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Adventure Elopement
So you decided an elopement is right for you. High five!!!
• You're not about that stressful AF wedding planning life
• Familial and societal expectations? Never heard of 'em.
• Throwing a giant party for everyone but you? Not today, Satan.
Following your heart and living life to the fullest? Hell yes.
Engagement
You have one complimentary 15 minute in studio engagement session with 5 edited digital images
(client closet included for women)
B O N U S :
You’ll have beautiful images to add to elopement invitations or save-the-date cards!
complimentary engagement sessions take place in the studio (Scottsdale, AZ) Mon-Thurs
LOCATION & TIMING
Timing
The best timing for photos is golden hour starting one hour before sunset. I exclusively shoot my regular outdoor photoshoots at this time, but we will plan this accordingly depending on how many hours you have booked for.
After you've chosen your elopement location, I'll send you a list of places to stay, places to eat, things to do, and where to stay. Instead of Googling your life away, leave it up to me! I'll send you a list of everything, and all you need to do is make the bookings so we can start working on that timeline.
Experience
I am a HUGE believer in natural interactions and real authentic moments that tell your story. I'll use the chemistry that the two of you naturally have together to make sure you have a darn good time. Don't worry, I 'Il guide you and tell you what to do - if your hands are hanging awkwardly (a common issue , I'll tell you where to put them instead. But for the most part, I don't do the super pose-y stuff, and I let the session flow naturally. I'll never say "Smile!" because fake smiles aren't that cute, and they're not that fun. If you're feeling awkward, I'll do something like ask you about your first date, or ask one or you to whisper something in the other's ear - that way, we're not just taking photos, we're creating some moments, so that when you look back at each photo, you'll remember the moment you learned something new about your spouse, or maybe the moment they whispered "cookies" into your ear, but either way - I'll make sure your smiles are never forced. Your elopement isn't an all day photoshoot. Though I do a few planned photos, most of the day is spent exploring and adventuring, and most of the photos are candids When you're having the time or your life, your photos wIll show that, effortlessly.
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WHAT TO WEAR
Dresses The most important thing about what you wear is that it's comfortable and makes you feel your best. You want to be able to sit and walk around in it. If you want something that will blow in the wind, chiffon or tulle are great choices! Keep in mind that your dress will more than likely end up getting dirty, but that's all part of the adventure! Suits This is up to you! Elopements are generally more casual, but I think it's always nice when the groom rents a tux for the day. You can even spice it up with some fun socks or ties. Shoes Heels aren't the best choice, especially if you decide to hike. I recommend investing in some good hiking shoes or shoes that have some good traction. Extras It's always a good idea to bring a jacket, just in case. Bringing socks and some leggings is always a great idea, especially if we're going somewhere cold. Plus, blankets make for a great prop in images!
Darker jewel tones or earth tones look the best with my work. You can see examples below or even just by the colors on this guide.
I also offer a client closet available for use for bride/couple's children (not available for other guests).
TIMELINE
What do you need for your elopement timeline? Simply put, your elopement timeline could consist of these elements or aspects:
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Getting Ready
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First Look (a.k.a. the first time you see each other in your wedding garb)
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Ceremony + Vows
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Family & Friend Photos
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Celebration or Reception
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Activities (You could also include some epic adventures like a canoe ride, hot air balloon tour, or beach side fire picnic. Really any activity you love.)
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Plus all the snacks in between because “hangry” never looks good on anyone.
Don't worry, I will include more detailed timeline samples below according to how many hours you have booked for.
GETTING READY
You wake up: it’s your wedding day–yes! Now what?…Well, get ready, get dressed… Sure, but what about this instead:
You wake up before sunrise, press play on a yoga class pre-recorded just for you and maybe your partner on your wedding day. You flow with the rise of the sun and greet the day with all its magic awaiting you.
OR
You wake up before sunrise, grab your coffee, a good breakfast, your gear, including your pre-packed elopement wedding dress, chasing the morning alpine glow, you pause to gaze at the lingering stars. Slip into your wedding attire and have your first wedding day experience together as the sun peaks over the horizon, illuminating your morning elopement wedding day in wonder.
