Breathtaking Vermont Mountain Elopement

Anna & Sean’s Picturesque Vermont Elopement at Warren Falls, Mt. Mansfield, and Lake Champlain

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / VERMONT & BEYOND

Anna and Sean’s gorgeous Vermont elopement came about after they had originally planned a much larger wedding, but when COVID hit they were excited for an opportunity to downsize and simplify. They wanted to spend their day doing fun things in beautiful places, and after a couple chats on the phone and a custom location guide I created for them, they knew exactly where that was.

We met at sunrise near where they live, a gorgeous place called Causeway Park. It’s a small strip with a hike/bike path across the water. It’s the perfect spot to watch sunrise or sunset, and it used to be a train track to Grand Isle. After exploring the area and experiencing sunrise we headed back to their place to freshen up and snag a few pics on their newly built back deck. Their entire house was gorgeously styled and their back deck was no different. Sean spent several weeks planning and building it out, and Anna styled it perfectly. It was their private oasis and it was incredible to get to see them enjoying it together as part of their day.

After a little relaxation we headed to Warren Falls for their ceremony. I’ve photographed many ceremonies at this spot, but I NEVER tire of seeing couple’s faces when they see the falls for the first time. The water is crystal clear and a deep blue/green color that looks out of this world. Most people who see the photos for the first time assume it’s from a spot out west. But it’s tucked away in beautiful Vermont in the heart of New England. I do love to recommend early morning ceremonies here, and in the summer it’s an absolute must because around 10 am the entire place is filled with swimmers taking a dip in the pristine waters.

Mid-morning we headed north up to the tallest peak in Vermont, Mt. Mansfield. Their are many trails up this famous peak, but we chose to take the Auto Toll road most of the way, and then hike a bit further to get those stunning views. It was at this point that I became a bit nervous because I was an integral part of a surprise for them. I had been scheming with Anna’s sister for some time now. Their families were going to meet us at the end of the hike on Mt. Manfield. I snuck away to text her and say that we were running behind, but on our way up the mountain. However, spotty phone service means I didn’t know for sure if that text went through, and it is imperative to not ruin the surprise by crossing paths on the way up. Apparently, Anna and Sean are notoriously hard to surprise, and other attempts had be messed up before. I couldn’t be the reason this surprise got messed up! Anna’s sister did get the text, but since it’s rude to be on your phone during your clients wedding day I didn’t get a chance to check her response. I needed to make sure I took enough time on the peak to give the families time to get into position.

Anna and Sean were starting to get hungry and were ready to head back. I made them do a couple more poses, and then we started on the trail back. As we neared the end Sean spotted someone else hiking the path in nice clothes. He said they must be doing the same thing they were doing, but little did he know those people in nice clothes were there for them! As we approached they started to recognize people, and their family burst into cheers upon seeing the couple! They were genuinely surprised and we were so happy to have pulled it off!

After some celebrations we all headed back to Burlington, and then Anna, Sean, and I headed out to a secluded spot on Grand Isle for sunset. With all the formalities done and surprised pulled out we all relaxed and skipped rocks, and enjoyed the beach and the weather. It was the perfect ending to Anna and Sean’s beyond perfect wedding day.

“When our original wedding plans had to be cancelled due to Covid, we began searching for an alternative. As soon as we saw Kat’s page and spoke with her on the phone we knew it was exactly what we were after. Now that all’s said and done, we couldn’t be any happier with the outcome - her photos are beyond incredible, worth every penny. Memories for a lifetime. She was so easy to communicate with, helped us plan our day down to every little detail, and even went out of her way to support a surprise celebration that our family had planned on top of VT’s tallest mountain. Beyond all of that, she is just super fun to hang with. Our day was perfect and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Can’t recommend her enough!”

— Anna & Sean

Gorgeous Maine and Acadia National Park Elopement with Family

KATIE & ADAM’S ACADIA NATIONAL PARK HIKING ELOPEMENT

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / MAINE & BEYOND

Katie and Adam originally planned an epic two day wedding in Yosemite National Park, but COVID and wildfires had other plans and they changed course to an equally epic two day elopement in Maine, including Acadia National Park. These two changed course with such grace, and while they were disappointed that their original plans were foiled, they quickly became just as excited about an Acadia National Park wedding.

We were lucky, as I was scheduled to be the original photographer anyway and they live in Connecticut and I live in Rhode Island. Also most of their family lives in New England, so it was a no brainer to pick an alternate spot within driving distance of the area. After talking over a few new location options they decided- Why not choose where the mountains meet the ocean? We found Grace on the Lake, a COVID friendly spot on a lake where each of their family households could stay in their own cabin, plus they had access to the beautiful lake-front with boats and other great perks. The actual ceremony took place right down by the lake, and the reception celebration was held just up the hill at a lovely spot overlooking the lake.

Katie & Adam shared beautiful vows, Adam was adorably and unsuccessfully trying to hold back tears through the entire ceremony. It was incredible to see how much they love each other and how perfectly their day fell together in the end. It was laid back, relaxed, gorgeous, fun, and full of surprise. The happy couple surprised their families after dinner with the news that they are expecting!

The next day we met in Acadia National Park where we planned to do the “Beehive” trail, one of the “Iron Rung” trails in Acadia. So not only did Katie have to do a somewhat intense technical hike in a form-fitting wedding dress, she did it pregnant and in a wedding dress. She was so impressive through the whole thing, never missing a step and laughing and having so much fun the entire way. It was hot outside, so managing to climb the iron rungs without sweating off all of her makeup was a feat in itself.

As we topped out on the summit we noticed the marine layer was moving in over the ocean below. Clouds came and shallowed some of the landscape, but it was still sunny were we were. We planned to hike down to watch the sunset, and now I knew we might be socked in for the sunset. When we made it down we found a spot on the coast, but found ourselves in gorgeous misty fog. It was like we traveled through five different locations and seasons through their two day wedding. As the sun started to sink lower it burst through the fog and sent incredible color all across the atmosphere. A spectacular view that was perfectly fitting for their spectacular wedding days.

It is obvious that no matter what these two do together it will always be an adventure. I love the story of how they met. Here it is in Katie’s words “Adam and I both found ourselves on Bumble as many 30 somethings do. Adam down in Norwalk (the NY side of Connecticut) had set a 15-mile radius on his phone meaning we were never really in each other's "sphere". Adam's brother is really into ghost hunting and Adam finally agreed to go to one of his events - dinner and an overnight stay in a haunted building, now a restaurant. Ghost hunting was in Derby, Connecticut outside New Haven and in a radius of me in Guilford, Connecticut. We both swiped right and planned to meet. I write a travel blog and wanted to do some "research" on the best New Haven pizza joint so I suggested we meet at Modern Pizza for our first date. We hit it off over meatball and clam pizza and the rest - well it's history.”

