September 5, 2025

How to Plan a Jeep Elopement + Best 4×4 Trail Locations

For remote or mountain pass access without having to hike or take to the skies, 4X4 roads cannot be beat. Especially on your wedding day! This is a great way to get unmatched views without having to get sweaty—or even drive if you don’t want to. You can hire a local driver to escort you directly to some incredible views without you having to lift a finger. 

I have always loved exploring the network of old mining roads in my home state of Colorado via 4X4. I have my own custom, lifted Toyota Tacoma that I’ve driven to the top of 12,000ft mountain passes and deep into sandy deserts all across the southwest both for fun and for elopements! I’ve even tackled them in places like Sandwich Harbor in Namibia and the Dolomites in Italy. 

This guide is designed to take you through all the things you need to know to plan an incredible 4X4 elopement—including the best places in the world to do it, how to do it safely, and what you should wear! 

A dark green Jeep drives through a shallow, rocky stream in a forested area, creating a large splash of water around its wheels. Pine trees and rocks surround the off-road trail in the background.

Pros of a Jeep elopement

Accessibility

The #1 reason to head out on a 4X4 on your wedding day is hands-down accessibility. The best thing about these vehicles is their ability to guide you (and friends & family) directly to remote locations and high mountain passes without any strenuous hiking. Most of the epic 4X4 ceremony spots I’ve taken couples to have been steps away from the vehicle. So if you aren’t a big hiker (or just don’t want to sweat on your wedding day), this is a fantastic option. 

Sunrise and sunset without hiking in the dark

For the best alpenglow views or colors at sunrise/sunset, that usually means doing things like being at the trailhead at 3am or hiking down in the pitch black. When you use a 4X4 to get there, it means starting later and not having to do it on foot! Unless you love the idea of hiking under the stars (in which case, you should check out my hiking elopement guide), using an AWD vehicle can make seeing those sights much easier. You can still make it back to your accommodations in time for a celebratory meal!

You can find spots with way less people

In addition to the accessibility piece, 4X4 trails are more likely to take you away from other hikers and out by yourself. Which means secluded ceremony spots to say your vows with no one else around become a lot more feasible. For example, at Great Sand Dunes National Park, there are parts of the sand sheet that you can drive out on and get away from people entirely with just the dunes and mountains at your back. 

Reasonably affordable

I’ll get into more detail on costs below, but most of the time, renting a Jeep or hopping on a guided tour doesn’t cost as much as some other activities. While some private experiences can get pricey fast, most 4X4 roads cost absolutely nothing to enter, leaving your only expense being renting the vehicle! And if you’re bringing your own, that gets even easier.

Cons of a Jeep elopement

Weather can change fast

Just like with hiking, climbing, or any other outdoor activity—weather can change fast. This is especially true at altitude, which is where most 4X4 roads lead! Things like afternoon thunderstorms, freak snowstorms, or unexpected rock fall can quickly require a change of plan. Make sure you pay attention to conditions and have a backup plan that you love just as much ready to go in case things change. 

You may need experience to do it yourself

Safety is always the #1 rule of the road, and that includes 4X4 trails. If you’ve never driven an off-road vehicle before, there’s no shame in hiring a local driver or tour company! Passes can have snow, loose gravel, steep climbs, bumps, and other technical challenges that may be difficult for the average driver. 

Some trails can be nail-biting

If you don’t love the idea of squeezing through narrow roads or overlooking steep dropoffs, there’s a chance 4X4 roads may not be the most comforting on your wedding day. Not all trails are built equally, though, so even if you’re wary of heights, we can still likely find you a cool path to head off on! It’s just worth double-checking before you commit to having it in your day. 

A couple sits in a car; the driver wears a suit, and the passenger holds a colorful bouquet of flowers. Sunlight streams through the windshield, highlighting a forested view outside.

Steps to plan a Jeep elopement

I love designing elopement days for my couples that include 4X4 trails because it’s a way to get insane views and a super cool activity all wrapped up in one. They’re also super common here in Colorado due to old gold mining paths, so I plan these excursions frequently! Here are the basic steps to get started with planning your own Jeep elopement. 