Ok, ok, maybe you’re not a morning person. I get it: my pillow is usually way more appealing than anything else.
So what if your morning began with a warm cup of coffee snuggled up near a cozy fire or the ocean lapping outside your window? You start your day strolling around, catching the gorgeous views from your patio, soaking up the sounds of the birds singing their morning song, smelling the salty air or pines blowing in the gentle breeze. You take your time to get ready. Maybe have a hair and make up artist come pamper you. Zip up your dress with your bestie or mama. Then greet your partner at the location after you’ve both gotten ready.
FIRST LOOK
You’ve gotten ready, maybe mid-morning, maybe before the sun has risen or maybe you’ve had the morning to linger and take the day in methodically. You’ve gotten ready, maybe with the help of a lovely hair and make up artist. You’re dressed, but you want to wait to see each other.
As tradition goes, couples only see each other before the wedding ceremony. Many couples find this endearing and exciting to build up suspense to see each other. Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you cannot have this experience too. In fact, you can take your time because you get to craft your timeline, not your dinner menu or guests needing your attention.
But instead of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony (especially if you’re more of an introvert), it can be helpful to have a sacred time for just the two of you before even your small crew joins you for the ceremony.
First looks are a great time to exchange a note with your partner (not your vows or promises, but a good old fashioned love letter), a wedding gift or just spend some extra time adventuring together.
Ceremony
The ceremony. This is it! The moment you've been waiting for. It's easy to get lost in all the planning and stress, all the bells and whistles. But try to keep in mind the most important thing - which is the start of your lives together. Even though the ceremony is short and sweet, this moment is special. I'll make sure we slow down and really enjoy the moment Who officiates? You have a few options when it comes to this. The first is to hire an officiant - if you're hiking for your elopement, you may need to look for someone who specializes in adventurous weddings, but I can help you out with this! You can also have a friend or family member officiate. You can go to the Universal Life Church website and get ordained in less than five minutes! And lastly, I'm ordained to officiate! If you want a truly intimate ceremony, I'm your girl! You will read your own vows and I will sign the certificate to make it all official!
CEREMONY MEANINGFUL ACTS
Even if you aren’t religious, there are many sacred or meaningful acts you could perform to make your ceremony even more special. Here are some common ceremony rituals done throughout history from different cultures across the world. Here are some ideas to inspire you and let you find the meaning behind these for your story.
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Wrap yourselves in blankets
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Sign the Ketubah
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Exit under an arch of swords
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Sundial ceremony
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Light a fire
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Wine ceremony
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Receive “Tilak”
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Pass the rope
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Have a Chuppah
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Light a unity candle
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Mix two different types of sand
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Circle one partner
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Have a crowning
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Lasso ceremony, draped in garland or rosary twisted into the symbol of infinity
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Handfasting
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Tie the knot, literally
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Jump a broom
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Plant a tree or pot
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Pass your rings around
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Create a time capsule
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Feet washing
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Paint a picture
ELOPEMENT CEREMONY STRUCTURE
For your elopement timeline, you’ll want your ceremony to include a time to exchange vows and rings. Depending on your place of elopement, an officiant or elopement minister may have some words before or after and you may need to sign your marriage license.
If you want to write your vows but aren’t sure where to begin you could try using a romantic love quote to help you get started. We’ve gathered 150 romantic love quotes to help you out!
If you’re having family with you consider some of these 15 creative and fun ways to elope with family!
FRIEND & FAMILY PHOTOS
Since we know that elopements don’t always mean no friends and family, it can be a fun time to include photo ops with everyone. There are typically less than 15 people involved in an elopement before it is considered a small/intimate wedding and the fees go up We’ve even had couples who have had a few family members join them for part of an adventure where we took photos of them all hanging out in their first look elopement location!
Just because you’re having an elopement doesn’t mean you cannot have photos with your besties/fam.
