If you plan to have an adventure elopement, you are my people! First things first, though, an adventure elopement doesn’t have to mean doing something extreme. It can be as simple as enjoying a hike together to a cozy camping spot and spending the night stargazing or spending the weekend in your favourite mountain town, exploring coffee shops and local trails. Your elopement day can be whatever you envision and as adventurous as you’d like! And as I always say, adventure is what you make it!
As a British Columbia adventure elopement photographer who has also eloped, I’ve had the honor of capturing and helping couples plan adventure elopements and I’m here to guide you through the process.
Choosing Your Location and Booking Your Adventure Elopement Photographer
As the first step I recommend choosing your location (or general area) AND booking your adventure elopement photographer. You want to find someone experienced in the area, and someone who offers planning assistance as a part of their elopement packages (someone like me!) Your photographer would become your planning partner, location scout, weather advisor, and overall support system to help you create the day of your dreams.
They’ll help you iron out all the details, from the best time to avoid crowds to crafting a foolproof Plan B (and C!) for your big day. Trust me, investing in a skilled elopement photographer is SO IMPORTANT.
Pick Your Spot, Permits, and Plan B
Maybe you’re already dreaming of a specific mountaintop or open meadow, or you’re open to suggestions? Your photographer can help you find the perfect setting based on the scenery, weather, and activities you love. Remember, some locations require permits, so it’s best to get that paperwork started early, but don’t fret, I will help you if any permits are required. And always have a backup location or some flexibility with your date, just in case Mother Nature has other plans. But I always encourage couples to embrace the elements, they can make for a fun experience and beautiful images.
Book Any Other Vendors for Your Adventure Elopement
Now’s the time to consider any other vendors you’d like to include, like a hairstylist, makeup artist, or florist. You may also need an officiant if you’re not making it official in a courthouse beforehand. As your elopement photographer, I’ve got the inside scoop on the best local vendors, so you don’t have to stress finding the perfect team.
Get Your Adventure Elopement Attire
Take time to go shopping for your dress/suit or whatever you’d like to wear for your adventure elopement! Make sure you also prepare for the weather – you may need hiking boots, a warm jacket, or a raincoat. Depending on where you are planning to have your ceremony, you can choose to hike in your elopement attire, or you may want to change at the ceremony location, so it might be helpful to bring along garment bags. I also will bring a pop up changing tent if needed so you don’t have to bare it all in front of the wildlife!
Plan Your Adventure Elopement Activities
Many eloping couples choose to include fun and meaningful activities or go adventuring to celebrate their love on their big day. The activities available for you will depend on the season you’re planning to elope. Here are some ideas for your adventure elopement!
- Hike through the trails of a national park
- Visit a vinery
- Go off-roading
- Go paddleboarding
- Take a helicopter ride
- Go camping if the weather allows
- Enjoy a long weekend at an intimate lodge
- Go boating, kayaking, or canoeing
These are only some of the endless activities possible for your adventure elopement. And if you choose me as your photographer, I’m happy to give you more personalized ideas!
Crafting Your Adventure Elopement Timeline
Once you have your location and activities figured out and you’ve booked all the vendors you’d like to have, it’s time to create your adventure elopement timeline. I don’t recommend doing this on your own, in fact, it’s another thing I do for my couples!
Your elopement photographer should help you craft a timeline that includes all your must-have moments, from the best light for your elopement ceremony to a scenic picnic break. As an elopement photographer, I know the ins and outs of timing, especially when it involves hiking up a mountain or chasing the sunset. I also know to factor in a buffer time for when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Here are some planning tips and examples for your elopement timeline!
Book Your Stay
Once your timeline is locked in, secure your accommodations and book your flights, if needed. Consider arriving a few days early and staying a bit after, just in case you need to dodge any unpredictable weather. And if you’re planning getting-ready photos, ask your photographer for cozy Airbnb or cabin recommendations.
How to get Legally Married in Canada
To elope in Canada, it is a pretty straightforward process to make it legal. Ensuring the legalities of your Canadian elopement are in order is crucial for a stress-free celebration. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the province or territory where you plan to exchange vows. From marriage licenses to officiants, understanding the legal process will help you navigate smoothly. Most provinces in Canada require a marriage license, an officiant, and two witnesses. Your photographer can be one of your witnesses, but your officiant cannot! You need to make sure you have another witness (I can also help with this if necessary) or make arrangements to get officially hitched prior to your elopement day.
As a Canada Elopement Photographer, I will provide the information you need to get your marriage license and make it all legal! See below links to the government websites for information on getting married in these provinces.
What to Pack for Your Adventure Elopement
Now for the fun part – packing! Beyond your attire, think about what you’ll need for comfort and celebration. Good boots, warm layers, rain gear, and maybe even some discreet thermal leggings for under that dress. Pack a backpack with snacks, water, and, of course, a little bubbly to toast your union. Don’t forget the rings, vow books, and a touch-up kit to stay photo-ready.
British Columbia Elopement Photographer & Packages
Hi, I’m Sam!! I’m an elopement and intimate wedding photographer based in British Columbia and travelling anywhere for elopements! You can learn more about me here! Of course I’m going to say this, but having an elopement photographer for your elopement is one of the most important vendors! When you work with me you get so much more than just a photographer, of course I will provide you with stunning images that you get to relive for years to come, but I will also help you plan your dream Canada elopement so that you can sit back and FULLY enjoy your elopement experience, stress-free!
All elopement packages include the following:
- 4 hours to multi-day coverage
- Personalized location idea list
- Vendor recommendations
- Unlimited planning help & support
- An exclusive Elopement & Intimate Wedding Planning Guide
- A custom timeline for your perfect elopement day
- High resolution images with printing rights
- Online gallery to view, download, print, and share your images
- Polaroid images for a touch of nostalgia
- Photographer travel fees included
Get in touch to book your British Columbia Adventure Elopement here!
