If you’re eloping, a part of the reason is probably because you imagine getting married in a beautiful location. Whether it’s a meaningful place for you two or a new area to explore together, choosing the perfect location is essential to your entire experience for the day. Not to mention, it makes big difference with how well the photos turn out as well! Here are are few things you should consider while deciding where to tie the knot.
While deciding on your elopement location, make sure to choose a place that is meaningful to you. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a place you’ve both traveled to but make sure it’s something that is intriguing to both your interests! If you’ve booked a photographer, ask them for ideas that could fit your vision. Maybe it’s somewhere you have always talked about visiting with your partner or somewhere from your childhood that you use to visit, the location and ceremony will mean that much more to you if there is significance behind it.
There are a couple things to keep in mind when choosing a location. How long or difficult of a hike are you envisioning? Will you have guests there? What are their physical capabilities? If you want to backpack 10 miles to your location and spend the night, will all of your guests be comfortable and able to do that? Decide what is more important to you, the location where you are getting married at or the people you want there. If having your grandparents there is what is most important to you, find an epic location that you can drive right up to! After the ceremony, you and your partner can always continue your adventure by yourself and backpack to another location for the night.
If you want your dog to be there, make sure it’s a location that allows them. Many national parks have minimal to no access for dogs so do your research!
Just because you’re not having a traditional wedding doesn’t mean there aren’t costs involved. Check out our blog on what vendors we recommend booking for an elopement and decide which ones fit in your budget and which ones are going to make your day that much more special. If you have it in your budget to elope in the Italian dolomites, by all means GO FOR IT! If your budget doesn’t allow for that, check out the North Cascades or the Grand Tetons. Keep in mind the amount of guests you will have there and their travel costs. Many of the national parks require permits that can include small fees.
If you’re envisioning a warm and sunny day then choose a location like Utah or Arizona where your chances of seeing rain are limited. If you’re looking for an overcast and soft lighting, opt for the PNW in October— keep in mind the weather can be unpredictable and chances are you will get some rain on your wedding day. Either way, always research what the weather will be like where you are going, are you fine with hiking up in 90-100 degree weather or in the rain? It’s always good to prepare for the worst case scenario weather so there are no surprises.
The great thing about eloping is you can dream of your perfect background and make it a reality! If you’re looking for red rocks and desert vibes, look for locations in Utah or Colorado. If you’re looking for waterfalls or moody beaches look at locations in Oregon and Washington. Look at Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration and again, ask your photographer for ideas! Chances are, they have been to a location that has the scenery you are looking for.
Figuring out where to go to shop for a wedding dress can be overwhelming, especially when it’s one of a million things to do on your wedding planning checklist. We’ve created a list of our favorite bridal shops in the PNW with a range of designers catering to all sorts of styles and budgets.
Looking for the best location for your outdoor, adventure elopement? Here is my definitive list after years photographing elopements.
Looking to get married in Washington, Oregon, or Alaska? Here are the details on getting a marriage license in these states.