POST CEREMONY ACTIVITIES
Elopement day activities What can I do on my elopement day? The right question is, What CAN'T I do on my elopement day? Here are a few ideas of some activities you can do on your special day. Remember, we can do ANYTHING you want! No idea is too crazy.
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Make s'mores by the campfire
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Ride horses
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Soak in the local hot springs
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Go dancing
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Try something new like a cooking class
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Ride in a hot air balloon
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Go skydiving Take a 10 mile hike
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Go to a concert
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Serenade each other with a guitar
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Relax at the beach
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Have a picnic
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Go swimming at the river
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Cuddle up under a blanket
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Boat ride
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Go paddle Boarding
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Spend the entire time doing posed photos
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The list goes on and on, but just remember - this is your day!
SKIPPING HANGRY
Alycia, what is “hangry”? It’s hungry + angry. It’s a real thing! (Okay, it’s not an actual medical diagnosis, but we all know what I’m referring to, don’t we?) And we don’t want you or your partner to get hangry on your wedding day.
Pro Tip: Pack snacks and plan for meal breaks throughout your elopement day. I love stasher bags specifically for packing snacks without adding single-use plastic.
Also, consider bringing champagne and a wooden board to put your yummy snacks and make it aesthetically pleasing.
HOW TO CRAFT YOUR OWN ELOPEMENT TIMELINE
STEP 1- Decide on your elements + Activities
Use the steps above to decide on what elements of an elopement you want to include on your wedding day. Then consider what activities you want to do and when is the best time to do those activities.
For example: Hikes in Arizona are best in the morning during summer and the afternoon during winter. So if you want to do a hiking first look it’s best to take that into consideration. I can help you figure it all out.
Elopement day timings
You can expect these different elements to take roughly these amounts of time listed below. Don’t forget to allow for travel time, unexpected traffic and accounting for time to gear up.
Getting Ready: 30 minutes – 2 hours (longer if you’re having hair and make up done)
First Look: 20 minutes – give yourselves time to just be together
Ceremony: 10-60 minutes most will average about 15- 20 minutes
Receptions: 1- 4 hours
Elopement activity timing
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4WD Jeep tour: 2 – 8 hours
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ATV/HOV Riding: 4 – 8 hours
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Hiking: 30-60 minutes per mile
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SUP/Canoe/Rowing/Kayaking: 1 – 2 hours
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Hot Air Balloon Ride: 1 – 2 hours
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Helicopter Ride: 1 – 2 hours
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Rock Climbing/Repelling: 2 – 8 Hours
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Building A Fire: 15 – 30 minutes
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Meals: 30 – 60 minutes
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Time to do nothing but enjoy the beauty of your day: 30 – 60 minutes
STEP 2- Understand location, weather, and lighting
Social media really has given us so many false expectations for life and especially for what the weather can be like outside in these epic locations.
Make sure to do your due diligence to understand what weather to expect at your locations.
For example: In Arizona the sun might set at 5:30pm but if you’re in a valley with mountains around, the sun will go behind the mountain around 4pm.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry I've got you, friend. Not only am I an elopement photographer, but I also guide you through making sure we schedule and account for all these factors!
STEP 3- Craft your elopement ceremony schedule
Once you know the best time for your activities and lighting you can start to use those to then decide when is best to have your ceremony and celebration or reception.
Ceremony Structure
While you really can craft your ceremony to be whatever you want using our element suggestions, here are some basic elopement ceremony structures. We’ve put an asterisk * on what is optional.
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*Precessional (walking down the aisle)
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*Welcome
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*Readings (from parents, a meaningful poem, scripture, letter from someone unable to attend, etc)
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Vows
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Rings
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Sign Marriage License (this structure is variant upon your elopement location and if you already pre-signed or got pre-married)
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Pronouncement
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Kiss
Reception Structure
Now for your reception timeline, here is a quick sample (don’t worry, we’ll give you full elopement day timeline samples below too!)
