Elopement – Elope – Eloped: Basically my favorite way for couples to experience saying their vows.
I know when you get engaged the first thing you want to do is shout it, then dive into research mode. Do you want a wedding or an elopement? (Trust me this can become a heated debate)
My first piece of advice, make sure you take your time. This isn’t a race to check every box. This is a very short period of time in your life! So here are all my favorite elopement ideas, elopement timelines, elopement locations, all the good stuff inside my brain.
Elopement Guides based on Region:
👉🏻 How to Elope in Mount Baker
👉🏻 How to Elope in North Cascades
👉🏻 How to Plan an Elopement
Elopement Ideas worth stealing
So, you’re leaning toward an elopement…but now you’re staring at your screen wondering, “What the hell do people actually do during one?” Welcome to my brain. I have thought about this far too much so you don’t have to.
Personally I’m a big fan of the adventure, hiking elopements in the mountains so hopefully we’re on the same brain wave here!
Pack a Picnic with a View
You just said your vows on a mountain ridge. Cue the champagne pop and a spread of your favorite snacks. Cheese board, anyone? This is for the couple who wants to slow down and soak it all in with zero pressure to rush to a reception. I’ll third-wheel it with my camera while you sip, snack, and spin each other around in hiking boots.
Rent a Cabin and Make It a Vibe
Think: candles, music, fireplace, your dog snoozing in the background. A cozy cabin elopement is the move for couples who want to skip the dirt but still want all the intimacy. Bonus points if it’s A-frame. 1000 bonus points if it’s snowing. This is the stuff Pinterest boards are built on. (But also no-no we’re not going for perfection, we’re going for you!)
Horseback riding
You, your partner, two horses, and a quiet trail at golden hour. It’s giving main character energy. Perfect for elopements where you want a bit of Wild West romance with your vows. Bonus if your horse nuzzles you post-kiss.
Helicopter Tour
Want to feel like you’re starring in your own travel doc? Say your vows, then lift off for a bird’s-eye view of the place you just promised forever. Few things beat those aerial shots—and the adrenaline high that comes with them.
Paddle boarding
Barefoot, sun-kissed, and balanced on boards. Whether it’s a peaceful alpine lake or a misty morning on the Sound, paddle boarding elopements are chill with a side of “we’re doing this our way.”
Sail Boat
Think: salty breeze, sun-drenched decks, vows at sea. A sailboat elopement is for the couple who wants elegance, motion, and maybe a champagne toast as the sun dips behind the horizon. 10/10 would photograph multiple days over.
Hiking with Camping / Glamping
For the couples who want dirt under their boots and stars overhead. Whether you’re roughing it or rolling up to a luxe canvas tent, this option gives you an overnight love story and I’ll be there for the s’mores + flasks.
Stargazing
Your ceremony’s over, your fire’s crackling, and you’re wrapped in a blanket under a billion stars. There’s something wildly romantic about the quiet after the adventure. (Plus, we will have snacks. Always.)
National Park hop (Washington plug for sure)
Can’t choose just one? Don’t. Washington is stacked with iconic parks—Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades—each with a totally different vibe. Turn your elopement into a mini road trip with vows at one and portraits at the rest. Yes, we can do that.
Board games
Because intimacy doesn’t always have to be adrenaline. If your love language is cozy competition and inside jokes, playing board games in your cabin post-vows is a vibe. Catan, Clue, or Cards Against Humanity.. Honestly if you’re into adventure my favorite game was made by one of my photographer friends it’s called Bear Mountain Adventure!
Skydiving
Yes, people actually do this. And yes, I absolutely will photograph your jump. Say your vows, suit up, and then literally take the leap together. Bonus: those adrenaline-fueled just-landed smiles are chef’s kiss to photograph.
Snowboarding or Skiing
Mountains, snowflakes, and vows mid-run? Whether you’re carving down a black diamond or cruising blues, a snowy elopement on skis or boards is pure magic. And yes, you can totally wear your wedding gear under your jacket. (Just know, I’m picking a snowboard.. or cross country skiing for me)
Yoga, Saunas, and Wine (Oh my!)
