Must-Consider Vendors for Your Adventure Elopement
Adventure elopements haven’t just opened the door for couples to imagination, creativity, and of course, wild experiences on their wedding days; they’ve basically kicked the door down, screaming at the top of their lungs, “Do things your way; it’s your day!”
For that, I’m eternally grateful. I’m very pro-do-things-the-way-you-want on your wedding day, and if that means you and your love want an epic, one-of-a-kind adventure that’s all about your priorities, we’re going to get along just fine.
But there’s one thing about the elopement world that bothers me a touch. Everyone seems to be on board with the idea that you can do things your way–that’s why hiking 8 miles to your ceremony spot or toasting champagne at the top of a mountain, or experiencing the day privately are all hugely (and rightfully) applauded.
But for some reason, the mention of vendors in the elopement world sometimes doesn’t click.
Elopements are often thought of as a boiled-down, simpler version of weddings. And, in some respects, that’s true. You often have a smaller guest list, a focus on the priority of the day (you and your partner), and fewer elements to plan. All of that sort of inherently translates to a lower-key, less stressful day overall.
But elopements aren’t boiled down days. They aren’t simpler in the sense that they don’t matter as much. And they aren’t a sort of “wedding-lite” in terms of meaningful elements.
Here’s a big truth about elopements that I’d love to scream from a mountaintop–you can do anything you want, especially including vendors!
Yep, vendors can (and should, if that’s a thing you care about) be included in your wedding day–whether it’s in the middle of a wildflower field on the top of a mountain or at a gorgeous venue in a national park.
Not sure how vendors fit into your wedding day? Don’t sweat it. I’m laying out some of my very favorite ways to add vendors to your elopement day lineup.
I want to start this section with a quick disclaimer–this is not an end-all-be-all list of vendors. If you have ideas about vendors of your own for your elopement day and you don’t see them on here, that doesn’t mean they’re not the perfect choice for you. This is just a teeny list of must-consider options to get your creative juices flowing.
Caterers & Private Chefs
If you and your partner are major foodies and you genuinely care about the breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner you’ll eat on your wedding day, but you don’t want to finagle all the food yourself, why not hire someone to give you the best damn meals ever?
Of course, you can always make arrangements at a great restaurant and bask in that experience, but if you both know you want something private and delicious, a caterer or a private chef is a great way to level up the food on your day.
Whether this means having someone prepare and pack up a beautiful charcuterie spread for a picnic overlooking an epic vista or returning to your Airbnb post-wedding ceremony for a gourmet meal, this is always a next-level vendor choice.
Officiants & Ceremony Leaders
If you’re eloping in states like Colorado, people like officiants and witnesses aren’t required for your marriage license to be valid. But that doesn’t mean you can’t want to include an officiant or someone to guide you through your ceremony.
Maybe you do want a religious leader to walk you and your future spouse through a specific ceremony. Perhaps you’re doing something a little different, like meditation or a sound bath, and you want a professional to guide you and your partner through each step.
These kinds of vendors–the ones who are going to be present with you and part of a very emotional and meaningful day–are personal, intimate choices.
It’s important to work with people you trust and know are going to support you and your partner and help you experience the day to its fullest, most joyful potential.
Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists
I always tell couples to channel their most comfortable, beautiful selves on their wedding days–and if that means glamming it up a little or just getting a touch of assistance with hair and makeup, then these vendors are going to be amazing options.
No matter where you might be getting married–in the middle of nowhere or in a major city–there are tons of talented and incredible professionals out there who are ready and willing to give you the look of your dreams for your elopement day.
And you know what? I’ve even had MUAs and stylists join me on mountaintops or at trailheads at 3 am. So, even if you think you can’t employ the help of a makeup artist or hair stylist because of the adventure you’ve chosen, that might not necessarily be true!
Florists & Flower Pros
I’m a sucker for gorgeous bouquets–and thankfully, most couples I work with are, too. Flowers–no matter how you include them–are a fun, vibrant, and memorable addition to your wedding day.
And you know what? They’re not just an accessory. Flowers can be one of those meaningful, memorable details that help you hold onto the day in a special way. Maybe your bouquet is a unique blend of flowers you and your partner love. Perhaps it’s a thoughtful arrangement of flowers your loved ones always give you. Maybe it’s a collection of flowers your partner gave you the first time you met.
Bouquets and floral arrangements give you the opportunity to get creative, tap into the meaningful things in your relationship, and express yourself even more authentically.
Adventure & Touring Guides
For many of the adventures of your choosing, I’m ready, willing, and overjoyed to be your go-to guide. But for some of those more intense or even highly-skilled adventures, hiring a tour or adventure guide can be an incredible way to fully enjoy the day with peace of mind.
Want to take a 4×4 tour of the San Juans in Colorado but don’t feel confident in your offroad driving skills? That doesn’t mean this option is off the table! There are so many 4×4 drivers out there who can chauffer you through the mountains to your ideal spot.
Hoping for a helicopter ride to an epic location? Helicopter tours are a must for couples who want access to amazing and remote locations without hiking–and a helicopter guide is the perfect way to do that!
Bakers & Custom Dessert Creators
No one says you must, without a doubt, include a wedding cake on your elopement day–but if you do want one, why not add it to your elopement day list of must-haves? Having a little sweet treat on your elopement day has been a long-standing tradition that many of us (even those who don’t care much about tradition) can probably get behind.
And by the way, who says it has to be cake?
Maybe you and your partner are donut obsessed–find a bakery with to-die-for donuts and bring them along on your adventure. Got a sweet thing for cupcakes? Wherever you’re planning on eloping, I can absolutely help you find the perfect baker to make your cupcake dreams come true.
Wedding Coordinators & Day-Of Planners
This one might come as a little bit of a shock, but wedding coordinators and day-of planners actually make fabulous vendors for adventure elopements.
Why? Because if you’re looking for a more involved wedding day without any additional stress, they can manage and juggle and keep things flowing smoothly without ever needing a thing from you.
As your elopement photographer, I’m here to help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime elopement day–and I’ll do a lot of that coordinating with you.
But when it comes to day-of and keeping on track and even managing some of the guests you invite, having a wedding coordinator can be a huge relief and a great way to breathe and soak in the entire day without additional stress.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect-For-You Elopement Day
Vendors or not, my main goal for your wedding day is that it’s exactly how you envisioned it.
Scratch that; I want it to be better.
If you’re ready to talk about planning your epic adventure elopement, have something in mind, or want to do this dang thing and book your dates, give me a call anytime.
You can reach out to me with questions about photos, planning, and how to have the best elopement day ever–or we can just chat about all things elopements; I’m totally game.