Safety first

Before you get started with planning, I want to include a quick safety note. Never drive on off-road trails that are beyond your experience or comfort level. If you’re in doubt about either of those things, you can hire a private tour with a local, experienced driver to take you through! That’ll allow you to take all the stress out of the day by giving you the chance to sit back and enjoy. Getting stuck on your own is an expensive and time-consuming process that you don’t want to spend your wedding day doing! Lots of 4X4 trails have drive-through videos online, and I’d highly recommend watching those & reading up on any trail before you head down it. 

Now that we’ve talked through that, we can drive into how to plan. 

#1. Decide where you want to go and when

To get started, first you’ll need to pick an area to get married in! There are a few different ways to go about this:

  • Look up the most scenic 4X4 trails in the world
    If you’re open to anywhere and everywhere, this can be a fun way to start! Do some searching for routes that have been highlighted for how scenic they are and see if anything catches your eye. 
  • Pick an area you know you want to travel to and search for trails there
    For example, if you’re set on eloping in the Dolomites and want to try a 4X4 trail there, search for ones in the area that look accessible and appealing to you in terms of scenery. 
  • Filter by skill level
    Maybe you’re a pro looking for a difficult trail to really tackle on your wedding day—or maybe you’ve never driven an off-road vehicle before and want the bunny slope option. Either way, you can usually find lists online sorted by skill level to use as a jumping off point.

Once you’ve figured out the “where,” sit down together and look through the scenery in the area at different times of year. I love using Google Earth Pro for this! For off-road trails, be sure to keep in mind things like travel difficulty, if the passes/trails close seasonally, and weather risk. If you’re looking to hire a tour company to drive you, you can always ask about their seasonal availability for that part of the world. 

#2. Find a vehicle 

Whether you want to drive yourself or hire an operator, you’ll need to find some form of 4X4 to take out on the trail. If you already have one parked in your driveway and plan to use it to get to your elopement, congrats! This step is completed. (Just make sure it has high-clearance!)

If you don’t already have your own off-roading vehicle, you’ll need to either rent one or hire a driver. Many of the tour operating companies offer both options! If you go through a traditional car rental company, make sure to rent from their off-road section. If you don’t, you can be subject to hefty fees and wind up with a Jeep that doesn’t actually have high-enough clearance to go down the trail! If you can’t find what you need online, don’t be afraid to call the rental place directly to make sure they have what you need. 

I’ve got more advice on how to pick the best tour company/rental place below.

But wait! Don’t book anything yet!

#3. Research photographers in the area

Before you hit “book” on that Jeep reservation, find a local photographer that you want to work with! Most of the time, photographer availability can be a lot more specific than 4X4 rental availability, so you’ll want to make sure that the photographer you love is available on the day you’re hoping to get married first. That way if you need to shift a bit, you can! 

Elopement photographers give you so much more than “just photos.” For all of my couples, I’m their experience designer, travel consultant, personal hype woman, vendor recommender, weather expert, permit pro, and, above all else, their excuse to sit back and relax. Choose a photographer who you trust to document everything on your behalf so that you can spend your wedding day totally caught up in being in the moment instead of having to document it. 

Once you’ve found a photographer you’re stoked to work with and that’s available on the same day as whatever you decided in #2, you can hit book on everything. 

Those are the two biggest cornerstones of planning a Jeep elopement already done! 

A white wedding dress hangs from a Jeep parked on a dirt path in a mountainous landscape at dusk, with a lantern, a bouquet on the hood, and rocky cliffs in the background.

#4. Work on logistics of your wedding day

With those two pieces locked in, you can start getting into the details of your day. 

Think about things like… 

  • Paperwork
    When and where are you doing signing your marriage certificate? Do you need to do it before you leave? Do you need extra time to stop by a local office? Will you need witnesses or officiants? 
  • Timeline
    Your elopement photographer will likely help you create a timeline for your day! This should include all the activities you want, any scenic spots you want to be sure to hit, and consider factors like weather and lighting. Be sure to leave more time than you think you’ll need—the last thing you want to feel on your wedding day is rushed. Especially with a 4X4 trail, give yourself time to stop and pull off to soak in the sights!
  • Travel
    Plan how you’re getting to your elopement location and where you’ll be staying once you’re there. I give all of my couples my favorite cool stays near their elopement spot to make this step even easier. If you need to fly into the area, be sure to look 6-8 weeks out from your wedding day when flights are at their cheapest. I’d recommend setting up a Google Flights alert to track prices. 
  • Back-up plans
    With any outdoor activity, sudden changes in the weather can necessitate a change in plans. Talk with your photographer about creating a back-up plan that you love just as much as your original plan—that way you’re never disappointed. 
  • Attire
    Think about what you’re going to wear and whether or not it’ll be okay in a Jeep. I’m including more information below about things to consider when planning your wedding day outfit and what to pack!

