Finding The Perfect Elopement Location | Arizona Elopement Photographer

Your Guide For Finding The Perfect Elopement Location

No matter where in the world you and your partner decide to elope, the fact that you are making the decision to pledge your lives to each other in such a brave, meaningful and intentional way already makes your wedding day pretty dang perfect. Finding the perfect elopement location is just the cherry on top of that.

When it comes to helping our couples find the perfect elopement location there are several factors that come into play. It is so important to us to find hidden gem locations that cater to the needs of our couples, every couple is different – so naturally, so are each of the location guides we create. When narrowing down your locations you will want to consider locations that speak to your couple, align with their vision, and most importantly fit in line with their beliefs, values and needs for their wedding day.

Finding The Perfect Elopement Location : Choose A Meaningful Place

The first thing you will want to consider when finding the perfect elopement location is a location that is meaningful to both you and your partner. This location can be somewhere you have experienced already together and have memories that you love here or even an incredible new destination that you have always dreamed of seeing. There is something magical in watching a couple experience an epic location for the first time especially on their wedding day. It is also so incredible to see a couple elope in a hometown they grew up in, a family home or their favorite national park hiking trail. There are so many heightened emotions in saying I do in a location meaningful to you as a couple, it only makes sense to make this a big factor in finding the perfect elopement location for your special day.

Finding The Perfect Elopement Location : Consider Seasons

Seasons play a huge part in finding a perfect elopement location. Different locations throughout the world will have peek and off seasons during the year. For example, where I live in Arizona, it is common for our couples to elope in Arizona in the spring or fall. Summer season in Arizona is extremely hot and unsafe to be outdoors and hiking in these higher temps. When researching different elopement locations you will want to consider the best time of year to elope here. What will the weather look like? Will you need rain boots or an umbrella? Or will you need extra water, cool clothes and a way to cool down? Will this location be busier during peek season? Are there road closures during this time of year? These are all important things to consider when eloping during different seasons of the year. Road closures during winter may prevent easy access to popular locations or you may require snowshoes to hike a snow packed trail – which is absolutely okay, but it is something you will need to consider! During peek season you may need to plan further out to secure permits in time for your elopement along with accommodations since it will be a busier time of year. For popular locations you may need to consider a sunrise ceremony or a remote location to keep things intimate and avoid bigger crowds.

Finding The Perfect Elopement Location : Let An Activity Guide You

The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating activities into your elopement day. Whether you are an avid hiker or just love the idea of saying your vows at the top of a beautiful mountain peak, letting an activity guide you to finding the perfect elopement location is key. If your dream has always been to elope in Alaska with glaciers, you know immediately that one of your activities could look like a helicopter tour to the glacier, personal vows and if you are feeling extra brave, even taking a polar plunge. Or your vision for ending the day could look like a sunrise hot air balloon ride, a helicopter tour over the state, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing at your favorite trail, a sunset hike, the list goes on and on. Sometimes our couples come to us ready to go and already have a plan for the day for what they would like to do and some have an idea but need help with the logistics, that is where we come in. Your elopement photographer and guide can help you find a location suitable for the activity you want, the best time of year and other experiences that will give you the wedding experience of a lifetime.

Finding The Perfect Elopement Location : Research Research Research

We can say with confidence that some of the most incredible places to elope in the United States are on the roads less traveled, but that does not mean you can’t get a little inspiration from researching through social media platforms. Google, Instagram and Pinterest are all really helpful in the early stages of planning to help give you an idea on what locations pull at your heart strings. Once you have an idea of what you like it will be so much easier finding the perfect elopement location for you and your partner.

This is where we would come in – as your elopement photographer and guide we love helping our couples see these less popular locations because they are less crowded, more intimate and insanely beautiful. The popular places on social media are easier to envision, sure. That is because there are thousands of photos that help make the idea seem more real, but with that also comes crowds and a less intimate setting. When you are willing to step outside of the trendy locations on Instagram there is a world of opportunity in dreamy off the beaten path locations. Wandering Weddings has a great blog about different locations to elope if you need any inspiration to kick start your location planning!

Accessibility

A big factor to consider when finding the perfect elopement location is accessibility. Accessibility is important for a few reasons, whether you are making the decision to elope just the two of you or to include close family or friends, considering how accessible locations are will help to narrow it down to a location that checks all of your boxes. In cases where couples decide to elope just the two of them, it is easier to pick an off road epic adventure location because you are able to make the hike or pay for an off-road vehicle tour or if you are feeling especially adventurous renting a 4×4 yourself and making an off-road activity part of your elopement plans. With guests into consideration, it is typically more difficult to coordinate getting several other guests off-road up to an epic location. Or maybe you have family who are older and have a harder time walking longer distances. In these instances it is best to have a location that has an accessible trail for ease to all members attending and then after ceremony you and your partner can escape for your adventure and some time alone for experiences just the two of you.

At The End Of The Day

Eloping is intentional. Eloping is making the decision to make your day about you instead of social media, instead of family or any one else’s needs or wants. It is making the brave decision to not only do something different but to have an experience true to you as a couple. When finding the perfect elopement location absolutely allow yourself to search all outlets but give yourself the space to be creative and think outside of the box. You never know what trail you might end up on. After all is said and done, what matters most is YOU ARE MARRYING YOUR PERSON. Your dream elopement location will help create an unforgettable experience and memories that will last you a lifetime. But this is only the start of your adventure!

Need help planning? Reach out to us here! Let us help plan your dream elopement experience!

Check out our 10-step-guide on how to elope here!