend that I think (hope) is here to stay because we LOVE it. Years ago, if you heard someone eloped you would imagine they were sneaking off to Vegas or a nearby courthouse to tye the knot. Now, elopements have transformed into a planned “micro wedding” held on a secluded beach, at the top of the mountain, or somewhere in between. We have made a list of some other trends that have made their way into the wedding world!

Locations: In general, we have seen couples move away from more popular areas of the world to seek solitude for their ceremony. This only adds to the intimacy and makes for some beautiful photos! A few locations we’ve seen growing increasingly popular are:

Yosemite
- This location can be really popular depending on the time of year and day of the week and because there are only a few places within the park that you can actually hold your ceremony. You are allowed to roam the park for photos prior or following your ceremony.
Iceland
- Iceland has become increasingly popular just for travel but also for elopements. You really can’t beat the scenery of the black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls and lush green fields.

Florals: Boho style has quickly taken over the elopement world– loose bouquets with wildflowers and earthy tones! If you are planning a ceremony at the top of a mountain, you want a sustainable bouquet that will still look great when you reach the top so we’ve seen couples opt for dried flowers in their bouquet. With lush green as your scenery, we’ve seen couples using their bouquets as pops of color.

Dresses: This is one of my favorite trends! Couples have moved away from the traditional wedding dress and again, the boho style has really made its entrance into this world.

Colored gowns: who says you can’t have a pink wedding dress? One of my favorite things about this trend is I feel like it’s way for brides to express themselves! Not all brides personalities fit the pure white wedding gown and I love that we are moving away from that.
Dirty gowns: if you are out in the mountains, chances are your dress is going to get a little dirty. Instead of being upset about it, EMBRACE it. These photos show just how much of an adventure your ceremony was and we love that couples are using it to their advantage!
- Hiking boots: we LOVE the trend of hiking boots with your dress. Functional and cute!

Hair & Makeup: this is another one of my favorite trends that I hope is here to stay. Brides seem to be moving towards more natural looks when it comes to both hair and makeup. When eloping outdoors, brides seem to not want to go overboard with their hair and makeup style. Hairstyles have taken an approach for a more lived in and tousled look and makeup styles have geared more towards showing off glowing skin and effortless romantic looks!

Accessories: we’ve seen a number of brides add accessories to their hairs that show off their personality. Trendy hipster hats? We’ve here for it.

Stephanie Keegan

I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. I focus on capturing love in beautiful places while sharing a passion for the outdoors. Rock climbing, backpacking, hiking – I love it all!