Blog | Real Elopements | Adventure Instead Photographers & Guides

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Ceremony Planning ResourcesJuly 27, 2022

Rocky Mountain National Park Weddings & Elopements

Adventure SessionsFebruary 24, 2022

Erin & Steven’s SUP Adventure Elopement in California

Elopement IdeasJanuary 10, 2022

Waterfall Wedding Venues in Oregon – 8 Unique Options + Tips

Ceremony Planning ResourcesMay 15, 2022

What vendors do you need for an elopement?

Finding a LocationApril 11, 2022

Finding Adventure in Bandon Beach

Ceremonies by LocationMarch 26, 2022

Alyssa & Kevin’s Alvord Desert Elopement in Central Oregon

Adventure SessionsFebruary 25, 2022

A Dirty Wedding Dress Makes More Memories

2-Person CeremoniesFebruary 3, 2022

The ethereal Proxy Waterfalls were perfect for this Oregon Elopement

2-Person CeremoniesDecember 30, 2021

Best of 2021 – Adventure Instead

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adventure?

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stress-free experience while we document
the whole story of your day.

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“Adventure Instead”?

See for Yourself...

An adventure elopement doesn’t necessarily mean

An adventure elopement doesn’t necessarily mean a heart-pounding hike—it can be both an accessible AND beautiful location for everyone attending to enjoy.

We’ve documented countless elopements where couples had all kinds of folx in attendance. Individuals with physical limitations, small children, inexperienced hikers, and large parties—regardless of their capabilities it’s never stopped them from having their dream elopement day.

It simply takes some adjusting! Here are some ways to include your family…
• Finding a scenic lookout area close to a parking lot
• Picking a ceremony location accessed by a paved trail
• Choosing a low elevation gain, short hike for all skill levels
• Getting a permit for a designated ceremony area with seating
• Hire a 4x4 driver to take guests to the ceremony location

Trust us, incredible views aren’t reserved solely for the adrenaline adventurers! Nature can be enjoyed by anyone seeking it. We are always happy to help couples make accommodations for the people that meant the world to them, the ones they couldn’t possibly imagine their day without.

Experiencing something new with people you love, is just as much of an adventure worth having as any.

Do you agree with our choices?

Do you agree with our choices?

Eloping abroad is a next level adventure and comes

Eloping abroad is a next level adventure and comes with some baggage (literally). You’re got questions and we’ve got answers!

1. Can I get legally married abroad? 
Of course! But it does require paperwork and time—every country is different. To avoid the hassle, consider an commitment ceremony abroad instead and doing the legal paperwork in your home state!

2. What are the logistics of planning an international elopement? 
There are a lot of moving pieces… Where you’re flying into as well as the layovers, accommodations for your stay before/after the elopement, transportation to/from your elopement location, any activities/sites you want include. Regardless of your plans, be sure to build in buffers of time for any mishaps or language barriers that could slow down the day.

3. How do I prepare to travel abroad? 
Make sure you have all the proper paperwork, updated driver’s license, and passport, check your destination’s (as well as any countries you're passing through) covid policy, stay in contact with your vendors leading up to the trip, and research cultural/religious expectations of the area you’re visiting.

4. What should I consider when choosing an elopement destination? 
Think of where you want to spend your days, not just your elopement. Although you may envision a certain backdrop for the day, really take into consideration where you want to explore, what you want to see, and the things you want to experience during your trip.

5. What are the best countries for eloping abroad? 
It’s a big, beautiful world out there! We have a running list of amazing places, but a great place for you to start is to think of your senses. What do you envision the weather being like, the backdrop when you say “I do”, excursions you want to embark on, cuisines you want to try.

For example if you want somewhere that feels inherently romantic, with mild weather, moody and dramatic scenery, with small towns to explore then look into Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland!

If your heart is set on an international elopement you’re in store for a lot of dreaming, planning, and googling—but it’s 100% worth it.

The only traces of your wedding should be your mem

The only traces of your wedding should be your memories and the dirt on your clothes.

In order to preserve the beauty that calls us to the outdoors, please make sure to practice LNT principles on your wedding day (& any time you recreate)!

When was the last time you felt truly alive? Ther

When was the last time you felt truly alive?

There’s something magical about being in nature with someone you love. It puts you at ease in a way where you can experience every emotion, sense, and moment without hesitation. Making every breath you take sweeter and fuller than the last. Gabrielle and Trey were the embodiment of this on their wedding day. And I feel so lucky to have lived it with them.

I had a feeling Oregon was going to deliver these two a beautiful summer day. And after meeting them I knew that they and their head-over-heels love would make the most of it!

For their ceremony we took a short hike to a quiet lake. Standing at the water's edge they took turns exchanging heartfelt words between sobs and laughter. Afterwards, hand in hand they took on the challenge of steeper than expected hike. At the top of the trail they were greeted by wildflowers and sweeping mountain views.

Gabrielle and Trey soaked in the warm sunshine on a picnic blanket as they read letters from their loved ones. The light changed and played on the mountains behind them. And just in time for golden hour, Mt. Hood made its striking appearance.

Wrapped in each other, their picnic blanket, and the smell of wildflowers, they watched the sun dip out of sight. The cool breeze filled our lungs as we said goodbye to the day.

When we parted ways, it was with full hearts and tired legs.

xx Tori

When’s the last time you felt truly alive?

When’s the last time you felt truly alive?

Honestly…perfection is boring. Don’t get me

Honestly…perfection is boring.

Don’t get me wrong, we want every couple to have a once-in-a-lifetime day. But eloping is so much bigger and brighter than the pursuit of perfection. It’s about being fiercely present for every moment and allowing room for the wonderful messiness that comes along with it.

Messy is…
The tide chasing your sandy feet as you’re chasing each other across the beach.
The contentment of your first dance as the desert dust is kicked up around you.
The excitement of the unknown when plans change and the possibilities expand.
The cool wind gently tugging at your dress as you watch the sunset from a mountain peak.
The scent of campfire in your hair as you settle into bed at the end of the night.

Messy isn’t all that bad. And if you ask me, it’s down right beautiful. It’s the mark of a day well-lived.

What’s more “perfect” than that anyways?

I’m not crying, you’re crying 🥹

I’m not crying, you’re crying 🥹

Follow @adventureinstead and show how you #adventureinstead in your life