Pricing Guide (Internal) - Adventure Instead

Worldwide Destination Elopement Packages

2024-2025 Details and Pricing

Book Your Free Elopement Consultation Call With Maddie Mae

You’re here because

you’ve found this once-in-a-lifetime kind of love
the kind of love that’s rare, uncommon, and life-changing

So you want an elopement experience unlike anything else you’ve seen

One that feels as out-of-this-world incredible as your relationship does

And you don’t want it to rush by
You want to get caught up in the magic of it.
I already love that about you.

“Working with Maddie was so exciting and inspiring right from the start – we loved the whole planning process and our elopement day SO much that words can’t do it justice.

We initially didn’t know where to begin with the planning, we just had some vague ideas about location (somewhere warm) and activities (hiking and a beach ceremony) but during our first call Maddie took note of everything that was important to us and put together an incredible proposal that somehow perfectly captured exactly what we were looking for (and more!).

I had followed Adventure Instead for years on IG so we felt confident we could trust Maddie to create something really special and personal for us, but to have the experience first-hand was better that we ever could have imagined. Maddie’s attention to detail is second to none (and I say this as a total Type A myself) – but just as importantly her expertise, passion and creativity shone through at every stage and helped reassure us if we had any worries during the planning process.

Our elopement was truly the most magical and joyful day of our lives. Maddie was so calm and prepared that we didn’t have to worry about anything – we could just be present with each other and soak up every moment, which is exactly what we had dreamed of. We absolutely LOVED the beautiful sneak peek images we received super quickly after our day – without exception they perfectly capture how rosy and romantic all of the memories are in our minds.

Maddie is a total gem – she has such a kind, uplifting, caring and supportive energy – it was a real joy to trust her and to share our day with her. She did everything she could to make our elopement as special and seamless as possible – from fixing our dresses to helping us to feel relaxed in front of the camera (and pushing our 4×4 out when we got stuck in a dirt road!) – it honestly felt like she was as excited as we were to be celebrating our love in such a special place.

We really appreciated how wonderful it was to feel so cared for and in such safe hands all day – we had so much fun we seriously wish we could do the whole thing again and again. We will treasure the memories (and photos!) forever.”

– Libby & Kate

A person stands on a rocky hilltop, holding a camera with a long lens, gazing at the vast snow-capped mountain range and a wide glacier in the background under a clear blue sky.

Hi, it’s lovely to meet you.

I’m Maddie Mae

Your:
+ Elopement Photographer
+ Experience Designer
+ Planning Consultant

(and wild-travel-story-sharing friend)

all wrapped into one.

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.

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

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)

The same reasons you’re eloping are

why I became an elopement photographer

Before I knew elopements were an option, I photographed big weddings for five years. I loved being a part of wedding days, but I also saw how stressed and miserable couples were trying to make everyone else happy by being the host of a giant party for everybody but them.

So when a couple from Texas called me up in 2015—two weeks before they wanted to elope in Colorado (they had never been before)—and asked if I would help them find a spot where they could say their vows…

That was honestly the most exciting question anyone’s ever asked me.

The fact that they wanted to say their vows in a mind-blowing location so they could feel the sense of awe and grandeur as they stood there committing their lives to one another—it lit up my soul.

I got to work right away and found the perfect location for them to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. I excitedly planned their whole experience for them and made sure it went seamlessly.

And the day of their elopement? That day literally changed my life.

To get to see a couple have a wedding day that was completely about them—seeing them lock eyes with each other, be completely present, have zero stress and actually enjoy every single minute of it and not want it to end—I had never seen that at a wedding before even having photographed hundreds of wedding days.

I got into my car afterward and sobbed my eyes out.

I decided right then and there that I didn’t even care if it was a thing (and it really wasn’t back in 2015)—I was going to become an elopement photographer.

So I did. Just two years later, I photographed a season of 55 elopements in 13 countries and kind of accidentally found myself the pioneer of the adventure elopement niche. There’s actually an article in Forbes calling me, “the woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend.”

So I feel it’s safe to say that
I don’t think you’ll find anyone else more obsessed with elopements.

I have dedicated my entire career to helping as many couples know that this way of getting married is a legitimate (and amazing) option, whether they hire me or not.

Every single couple deserves to have a safe space to be their real selves on their wedding day—free from judgment, expectations, and stress—and instead be completely present, in-the-moment, and experience unbridled joy and euphoria.

And that’s why we’re here right now.

Awards & Features

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Forbes
Featured
“Meet the woman who helped spark the Adventure elopement trend.”

Rangefinder
30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography in the world, 2018

Junebug
Best of the Best Wedding Photography Judge, 2022

Forbes
Featured
“Meet the woman who helped spark the Adventure elopement trend.”