Alternative Wedding Dress Options

Non-Traditional Wedding Gowns For Outdoor Weddings

SWELL & STONE / OUTDOOR WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / UNITED STATES & BEYOND

Just because white is the traditional color of weddings in North America, and a long gown is the traditional attire doesn’t mean you need to conform to those ideals. Look, we only wear white wedding dresses because Queen Victoria did a long, long time ago. And it was thought of as a symbol of purity, and being rich, and blah blah blah. Clutching to tradition in many norms of life has done an incredible disservice to large groups of people. I’m not saying all tradition is bad, I’m just saying, in all reality, what is the point? What do we gain by holding on dearly to these constructs? Just some food for thought while you peruse these amazing alternative options. So if you desire bursts of color or a colorful dress that represents your culture, feel free to express yourself in whatever way you’d like.

Couples choosing to elope or have a small outdoor wedding are already bucking the norm, so some may want to push the envelope even further and choose an alternative wedding dress, like a jumpsuit, colorful dress, or just put their own spin on a traditional white dress. Your dress is one of the ways you show your style and express yourself the most, so it should be exactly what you want it to be. My mom wore someone else’s dress for her wedding, and it has sort of bothered her ever since. This is your chance to create the exact day and experience you want, don’t like it stop with what you choose to wear. Here are some alternative wedding gown options to consider beyond the traditional, white dress.

Pick a Color! Or all the color!

The bride in the rainbow dress above LOVES color. She had a gorgeous white gown (Galatea by the Watters) that she wore for the first half of her elopement day, including the ceremony. Then she surprised her new husband by changing into this dress (Hutton rainbow wedding gown also by the Watters), which she felt was truly her, and represented them as a couple. When David first reached out to A.J. he was drawn to how colorful she was. She had colorful hair, a colorful wardrobe, and a colorful personality. When she finally agreed to a date, he told her to get ready for a colorful time and took her to a graffiti park in Austin, TX where they added their own graffiti using a custom stencil David had made. As they spray-painted it together it was like coloring their bond in permanent ink.

The key here is to make sure your dress reflects who you are as a person and bride. Be colorful if you love color! Because why not? It’s YOUR WEDDING DAY!

Jumpsuit

I truly love a good jumpsuit, and I considered wearing one for my own wedding but ended up going with a dress in the end. Choosing a jumpsuit as your wedding clothing of choice ensures you will be comfortable and able to walk and move with a little bit more ease all day. So if you’re getting married outside and hiking around much of the day, this might be a great alternative to a traditional wedding gown. A lot of people also choose this as their second outfit, that way they can have the best of both worlds.

Black Wedding Dress

Ooooooohhhhh, black pops in so many environments, just like white does. But I love it against the mountains and green/blue locations in the photos above, but it also looks amazing against the red rock desert. If you’ve never been the type of person to wear white then why start on your wedding day? Some people just look better in black. So if you’re one of those people, just go with what you know and rock the goth chic vibes on your wedding day.

The bride in the bottom photo, Kavita, had three different and equally amazing dresses over the course of her two-day outdoor wedding. Each of them was two pieces and gorgeously detailed with beads and sparkles. But I fell in love with her final dress, this show-stopping grey and black number that sparkled like a disco ball!

Make Your Own by Choosing Two Separate Pieces

I love when brides mix and match and create something entirely their own. Add a jacket, find a skirt you love to match your favorite crop top, and if you’re getting married in a warm or beach environment add a sheer element or even pieces of a chic swimsuit you love. Comfort is key on your wedding day, and I don’t buy that you need to be uncomfortable to look good. You can look fine as hell and be able to move all day. Especially now, there are nice fabrics that stretch and still look luxurious while hugging the body in all the right places.

Stick with White, but Make it Less Wedding-y

Some brides may love a white, minimalist look, but don’t want to deal with all the lace, beads, and general fanciness and detail that comes with most wedding dresses. You can still wear white, but keep it simple. Honestly, I would guess that about 75 percent of brides I photograph choose simple dresses that look stunning on them. There is nothing wrong with a princess gown, or lots of beads and lace, but if you’re eloping or getting married outside you likely want to be able to move without lugging a heavy train around. Just look at how gorgeous the two brides above look while keeping it simple.

Go Short

This one may fall in line with keeping things simple and classy as well. A good short dress is just as stunning as a long one. And if you’re getting married in a hot or humid climate, it just might be the saving grace of your wedding day as well. If you plan on moving around, doing activities and socializing as much as possible on your day, maybe a short wedding dress is right for you. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you plan to walk along the beach for some or a lot of your big day, you might not want to drag sand and saltwater around with you all day. So keep it simple and practical if you want, it doesn’t mean you can’t still feel like a million bucks.

Choose something That Feels Like You

Again, the most important thing to keep in mind on your wedding day, especially if you’re eloping or having a small outdoor wedding is that you choose a wedding dress alternative that truly reflects your personality and style. Your best friends can help you decide and often know you as well as you know yourself, so take some along, don’t be afraid to buck tradition (you haven’t been with anything else in your life so far) and go for it! Choose a dress, jumpsuit, pantsuit, sweatsuit, whatever makes you feel like a freaking badass.

I hope this has helped to lay out some of the options available for brides looking for non-traditional wedding gowns. It can feel overwhelming to begin planning your big day, but just take it one step at a time and make decisions that are true to the two of you as a couple, without worrying what others may think. Just remember, you’ll want to wear something on your wedding day that you look back on and think- that was AWESOME! So if that means classic and traditional- that’s great. And if it means a little wild and stylish, that’s amazing too. ‘You do you’ is the only rule here.

If you’re looking for a photographer who specializes in elopements and small outdoor weddings, reach out and I’d be happy to help you get the planning process started. I help couples choose the perfect locations at the most picturesque times of day, find vendors that help fulfill their wedding daydreams, and take photos that tell the story of their day that will last a lifetime. Get in touch today if that sounds like what you’re looking for!

How Much Does It Cost to Elope? (Calculator)

How Much Does an Adventure Wedding Cost?

SWELL & STONE / Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Photographer / United States & Beyond

The cost of eloping

One of the prevailing questions, when people start planning and researching their elopement, is “How much does it cost to elope?” I put together a calculator that formulates an estimate of expenses based on what a couple wants to include on their big day. While there is no set cost to elope, most couples spend $5,000-$15,000, far less than the national average of $33,000 for a traditional wedding. Eloping couples tend to cut out the things they don’t care about, and perhaps pay a little more for the things they do. So it’s all in the balance of deciding what is important to you on your elopement day.

