How to Plan an Adventure Elopement
A guide for couples who want a wedding day that feels calm, meaningful, and a little wild.
So you're thinking about eloping?
That feeling is normal.
Maybe the idea of a big traditional wedding doesn’t feel quite right.
Maybe you’re dreaming about mountains, oceans, forests, or quiet places where you can focus on what really matters.
Eloping doesn’t mean running away. It simply means choosing a wedding day that feels intentional, personal, and true to you.
So you're thinking about eloping?
Maybe the idea of a big traditional wedding doesn’t feel quite right.
Maybe you’re dreaming about mountains, oceans, forests, or quiet places where you can focus on what really matters.
Eloping doesn’t mean running away. It simply means choosing a wedding day that feels intentional, personal, and true to you.
Get to know me more
I don’t just show up with a camera. I help couples plan their entire experience, from choosing a location to building a timeline that feels natural and not rushed.
This guide is here to walk you through the process, give you ideas, and help you start imagining what your day could look like. You don’t have to have it all figured out. That’s what I’m here for.
I don’t just show up with a camera. I help couples plan their entire experience, from choosing a location to building a timeline that feels natural and not rushed.
This guide is here to walk you through the process, give you ideas, and help you start imagining what your day could look like. You don’t have to have it all figured out. That’s what I’m here for.
Meet your elopement photographer and guidE
hi! I'm payton
What an Adventure Elopement Looks Like
Some couples choose a mix of both. A little adventure during the day, then something simple to end it, like donuts, a first dance, or watching the sunset together.
Some couples choose a mix of both. A little adventure during the day, then something simple to end it, like donuts, a first dance, or watching the sunset together.
When you start planning your elopement, try thinking beyond just the ceremony and ask yourself, what do we actually want our day to feel like?
This is where activities come in. They help shape your experience and give your day a natural flow. That could look like hiking to a quiet overlook, kayaking across still water, or taking a helicopter into the mountains. Or it might be something slower, like getting ready together, sharing coffee in the morning, writing your vows side by side, or playing cards while you take it all in.
When you start planning your elopement, try thinking beyond just the ceremony and ask yourself, what do we actually want our day to feel like?
This is where activities come in. They help shape your experience and give your day a natural flow. That could look like
hiking to a quiet overlook, kayaking across still water, or taking a helicopter into the mountains. Or it might be something slower, like getting ready together,
sharing coffee in the morning, writing your vows side by side, or playing cards while you take it all in.
There is no right way to do it. The goal is to build a day that feels true to you, not rushed or forced, just meaningful.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
Let's elope!
I’ll help you bring it together in a way that feels simple and true to you.
I’ll help you bring it together in a way that feels simple and true to you.
Start by imagining how you want your day to feel.
Do you picture:
Start by imagining how you want your day to feel.
Do you picture:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Choose the kind of experience you want
• hiking to a mountain view
• saying your vows on a quiet beach
• exploring a new country together
• celebrating with just a few close people
I’ve worked with couples who chose full day or multi-day experiences, and those are the moments they still talk about years later. That’s the kind of experience I want for you too.
I’ve worked with couples who chose full day or multi-day experiences, and those are the moments they still talk about years later. That’s the kind of experience I want for you too.
Your location shapes how your day feels. Some couples stay close to home, others travel somewhere that feels a little wild. I help guide you toward places that match your vision, whether that’s mountains, coastlines, or quiet forests.
Some of my favorite places to recommend:
Your location shapes how your day feels. Some couples stay close to home, others travel somewhere that feels a little wild. I help guide you toward places that match your vision, whether that’s mountains, coastlines, or quiet forests.
Some of my favorite places to recommend:
Step 1
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Choose a location
- Olympic National Park and Lake Crescent in Washington
- Mount Rainier and North Cascades for mountain views
- Hatcher Pass and glaciers near Palmer, Alaska
- Redwood forests near Crescent City
- Secret Beach and the Southern Oregon Coast
Step 2
Every season creates a different kind of atmosphere, but I tend to recommend spring and fall the most.
Wildflowers, waterfalls, and that fresh, quiet feeling before peak season.
Long days and easy access, but it can be busier in popular spots.
Golden tones, cooler air, and softer light with fewer crowds.
Snowy landscapes, moody coastlines, and a slower, more intimate feel.
Every season creates a different kind of atmosphere, but I tend to recommend spring and fall the most.
Wildflowers, waterfalls, and that fresh, quiet feeling before peak season.
Long days and easy access, but it can be busier in popular spots.
Golden tones, cooler air, and softer light with fewer crowds.
Snowy landscapes, moody coastlines, and a slower, more intimate feel.
Step 1
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Choose the right season
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Step 3
Step 2
Adventure elopements involve more than just photos.
Your photographer can help with:
Adventure elopements involve more than just photos.