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Start with a bang (sparklers, poppers, bubbles, local leafs stuffed into a popper…just be mindful of your environment to Leave No Trace)
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Give speeches or read letters from family and friends who couldn’t/didn’t attend
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Give a toast or reminisce about your day together
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Enjoy a meal
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Have first dance
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Cut your cake, or pie, or cookie
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Take time to relax and enjoy
STEP 4- Make a plan B & C
While we always hope your elopement timeline goes as planned, it never hurts to have a plan B and C if weather arrives or something goes wrong. We like to approach all of life as “prepare for the worst and expect the best.”
TIMELINE EXAMPLES
2 HOUR TIMELINE EXAMPLE
(2 hour elopements are best for just couples or couples with up to 5 guests)
4pm Photographer arrives at hotel
4pm Getting ready photos
4:15pm First look outside of hotel
4:30pm Couple drives to ceremony location
5:00pm Ceremony
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Exchange Vows
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Exchange Rings
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Kiss
5:30pm Couple dances and has fun for couple photos
6pm Photographer leaves
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3:40pm Photographer and couple arrive at location
4:00pm Ceremony
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Exchange Vows
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Exchange Rings
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Kiss
4:30pm Posed couples photos
5:00pm Couple has a picnic and champagne and cuddles with sparklers
5:40pm Photographer leaves
4 HOUR ELOPEMENT TIMELINE
3:30 pm Photographer arrives to take photos of bride getting into dress
3:45 pm Drive to Ceremony Location
4:10 pm First look
4:20 pm Ceremony
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Father walks bride down “aisle” the trail
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Officiant speaks
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Exchange Vows
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Exchange Rings
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Sign Licenses
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Announce Couple
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Kiss
4:40 pm Family Photos
4:50pm Couples Photos at desert area
5:00 pm Drive to salt river nearby
5:20 pm Couple exploring and splashing in the water near at salt river
6:30 pm Drive back to rental home
7:00 pm Reception Photos
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First Dance
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Family enjoying themselves
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Cake Cutting
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Dinner
7:30 pm Photographer leaves
OR
2:00 – pick up groom at hotel in Sedona, AZ
2:20 – arrive at Cathedral Rock and hike to base
2:45 – bride arrives
2:50 – first look at base and champagne pop
3:30 – hike to top
4:50 – arrive at top for epic photos and to read vows to each other (assuming already legally married) and cuddle photos at top
5:30 – hike back down
6:30 – arrive back at cars
OR
2:00 pm – meet at dock already dressed and ready
2:20 pm – start boating
4:00 pm – pull into pretty area and drop anchor. Have ceremony and say vows on the bow of the boat
4:45 pm – cut cake and pop bubbly, toasting to being here
5:30 pm – jump into the warm waters in your wedding attire. You just got married!
6:00 pm – head back to dock, photo coverage ends
6 HOUR ELOPEMENT TIMELINE
11:30 am – meet at Airbnb for getting ready photos of you two together helping one another prepare for your adventure
12:30 pm – your guests start arriving and hanging out, resulting in so many fun candid moments to capture
1:00 pm – everyone gets into the handful of off-road vehicles
2:30 pm –after exploring and having the best time driving around, we pull up to where you’ll have your ceremony
3:00 pm – you say your vows with your favorite people surrounding you
3:30 pm – we take a few group photos and couples photos then explore
4:00 pm – everyone drives into town
5:30 pm – we get back to town for a few sunset portraits around town before you meet at a local brewery for a mini-reception
F.A.Q
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ATTEND OUR ELOPEMENT?
This is up to you! If you’re eloping in Colorado or eloping after doing all the technical paperwork in a courthouse it can be just you two! Other states require two witnesses and an officiant. I do count as a witness if you need me to be one for you! I am also an officiant if you want to read your own vows and you can bring a witness or we can grab one on the fly wherever we are! Otherwise it’s up to you if you bring friends or family.
Ideally to actually be able to follow Leave No Trace and be able to go somewhere beautiful we recommend 15 people or less in total.
Some Public Lands are currently becoming more strict on elopements so the less people the easier it is to get approved for a permit. Often locations in parks are determine by guest count for the ceremony.