This calculator is only a guesstimate, and prices can vary widely depending on the vendors chosen for the day, plane ticket prices, and various other factors. While the average cost of a traditional wedding in the United States is nearly triple the cost of eloping, that number usually includes a lot more catering and venue costs than the standard small outdoor wedding or elopement. Using this calculator can help you determine the ballpark of costs you may need to budget for based on the items you’d like to include.

ELOPEMENT COST CALCULATOR

The Breakdown

Let’s break down each of these costs. Below I’ll include a reasonable range of costs you might encounter while planning your small wedding or elopement. Making the day special doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s all about making choices about what is important to you and your partner. Sometimes that means spending more on what’s important to you, and less on the things you don’t care about.

Travel

Obviously, staying closer to home for your elopement is less expensive than traveling internationally. If you elope to a nearby state or national park, or even a city park or local conservation area, the cost for a ceremony permit and photography permit will run anywhere from $0-$400. There are no plane ticket fees, no car rental fees, and you can potentially stay at home, cutting out AirBnB costs or hotel fees.

If you plan to stay within your region, i.e. if you live in Rhode Island, but plan to elope in the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, then you need to add in gas for travel, and hotel or AirBnB costs. Still, staying in your region is less expensive than taking a plane flight. A reasonable range to add to travel costs if you elope within your region is an additional $400-$1000.

When you decide to have a true destination wedding in a place that you and any potential guests might fly to that raises the stakes on cost. First, there’s airfare for the two of you and car rental. Then factor in hotel or AirBnB costs for the length of stay, which is often longer than traveling regionally. You’ll also need to consider the market difference for any vendors you might be hiring locally. Is it more competitive there because there is more demand in the location you’ve decided to get hitched? If you plan on flying domestically a reasonable range to add on to your elopement costs is $1400-$4000.

Traveling internationally adds a whole host of new costs to consider. Plane tickets will be more expensive, adding travel insurance or wedding insurance is a great idea for any wedding, but perhaps more necessary for international weddings because of the cost involved. So along with all of the additional costs listed for traveling domestically keep in mind things like larger costs for flights, hotels, and car rental depending on the location and if you decide to elope during high season in a specific area. Plan on adding an additional $1000-$5000 for international travel.

Including Friends and Family in your Elopement or Small Outdoor Wedding

Adding more people to the mix does make things more expensive. A lot of couples choose to rent out a large house or a summer camp for their guests to stay. Others choose to feed their guests multiple meals during their stay, especially if it’s in a remote location. These are optional, of course, but when few guests are invited the couple usually likes to spend as much time with those they love as possible. To many people, this is one of the huge draws of having a small, outdoor wedding, or elopement with guests. So keep in mind the amount of food and housing you would like to provide to guests who decide to attend your small outdoor wedding or elopement. Add on an extra $500-$5000 if you plan to include some level of feeding and/or housing your guests.

Vendors

Check out the info below to find out what average vendors charge to provide their services to eloping couples. Some items on the list are less expensive than traditional weddings due to the simple nature of elopements, however, some items on the list are most expensive due to travel expenses and added duties being performed by the vendors.

Florist

The average florist charges anywhere from $60-$1000 for a bride’s bouquet, with the average price being $175. If you’d like to have a floral archway add on another $500 or more. A lot of eloping and small wedding couples choose to forgo bridesmaid flowers and boutonnieres, but keep that in mind if that’s a tradition you’d like to include as well.

Cake

Most couples, even if they are eloping, like to have a special cake or cupcakes, or some kind of their favorite treat on their wedding day. The national average price for wedding cakes is $350-$450, however, most eloping couples request smaller cakes, and many couples I’ve worked with have paid around $50 for elopement cakes. Also, if you don’t like cake, don’t get a cake! Get something you and your partner will truly enjoy- like donuts or ice cream.

Officiant

Officiants cost anywhere from $500-$800 to perform a wedding ceremony. However, if an officiant is traveling to a remote area, or has to hike to a location they may charge you more. An alternative to hiring someone is asking a loved one to become ordained. It’s easy for a beloved friend or family member to become an ordained officiant, and in some states officiants aren’t even required. Your photographer also might be an ordained officiant (I am), but keep in mind they usually don’t perform the ceremony because they are busy taking photos, but they will sign the necessary paperwork at the end. Each state has different laws about whether or not an officiant is required. Some states may require witnesses as well. Check your state’s marriage laws to find out what is required, or ask your photographer. They’ve likely been through this a few times and already know the answer.

Musicians

Hiring a wedding band is normally close to the same price as an officiant. Music can run between $500-$900. But again, you may be asking the musician to come to a remote location and hike to a ceremony spot. For that reason, costs may exceed the average for elopements. Some couples choose to include family or friends that are talented and they planned on inviting anyway. That person then plays as a wedding gift to the couple.

Renting a 4x4 vehicle

Renting a 4x4 vehicle, like a Jeep Wrangler, is much more readily available in outdoor destination towns where off-roading is a fun activity. If you are eloping in one of these locations and want to use a 4x4 vehicle to get to a secluded ceremony spot, plan on spending about $300/day for a rental.

Helicopter Tour

If you’d like to EPICALLY take a helicopter to your ceremony spot, plan on paying anywhere from $300 per person for a couple hours to several thousand dollars if you’d like it for the day. Again, this option is available in more touristy locations, and places like Alaska have a lot of glacier helicopter tours and an abundance of pilots. In fact, there are around 8,000 active pilots in Alaska, which means 1% of the population is a pilot. That might not sound like a lot, but in the lower 48, only 0.000178% of people are pilots, meaning that there are 1000 times more pilots in the population of Alaska than in the lower 48.

Hiring an outdoor guide

I have done technical canyons and rock climbing elopements with couples. And while I’m a competent and skilled climber and canyoneer, I don’t guide couples down canyons or up rock walls. The reason for that is simple, I’m not trained and licensed to do that, my insurance doesn’t cover it, and my job is to take photos, not make sure my couple stays safe in a fun outdoor pursuit. For that reason, I recommend that if you’d like a more adventurous wedding day than hiking somewhere, you hire a guide for the activity. I’m super happy to photograph the entire day knowing that the guide is the person in charge of safety. Hiring an outdoor guide costs anywhere from $200-$1200 per person, depending on the adventure.

Photographer & Videographer

First, decide if you’d like both a photographer and a videographer. Most people feel the need for a photographer, and some want video as well. If you don’t feel the need for a videographer, that will likely cut your media costs in half. The average cost of a wedding photographer in the U.S. is around $2500. However, if your photographer has to travel that will add to the cost. In addition, most elopement photographers also serve as wedding planners, suggesting ceremony locations, florists, bakers, and other vendors that work in your chosen area. They help plan the timeline to make sure you get all the photos you want with the best possible light and in the best possible locations. It also depends on how much coverage of the day you’d like. If you only want a few hours you might plan on paying less than average, while if you want full day coverage you will end up paying more. Plan to spend anywhere from $2000-$7000 for a great photographer or videographer who helps plan the details and the timeline of your day.