The “treat yourself” elopement. Stretch it out with a morning yoga flow, sweat it out in a cedar sauna, then cheers with a glass of red as the sun sets. Ideal for couples who want to be chill and bougie all at once.
Sample Timelines for Full Day Adventures
Okay, you know how everyone says “it goes by so fast”? They’re not lying. That’s why I build timelines that aren’t just a list of photos they’re a map for memory-making. You’re not just slotting in a ceremony and calling it good. You’re creating a story. I personally only photograph full day to multi day because my clients value having someone there to do the documenting for them (in a artful, intentional way).
Here’s how my elopements tend to play out.
Full Day Elopement Timeline (10 to 12 hours)
This one’s for the couples who want it all. We start with you two making coffee in your Airbnb and end chasing alpenglow. Somewhere in between: a hike, vows, exploring, maybe a canoe ride, and a snack stop (because we don’t do hangry here).
– 9:00am — Getting ready in the Airbnb (coffee in robes is a must)
– 10:30am — First look + pack up
– 11:00am — Travel to ceremony spot
– 12:00pm — Vows + ring exchange
– 1:00pm — Picnic + chill
– 2:30pm — Explore + adventure photos
– 5:00pm — Sunset photos
– 7:00pm — Return to Airbnb, pop champagne, cozy up by fire
– 8:00pm — Final portraits, just the two of you, golden & glowy
Multi Day Elopement Timeline (14 to 24 Hours)
For the “why not make it a whole damn experience?” couples. This is perfect for backpacking elopements, destination vibes, or when you want to spend a day doing something epic and the next day doing nothing.
Day One:
– Travel + settle in
– Casual couple session (exploring town, soaking it up)
– Dinner date or bonfire hang
Second Day:
– Sunrise hike
– Vows at the summit
– Breakfast picnic
– Midday nap or slow time
– Sunset portraits at location #2
Third Day:
– Optional adventure add-on (canoe, helicopter, paddleboard, whatever your flavor)
– Wrap-up coffee hang + final photos
Real Elopements that I’ve personally photographed
This isn’t just portfolio padding these are people I still think about. Booking me means you’re not getting a photographer who clocks in and clocks out. For me it is truly about protecting my clients peace from planning to printing.
We’re going to pick locations based on what is right for you (not just instagram). If you want to keep your photos private, we’re doing that. Human connection is my favorite thing to document.
Zion National Park Elopement McKenzie + Tyler
Okay fun fact, we had to push this elopement because McKenzie got pregnant, and we ended up switching locations at least 10 times (no joke) and finally picked Utah with the help of an amazing planner Mia (Sunnyside Events – hi girl I want to work with you again!)
She was 6 months postpartum, fit in her dress amazing, and they brought their baby boy with them (plus her mom!)
The day was truly relaxed, with easy hiking, and views along the shuttle that we just hopped on and off all day.
Tyler was all smiles. This was their first national park. The food, the cake, the cabin near the park. Everything was exactly how it was suppose to be and didn’t matter we had to change dates, this is how their story was meant to be told.
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Elisa + Vic
These two found me through TikTok and I am so happy they did. One thing that stood out to me was on their consult they told me, “We didn’t care about budget, we had to have you.” You made us feel safe, seen, and able to just let our masks down.
We planned an April elopement in RMNP and my god that sunrise was magic for them. They included their close friends (we went ice skating the night before) and all did makeup, hair, and dancing to Mama Mia soundtrack at 4 am.
So many tears were shed. All happy.
Once we did some portraits we went back to their airbnb where they cooked together for their first meal.
Truly couples like them are why I love this job. The little moments of every day life to build a marriage full of story.
Want the best elopement experience? I’m ready if you are!
Planning an elopement isn’t about having all the answers.
The best thing to do next is to reach out to me. It’s okay if you don’t have a for sure location, or timeline that’s my job to help plan all of this with you. The links will take you where to go, can’t wait to talk soon.
👉🏻 Contact me
👉🏻 Download my How to Elope Guide
👉🏻 Read my full How to Elope in Washington State Guide
Washington elopement photographer, planning an elopement in Washington