Your photographer can help with:
Step 1
Step 5
Step 6
Find a photographer who helps guide the experience
• location ideas
• timeline planning
• vendor recommendations
• backup weather plans
• making the day feel relaxed
• location ideas
• timeline planning
• vendor recommendations
• backup weather plans
• making the day feel relaxed
Step 3
Step 2
Step 4
We start by brainstorming the kind of moments you want to experience.
Maybe that looks like:
From there, we build a flexible timeline that gives your day space to breathe.
We start by brainstorming the kind of moments you want to experience.
Maybe that looks like:
From there, we build a flexible timeline that gives your day space to breathe.
Step 1
Step 6
Start dreaming up your day
• hiking to a quiet overlook
• sharing a slow morning together
• reading your vows by the water
• exploring a trail just because it feels right
• watching the sunset from somewhere beautiful
• hiking to a quiet overlook
• sharing a slow morning together
• reading your vows by the water
• exploring a trail just because it feels right
• watching the sunset from somewhere beautiful
Step 3
Step 2
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
At the end of the day, eloping is about your connection.
At the end of the day, eloping is about your connection.
Step 1
Step 4
Step 5
Focus on what matters most
Not the schedule.
Not expectations.
Just the two of you and the experience you’re creating together.
Not the schedule.
Not expectations.
Just the two of you and the experience you’re creating together.
Step 3
Step 2
Sample Elopement Timeline
2 - day experience
2-Day experience
Full-Day experience
Half-Day experience
(split days)
Day Two – Adventure day
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Getting ready at cabin or Airbnb
First look
Travel to ceremony location
Intimate ceremony + vow exchange
Hike to the scenic view
Champagne pop, cake, or lunch break
Scenic view portraits
Photographer Departure
Day one – Elopement Day
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
8:00 PM
Meet up at trailhead or activity spot
Fun activity (canoeing, helicopter ride, jeep tour, etc.)
Find a quiet scenic spot
Explore and take candid photos along the way
Light picnic or snack break
Portraits in golden light & blue hour
Photographer Departure
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
8:00 PM
Meet up at trailhead or activity spot
Fun activity (canoeing, helicopter ride, jeep tour, etc.)
Find a quiet scenic spot
Explore and take candid photos along the way
Light picnic or snack break
Portraits in golden light & blue hour
Photographer Departure
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Getting ready at cabin or Airbnb
First look
Travel to ceremony location
Intimate ceremony + vow exchange
Hike to the scenic view
Champagne pop, cake, or lunch break
Scenic view portraits
Photographer Departure
Full-Day Experience
full day coverage with No break
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
3:45 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
8:00 PM
Photographer arrives at Airbnb
Getting Ready & Detail Photos
First Look
Travel to Ceremony Location
Short hike to the ceremony spot
Intimate ceremony
Portraits
Travel back to 2nd location
Sunset Portraits
Photographer Departure
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
3:45 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
8:00 PM
Photographer arrives at Airbnb
Getting Ready & Detail Photos
First Look
Travel to Ceremony Location
Short hike to the Ceremony spot
Intimate Ceremony
Portraits
Travel back to 2nd location
Sunset Portraits
Photographer Departure
2-Day experience
Full-Day experience
Half-Day experience
full day coverage with break
5:00 AM
5:30 AM
6:30 AM
7:00 AM
7:30 AM
8:00 AM
10:00 AM
3:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
Photographer arrives at Airbnb
Make coffee/breakfast & getting ready
First Look
Travel to Ceremony Location
Short hike to the Ceremony spot
Intimate ceremony/ Portraits
BREAK (snacks, relax, or even a nap)
Meet at next location, Hiking, & Activities
Sunset Portraits
Photographer Departure
OR
5:00 AM
5:30 AM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
10:00 AM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
8:00 PM
Photographer arrives at Airbnb
Make coffee/breakfast & Getting Ready
First Look
Travel to Ceremony Location
Short hike to the ceremony spot
Intimate ceremony/ Portraits
BREAK (snacks, relax, or even a nap)
Meet at next location and Hiking
Sunset Portraits
Photographer Departure
2-Day experience
Full-Day experience
Half-Day experience
Half-day Experience
Sunset coverage
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
Photographer arrives at Park Lot
Hiking
Ceremony
Champagne Celebration
Charcuterie Picnic
Sunset Portraits
Photographer Departure
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
Photographer arrives at Park Lot
Hiking
Ceremony
Champagne Celebration
Charcuterie Picnic
Sunset Portraits
Photographer Departure
Washington
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
Not sure where to start? Here are guides to help you plan an elopement in some of the most popular destinations.
Not sure where to start? Here are guides to help you plan an elopement in some of the most popular destinations.
Browse Washington Guides
Mountains, rainforest trails, and rugged coastline make Washington one of the most diverse places to elope. From Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier and the North Cascades, you’ll find guides, planning tips, and local recommendations to help you get started.