Wedding Attire

Even elopers plan to get a dress, or suit, or alternative wedding attire of some sort. A wedding dress in the United states costs on average $280-$1600, with most purchases falling in the $1000 range. Grooms should expect a suit to run $300-$1000.

I hope this sheds some light on that question everyone wants to know. How much your wedding or elopement costs can vary depending on the style you prefer and things that you would like to include in your day. Everyone’s plans differ slightly based on their preferences. And that’s the beauty of small outdoor weddings and elopements, no one is exactly the same and NOTHING IS MANDATORY. Just do it the way you want and don’t worry about pleasing anyone else. In fact, doing things the way they want is one of the top reasons couples choose to elope or have an alternative wedding in the first place!

If you’d like a photographer with a ton of experience in outdoor weddings and elopements- get in touch! I specialize in only those things, and I’d love to help make your day picture perfect.

Whimsical Vermont Fall Elopement

A.J. & David’s Autumn Mountain Elopement At Warren Falls & Stowe Vermont

Swell & Stone / New England Elopement Photographer

A.J. and David told me the story of their first date while they were enjoying a picnic in the colorful fall forest in Vermont during their elopement. They were munching on unicorn colored cupcakes and cut open a beautiful rainbow confetti cake. Suddenly everything came full circle- I realized that they were in the perfect place at the perfect time, and that some things were just meant to be. I’m beyond ecstatic that they chose me to be their Vermont elopement photographer. Want to see my list of the best places to elope in Vermont? Check it out here.

You see when David first reached out to A.J. he was drawn to how colorful she was- Her colorful hair, her colorful wardrobe, her colorful personality, and the zest she had for life. So he asked her out, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to go on a date yet. Not deterred at all, he told her to get ready for a colorful time, and took her to a graffiti park in Austin, TX where they proceeded to add their own graffiti using a custom created quote stencil David had made. As they spray-painted it together it was like coloring their bond in permanent ink.

Fast forward to where we were now, in Vermont at the peak of fall foliage colors, and A.J. donning her Hutton rainbow wedding gown by the Watters- her 2nd dress. Her first dress, which she wore for the ceremony, was a gorgeous Galatea, also by the Watters. It was certainly a colorful experience. When A.J. walked out in her 2nd gown, she exclaimed “I’m a rainbow!” and David, having no idea it was coming, smiled from ear to ear.

The day began at their idyllic cabin in the woods. A stream ran through the side yard, and fog lingered in the morning air. They got ready in the warm cabin with the fireplace providing the bulk of the light. I took David outside to position him for first look photos, and he was in awe of their surroundings. They had been running errands the whole day before and arrived at the cabin in the evening. He was just getting the chance to look around.

A.J. came out of the cabin and walked down the wooden staircase, pulling the fallen leaves down each stair with her gown. She reached David and they embraced and enjoyed the feeling of it all sinking in. They were eloping and this beautiful scene was just the beginning!

We headed to Warren Falls where we met the officiant. The trail to the falls is less than a quarter mile, but they soaked in the beauty the entire way, and carefully climbed down to the perfect ceremony location. By this time, A.J.’s gown had picked up some mud, leaves, twigs, and dirt. After words from the officiant, they read letters to each other and then read their vows. It was a special moment surrounded by moss, changing leaves, and some of the clearest water flowing right by.

Their ceremony was followed by a picnic at Texas Falls Recreation area and then we headed off to do something they hadn’t done before. We arrived in Stowe and drove up the Auto Toll Road to stand on top of Mt. Mansfield, the highest point in the state of Vermont. At the top of the mountain most of the trees were evergreen, but part of the way down we could see where the pine trees gave way to the colorful foliage. The weather was impeccable and the morning fog had burnt off so we could see forever. They danced in the wind and enjoyed the views. The temperatures were a little chilly, but the hiking combined with putting their coats on intermittently helped them stay warm.

Finally, we headed down the mountain and toward Lake Champlain where we caught the sunset. Light twinkled, the colors of the sunset were amazing as the reflected off of the calm lake in front of us. They were a little bit chilly and very tired, but A.J. smiled and asked sweetly if she thought there was a chance for star photos. I wasn’t very hopeful because we had a full moon rising behind us, and there were some clouds in the sky. But we waited until it got a little bit darker and I went down and tested the shot. I came back up to them, and said if we were going to go for it we needed to go now! They jumped into action, stood still for a while, and then headed back up the beach to pack up and head out. I said goodbye, hugged them, and sat on the beach letting my camera timelapse and thinking about what a day it had been. These are the days when everything comes together and I feel so lucky to be the person they trusted to capture their day.

This was their first trip to Vermont, neither of them had ever been before. I think that says something amazing about who these two are as people. They are up for anything, ready to new experiences, and make the best out of everything. They had the time of their lives, seeing the unique landscapes, dancing in the leaves, letting the wind blow through their hair, and I am so grateful to them for being up for anything. They trusted me to come to a place they had never been to do things they had never done, and then made the best out of every amazing moment.

As we drove down Mt. Mansfield A.J. shared a little with me. She said, “I used to not like if a hair was out of place or if I was the slightest bit cold.”

I replied, “I can’t imagine you like that- you just walked through the mud in 50 degree temps to get married. You stood on top of the highest peak in Vermont with the wind blowing in your hair.”

She responded that she knew she had changed. She had let go of a lot in her life, and the need for everything to be perfect was something she was letting slip away as well.

And in designing the elopement day she truly wanted- a muddy, ruffled, joy-filled day, A.J. and David had, dare I say- one of the most perfect elopement days I have yet to witness.

“I am still in awe of my wedding photos and I owe it all to Kat. Not only did she help me decide on a location, she gave recommendations on florists, bakeries, and lodging! There is no way I could have planned our out of state elopement without her. And Oh My God the photos! They are truly works of art, every last one, and believe me there are a ton. The words stunning & breathtaking have been used most by my friends and family. My wedding day was spectacular and my wedding photos show it. I’m already planning an anniversary vacation so I can have Kat capture that day too. If you need an adventure photographer then you absolutely need to check out Swell & Stone. I’m forever grateful that I did!”

— A.J. & David

The Best Places to Elope in Each Season

Best Adventure Wedding Locations By Season

Swell & Stone / Elopement Photographer / New England, The Southwest, California & Beyond

You know what they say- LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! And it rings especially true for adventure weddings and elopements. Picking the right location at the right time is one of the most important parts of creating a wildly unforgettable and different adventure wedding experience. So if you’ve never been to the location you’ve been dreaming of for your wedding, it’s best to find a photographer who has, and who can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to what time of year to plan your event. With that said, depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, the off-season might be the on-season for you if you’re in search of fewer crowds and a sometimes more adventurous experience. Another plus is that many of these locations are free or inexpensive to use as a wedding venue.

