The Best Adventure Elopement Packages & Destinations

Marriage really is one big adventure shared, and what better way to embark on a lifetime journey together than with an adventure elopement? Offering the chance to marry in an unconventional way, adventure elopements are becoming more common, with more and more thrill seekers exchanging vows without all the bells and whistles that come with a traditional wedding. They're doing it at the summit of the world's greatest mountains, on unfathomably beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia, or even in the US surrounded by Mother Nature. If you're thinking of injecting that zest for life you both have into your "I do"s, we've rounded up everything you need for the perfect adventure elopement, from the best places to elope to booking an adventure elopement photographer.

What Is an Adventure Wedding or Elopement?

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Adventure elopements and getaways are a rising travel trend whereby couples combine their nuptials with outdoor activities. It's a chance to throw out the rule book of traditional wedding ceremonies and do things on your own terms. Perhaps you're a couple who dreams of hiking to a world wonder to cement your union, or you want to get an adrenaline rush before planting your feet back on the ground to say your vows. The possibilities are endless, but here are the basic ingredients.

A Bucket-List Activity

Shared experiences create strong bonds, so it's no wonder many couples are choosing to enter marriage with an unforgettable moment together. Each person's bucket list is unique, but if you've both talked about climbing Mount Fuji, going on a safari in Botswana, or simply paddling out to the middle of Lake Como, a wedding is the perfect reason to realize that dream.

Few to No Guests

Choosing to elope means spending the whole wedding budget on yourselves. You'll forgo a five-course meal for 200 and instead reach dizzying heights by helicopter to land on your own private island. Some couples choose VIP guests to share the experience with, but overall, the guest list is extra lean.

An Incredible Photoshoot

Because an epic adventure deserves an epic photoshoot, right? This isn't a stand-and-grin situation. You'll need to hire an adventure elopement photographer to capture every turn of the once-in-a-lifetime event, and they'll need major action capture skills.

An On-Location Wedding Planner

Marriage in a new destination, especially one that's overseas, comes with a whole multitude of logistics. You'll need a local expert to take care of permit applications and marriage licenses, as well as things like flower arrangements and the cake purchase. Many luxury hotels offer a wedding planning service as part of the package.

Adventure Wedding and Elopement Planning Companies

Photo: Adventure Wedding

Enlist a wedding travel agent who'll take care of the whole elopement process from start to finish. Most packages include a personal wedding planner, an adventure elopement photographer and VIP transportation.

Adventure Wedding

Founded by an adventure photographer, you're pretty much guaranteed the most striking elopement photography to cherish for a lifetime. Adventure Wedding's packages come with at least four hours of photography, and for extra peace of mind, most allow for rescheduling in case of bad weather. The international team uses sustainable local talent so you get the best deals and expert knowledge for your desired destination. Base packages include Queenstown, New Zealand, and Ireland elopement packages, which can be tailored to personal preference.

The Greatest Adventure

Based in Washington, The Greatest Adventure team specializes in elopements and intimate weddings in a Pacific Northwest style with Scandinavian influence. Think clean and simple, natural outdoorsy elements. TGA most frequently works within Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii and Canada, but is available to travel worldwide—for example, they've previously hosted ceremonies in Scotland and Switzerland.

Your Adventure Wedding

Based in the capital of outdoor adventure, Iceland, the Your Adventure Wedding crew has all the expertise when it comes to designing a picture-perfect outdoor elopement. They have a "no prince or princess" policy, so don't sign up unless you're willing to get your feet wet. The result is breathtaking vistas and a true off-the-beaten-path experience captured on film by experienced adventure photographers. We're talking professionals who have worked under blizzards, in rain storms, and even did the first wedding inside a volcano. They're the real deal.

Top Adventure Elopement Packages and Destinations

Photo: Iceland Wedding Planner

If you're set on an adventure elopement but not sure where to do it, let our guide to the best elopement packages and destinations for 2024 inspire your big-day decision.

Underwater Wedding Package, Maldives

Crystal-clear waters are best taken advantage of in the Maldives with underwater activity, and the Anantara Kihavah Maldives gives couples the opportunity to get married in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve surrounded with myriad marine life swimming peacefully around. The underwater photoshoot is captured by the resort's certified divemaster, and afterward, couples can enjoy all the comforts of a private villa, including a floating breakfast.

Traditional Shrine Wedding Ceremony, Japan

Couples with Japan on their bucket list can fully immerse themselves in a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony at a Shinto shrine. Destination Wedding Japan partners with beautiful Tokyo shrines that welcome international couples, and the team will guide you through the whole process, from sake sipping to kimono rentals. You'll need to say a vow in Japanese, but don't worry, they'll have you prepped for that, too.

Isle of Skye Elopement Package, Scotland

The dreamy Isle of Skye is pure storybook romance, and you'll feel like royalty eloping among castle ruins, mountains, lochs and fairy pools. There are so many different locations to choose from, and Wild Hearts Elopements has the means to get you to the most remote and scenic of them. For added adventure, ride the famed Caledonian Sleeper between Scotland and London—it's the most romantic train journey in Britain.

Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend Luxe Elopement Adventure, US

Sometimes the best adventures can be found at your doorstep, and if that's Arizona, how about a desert wedding? Promise Mountain Weddings will shuffle you around the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and onto a private Lake Powell overlook for your exchange of vows. Six hours of wedding photography will fly by when you see these stunning shades of pink. Upgrade with lodging in Page, Arizona, or book this incredible Vrbo home separately and watch Lake Powell from your hot tub.

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Iceland Wedding Planner, Iceland

From the team behind Your Adventure Wedding, Iceland Wedding Planner creates the ultimate package for thrill seekers. You'll really go off the beaten path—via super jeep, boat or helicopter—to the most remote of spots, including private waterfalls, secret caves and sparkling glaciers. No tourist buses will be found here—the team secures permits and special permissions with landowners to ensure exclusivity. Don't forget your hiking boots.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, Majestic Wedding Package, Bali

As one of the world's most idyllic and romantic islands, Bali offers the chance to combine your elopement and honeymoon into one long trip. (After all, it can be an effort to reach Bali from the US.) The Ritz Carlton, Bali's Majestic Wedding Package sees vows exchanged in their glass-lit chapel by the Sawangan Beach, complete with decor, live music and even flower girls and umbrella boys. You'll stay overnight at their wedding suite and enjoy Balinese spa treatments. Add more adventure onto your journey via Viator, whether that's by snorkeling with Manta Rays or whitewater rafting.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews