Wild Vows & Wandering Hearts:
"An Adventurer’s Guide to Eloping”
"Imagine vows whispered on a windswept cliff, laughter echoing through ancient forests,
or a quiet kiss beneath a canopy of stars.
this is your adventure — wild, intimate, and deeply yours."
Step 1. "Is Eloping right for us!?"
Before you dive into the logistics, take time to dream.
What kind of experience do you want? Think about:
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Location: do you want a destination elopement or something closer to home?
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Scenery: mountains, desert, beach, forest, or urban backdrop?
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Vibe: adventurous, laid-back, romantic, fun? all of the above?
Why Do Couples Elope?
eloping isn’t about escaping — it’s about arriving.
arriving at a love stripped down to its essence, where every moment is intentional, every word spoken from the heart.
It’s about breaking free from expectations and tradition and creating a day that feels like you — wild, intimate, and breathtakingly real.
This is your adventure — and it’s yours alone.
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Intimacy: a day focused solely on your love, without the distractions of a crowd. Imagine standing hand in hand, with nothing but the sound of your vows and the wind’s gentle whisper — a space where your love takes center stage.
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Adventure: let your love story unfold in breathtaking places — hike through alpine meadows, sail across crystal-clear waters, or stand on the edge of a canyon at sunset. every step becomes part of your journey, every landscape a reflection of your boundless spirit.
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Freedom: shape your day however you dream — create a day that speaks words so true to you that even the top of a snowcapped mountain feels like home. whether it’s a sunrise ceremony followed by a picnic or dancing under the stars, your elopement should feel like your wildest, most beautiful adventure.
Pro Tip: eloping keeps it simple, intimate, and all about your love
— no stress, just your perfect adventure.
Step 2."Okay, its decided, we're gonna elope! But When is best!?"
Timing Is SUPER Important
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Season: do you dream of a snowy winter wonderland, a vibrant fall backdrop, a sunny summer day, or a blooming spring setting? consider how the season will affect the landscape, weather, and your comfort.
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Attire: what do you want to wear? if you picture a flowing dress, will it work in windy or cold conditions? if you want to wear a suit, will it be too hot in the summer? dress comfort and style can help guide your choice.
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Accessibility: think about how easy it is to get to your chosen location. are you hiking to a remote mountaintop, taking a short walk to a beach, or driving up to a scenic overlook? make sure your date allows for safe and easy access given the conditions.
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Guest Logistics: if you’re bringing a few guests, consider how they’ll get there. Will they need to hike or take a long drive? ensure the date you choose works well for everyone’s travel and abilities.
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Crowds: popular locations can get busy during peak seasons, weekends, and holidays. if you want a private experience, consider eloping on a weekday or during off-peak seasons when there’s less foot traffic.
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Light and Timing: certain times of year offer different sunrise and sunset times, which can impact your photos and ceremony. think about the golden hour for beautiful lighting or whether you want a midday ceremony with plenty of brightness.
Pro Tip: let go of perfection. the wind might tousle your hair, your dress might gather dust — but in those unplanned moments, magic happens.
Top 2024 Dreamscapes for Elopements:
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Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
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Big Sur, CA
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Sedona’s Red Rocks, AZ
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The Misty Pacific Northwest
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Iceland’s Otherworldly Shores
Step 3. "Now we know WHEN we wanna tie the knot, But WHERE?!"
Even Elopements Need Budgets!
- Some things to consider
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travel and accommodation
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photographer/videographer
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officiant
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attire
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permits for certain locations
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florals and small decor
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Mountains: where the air is thin and every breath feels like a promise. towering peaks stretch toward endless skies, echoing a love that knows no bounds — resilient, adventurous, and awe-inspiring.
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Oceans: the tide rises and falls like the rhythm of your hearts — a vast, ever-changing reflection of a love both deep and infinite. here, every wave whispers a new beginning, and every horizon invites you forward.
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Forests: among ancient trees and golden light, your whispers become part of something timeless — a quiet sanctuary where love grows wild and free. it’s a place of rootedness and wonder, where every step feels like home.
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Deserts: under wide-open skies and horizons that burn gold, every step forward feels like a journey toward forever — a landscape of endless possibility. the warmth of the sun and the quiet of the dunes mirror a love that’s both fierce and peaceful.
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Urban: amidst the hum of city life, your love becomes a rhythm — vibrant, dynamic, and unstoppable. skyscrapers and streetlights frame your story, a celebration of love in its most modern and electric form.