During “high season” you are likely to find the nicest weather, but don’t rule out low season. I like booking elopements in a location’s “low season” because it means fewer crowds, easier transportation, and seeing a different side of a place. However, it also means potential road closures, restricted access, and bad weather. Contact a local, ranger, or guide service to find out what is possible in your location during the time frame you are considering for your elopement.

You can only do so much to avoid bad weather. Start by researching beforehand to determine seasonal average temps, rain/snowfall and wind.

If you want to go in the low season to avoid crowds make sure to research seasonal road and transportation closures that may impact your day. Also, think about extreme weather like wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

There is always the chance of bad weather during an outdoor elopement. It’s best to be prepared with the right gear and mindset. Remember, sometimes bad weather makes for the best story and photos.

Each season has its pluses and minuses. The best thing to do is to keep in mind what is most important to you and also what works best with your schedule. Summer tends to be the time most people want to get married, but depending on your comfort level in the outdoors, the dead of winter could be the perfect time for you.

Here are some helpful links to the Best Places to Elope in New England:

Top Elopement Locations in New England

Best Places to Elope in Rhode Island

Top Elopement Locations in Massachusetts

Best Elopement Spots in Upstate New York

Best Spots to Elope in Vermont

Best Elopement Locations in New Hampshire

Winter

New England

Ok, a snowy winter elopement on a mountain top isn’t for everyone, but it is for the adventurous, and it can be so unbelievably beautiful. New England has a ton of amazing icy landscape views, so if you are willing to bundle up and brave the weather, this might be a great option for you. The image about was taken on Mt. Mansfield in Vermont right at the beginning of winter, so the icy conditions were mostly on top of the mountain. These two braved freezing temps while changing on the summit crest, but they wouldn’t have had it any other way. They were engaged on this mountain too! There are a ton of icy gorgeous options with less intense hike, and a great option is taking a gondola most of the way up and then just finishing the final part of the hike. Micro spikes or crampons may be necessary.

North Cascades National Park

Winter has so many amazing things to offer. If you’re a skier or mountaineer, or if you like snowshoeing or hiking in the snow, this season might be for you. There is nothing quite like getting your wedding portraits taken in front of an ice waterfall, just ask Hannah and Collins in the photo above!

Here’s the thing about winter- there are so many fewer people out and about. A winter hike can be calm, serene, and silent, and if you plan it right you might not be all that cold either. Alternatively, there are a ton of locations you can drive to, stay warm in the car, and pop out for a few minutes at a time to take photos. But there are some locations that even in winter are perfect for spending the whole day outside. Want to know more about how to comfortably get married outside in the winter? Check out this post!

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

The Desert Southwest

Winter is the perfect time to explore the desert southwest, which includes southern Utah, Arizona, and parts of Nevada and California. These places remain mostly temperate in the winter, so planning your adventure wedding can be a breeze. Also, these places are mostly dry during this time, although there are always exceptions. The desert is ideal for eloping in winter because even though the weather can be nice there are still fewer people out and about. This is partly because winter nights can easily drop well below freezing, making camping still a bit dicey for some.

The day before I photographed Cam & Rick’s adventure wedding pictured above, it rained the entire day. We were nervous that the 4x4 roads out to this spot would be impassable, but they weren’t and this spot was enhanced by the myriad of pools dotting the desert floor- a rare sight indeed! It made for the most memorable adventure wedding experience. And that is an important tidbit about planning an adventure wedding- YOU NEED TO BE READY FOR ADVENTURE. Just as when you’re adventuring any other time, inclement weather and adapting to things as they come is part of the fun.

Spring

Castle Hill Lighthouse, Rhode Island

Spring can be wet season just about anywhere, but if you plan it right it’s also beautiful in a number of locations. It’s best to stay at lower elevations in the spring because high in the mountains will still be snowy and sometime wet and muddy.

Coastal Regions- Southern Rhode Island & Southern California & Florida

These spots are often nice on the coast, but can still be really nice inland during this time of year as well. When considering weather as a factor, places like Florida become too hot in the summer months, so it’s best to take advantage of the nice spring weather and plan your elopement for then. Also, as long as you avoid spring break, you can still take advantage of some of the relative peace of fewer crowds before summer comes.

Check out Kavita & Brice’s spring adventure wedding that took place in a tree grove in Florida! Or Makeda & Tej’s adventure anniversary session that I shot on the coast of southern Rhode Island at Castle Hill Lighthouse and Fort Adams State Park. Logistics become very difficult at these locations in the summer because of huge tourism crowds. It’s best to plan sessions in these places for either spring or fall.

Florida

Summer

Ahhh summer, when it’s finally in the air and everyone you know plans to get married. It can often seem like your summer is lost to attending weddings. Well if you’re going to plan your wedding in the summer it may as well be somewhere awesome!

High Altitude Alpine Locations

Unless you’re an extreme adventurer, this is really the only time of year you can plan an adventure elopement or wedding high in the mountains, so take advantage! Include a small hike to the ceremony location to break away from the crowds. There are so many beautiful options, but here are some of my favorites. Check out this gorgeous elopement complete with Airstreams and El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

From mountain meadows to alpine lakes, this is the best time of year to get away from it all.

Yosemite National Park & The Sierra Nevada

Alaska

North Cascades National Park

Southwest Colorado, San Juan Mountains

Alta, Utah- Wasatch Range

But the waterfalls and picturesque pools of New England and the Pacific Northwest are calling as well. It’s up to you, but no matter what you choose in the summer months make sure you’re either prepared to work around the crowds, or work with your photographer to find a location that is a little more secluded. Sometimes this can be as easy as going early in the morning at what will be a very crowded location later in the day.

Deception Pass State Park, Washington

Peakamoose Blue Hole- The Catskills

Fall

And finally, fall. It’s my favorite season to photograph elopements, with the gorgeous changing colors and the crisp weather. Fall mornings often bring moody fog, and there is nothing more stunning than fog mingling in the treetops or over a lake. Honestly, rain or shine you’re going to have an absolutely stunning elopement day if you book a fall wedding in the Northeast.

New England & the northeast

My absolute favorite place spend the fall is in the Northeast of the United States. From the mountains of the Adirondacks to the waterfalls of Vermont. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Massachusetts have unbelievable views during this time, too, and the coastal landscapes in these states are also breathtaking. Enjoy the crisp air, fog covering the valleys in the morning, and an absolute feast of color for the eyes.