#5. Hire any other vendors

While vendors can differ for an elopement as opposed to a big traditional wedding, nearly every couple I’ve photographed has had an additional vendor of some kind! Think about things like picnics to bring with you on your off-roading adventure, flowers, arches if you’re going somewhere that allows them, any other activities you want to do, etc. Make sure to keep your photographer in the loop as you book so that they can keep your timeline up to date and factor everything in. 

#6. Watch the weather day of… and then get married!

Make sure before you head out on the trail one last time that the forecast is clear and that you won’t be heading into bad conditions. Other than that, all that’s left to do is go on a great adventure and say your vows! Congratulations! 

Two women in white dresses stand on a dirt road at dusk, laughing as one sprays champagne. Headlights from a vehicle behind them illuminate the scene, with trees and brush in the background.

What’s the best time season for a Jeep elopement 

The best season for a Jeep elopement is typically early fall, though it’ll depend a lot on what part of the world you’re in and what climate you’re trekking through! Early fall though will usually allow you more comfortable temperatures, passes that are totally open, and, depending on where you are, sometimes the start of gorgeous fall foliage. 

Just like with hiking and with other outdoor activities, weather and seasons play a huge role in when 4X4 trails open and close. Here in Colorado, most of the high elevation roads close due to snow in late October. You can sometimes find some as late as early November, but honestly, by then they aren’t reliable enough to plan an elopement around! They tend to reopen in mid-June, once warm temperatures have had the chance to melt away some of the snow, but my favorite trail in the San Juan Mountains often has a snow drift blocking it until late July! So traveling in early fall will make sure that you strike that perfect balance between late snow clinging to the pass and the start of the next winter weather season. 

If you’re looking to elope in a desert climate, like in Utah and Arizona in the U.S. for example, you’ll want to avoid their flash flooding seasons. Heavy rain and flash flooding can leave trails totally unpassable, because they’re frequently dry waterbeds that fill up quickly. In the American Southwest this is usually June through September, so eloping in spring or winter can actually give you much more stable weather. 

Don’t forget to flip the seasons if you’re eloping in the southern hemisphere of the globe! If you want to drive through the dunes at Sandwich Harbor in Namibia, you’ll want to go in July—AKA the dead of winter there!

Best locations for a Jeep elopement around the world

San Juan Mountains, Colorado

A bride and groom hold hands and walk along a dirt path on a mountainous landscape. They are dressed in wedding attire, with a black vehicle parked behind them. The sky is bright and partly cloudy, and patches of snow are visible on the green mountains.

If your idea of romance involves climbing switchbacks and chasing mountain views in a Jeep, the San Juans have got your name written all over them. This place is packed with off-road trails that wind past ghost towns, alpine lakes, and ridgelines that’ll make your heart flutter with far more than pre-wedding nerves! Take on Imogene Pass or Black Bear Pass if you’re up for the challenge, or just find a quiet peak and say your vows on top of the world. You could spend months zipping around this area’s many hidden spots and still not get tired of it.

Best for: Mountains, Alpine Lakes, Forest, Wildflowers, Hot Springs

Best months to get married here:
June to October

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing

Rubicon Trail, California

Two off-road vehicles navigate a rocky trail through a picturesque forest with tall pine trees. Snow-capped mountains and a partly cloudy sky form the background. The rugged terrain and natural beauty highlight an adventurous outdoor setting.

If you know off-roading, you know the Rubicon. This trail is as famous as it is brutal – a 22-mile stretch of rocks, ledges, and wild terrain cutting through the Sierra Nevada. But for those who take it on, the rewards are next-level. If you’re eloping in Lake Tahoe and want to mix in some 4WD action, this is it. D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay are perfect stops for a jaw-dropping lakeside ceremony, before or after you tackle the trail. Not a hardcore off-roader? No problem – local guides can do the driving while you soak up the views.

Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lake

Best months to get married here:
June to September

My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4

Moab, Utah

Two people in elegant, light-colored gowns stand close together in front of a white Jeep with its headlights on at dusk. They appear to be in a tender moment, silhouetted against a dusky sky in a serene, outdoor setting.

