April 28, 2023

4 Reasons to Have a Non Traditional Wedding

Non-traditional weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples are looking for ways to make their special day more personal and unique. Non-traditional weddings offer couples the opportunity to break away from the traditional norms and expectations, and instead create a celebration that truly reflects their personalities and values. There are many benefits to choosing a non-traditional wedding, and I’m going to explore some of my favorites below.

non-traditional wedding

Why have a non traditional wedding?

nontraditional Hawaiian wedding

1. Creativity and Personalization

One of the most significant benefits of a non-traditional wedding is the freedom it provides for creativity and personalization. With non-traditional weddings, couples can incorporate elements that are meaningful to them, such as unique locations, unconventional décor, or unusual themes. These weddings can be held in locations that are not typically used for weddings, such as museums, art galleries, beaches, mountaintops, or even in the woods (one of my personal favorite locations). By selecting a unique location, couples can make their wedding day feel like an adventure and create a unique and memorable experience that they will treasure forever.

Couples can also choose to personalize the ceremony and reception by incorporating elements that are special to them. This can be done by having friends and family members write letters that are meaningful to the couple, including pets in the ceremony, or designing the ceremony to reflect their cultural or religious beliefs. Non-traditional weddings offer couples the chance to be creative and express their personalities in ways that traditional weddings may not allow.

2. Spend Money on What’s Important

Non-traditional weddings provide couples with the freedom to allocate their wedding budget to what truly matters to them. Rather than spending a large portion of their budget on traditional elements such as a large venue, elaborate decor, or a sit-down dinner for hundreds of guests, couples can focus on what’s truly important to them. Notably this can include investing in a high-quality photographer to capture their day, choosing a unique location that holds personal significance, or splurging on a one-of-a-kind activity (like chartering a helicopter) to celebrate your love.

At Adventure Instead, I understand the importance of capturing your day in a way that is authentic and meaningful to you. That’s why I offer high-quality photography services as part of our non-traditional wedding packages. I believe that investing in these services can help you preserve your memories for a lifetime and provide you with beautiful, tangible reminders of your special day.

3. Intimacy and Meaningfulness

Non traditional weddings are often smaller and more intimate—sometimes not including guests at all—which can make them feel more meaningful and personal. This can also allow for a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, where both the bride & groom can truly enjoy the day without feeling the pressure of formalities.

Non-traditional weddings can also allow couples to create a ceremony and reception that are reflective of their personalities and values. By incorporating unique elements into their wedding day, couples can create a meaningful and authentic celebration that reflects who they are as individuals and as a couple. This can make the day feel more special and memorable, as it is a true reflection of the couple’s love and commitment to each other.

4. Less Stress and More Fun

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but non-traditional weddings can be much less overwhelming and more enjoyable. With fewer guests and formalities to worry about, couples can focus on the aspects of the wedding that are most important to them and enjoy the day with their loved ones. This can lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, where everyone can have fun and celebrate together.

At Adventure Instead, I specialize in helping couples create non-traditional weddings that are meaningful, personal, and memorable. My approach is to work closely with each couple to understand their vision and create a wedding day that reflects their personalities and values. I believe that non-traditional weddings can be just as beautiful and meaningful as traditional weddings, and I am committed to helping my couples create a celebration that they will never forget.

Does a non traditional wedding sound like your jam?

In conclusion, non-traditional weddings offer couples many benefits, including creativity and personalization, cost savings, intimacy and meaningfulness, and less stress and more fun. I’m passionate about helping couples create a wedding day that truly reflects who they are and what they value. I believe that weddings should be an adventure, and I am committed to helping my couples create a celebration that is unique, meaningful, and memorable.

If you are interested in learning more about my non-traditional wedding packages, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would be honored to help you create the wedding of your dreams.

non-traditional weddings

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

Reach out to start planning your dream destination elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
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