Mt. Mansfield, Vermont

Warren Falls, VT

Catskills, NY

The truth is that the best location and season to elope in is really your preference. Some of the most fun elopements I’ve photographed were in the dead of winter in cold places. I loved the adventure and the couples who chose to plan them that way did too! Keep in mind the comfort of your guests if you’re bringing some along, but otherwise the sky is the limit. Pick a place that means something to you and your partner or a place neither of you have ever been before, but would love to visit. Either way, if you plan the day that you’ll love and come prepared to roll with whatever weather comes your way, you’ll have a truly memorable and wildly different wedding experience that you’ll be able to live over and over again through your photos.

Rethinking Big Wedding Plans? Why You Should Plan a Beautiful Elopement Instead

Why to Change Course from Big Wedding Plans to an Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / UNITED STATES AND BEYOND

While a lot of couples, especially outdoorsy pairs, were already trending toward planning elopements and small outdoor weddings instead of a traditional big wedding, even more couples have started to consider this a viable option for their wedding day thanks to the uncertainty of COVID-19. All of 2020 might be a loss for big weddings with hundreds of guests, but couples are finding that they are still able to elope and have a wonderful day if they keep it small and local. Socially distant backyard elopements are popping up and couples are getting creative with their bouquets, custom sewn masks, and a bunch of other details. In 20 years they will tell their kids they got married during and pandemic, and although it might not be what they had originally planned, it sure will be memorable. So even if you’re bummed about postponing or canceling your big wedding, there is still reason to celebrate- you’ve found your forever person- and that is a truly magical thing. Here are some reasons to consider planning an elopement or small outdoor wedding either in addition to or in lieu of a big wedding.

Get Married Outside

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to getting married outside, I get that. But I’d also argue that’s precisely the beauty of getting married outside. If it rains on your wedding day make sure everyone brings an umbrella, and if you are planning a small wedding or eloping with just the two of you, that’s an easy thing to do. If it’s a warm summer rain, why not dance in the rain? Make it memorable, make it fun, and let’s stop taking ourselves and weddings so seriously- like every little detail has to be in place to make it perfect. If you’re an adventurer, you know better than most that the best adventures and the subsequent stories are the ones where not everything goes right. You encounter a challenge, you overcome, you are better for it. So let’s embrace the sometimes dirty, messy, crazy freaking beautiful outdoors and get married there!

The Day Is Focused on the Love Between You and Your Partner

Eloping is really about having an amazing and memorable day with your partner. You are able to cut out all the things you don’t care about in a sort of no-bullshit approach that a lot of people find more enjoyable than worrying about things like tablecloths and place settings. You don’t have to worry about who you will seat at what table, and who cares if Aunt Linda is upset she didn’t get a corsage. Let’s be honest, it’s great to honor and include your family, but you shouldn’t place their preferences over your own on YOUR wedding day. Eloping or having a small outdoor wedding with some family is a great way to include those super close to you, and if you want you can have a party with everyone else to celebrate later. A lot of couples like how much making this one decision simplifies all the other decisions they eventually have to make. They trade place settings and tablecloths for picnic tables or blankets on the ground. They trade centerpieces on every table for epic bouquets and a beautiful archway to have their ceremony under. A lot of couples roll their elopement and honeymoon into one enjoy the area they’ve eloped in for even longer.

More Flexible Timelines

A traditional wedding day is packed full of getting ready in hotel rooms, taking formal photos with absolutely everyone, and being whisked from place to place as you try to take in all that’s happening. During your elopement day, you can plan a more loose timeline that doesn’t need to be as strictly adhered to. It’s easier to take in the views, chat with family, and spend genuine quality time together. A bonus is that you aren’t inside a dark ballroom so you can enjoy the setting sun and the light changing on the landscape. The most common thing I hear couples say during their wedding day spent in the great outdoors is, “wow, we should do this more often!” And it’s true, life sometimes gets going so fast you forget to take in and appreciate the small things. Eloping in the great outdoors truly allows you to slow down and take in the experience rather than be whisked through it. Think of it as a soak rather than a whirlwind.

More Flexible Vendors

The coronavirus pandemic has really put this one into perspective. If you need to postpone or move your elopement for any reason it is much easier to do that if you were only inviting a few people. I’m a photographer who only shoots elopements and small outdoor weddings, and while the couples I’m working with have been a little stressed out about all the uncertainty and changes, they’ve been able to cope and make solid backup plans. A bonus is that they are working with fewer vendors than a lot of couples who plan big weddings, so there is less coordination both on the guest side and on the vendor side. Less logistical mess means less stress.

Eloping Is More Affordable

I have a whole separate blog post about just how much more affordable it is to elope, called “How Much Does It Cost to Elope?” There’s even a handy calculator so you can get a rough estimate of how much it will cost based on your wants. But to summarize, it’s at least half as expensive. So just think of what you could do with all that extra money- go on trips, learn new skills, buy a car, save for a down payment on a house. Something I’ve heard repeatedly from couples during this pandemic is that it really forced them to slow down and decide on the things that really matter to them. I’ve heard people say that they want to save for a house for their family, they just want to keep more of their funds secure during these uncertain times, and that they really felt a sense of relief when they made the decision to elope. And most of them have ultimately said that it really feels like “more them” to begin with! That’s right, a lot of people felt like they were having big weddings for other people, and when the pandemic gave them an excuse to have a more pared-down affair they felt relief! While I’m so glad they came to that decision for themselves, it shouldn’t take a pandemic to get you to decide to elope. If you feel like that is what’s best for you, please don’t hesitate to DO IT! Here’s a link to a post about why couples decide to elope in the great outdoors.

Making Memories with Your Life Partner

Why not have a great adventure that kicks off the greatest adventure yet with your life partner. Entering into marriage with another human is a wild ride. A lot of couples who choose to elope have been together for a while already, and might even have kids together. Some of them are new and freshly in love. Either way eloping in the wild is a great adventure, and it creates unforgettable memories that you will be able to relive through the photos for decades to come. Remember what Kesha said, “someday soon, your whole life's gonna change, you'll miss the magic of these good old days.” And it’s so true. So breath deep, take it all in and remember it is a great day to be alive.

I hope this outlined some of the great reasons why planning an elopement or small outdoor wedding instead of a traditional wedding can be beneficial for many couples, especially in these uncertain times. The most important thing is honoring and celebrating the love between you and your partner, and when you strip it down to that being the most important thing, a lot of the stress and indecisiveness falls away. If you’d love help planning your small outdoor wedding or elopement, please get in touch today. I do more than just take amazing photos- I help couples plan the day of their dreams in the location of their dreams.