If you’ve ever thought, “What if we just ran away and got married in the middle of nowhere?” – Moab is the answer. This part of the country is red rock paradise, where canyons, cliffs, and epic 4WD trails set the stage for the elopement you’ve been dreaming of. Here, you can tackle Hell’s Revenge or Fins & Things, carving through slickrock with the La Sal Mountains in the background, then find a remote plateau to say your vows with zero people in sight. 

Best for: Mountains, Desert, Rock Arches, Canyons

Best months to get married here:
March to October

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning, Jeep/4×4, Rock Climbing, Camping, Kayaking

Namib Desert & Sandwich Harbour, Namibia

A white off-road vehicle is navigating vast, expansive sand dunes under a clear sky. The dunes create a rugged, undulating landscape, with shadows adding depth and contrast to the golden sand. The scene evokes an adventurous and remote desert setting.

If you’re gonna rip through a desert in a 4WD, might as well make it one of the oldest and most insane-looking ones on Earth. The Namib Desert is all bright orange dunes, endless horizons, and pure, untouched wilderness, with Sandwich Harbour as its crown jewel. This spot is where towering dunes literally drop straight into the Atlantic Ocean, and you can only get there by barreling over the sand in a 4X4. Sounds like the perfect place for a 4×4 elopement!

Best for: Sand Dunes, Desert, Coast

Best months to get married here:
Year-round

My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking

Alpine Loop, Colorado

A bride in a white dress stands near a groom in a dark suit, both beside a white vehicle. They're outdoors, with rocky, snow-patched mountains and a clear blue sky in the background.

Since I grew up in Colorado, I’ll take any excuse to hype up its 4×4 trails – and the Alpine Loop is one of the best. This old mining road twists through high-altitude passes, remote alpine lakes, and some of the wildest scenery in the state. No hiking required. If you’d rather soak it all in without gripping the wheel for dear life, hire a guide and let someone else handle the hairpin turns while you kick back and enjoy the ride.

Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Wildflowers

Best months to get married here:
June to September

My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking, Stargazing

Kaua’i, Hawaii

Two women, wearing white dresses and leis, sit on the hood of a white Jeep, surrounded by green foliage and golden grass. They are smiling and holding each other affectionately, with their feet resting on the bumper of the vehicle.

Kaua’i is the ultimate island for adventure: towering sea cliffs, jungle-covered canyons, and waterfalls that look straight out of Jurassic Park (because, well, they are). A 4×4 is your fast-track to the island’s wildest spots, taking the backroads of Koke’e State Park for unreal canyon views or heading to Polihale Beach, where the road might test your suspension, but the endless, empty shoreline at the end is 100% worth it. Rattling down muddy red dirt roads to secluded beaches, weaving through dense rainforest, and tackling rugged mountain tracks with views that’ll blow your mind are all on the agenda here!

Best for: Mountains, Rainforest, Canyons, Coast, Beach, Waterfalls

Best months to get married here:
Year-round

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Boating, Helicopter, Stargazing, Kayaking

Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan

A white SUV drives through a vast desert landscape with orange sand. Rugged rock formations rise on either side under a clear blue sky, and tire tracks are visible in the sand, stretching into the distance.

Wadi Rum is the kind of place that looks like it shouldn’t exist outside of a sci-fi movie, and the best way to see it all is by buckling up for a 4×4 tour across the desert. The terrain is no joke, full of soft sand, massive rock arches, and hidden canyons – but that’s part of the thrill. Take a sunset ride for golden-hour magic, or go all out with a full-day tour that includes Bedouin tea, a campfire lunch, and stops at ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks thousands of years ago.

Best for: Desert

Best months to get married here:
October to March

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Hot Air Ballooning, Stargazing

Death Valley National Park, California

A rugged, rocky desert landscape with multicolored hills and mountains under a cloudy sky. A lone vehicle drives on a narrow, winding dirt road through the arid terrain, emphasizing the vastness and isolation of the scene.

Death Valley is all extremes: the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. But come in winter when the temps are reasonable, and it turns into an absolute dream for a 4×4 elopement. Start your day tearing across the endless white salt flats at Badwater Basin, then take on rough dirt roads leading to secret canyons, wind-sculpted dunes, and psychedelic rock formations that change colors with the sun. At night, the stargazing here is next-level, thanks to zero light pollution. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you can even follow a self-guided driving route to all the filming locations. Who wouldn’t want a little Tatooine action on their wedding day?