Circular badge with black text on a white background. Central text reads "jb" with "Wedding Photo Contest Winner 2024" below. Surrounding text states "Best of the Best" in an arch.

Junebug
Best of the Best Wedding Photography winner
2018, 2019, 2021, 2024

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Worlds Best Wedding Photos
Winner 2023, 2024

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The Knot
Best of Weddings, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Green Wedding Shoes
Featured, 2020

Brides
Featured, 2023

A couple dressed in wedding attire stand on a narrow, grassy ledge overlooking a steep, rocky cliff with ancient stone ruins. Mist and clouds envelop the background, creating a dramatic and serene atmosphere in the mountainous landscape.

My Elopement in Peru

Yes, I eloped too
(No surprise there)

My partner is from Scotland. He’s been to 70 countries and I’ve been to 41, so I know what it feels like to have a ton of FOMO and analysis paralysis trying to pick the right elopement location. It was really hard for me too.

Luckily my partner reminded me of the advice I give all my couples:

Yes, this experience matters—and it will also be the first of a lifetime of adventures together.

So just go with your gut. Where would it be fun to have this next adventure?

Our hearts said “Peru,” so we bought flights the next day for just 6 weeks later. The day before we said our vows, an Indigenous guide led us up the most beautiful hike we’ve ever experienced, and I brought along the best photographer I knew to help us treasure every moment. On New Year’s Day, we said our vows on a foggy morning next to an Incan temple fortress near the Sacred Valley. The day represented how safe we feel with each other, how steadfast our love is, and the courage we want to live our lives with.

I still get chills when we look through our photo album every year on our anniversary, and it will continue to be one of the most magical memories of our life.

No matter what your vision is, this is how I want you to feel when you look back on your wedding.

Let’s make this a story you light up to tell.

Where in the world have you always wanted to go?

What’s an exciting experience you’ve always wanted to do?

What makes you two feel fully alive?

A man and a woman, both in white attire, are partially submerged in water. The woman is climbing onto a rock, while the man is still in the water, looking towards her. The setting appears to be a natural body of water such as a lake or ocean.

Eloping is the perfect reason to give yourself permission to do something out-of-this-world—something that makes you say:

“WOW. I can’t believe this is real life.”

Do something that will make it impossible for your wedding day not to feel special.

You deserve that

Together, we’ll create an experience that feels surreal, yet completely you at the same time.

So tell me…

what’s on your bucket list?

Let’s dream together.

Good news is

you don’t have to have it all figured out right now

Let me tell you how my process works
and we can take it from there

The Adventure Instead
Elopement Experience™

Photography + Experience Design + Planning Consulting

A woman wearing a plaid shirt, black pants, and hiking boots stands on a rocky edge overlooking a vast mountainous landscape during sunset. The sunlight casts a warm glow over the cliffs and valleys in the background.

It might sound weird, but I honestly love planning.
It’s an incredibly fun part of the process and pivotal to creating the kind of photos I do.

I’ve refined my process over the course of planning over 300 one-of-a-kind elopements in 20 countries over 9 years, and it’s tailored to your unique needs and pace.

From curated location, activity, and lodging suggestions to timelines, permits, and logistics—I’ve got it all covered.

Here’s what’s in store for you when you work with me:

A couple lounges on the deck of a sailboat on a sunny day. The woman, wearing a white dress, leans back into the man's arms as he, dressed in a light-colored outfit, wraps his arm around her and looks out across the water. Hills and clear skies are visible in the background.

Here’s what’s in store for you when you work with me:

Efficient 90-day planning process
If you would like, your entire elopement day can be planned within 90 days (or less) after you book so you can get all the stress out of the way and just enjoy being engaged
Bespoke, one-of-a-kind elopement design
Your experience will be just as amazing and yet completely unlike any elopement I’ve ever created before—because you two aren’t like any other couple. No replications
Unique, secluded, hidden-gem locations
I intentionally scout off-the-beaten path locations so your day won’t be at a commonplace, overrun, and overused spot
Countless hours of personalized attention
Hiring me is getting your own personal elopement consultant. You’ll have direct access to me via text and email through the entire process for any questions you have

How It Works

How I design your elopement experience, plan your day, and create your images

Free elopement planning consultation call

Icon of a movie clapperboard on a circular light gray background.

We’ll chat about you, your relationship, and all your ideas so I can help you find the best corner of the world to say your vows and design a personalized experience tailored to you.

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Dreaming & brainstorming questionnaire

I research & plan for you

I present the plan & refine it until it’s perfect

Details, meaningful touches & photography prep

Your one-of-a-kind elopement experience

It’s as easy as an all-inclusive package, but completely personalized to YOU.