Stunning Rhode Island Lighthouse Elopement

Samantha & Victor’s Canoeing and Sunset Lighthouse Elopement

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Rhode Island & Beyond

Samantha and Victor reached out to me about 3 weeks before they wanted to elope in Rhode Island. It was the summer and Coronavirus had been taking over the news cycle. They wanted something simple and beautiful, and their 4 year-old daughter was going to join in on the adventure. I proposed a number of locations around the state in my Rhode Island elopement packages, and they ultimately chose canoeing on Wyoming Pond (part of the Wood River) because they knew their daughter would love it, and then enjoying a sunset ceremony and celebration at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown.

Both Samantha and I mentioned that the week before their elopement we looked at the weather forecast, and there was nothing but sunny skies, except of course for the day they had chosen for their elopement. There was one lone lighting bolt lingering on their elopement day weather forecast. But as the weather does in the summer, things changed and we had pretty much the perfect day for canoeing on the river and we watched an incredible sunset at Beavertail.

Samantha and Victor have one of the cutest, and longest-standing, love stories I’ve had the privilege of hearing so far. They met in the 5th grade. “Our teacher had to move our desks because we talked too much, but even that didn’t stop us. We started ‘dating’ in middle school and went our separate ways in high school but we always remained friends. In 2015 we decided the timing was right and we picked up where we left off and we’ve been together ever since,” said Samantha.

“No matter how much we tried to stay away from each other the universe always pulled us together! In 2015, we spent that year getting to really know each other. Walks on the beach, climbing a mountain, visiting waterfalls, and taking mini trips to NYC and Chicago. We even bought a decent DSLR camera and documented almost every adventure big and small.” Like magnets they were drawn to one another, and when you see them together, you completely understand why.

The only thing that was more obvious than their love for each other was their love for their sweet daughter, Annabella. And they were right, she did LOVE canoeing! She wanted to jump in the entire time. She was a fearless and adventurous little explorer, and honestly she made my job getting candid shots so easy because she was constantly running around, playing and having an absolute blast.

After the canoeing we headed over to Beavertail State Park on the southern end of Jamestown. It took us a minute to find a more secluded ceremony spot, but when we did they each read their vows. Victor wrote several pages, and stopped short of reading all of them because Annabella was wiggling in her mom’s arms ready to run again. Samantha mentioned that she most certainly would have cried had he kept going. It was Samantha’s turn, and Annabella held still long enough for her parents to finish their words and exchange rings, which was quite a feat while holding her. But the part Annabella was most looking forward to was cake, and that time was finally here.

We grabbed the cake and blanket and headed over to the lighthouse. Annabella dug right in, and they enjoyed the cake with out cutting pieces, because let’s be honest- cake really is better that way. When I stole her parents for portraits for a few minutes she placed her entire hand on top of the cake and exclaimed, “You guys! Come feel this- it’s so squishy!”

Before we knew it the sun was low on the horizon and we managed a few more photos before Annabella started getting sleepy. The crescent moon came out, and colors lingered in the sky forever. The perfect ending to a fun-filled adventure elopement day.

Elopement & Outdoor Wedding Planning Guide

Small Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Planning Checklist

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / UNITED STATES AND BEYOND

Ok, you know you want a different kind of wedding, one where the flowers are wild, and the decor is…grand, and happens to have naturally existed for millennia. 

Whether you choose an intimate destination wedding with friends and family or an elopement with just the two of you is entirely up to you, and the beauty of it all is that there are no rules! You can create a day that truly reflects your relationship. Congrats on being awesome, doing your own thing, and not playing by an obscure traditional rulebook.

So if you’ve dreamed of running through the mountains with your dress flowing behind you, staying out beneath the stars, or getting hitched on the beach and paddling out on your surfboard for a “first surf” instead of a “first dance,” you’ve come to the right place. 

Define “elopement”

It can mean a lot of different things, and there is no one way to elope. It can be an adventure close to home with some family, or a faraway destination with just the two of you. Normally a couple decides what to do based on the things that are really important to themselves and their partner. Elopements often take place on public lands, and it is always important to inquire to see if a permit is needed for the ceremony. For my photography purposes, I define an elopement as an outdoor adventure wedding with fewer than 15 guests.

Define “Small Outdoor Wedding”

A small outdoor wedding often takes place on the grounds of an AirbNb, family home property, lodge, camp, or resort area, and occasionally on public lands. I define “small outdoor weddings” as weddings with 15-35 guests. Often couples want an adventure wedding but still want to include family. They will dedicate one day to activities with family and getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception, and the following day they go on an outdoor adventure with just the two of them.

What kind of planning is involved?

You can start planning anywhere from 1 week to 2 years in advance. Generally, couples plan 6-12 months out which gives you time to plan travel, inform family and friends- if they are coming along- and find the location that works best for you. Beyond that, you can include as many or a few things as you want. Most people hire a photographer, but you and choose to do video as well, hire a florist, get a cake, hire an officiant, book a train ride, hike a mountain, paddle a river, etc… or not! That’s the beauty of your adventure wedding day- it’s entirely up to you!

How much does it cost to elope or have a small outdoor wedding?

Compared to a traditional wedding, eloping is a fraction of the cost. The average wedding in the U.S. costs over $35,000. You can plan the greatest elopement adventure of all time for less than half that amount. Plan to spend 50-75% of your budget on photography, and the rest on travel, attire, rings, hair & makeup, your marriage license, attire, and food. For small outdoor weddings, expect to spend a bit more because you need to account for more catering costs and more in total reception costs.

Can family/friends come?

Of course! “Eloping” used to meaning running away from your family and getting married without their knowledge. You can still absolutely do that, but a majority of couples who elope now do so to keep things simple, focus on what’s important to them, and make sure they truly enjoy their day. For a lot of them, that means a few family members or friends are present for their day! 

Stages of Planning

1. Dream- What is your vision for your big day? Have you always imagined a spot in a secluded forest or an unreal journey through a sandstone slot canyon? Whatever it is, dream big! We can make it happen. 

2. Plan- What time of year is best in your dream spot? Find a photographer who can help guide you through location logistics and is experienced in this specialized style of weddings. Start to make your dream reality.

3. Book- Decide on a location. Find a place to stay. Arrange transportation. Put together any permits you may need. Book flowers, hair and makeup.

4. Finalize- Finish planning all details with vendors. Decide on attire. Plan activities, and finalize a wedding day timeline.

5. Enjoy- Enjoy every single second of the beautiful day. Remember inclement weather makes for the best stories (and photos) later. Relish the adventure.

Important Logistics

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you go through the process of working out the logistics of getting married.

1. What are the local marriage laws and requirements?

2. Do you want other people there?

3. What’s the weather like in your chosen location this time of year?

4. Is this location a popular and crowded or secluded?

5. How accessible is the location? How will you get there?

6. Do you need a permit to take photos or to have the ceremony?

7. Will you do a “first look”?

8. What kind of activities would you like to include on your wedding day?

9. Do you want a picnic, champagne, or another kind of celebratory drink/meal?

10. What vendors do you need? Is it easy for them to get there, or bring items before?

Marriage Laws

Marriage laws differ from state to state

Research the paperwork you will need to have before and after, and determine whether you need an officiant and witnesses in the state where you’ve chosen to get married. Every state is different, some require a waiting period, some require blood tests, and some don’t require anything. Do your research and find out what you need in your state.