Best for: Desert, Mountains, Canyon

Best months to get married here:
Year-round

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

A person in an orange dress stands on top of a white Jeep in a vast, dry desert landscape with cracked terrain. Distant mountains are visible under a clear blue sky.

Bonneville Salt Flats is what happens when nature decides to go full minimalist. Here, there’s just miles and miles of blinding white salt stretching to the horizon, cracked and dry in summer, and mirror-like in winter when it turns into one giant natural reflection pool. And the best part? You can drive right onto it, whether that be in a Jeep, an ATV, or even a classic car for those cinematic wedding shots. The possibilities here are endless!

Best for: Mountains, Salt Flats

Best months to get married here:
March to October

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4

Monument Valley, Arizona

A bride inside a car holding a colorful bouquet with orange, yellow, and pink flowers, along with greenery. The interior is softly lit, suggesting a wedding ambiance. Another person sits beside her, with a blurred view outside the car window.

Monument Valley looks like it was made to be photographed. The towering sandstone buttes here rise out of the desert in deep, fiery reds that shift with the light – morning, noon, and sunset all hit different. The 17-mile scenic drive through the valley is a dream for off-roaders, winding past some of the most iconic rock formations in the world. Want an even wilder experience? Hire a local Navajo guide to take you into backcountry areas where regular cars can’t go. This is elopement scenery at its most cinematic.

Best for: Desert, Rocks

Best months to get married here:
Year-round

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing, Hot Air Ballooning

Black Bear Pass, Colorado

A scenic view of rugged mountains on a clear day under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. The landscape features a forested valley surrounded by steep, rocky slopes, creating a dramatic and serene natural setting.

For those eloping near Telluride (or looking for a strong nudge to do so), Black Bear Pass is an amazing option for an elopement day. This 4WD road takes you through incredible views, including right up to the highest waterfall in Colorado, Bridal Veil Falls. This narrow road is full of adventure and blow-you-away views that you will truly never forget. This road can be challenging unless you’re a pro with off-road trails, so consider hiring a guide and Jeep operator to escort you—and as a bonus, that makes your only job looking out at the world around you.

Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall, Wildflowers

Best months to get married here:
July to September

My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

A red off-road vehicle drives on a dusty dirt road in a desert landscape. Rugged rock formations and mesas are visible under a clear blue sky, with sparse desert vegetation on either side of the road.

Capitol Reef is Utah’s most underrated gem, and that’s exactly why it’s perfect. The Cathedral Valley district is where it’s at, with massive red rock monoliths soaring overhead, making every turn make your eyes nearly pop out of your head. The best way to see it all is on a 4×4 route straight through the heart of the desert, past towering formations that seem pulled from another planet. And for a totally unexpected twist, the park’s orchards let you pick fresh fruit, including apples, peaches or cherries, depending on the season, giving you the perfect mid-elopement snack.

Best for: Desert, Canyons

Best months to get married here:
May to October

My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking, Camping, Stargazing

Telluride, Colorado

A couple in wedding attire holds hands, standing near a red Jeep with its door open, looking out at a scenic mountainous landscape. The sky is partly cloudy, and lush green forests surround the area, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Telluride feels like it was built for elopements. This little mountain town is tucked inside a box canyon, which means insane views in every direction. The free gondola (yep, free!) takes you up into the San Juans for easy access to mountain peaks and golden aspen groves in the fall. Prefer to keep things grounded? Bridal Veil Falls, the perfectly named tallest waterfall in Colorado, is just outside town, and it’s the perfect place to sneak away for a post-vow adventure. Pure magic!

Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Wildflowers

Best months to get married here:
July to September

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Rock Climbing

Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

A person in a white dress stands next to an open door of a black SUV, holding a bouquet of flowers. They are outdoors on a dirt road surrounded by trees and bushes under a clear blue sky. The SUV has camping gear on top.

Ignore the less-than-appealing name – this spot is an absolute knockout, serving up some of the most jaw-dropping views in Utah, full stop. Here, you can stand on the edge of a 2,000-foot cliff, the Colorado River winding below you, and nothing but red rock canyons stretching to the horizon! It’s got all the drama of Canyonlands and Arches, but without the crowds. Plus, as a certified Dark Sky Park, you can wrap up your day under a galaxy of stars. So, whether it’s a standalone elopement spot or part of your multi-day Moab wedding, this is one of my top picks.