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International: escape the familiar and immerse yourselves in a new adventure. from the romantic streets of Paris to the rugged cliffs of Iceland, eloping abroad adds a sense of wonder and exploration to your union.
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Eloping in Space: okay, this one’s still a dream — but imagine it! two hearts, weightless and untethered, exchanging vows among the stars. it’s a love story that defies gravity, limitless and extraordinary.
Choosing Your Location: & what it says about your love!
Pro Tip: close your eyes and picture it — the colors, the air, the feeling.
that’s where your elopement begins.
Step 4. " Okay, we've chosen a location! Whats next!?"
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Chase the Light: let the sun be your guide — exchange vows at the first blush of dawn when the world is still and new, or as golden light melts into the horizon, casting everything in warmth and magic. think about how different times of day shape the mood and energy of your ceremony.
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Dress Your Way: flowing gowns and windswept hair, rugged boots under delicate lace, or a sleek suit with rolled-up sleeves — wear what makes you feel most alive. choose attire that’s not only beautiful but also practical for your setting, so you can move freely and comfortably.
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Create Adventure: hike to a hidden vista, wade into the sea, dance on a cliff’s edge — let your love move you. your elopement day can be as daring or laid-back as you like, but embracing adventure adds a sense of excitement and spontaneity.
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Savor the Quiet: take time for slow, intimate moments — share a sunrise coffee wrapped in blankets, exchange handwritten letters filled with your deepest promises, or simply hold hands in quiet reflection. these simple moments become some of the most memorable.
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Vow from the Soul: speak your heart’s wildest truth — promises whispered into the wind, words that echo forever. take time to write meaningful, personal vows that reflect your journey and your hopes for the future. let your love story be the centerpiece of your day.
Shaping Your story
Pro Tip: pause often — breathe, touch, laugh. let time slow and the moment deepen.
Step 5. "Okay - now how do we get started?!"
Think About Logistics
Eloping often involves travel
and adventure, so consider:
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how you’ll get to the location
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packing essentials like attire, rings, and vow books
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backup plans for weather
Calico Basin, Nevada
Hey thats me!
Finding Key Vendors
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Officiant: your officiant plays a vital role in making your marriage official and setting the tone for your ceremony. some states allow a friend or family member to get ordained, which can add an intimate, personal touch to your vows. alternatively, hiring a professional officiant ensures they bring experience and can help you craft a meaningful, customized ceremony.
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Photographer/Videographer: your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and having a skilled photographer and/or videographer ensures those precious moments are beautifully captured. look for someone who aligns with your style and understands how to work in your chosen environment, whether it’s a mountaintop, forest, or bustling cityscape. consider discussing your vision ahead of time so they know how to tell your love story authentically.
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Hair and Makeup Artist: looking and feeling your best on your elopement day is essential, and a professional hair and makeup artist takes away any stress of getting ready. choose someone who understands your vision, whether it’s a natural, windswept look for a beach elopement or a more polished style for an urban celebration. bonus points if they’re experienced with outdoor settings and know how to make your look last through wind, heat, or humidity.
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Event Planner: an event planner can help take the stress out of your day by managing logistics, coordinating vendors, and making sure every detail aligns with your vision. whether you want a simple ceremony or an elaborate adventure, a planner ensures everything runs smoothly so you can stay focused on each other.
Handle Legal Details Prior
Make sure your marriage is legal by:
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getting your marriage license ahead of time
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understanding waiting periods and expiration dates
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knowing if you need an officiant and/or witnesses
Pro Tip: "you get what you pay for" investing in experienced, professional vendors often means higher quality, better service, and fewer headaches. these experts bring your vision to life and make sure your day is as seamless and magical as possible.
Step 6. "Okay - I think we're ready!!"
The Last Step : Embrace the experience
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your elopement day is a celebration of your love and the beginning of a lifelong adventure — it should be filled with joy, not stress. this is a day to cherish forever, and the planning process should strengthen your bond, not strain it. take every step together, savoring the excitement and the meaning behind each decision.
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when the day finally arrives, let yourselves be fully present. laugh until your sides ache, cry tears of happiness, dance like no one’s watching, and hold each other close. take time to pause, breathe deeply, and soak in every detail — the feel of your partner’s hand in yours, the beauty of your surroundings, & the weight of the promises you’re making.
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this is your adventure — one that’s entirely yours — so live it fully and with intention. let love lead the way, and cherish every single second.
