West Coast Archives - Adventure Instead

Ceremonies by Activity

Ceremonies by Location

Ceremony Planning Resources

Real Couples' Stories

Finding a LocationApril 11, 2022

Finding Adventure in Bandon Beach

Ceremonies by LocationMarch 26, 2022

Alyssa & Kevin’s Alvord Desert Elopement in Central Oregon

2-Person CeremoniesFebruary 3, 2022

The ethereal Proxy Waterfalls were perfect for this Oregon Elopement

Elopement IdeasJanuary 10, 2022

Waterfall Wedding Venues in Oregon – 8 Unique Options + Tips

Ceremony Planning ResourcesJuly 6, 2021

Getting Married in Mt Hood, Oregon | What You Need to Know

Ceremony Planning ResourcesMarch 25, 2021

Joshua Tree Wedding Guide

2-Person CeremoniesFebruary 9, 2021

Eloping at Portland Orgeon’s Government Cove | Ashley + Casey

2-Person CeremoniesJanuary 11, 2021

Smith Rock Wedding in Oregon

2-Person CeremoniesJanuary 4, 2021

Cannon Beach Wedding | Mitzi & Scott

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It’s no surprise we are inherently drawn to this

It’s no surprise we are inherently drawn to this time of year in Colorado 🍂

Is there any better smell than the brisk earthiness and sharp sweetness of autumn?
Any better sight than pine trees decorated with the fallen yellow ornaments of the surrounding aspens with every breeze?
Any better feeling than the crisp air shifting to a warm embrace as the sun rises overhead?
Any better way to usher in a new season of life than completely immersing yourself in the changes of another?
Any better watercolor sunset than one over a mountainside equally as bright and bursting?

Every year fall reminds us how quickly life changes and to embrace the beauty of the present. It’s pretty special, just like you—and your love.

Smith Rock State Park is so underrated, buuut we k

Smith Rock State Park is so underrated, buuut we kinda like it that way!

It means couples like Savannah and Austin can enjoy a laid back and joyful elopement day exactly how they want to. From sweet just-them moments to getting cheered on by their families.

Love the idea of eloping, but can’t imagine doin

Love the idea of eloping, but can’t imagine doing it without your favorite humans? Good news, you can have a wild adventure elopement AND include your family too.

Ultimately what matters with an elopement is that the decisions and choices are yours alone. There should be no pressure to meet any expectations, opinions, or obligations. It’s the two of you, taking this step together toward the ultimate adventure. You deserve to do that exactly the way you want to—with whoever you want by your side.

Here’s some of our best, tried-and-true advice for planning an intimate wedding…

Let big decisions guide the little things.
You need to decide for yourself what is big & what is small—in order to avoid giving power to the things that don’t matter as much. Once you’ve made some big choices, like date & location, let that guide the little choices.

Set boundaries & expectations.
Set boundaries early and don’t feel inclined to invite someone if you don’t want to. Afterall, it is a privilege for someone to be a part of this day and in what way you choose to include them.

Remember everyone’s physical capabilities.
Frankly, not everyone can climb a mountain and not all trails are created equal. Luckily though there are plenty scenic locations that are drop-dead-gorgeous, while still being totally accessible for those with physical limitations.

Don’t limit your celebration.
Weddings don’t have to be single day parties!! You can plan a two-day elopement with your family to balance alone time and time with them. Or you can plan a separate, larger reception when you get home.

Include them in as much or as little as you want.
Have them help you get ready the morning of your “just-us” ceremony. Or do your vows privately before having your intimate ceremony. Or have a few friends officiate/witness your ceremony then join the rest for a little reception.

And please remember, sweet friend…
This is going to be your anniversary, the day you celebrate for the rest of your life. Eloping is a brave and beautiful thing that not everyone will understand—and that’s ok—invite the ones that do. Surround yourself with people who love you and lift you up.

xx Maddie Mae, Amber, & Tori

Always 👏 get 👏 the 👏 shot 👏

Always 👏 get 👏 the 👏 shot 👏

Why see just 1 amazing location when you can see ✨3✨with a helicopter ride??

Jordyn and Connor traveled all the way from Nevada for their idea of a perfect, just us elopement day, in Alaska. For them that looked like helicopters around to three absolutely jaw-dropping, glacial locations—that they had all to themselves!

The giddiness in the room while they got ready was palpable and when they finally laid eyes on one another for the first time that morning they looked so happy they could burst. And just like that it was time for lift off!

Stop #1
The helicopter dropped us off high on a ridge of an enormous glacial lake full of icebergs. From where we were standing we could see four different glaciers. That incredible Alaskan landscape would be the only witnesses to their vows. They frolicked amongst the rolling green hills, before collapsing into the grass with elation—holding one another.

Stop #2
Their next stop was a large glacier fed lake sprinkled with icy blue glacier chunks. Once again in total seclusion they were able to witness the wild landscape and explore once-in-a-lifetime places at their leisure.

Stop #3
Our final helistop had a 180-degree view of one of the biggest glaciers in Alaska, the Knik Glacier. The scale and sheer awesomeness of this glacier were truly incomprehensible. When you’re brimming with so much excitement it’s almost impossible to soak everything in, but Jordyn and Connor did their best—utterly grounded in every minute of the day.

After arriving back at their lodge there was a sense of elation and exhaustion as they enjoyed a private meal together.

By the time we built a giant campfire at the lodge, it was almost 10:30 at night and it was still blue hour. In the light of the setting sun, and among the sparks of the campfire and the rugged wildness of an Alaskan landscape, Jordyn and Connor had their first dance.

The day was nothing short of pure magic from beginning to end.
How could you not be deliriously happy after being dropped off in some of the most gorgeous and remote places in the world with nothing to do, but explore with the love of your life?

xx Maddie Mae

BIG LENS ENERGY 📸

BIG LENS ENERGY 📸

Switzerland may be a small country, but it is abso

Switzerland may be a small country, but it is absolutely brimming with spectacular landscapes and “pinch me I must be dreaming” experiences.

And we’re ready to go back in a heartbeat.

The Alps are unlike any mountains you’ve ever experienced. Rugged limestone mixed with soft green slopes and romantic wildflowers. And once the snow moves in it becomes a fantastic and dramatic snow globe.

This place evokes a sense of stillness and child-like wonder that is truly hard to describe. It's the hum of the story-book villages, the creak of the gondola as it raises you to impossible high peaks, the smell of pine and buttercups in the crisp air, and the comforting sense of belonging as you look out over the valley—despite being so far from home.

It’s not just the chocolate that is sweet and rich, it’s…it’s everything. The beauty and deep history of Switzerland is written into the landscape, towns, and culture. Every step you take from plane, to hotel, to mountainside throughout your elopement is a meaningful part of the experience.

Being able to embark on a heart pounding adventure AND reflect in a gorgeous luxury suit at the end of the day is a dream come true. One that other couples have been lucky enough to live, and I, honored to document.

So, what do you say? Ready to cuddle up with some swiss hot chocolate or have your own Sound of Music moment?

Say the word and our bags are packed.

xx Maddie, Tori & Amber

Melissa & Jonathan had the definition of an ✨🍂iconic🍂✨ Colorado fall wedding.

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