But don’t let the paperwork throw you off track. The wedding day you’ve imagined is always possible. In fact, in the majority of elopements, the paperwork is completely taken care of either before or after the elopement. Often times couples wait to sign the official document until right after they say the vows.

Whatever you choose to do, you commit your life to your partner the day you say your vows…the rest is just legalities. Here is a great resource for what you need to know based on whatever state you happen to be in.

Weather

High & low season

During “high season” you are likely to find the nicest weather but don’t rule out the low season. I like booking elopements in a location “low season” because it means fewer crowds, easier transportation, and seeing a different side of a place. However, it also means potential road closures, restricted access, and bad weather. Contact a local, ranger, or guide service to find out what is possible in your location during the time frame you are considering for your elopement.

What if the weather is bad?

You can only do so much to avoid bad weather. Start by researching beforehand to determine seasonal average temps, rain/snowfall, and wind. 

If you want to go in the low season to avoid crowds make sure to research seasonal road and transportation closures that may impact your day. Also, think about extreme weather like wildfires, floods tornadoes, and hurricanes. 

There is always the chance of bad weather during an outdoor elopement. It’s best to be prepared with the right gear and mindset. Just like you prepare for anything when you plan to hike a mountain or go for any other outdoor adventure, make sure you have everything you might need from bug spray to rain gear to hand warmers, depending on the season. And remember, sometimes bad weather makes for the best story and photos.

Permits

LEGAL RESTRICTIONS & ETHICS

When researching a location for the exact spot you want to say your vows, make sure it’s a legal and ethical spot to have a wedding ceremony. There are some locations that have laws against any type of ceremony, and some places where having a wedding ceremony wouldn’t be appropriate.

IS A PERMIT NECESSARY?

On most public lands and private properties, yes. Many also require a separate one for your photographer. The general rule is to assume you need to have a permit or ask permission unless you are told otherwise by someone with authority.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Make sure you follow all 7 Leave No Trace principles during your elopement. That means be careful where you walk, leave the beautiful place just as you found it, and make sure to not have your ceremony in a fragile environment.

FUN, ACTIVITIES, CELEBRATE

FOOD & DRINKS

Pack a picnic, get it catered, reserve the side patio of your favorite area eatery- whatever you decide to do makes sure it’s something you love. We will likely be running around all day so make sure you stay hydrated and well-fed.

FUN STUFF

Some people want to go on a hike, some want to stand up paddleboard, others skydive, go on hot air balloon rides, or surf! Your wedding day can look however you want! That’s the beauty of eloping.

If you are hiking to your ceremony location make sure to find a comfortable hiking pack. If going before sunrise, perhaps pack your attire instead of hiking in it, and change when you get to the location.

Bring extra layers, bug spray, sunscreen, headlamps, plenty of food and water, etc...!

CHAMPAGNE, CONFETTI, SPARKLERS

Celebrating is important, but we always do so in an eco-friendly way! We make sure to pick up the champagne cork, use local leaves as confetti, and check fire bans before lighting sparklers.

FINALIZE WITH A CHECKLIST

Elopement & Small Outdoor Wedding Checklist

I hope this guide helps answer questions you didn’t even know you had. It’s a beautiful thing when you realize your wedding day doesn’t have to follow the same framework that everyone else’s weddings do, it can be catered to you and your partner’s unique tastes. So keep the traditions you love, toss aside the ones you don’t care about, and let’s plan an incredible adventure for your wedding day and create memories and photos that will last a lifetime.

Moab Moonrise Adventure Session | Moab Elopement Photographer

Jenna & Mark Explore Moab for Engagement Session

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Utah & Beyond

I met Jenna and Mark at a random pull out on the Colorado River outside of Moab for their adventure engagement session. It’s a spot I’ve been coming back to for years because of it’s unique viewpoint of desert towers backed by mountains. Up to our left was a treacherous looking slope littered with giant boulders in front of a sheer face. To our right flowed the mighty Colorado River, and there was an easy walk down to a nice beach. I pointed left and said, “we’re going up there.” Jenna and Mark got themselves in order and started hiking. Jenna in a dress and wedges made it up the steep, scrambling slope much faster than I did, and was less out of breath as well. They are both canyoneers and climbers and scrambling up a rock littered slope is an everyday affair for them. They didn’t think twice or hesitate when I directed them to a rock edge to perch on.

These two met rock climbing, Jenna explained. “We were bouldering at the local climbing gym and Mark fell off of a route that I was trying to climb and we just started chatting! We went on a trip to southern Utah the next week.”

They had so much in common that they just kept hanging out because who better than your best friend to go on all your adventures with? “We’re pretty similar as far as hobbies go. We both love rock climbing, hiking, running, backpacking, and canyoneering. I love to ski and snowboard, Mark hasn’t learned yet. We also both love to read.”

After we got some amazing tiny person landscape shots of the towers, mountains, and river we headed down to the river. Mark said he loves the way rivers rocks look, so I took some overhead shots of them laying on the rocks and exploring the beach area. They love all kinds of outdoor activities but mentioned that currently, backpacking was a favorite. “Backpacking is the current craze. We really want to get back to Escalante and go on a backcountry trip.”

As the sun sank lower we headed down the road to take in views of some different desert towers. Moab is such an unreal spot that driving just a few minutes in either direction can change up the scenery. We hiked, skipped, and explored, and as the sun sank lower a full moon rose overhead. Just being among the towers in golden light is a treat, but staying to see the moonrise and with temperatures still really comfortable was just spectacular. The shot of them dancing under a full moon rising ended up being one of my favorites of the whole session, even though it was one of the shots that I had given the least thought and planning. That slope that I was talking about earlier… I had hiked up and down that entire slope for hours to find the perfect rock for them to stand on for those shots as part of my location scouting process. And don’t get me I LOVE those shots. But something about the small details and the unplanned shots makes this job so much fun.

This shoot happened right before a lot was locked down for Covid-19. I’m so happy we were able to get out for a lovely evening in Moab, and Jenna and Mark spent the rest of the weekend exploring canyonlands. But they had a wedding scheduled for April, which they had to change and move several times before finally being able to elope with a few friends and family socially distanced in the great outdoors. I’m so happy they were able to make it happen because they are so clearly deeply in love!

I love staying out until the sun goes down with my couples, so if you’d love starry night sky shots or moonrise shots get in touch, and let’s make it happen.