You’re not boring and your wedding shouldn’t be either, so why not explore fun elopement ideas? If you’re a couple who loves adventure and out-of-the-box events, your wedding should emphasize that; take the time to check out some unusual elopement ideas for your special day.

In this blog I’m sharing…

• Fun elopement ideas for your adventure wedding
• The best West Coast locations to elope
• Hot tips for an epic elopement

What I truly love about elopements is that they allow for a certain degree of flexibility and freedom. Take advantage of this to the max and plan a unique elopement you’ll enjoy reminiscing about for years to come.

Want to get the ball rolling on planning your elopement? Explore my elopement photography packages today!

If you’re starting your adventure elopement planning from scratch, you may be thinking of planning around a specific activity. Below is a list of some cool elopement ideas you can mull over for your upcoming intimate wedding.

Imagine enjoying the view from a helicopter ride above the scenic Pacific Coast on your way to tie the knot with your favorite person. It makes for a really special moment and is also an excellent method of transportation to more remote or isolated locations. If you love crazy elopement ideas and an experience that leaves you feeling away from it all, consider including a helicopter ride in your elopement day.

Getting fresh air in your lungs, wandering among giant trees, and taking in unreal views is a great way to experience your special day. Of all the unique elopement ideas, hiking might be the most customizable. You can choose an easy, intermediate, or advanced trail. You can wear traditional wedding gear with hiking boots, or opt for outdoor attire only. You can hike during sunrise, in the middle of the day, or at sunset. You have so many options to choose from if you decide to go hiking on your adventure elopement.

Wondering if you should get out on the water on your wedding day? I say: Why not? Your wedding day should revolve around creating an epic experience that you and your partner will remember for years to come. If kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, or jet skiing are your favorite activities, you should definitely make it a part of your wedding day.

If your relationship is a mix of adventure and chill vibes, you may want to consider an option that’s a little more low-key. Finding some rocks in the desert in places like Joshua Tree or Death Valley may be right up your alley. The cactus-spotted desert landscape can make for a super intimate, relaxed, and stunning elopement. Just keep in mind that the best times to elope in the desert are the cooler months of spring, fall, and winter.

Of all the intimate wedding ideas, this one is the most whimsical. There’s a certain kind of magic that hot air balloons bring to your elopement day. Not only does going up in a hot air balloon make for an unforgettable wedding day activity, but it also creates an incredible backdrop for your photos.

For couples who aren’t afraid to get a little messy on their wedding day, grape stomping is a unique idea guaranteed to jam-pack your special day with fun. There’s no shortage of wineries on the West Coast, and they also tend to make an incredible backdrop for your adventure wedding photos.

The West Coast has a wide variety of beaches. Some beaches have fine sand, while others are a mix of smooth sea glass and rocks. Some have dramatic cliffs, others do not. Some locations are remote, while other beaches can be found closer to civilization. The variety of beaches you can find on the Pacific means your options for planning a beach adventure wedding are endless.

If you don’t mind getting a little sand in your clothes, you can exchange vows right on the beach with the sound of the waves crashing in the background and the soft sand squishing between your toes. It’s one of those less expensive elopement ideas that still feels indulgent, making it great for couples who are on a budget but still want to do something epic and fun.

If you love the outdoors and camping is something you and your significant other enjoy, why not incorporate that into your elopement? Then you can ditch racking your brain for ​​elopement reception ideas and opt for smores and a comforting beverage by the fire. If you love the outdoors but would prefer a little more comfort, you could try glamping or renting an RV to sleep in overnight.

A great adventure elopement comes down to location because it sets the tone for your wedding and also, to some degree, defines the activities you can do. The good news? There are a ton of great, unique elopement destinations on the Pacific Coast, leaving you with lots of options for your upcoming wedding. Below I’m sharing my list of the best elopement locations on the Pacific West Coast.

Crater Lake is one of the most fascinating elopement destinations in Oregon. This clear, deep blue lake is the feature destination of Crater Lake National Park. Fun fact: it was formed almost 8,000 years ago when a violent eruption collapsed an ancient volcano. If you love beautiful, mysterious lakes and want your elopement photo backdrop to be absolutely serene, this is the perfect location to choose.

One of the best elopement ideas in California is Santa Catalina Island—most commonly referred to as Catalina Island. You’ll need to get here by helicopter or boat, as there is no bridge to the island. It has lots of beaches, trails, and places to explore, meaning you’ll find no shortage of activity options. You could go adventure luxe and stay in a fancy hotel, such as the Catalina Island Inn or The Avalon Hotel, but the island offers camping options too.

Death Valley National Park is a land of striking contrasts, and despite its name is home to lots of thriving flora and fauna. If you and your partner are big fans of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, and back country driving, this park just might be the ultimate destination for your adventure wedding. You could be tying the knot amongst towering peaks and fields of wildflowers on the wedding camping trip of a lifetime.

If you’re leaning towards hiking for your elopement, wandering among giant trees in Redwood National Park is the perfect idea. There are so many trails to choose from, and many of them allow you to completely escape from traffic noise. Most of these trails are quiet which means you may not come across many other humans, giving this location a greater feeling of seclusion and true wilderness. Plus, the massive redwoods make for mind-boggling backdrops and props for your elopement photos.

You can’t talk about eloping in California without bringing up Big Sur. This scenic stretch of coastline is dramatic,  breathtaking, and nostalgic all at the same time—so many movies, new and old, have been filmed in and around Big Sur that it’s become an iconic location in California. It offers a ton of different types of backdrops for amazing elopement photos, including ​​large redwood trees, epic hiking trails and views, and stunning sandy beaches.

One of the best places to elope in Washington state is Olympic National Park. Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this park has it all, including lush forests, snow-covered mountains, and stunning coastlines. Translation: You can do it all on your adventure elopement, including tree-hugging, hiking, and soaking up the smell of the ocean.

Bring your wild elopement ideas to life on Mount Hood—a towering volcanic mountain about 50 miles east-southeast of Portland. It attracts people from all over the world who love hiking, skiing, and climbing. If you imagine a winter wedding with skiing, snowshoeing, and a cozy cabin feel, you’ve got to consider this wicked cool location.

If you’re set on an epic elopement for your wedding, here are some tips to ensure you have the most rad elopement ever:

1. There is no right way to elope. If you’re wondering how to make an elopement special, all you need to remember is that it’s all about you. There is no right or wrong way to elope, so just stick to what feels right for you and roll with it.

2. Guests are optional. When people think of traditional elopements, they think of eloping only as a couple. More recently, couples are embracing the idea of microweddings and elopements with close friends and family. You can invite a few people you love or not invite anyone at all.

3. Plan location and activity first and attire second. If you’re wondering what to wear for an elopement, don’t put your cart before the horse. Figure out what you’re doing first and then choose your wedding attire. That said, nothing is off limits when it comes to what you want to wear on your wedding elopement. You can wear hiking gear or any color of the rainbow you want, so let your imagination fly.

These fun elopement ideas are just the beginning—now it’s time to start planning! You deserve to have an elopement that reflects who you are uniquely as a couple. That means if you two are fun, unusual, wild, and a little bit out there, your wedding should be too.

Looking for a photographer to document your incredible day? Reach out to me and let’s start discussing the details of your adventure elopement—whatever that looks like for you.