8 Signs an Adventure Elopement is Perfect For You
You’ve heard of adventure elopements–but are they right for you? It can be tough to determine what the right path is for a wedding day, no matter what kind of couple you are.
The truth of the matter is, there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating the wedding day of your dreams. And the kind of day you end up planning will likely come down to the type of people you are your partner are, what’s important to you, and what you want your wedding day to look and feel like.
If you think you might be people who vibe with an adventure elopement but you aren’t quite sure, this blog is for you!
You & Your Partner Prioritize Experiences
If you and your soon-to-be spouse find yourselves focused on experiences over stuff, expectations, or traditions, then eloping might be the right choice for you. Elopements–especially adventurous elopements–are rooted in the idea that your day is an experience crafted specifically to your preferences. Traditional weddings (though beautiful and a great choice for some!) tend to become giant parties where the things involved (party favors, florals, wedding party gowns, etc.) get the most focus. If you and your partner are all about experiencing moments instead of planning for excess, stress, and more stuff, an adventure elopement is a great choice for you.
Saying Your Vows Privately is a Must
In most wedding settings, vows are said in front of everyone at the wedding. For some people, that’s no biggie–and that’s OK! For others, though (and let me know if you relate), the idea of saying your most intimate, meaningful thoughts about your partner in front of a group of people is enough to make you want to run screaming in the opposite direction. Adventure elopements are a great choice for couples who prioritize privacy, solace, and authentic moments that are able to be shared without fear of judgment or someone else looking on.
By nature, elopements tend to be smaller. And often, they include just the two people getting married (self-solemnizing is a big win for Colorado, BTW). Inherently, that reduces the stress of saying personal, emotional things in front of guests. More than that, though, adventure elopements by design are all about getting out into nature for private, genuine moments. Saying your vows just to your partner is more than possible–and there are plenty of gorgeous places to explore where you can have your ceremony without seeing another soul for hours.
You’re Not Chasing a Traditional Wedding Ceremony
Maybe you love some wedding traditions. Maybe you don’t like them at all. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, if including big, traditional elements in your wedding day simply isn’t important to you on the day you get married, then an elopement might be a great option.
Eloping allows you the freedom to choose the ceremony, the rituals, the actions, and the words that matter to you. Are you more interested in a sage smudging ceremony than being led through a wedding ceremony by an officiant? That’s amazing. Do you want to have your dog sign your marriage license instead of having any witnesses? You can do that. (One of my favorite perks of getting married in Colorado). If you’re not chasing the most traditional day, an elopement could be the perfect fit.
Outdoor Adventures Are Your Favorite Thing to Do Together
Do you two spend all your free time skiing down your favorite mountains? Are you obsessed with summiting gorgeous Colorado peaks? Would you rather spend hours kayaking on a stunning alpine lake than do anything else?
If outdoor adventures are a big part of your life or are when you feel your most alive and yourselves, an adventure elopement is a fantastic option.
Even the Thought of a “Big, Traditional Wedding” Stresses You Out
If the very thought of picking out flatware, florals for an entire venue, or having to sort through who to invite and who not to invite is stressing you out; I’ve got news.
Actually planning all these things out is likely going to stress you out even more. If you’re not someone who enjoys planning big events, if you’re not a person who wants to figure out the most diplomatic way not to invite extended family, and if you’re not a person who loves tradition, adventure eloping might be the perfect route.
Elopements can include the details you want–Bouquets! Wedding cake! Guests!–without making it overly complicated and overwhelming to plan. Remember, an elopement isn’t a big party for your friends and family. It’s a day focused on you, your partner, and the love you share. If anything more than that stresses you out, it’s time to consider an adventure elopement.
No “Center of Attention” Cravings Here
Does the idea of “all eyes” on you–especially on your wedding day–make you cringe? Some people don’t love being the center of attention. Some people do. Both ways of being are fine, but if you and your partner aren’t in the “center of attention” camp, then a traditional wedding has the potential to be a tough, less-than-joyous day. On your wedding day, you should feel nothing but happiness, love, and support. You shouldn’t be concerned about people staring at you. You shouldn’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious about your choices. And you shouldn’t be stressed about the amount of unwanted attention you might receive.
Eloping is all about creating a day that’s wholly supportive of what you want, what you love, and what means the most to you. If you’d rather spend eight hours in the middle of the desert without seeing another single human being, you can make that happen. If you’d rather climb to the top of a Colorado mountain where you can spend your whole elopement day with your partner, you can do that. If you want to pack in a ton of activities that are far, far away from civilization, hike a less-traveled trail, or get up before the sun to beat the crowds to a view, you can do that!
You’re 100% Focused on an Intentional Day
If you’ve never cared about throwing a lavish party for your guests, if the gift registry doesn’t matter to you one bit, and if you’re already on board with throwing everyone else’s expectations to the wind, an adventure elopement is a perfect choice for you.
Does that mean you can’t have a reception with your loved ones? Does that mean you can’t have a gift registry? Absolutely not. All it means is that you’re 100% focused on your day being as intentional, authentic, and centered on your love as possible.
All That Matters is You & Your Partner–Everything Else Comes Second
If you’ve got tunnel vision when it comes to your partner and the love you share (which, BTW, is a good thing), then an elopement might be the right choice for you. Why? Because an adventure elopement is all about creating an entire day (or days) dedicated to your love and your experience. All that matters in an adventure elopement is that you’re doing what you want, when you want, with who you want–and that you marry the love of your life. If this is already your attitude–or it’s an attitude you’re adopting–an adventure elopement is a must.
Let’s Plan the Adventure Elopement of Your Dreams
If you’re looking for a sign to consider adventure eloping, consider this it. Are you ready to create your perfect-for-you elopement day? I’m ready to help. When it comes to the planning process, every decision is up to you and your partner. I’m here to help you make it all happen. To learn more about how to create your perfect elopement day, discover the ins and outs of adventure elopements, or get your dream day on the calendar, reach out to me ASAP!