Best for: Desert, Canyons

Best months to get married here:
May to October

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing

Imogene Pass, Colorado

A couple embraces on a rocky mountaintop, with a rugged off-road vehicle parked nearby. The woman wears a white lace wedding dress, holding a bouquet, while the man, in a dark suit, stands behind her, both smiling against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery.

If you want serious elevation without the leg burn of a 14er, Imogene Pass has you covered. At over 13,000 feet, this off-road route between Telluride and Ouray makes you feel like you’re driving through the sky. It’s bumpy, steep, and absolutely worth it, but be prepared: you’ll be stopping every few minutes just to take in the views! The best way to do it is by hiring a local guide who knows these roads inside out so you can kick back and soak up the San Juans in all their glory. Psst… this is also super close to Telluride and Ouray, if you want to extend your elopement getaway!

Best for: Mountains

Best months to get married here:
June to September

My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4

Best time of day for a Jeep elopement

The best thing about off-roading is there really is no “right” or “wrong” time to go. One of the best perks it has is giving you the chance to get up to gorgeous sights you can’t access with a passenger vehicle to watch the sun rise or set. But that being said, if you aren’t confident in your ability to drive the trail in the dark, definitely hire a professional driver to help you out. Visibility is always best in the daylight for obvious reasons, so if you want to drive yourself, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get up and down before dark. 

The thing to keep in mind with timing is just where you want to be and when. If you want to see morning alpenglow, for example, you’ll have to arrive at your destination before sunrise. Whereas sunset is often easier to catch and lets you drive up in the daylight (plus you have your headlights right there for awesome blue hour photos!). 

How to choose the right company for a Jeep elopement

Off-roading can necessitate a lot of equipment and training, so it’s crucial to choose a company that knows their stuff—whether you’re renting or having them drive you! I’ve worked with dozens of 4X4 and Jeep vendors, and here are the questions I would recommend asking them to make sure they’re going to be the right fit for your day: 

  1. How long are their trips?
    If you’re renting, how long do you have the vehicle for? If they’re driving, do they have a set number of hours in each package? (Minimums of 4 are pretty common in my experience.)
  2. How long have they been working in the area?
    This is extra important if they’re the ones driving, because their answer will tell you how well they know the roads, the terrain, and what challenges can arise along the way. Even if you’re renting, this answer can show you how much help you can expect from them. 
  1. How often do they maintain their vehicles?
    A well-maintained fleet is a safe fleet. You don’t have to know any technical details about cars to ask this. It’ll just show you how often they keep up with the vehicles and how well they take care of them! 
  1. Can you create a custom route?
    Some companies only take you to and from designated points—others will let you get more creative with your path or offer multiple options. If you have a specific viewpoint in mind, make sure they can get you there or allow you to travel there!
  1. What is the earliest start time and the latest end time?
    My favorite tour company in Ouray, CO is super used to picking up my couples a couple of hours before sunrise so that they can be there when the sun comes up… but not every company will. Check in about 4am or post-sunset times! 
  1. What safety measures do they have in place if something happens on the trail?
    Are the vehicles or drivers equipped with satellite phones? Medical kits? Are they trained in emergency first aid? Do they carry jump starters or spare tires? Prepared answers to this question can be super reassuring that they’ve thought of everything and have your back!
  1. What paperwork do they need from you?
    If you’re driving, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. Some places will also require you to either pay for or already have your own insurance. This differs a lot from place to place, so make sure to ask.
  1. How many people can they take with you/can fit in the vehicle?
    This is less important if it’s just the two of you, but you’ll want to at least make sure your photographer can come. If you’re having more guests, make sure they’ll be able to get everyone to your ceremony site. 

Pro tips for a Jeep elopement 

After planning 300+ elopements, I’m here for you to give you all of the information you need to consider to have a really successful 4X4 elopement! Here are some of my favorite tips to give my couples so that they’re prepared for their day. 