Mountains, rainforest trails, and rugged coastline make Washington one of the most diverse places to elope. From Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier and the North Cascades, you’ll find guides, planning tips, and local recommendations to help you get started.
Oregon
Browse Oregon Guides
Coastal cliffs, quiet forests, and waterfall trails make Oregon feel both wild and peaceful. From the Oregon Coast to redwoods and hidden forest spots, explore guides, planning tips, and location ideas to help you get started.
Alaska
Browse Alaska Guides
Glaciers, remote landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From places like Knik Glacier and Denali to coastal towns and hidden spots, explore guides with planning tips, helicopter elopement ideas, and real stories from Alaska.
Destination
Browse Destination Guides
Dreaming about Italy, Norway, Switzerland, or somewhere completely new? Browse guides that walk you through planning an international elopement and choosing a destination that fits your vision.
Coastal cliffs, quiet forests, and waterfall trails make Oregon feel both wild and peaceful. From the Oregon Coast to redwoods and hidden forest spots, explore guides, planning tips, and location ideas to help you get started.
Glaciers, remote landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From places like Knik Glacier and Denali to coastal towns and hidden spots, explore guides with planning tips, helicopter elopement ideas, and real stories from Alaska.
Dreaming about Italy, Norway, Switzerland, or somewhere completely new? Browse guides that walk you through planning an international elopement and choosing a destination that fits your vision.
Cozy stays that make your day feel even better
Browse Washington A-Frame Stays
Washington
Alaska
Oregon
I’ve always loved A-frame cabins. They’re cozy, quiet, and feel a little different in the best way.
This is where your day slows down, where you can just be together, and where your elopement turns into something you’ll actually remember, not just a timeline you rushed through.
I’ve always loved A-frame cabins. They’re cozy, quiet, and feel a little different in the best way.
This is where your day slows down, where you can just be together, and where your elopement turns into something you’ll actually remember, not just a timeline you rushed through.
Browse Alaska
A-Frame Stays
COMING SOON!
YES let's do it!
DOES THIS SOUND ABSOLUTELY PERFECT?
Before I leave, I'll hand you a few Polaroid films so you have something real to hold right away. You'll get sneak peeks within 24 hours and your full gallery within 4-6 weeks.
Before I leave, I'll hand you a few Polaroid films so you have something real to hold right away. You'll get sneak peeks within 24 hours and your full gallery within 4-6 weeks.
05.
On your elopement day, I'll show up ready to capture it all while you relax and enjoy every moment.
On your elopement day, I'll show up ready to capture it all while you relax and enjoy every moment.
04.
Once we make it official, I'll send over a questionnaire and set up your custom client portal so we can start planning together.
Once we make it official, I'll send over a questionnaire and set up your custom client portal so we can start planning together.
03.
We'll hop on a relaxed 30–40 minute call to dream up your day and make sure we're the perfect fit.
We'll hop on a relaxed 30–40 minute call to dream up your day and make sure we're the perfect fit.
02.
Fill out my contact form and we'll set up a free consult call to talk through your vision and the fun details.
Fill out my contact form and we'll set up a free consult call to talk through your vision and the fun details.
01.
You're excited. I'm excited.
So what's next?
Your Client Portal
You don’t have to keep track of everything on your own. It’s all in one place.
- location Guides
- permit info
- timeline
- packing listS
- even A little help getting started on your vows
- And many more
You don’t have to keep track of everything on your own. It’s all in one place.
It’s all designed to keep your day feeling calm, flexible, and easy to plan.
It’s all designed to keep your day feeling calm, flexible, and easy to plan.
Your day doesn’t need to feel like a timeline you’re trying to keep up with. I help you slow down, take breaks, and actually enjoy what’s happening.
1.
NO PRESSURE, NO RUSH
From location ideas to timelines, permits, and all the little details, I’m here to guide you through the entire process so nothing feels overwhelming.
2.
GUIDANCE FROM START TO FINISH
As a deaf photographer, I naturally create a quiet and supportive environment where you can be fully present, without pressure or distraction.
3.
A CALM, QUIET SPACE
What it feels like working together
As a deaf photographer, I naturally create a quiet and supportive environment where you can be fully present, without pressure or distraction.
3.
A CALM, QUIET SPACE
From location ideas to timelines, permits, and all the little details, I’m here to guide you through the entire process so nothing feels overwhelming.
2.
GUIDANCE FROM START TO FINISH
Your day doesn’t need to feel like a timeline you’re trying to keep up with. I help you slow down, take breaks, and actually enjoy what’s happening.
1.
NO PRESSURE, NO RUSH
What it feels like working together
Start Planning Your Elopement
Start Planning Your Elopement
Ready to start planning your elopement?
We're about to embark on an unforgettable journey