A peek into the handcrafted planning resources you’ll receive

Elopement Design Proposal

My #1 recommended plan for your elopement—built out with exact locations in a logistically sound timeline, select experiences and activities, and the recommended companies to book (if needed), plus a visual mood board for styling suggestions, and the most fun and unique lodging options nearby

An iMac displaying a document titled "Elopement Location Idea List in USA: Colorado" with images of scenic landscapes featuring mountains and lakes. A keyboard and mouse are on the desk in front of the computer.

Location & Experience Idea List

A highly curated “menu” of additional options to supplement your elopement design proposal—giving you more stunning and secluded location ideas where you can say your vows, sightsee, and explore, plus additional curated activities and experiences that match your vision that you can include in your elopement.

A desktop computer displays a wedding program titled "Sam & Pete" with itinerary details and landscape photos. Beside it, a tablet shows a topographical map. A small plant is next to the keyboard on the wooden desk.

Experience-Focused Elopement Timeline

Your logistically sound itinerary with maps, driving distances, sunrise/sunset times, weather, tides, and more…

A tablet displaying an elopement planning guide with a cover image of a couple at a mountain viewpoint. A stylus pen rests beside the tablet on a beige surface.

“How to Adventure Instead” VIP Planning Guide

The ultimate guide for everything you could possibly need for your elopement—from dress and suit designers, accessories, gear, and more

A tablet and a smartphone on a beige surface. The tablet displays a website with sections titled "Ceremony," "Reception," and others. The smartphone shows a digital invitation or itinerary list. Both devices have a cohesive design theme.

Client Portal & Customized Packing Checklists

Everything you need for your elopement—from easy call scheduling to a collection of resources, all in one place. Easily access it on the go or at home—skip digging through your inbox.

I’m here every step of the way for any guidance or help you need

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

A simple black and white drawing of a folded map with two location markers. A dotted line connects the markers, indicating a route.

One-of-a-kind
Experience Design

A simple line drawing of a checklist with three items, each marked with a check. A large light bulb is depicted to the right of the checklist, symbolizing ideas or inspiration.

Expert Planning
Consulting

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Award-Winning
Photography

A sketched illustration of a winding path with three map location pins. The pins are placed along the path, and the final pin features sun rays around it, signifying a destination or goal.

Stunning & Secluded
Location Ideas

Line drawing of an A-frame cabin with a triangular shape. The structure features a chimney on the left side and a simple door at the bottom. The cabin is composed of horizontal panels, creating a minimalist and geometric look.

Unique & relaxing
lodging
recommendations

A black and white line drawing of a hot air balloon. The outline is simple with vertical segment lines and a small loop at the bottom representing the basket attachment.

Personalized & Fun Activity Ideas

A hand-drawn calendar with interconnected lines and a clock icon in the center, symbolizing time management or scheduling.

Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

Line drawing of a clothes hanger with a fan of paint swatches hanging from it, symbolizing a blend of fashion and color selection.

Personalized Mood Board & Styling Suggestions

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No Additional Travel Fees

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Direct Access & Full
Support by Maddie Mae

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Unlimited Planning
Consultations & Revisions

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Pre-Vetted Local
Vendor
Recommendations

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Expert Advice on Permits, Marriage Licenses & Safety

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Specific Gear Advice + Packing Checklists

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“How to Adventure Instead” VIP Planning Guide

Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

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Guided & Fun
Photography Experience

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Empathetic,
Introvert-Friendly
Posing & Directing

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Creative GIF’s &
Drone Photography

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Artistic, Hand-Crafted Editing

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All Your Photos to
Keep Forever

Line drawing of an open photo album with three photo slots, one square on the left page and two rectangular on the right page.

Complementary
Album Design +
Convenient Print
Ordering

What’s it like being photographed by me?

A couple in wedding attire and backpacks hike up a lush, green mountainside with a scenic valley in the background. Another photo inset shows a joyful group selfie with the couple and a friend in outdoor gear, celebrating on a similar mountainside.

The way I see it,

my two most important jobs as your photographer are making you feel relaxed and confident as your best self and creating those jaw-dropping photos you’re after.

I’m a feeler and will be paying close attention to your emotions all day long—I’ll be your hype woman with positive, encouraging energy, making sure you know how amazing you look when you need it and helping you relax, slow down, and breathe. You won’t have to worry because I’ll be paying attention to the small details and adjusting anything that’s needed to make sure that you love how you look in your images.

My photography style is a mix of “fly-on-the-wall” and “kid in a candy store.” For parts of the day, you two will be completely immersed in the moment and focused on each other and forget I’m even there—and other times, I’ll see something like a cool beam of light on a hillside or an interesting rock or unusual tree stump and get an idea for an amazing photo. You’ll hear me get really excited and say, “woah—look at that! Do you think you could walk through that patch of light together? Or climb up on that cool rock?”

Bottom line, you won’t feel like you’re being posed all day,
but you’ll also never be wondering what to do.