  • Pack cakes carefully
    This goes for any food you’re bringing with you on an off-road trail, but especially delicate cakes with easily smashable frosting. If you’re bringing your wedding cake with you, make sure that you are only bringing a one-tier cake! Multiple tiers are at a huge risk of instability on rough roads. If you do need multiple tiers, pack them all separately in their own boxes so that nothing tips. I would recommend bringing a “naked” cake—AKA a cake that has frosting on the top and in between the layers but not on the sides. Pack the cake into a square cardboard box that doesn’t allow it to shift around and keep any decorations in a separate container to pop in once you arrive. Keep the AC on wherever the cake is to prevent any chocolate or buttercream from melting.
  • Choose hardy flowers
    While flowers in a 4X4 are at a lower risk than they are in some other wedding day activities (like a helicopter ride), it’s still best to pick blooms that can stand up to some shaking and vibrating. Roses are a great choice that are unlikely to wilt or drop their petals! Pack your florals with wet sponges or paper towels, store them upright, and make sure they are kept in a part of the car that stays cool. 
  • Consider navigability
    I’ll get into this a bit more in the section below, but make sure you’re factoring in cabin space, whether or not you can drive, and the terrain outside when you’re considering what to wear. Big, poofy dresses can sometimes be a problem when you’re trying to drive or crawl in and out of a Jeep! Also keep this in mind when you’re packing the car for the day. 
  • Go slow and steady
    If you’re driving, make sure you’re prepared to tackle steep hills and valleys. Avoid braking too frequently and use low-gears when you’re going uphill or tackling a challenging type of terrain, like snow. 
A woman in a strapless dress sits in the driver’s seat of a car, holding the steering wheel, looking out the windshield. The black-and-white photo creates a soft, romantic atmosphere.

What to wear for a Jeep elopement

My #1 piece of advice for anyone doing an off-roading elopement is to wear comfortable shoes with good tread! Hiking boots will be your friend. 4X4 trails can get muddy, dirty, slippery, and rocky—without a good pair of boots, it’ll be hard to navigate. If you want to take photos in a different pair of shoes, just bring them along and change into them for your ceremony and portraits! 

If you’re wearing a dress, I’d recommend looking into something relatively flowy that you can sit down in easily and that allows for some movement in your legs. That’ll help you do things like get in and out of the Jeep, press the pedals comfortably, and not block any controls with layers. 

If you’re wearing pants or a suit, make sure that you’re prepared to take layers on and off, as temperatures can change quickly and I’ve had folks shed jackets from moment to moment. Also make sure that your jacket’s shoulders aren’t too restrictive for you to comfortably drive. 

Either way, be sure to bring layers, especially if you’ll be out before or after the sun is out. Wraps, jackets, leggings, and spare socks are all a great idea to keep on hand. 

Packing list for a Jeep elopement

I give all of my couples custom packing lists, so consider this list my way of getting you started! This will change based on where you’re going, the weather, the climate, etc. But this is a great starting point for any 4X4 elopement. 

  • Rechargeable battery pack
  • More water than you think you’ll need
  • High-energy, protein-packed snacks
  • Spare battery-powered lanterns
  • Spare batteries
  • First aid kid
  • Layers
  • Spare tire & pressure gauge 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Hiking boots
  • Spare socks
  • Sat phone
  • Traction boards
  • Paper maps of the area
  • Small tool kit
  • Water, food, and safety materials for your pet if you’re bringing one along
A bride in a white dress and plaid shirt and a groom in a suit sit on a picnic blanket sharing a toast, with a yellow Jeep and mountain landscape in the background. A picnic basket and flowers are beside them.

Costs of a Jeep elopement

The cost to rent a Jeep for your elopement is around $500 on average for you, your partner, your photographer, and up to one other person. These are usually in 4 hour blocks, but they can be much longer if you’re renting to drive yourself vs hiring a driver! 

This is a relatively inexpensive elopement day activity that also has the added benefit of doubling as transportation. If the area is harder to navigate, there are less options in the area, the route is a multi-day trip, or there’s other complicating factors, that price may go up—but from my experience, that’s a reliable place to start. 

Conclusion 

Jeep elopements are hugely rewarding and make the day really fun and special. There’s something super memorable about driving with your future spouse down an old dirt mining road that empties out into a breathtaking mountain pass full of wildflowers. If you’re looking for a way to make your day really special without the work of a multi-hour hike, I can’t recommend this option enough. 

And if you’re ready to get started with planning your dream elopement day, message me ! I have tons of experience with 4X4 roads and tons of other elopement day activities, and I’m ready to design you your perfect day. 

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 & we’ll start planning your dream 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

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