And we’ll have a ton of fun along the way

A couple in wedding attire hike up a grassy, mountainous terrain, holding hands. The bride carries a bouquet and wears a backpack. Inset at the top right shows a close-up of two women and a man, smiling and holding up their hands in front of a mountainous backdrop.

Better yet,

I’ll let my couples tell you

A couple dressed in formal attire embraces on a small ice formation surrounded by vibrant blue glacial water. Snow-covered mountains and clear skies create a breathtaking, serene backdrop.

“Maddie has this knack for bringing out the best in you, for making you smile endlessly. I felt like the most beautiful person on Earth that day. I can be so awkward in photos and that was one of my biggest concerns. I was worried that there was no way I could take such pretty pictures. It was impossible to have even the slightest moment for thoughts like that while you were with Maddie. She coached and moved you in a way that didn’t feel posed, or unnatural and she made it fun, and meaningful.”

– Krishanda & Karson

See what it looks like

View full galleries

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2-day Sailboat + Helicopter Elopement in Greece

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3 day Alaska helicopter elopement in

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Vineyard and 4×4 elopement in Argentina

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Italian Alps Alpine Lake Elopement

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2-day Sailboat + Helicopter Elopement in Greece

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3-Day Safari & Sand Dunes Elopement in Namibia

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2-day Sailboat + Helicopter Elopement in Greece

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2-day Sailboat + Helicopter Elopement in Greece

Destination Elopement Packages

2024-2025 Pricing

“ALL OUT” 3-DAY ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

Three 8-hour days or mix it up to fit your needs (i.e. one 6-hour day, one 12-hour day, & another 6-hour day

Who says your elopement has to fit into just one day? The story of you two getting married doesn’t have to be limited to the day you say your vows! If you’re traveling to a new location and want to fully see and experience it, you’re going to want to have multiple adventures over the course of your trip. This package gives you the chance to travel through various landscapes, sightsee together, enjoy a variety of activities and unforgettable experiences, be spontaneous, and simply relax—taking it all in.

3 complementary coverage breaks included for flexibility for traveling between multiple destinations
All 3 full days are completely blocked off in my schedule (regardless of the planned timeline we establish ahead of time) so we have 100% flexibility to adapt to weather conditions

all out 3-day Elopement experience

$22,400

Not sure how much photo coverage you need?

Don’t stress about it—we’ll figure it out together on our first consultation

Schedule a call with me and we’ll get started

5-Star Rated | 200+ Reviews

Two people in wedding dresses stand on rocky terrain, arms around each other, gazing into the distance. Behind them are mountains, forest, and a body of water under a clear sky—a scene perfect for a destination elopement photographer capturing their adventure.

There are not enough excessive adjectives to describe how thrilled we were with Maddie Mae as our wedding photographer. We first contacted her during our very early planning stages when we didn’t know exactly what we wanted for our adventurous elopement but were fairly sure we wanted it to involve a helicopter. We communicated throughout the whole process, and when we finally narrowed down our perfect vision for our day (which involved a helicopter landing on a snowy mountaintop followed by a beach picnic followed by riding bikes on the beach) she immediately understood and embraced our vision with the same adventurous spirit we have!

– Kari & Karin, Eloped on Vancouver Island, Canada

A couple in wedding attire embraces by a pristine, blue glacial lake, their adventure captured by a Destination Elopement Photographer. The woman wears a long white dress, the man in a dark suit. Snow-covered mountains rise majestically under a partly cloudy sky, creating an idyllic winter tableau.

“Maddie isn’t just your photographer, she also is your own personal hype girl—always making you feel like the most beautiful (or handsome) person in the world. She’s your honorary matron of honor and best man, she’s your officiant and elopement planner. She’s down for any adventure, and will be just as excited (if not more) for every experience during your adventure elopement. It really felt like we had all been best friends for years. She made our elopement unique to us, and I couldn’t have asked for a better photographer (and now friend) to have shared our day with and to help us make it as memorable as she did.”

– Jennifer & Max, Eloped in Alaska

“From the moment we started with Maddie, we knew we made the right choice! Maddie is able to professionally match your energy where you are at and enhance the experience you’re looking for. I appreciated her curious, consistent, and inquisitive nature to try to picture what we envisioned for our day. She is very thorough in the “getting to know you” stages so that she can ensure what you see can come into fruition the way you want. I felt at ease knowing she was coming and the overall experience was better BECAUSE Maddie was there because she created space to enjoy our elopement adventure better than we could have imagined.”

– Marina & Taylor, Eloped in Washington

Read More on:

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The Knot

Wedding Wire

I feel like the luckiest person alive to do this work.

I get to spend the best day of your life with you. I get to help you plan it. I’ll never take it for granted or stop being obsessed with it.

Book Your Free Elopement Consultation Call With Maddie Mae