Tips For an Adventure Elopement

A wedding and portrait photography based in Bloomington, Indiana, serving couples and families across the country and beyond.

MIKA

Meet

As a photographer, one of my favorite things to photograph is adventure elopements! For some couples, a big celebration doesn’t feel like them. So instead, they chose to elope! Some pick a local church or park to elope, while others decide to make it a complete adventure. If you are looking to have an adventure-style elopement, I wanted to share some of my best tips!

An Elopement on God’s Thumb

For this shoot I did last summer in Oregon, we captured a sweet, intimate adventure elopement on God’s Thumb. It’s a 4-mile hike out to the grassy cliff, where crashing waters surround you. We got to hike through a beautiful forest, and when we arrived, I was in awe of the view! While it was a misty afternoon, making the elopement even more incredible.

Be Prepared For Weather

This takes me to my first tip: be prepared for the weather! Most adventure elopements will be outdoors, so always be prepared for inclement weather, whether you are picking a park in Indiana or the Pacific Coast. As your photographer, we will have a backup plan just in case it rains. And if it does drizzle, you will still have fun! We will get creative and get beautiful pictures no matter what.

Wear Something Comfortable

If you decide to hike for your elopement, I suggest bringing a change of clothing! Pack your gown so that you can easily hike and not trip on the dress. If you pick a more leisurely walk location, still wear comfortable shoes. You can easily pack your cute shoes for pictures and change once we get there! Make sure to break in your shoes before the elopement day so that you don’t get blisters right away.

You Don’t Just Have To Hike For Your Adventure Elopement!

While hiking is a common choice for adventure elopements, there are so many others! We can go to one of the many camping grounds here in Indiana, so you can still get the adventure without the miles of walking. I love Brown County State Park and often photograph weddings there!

Another option is the north shore, including the Indiana Dunes State Park! The park sits on Lake Michigan and offers miles of beaches that make the perfect summer elopement backdrop.

Turkey Run State Park is a beautiful spot, with over 14 miles of hiking trails, so there are plenty of places to pick!

Eloping doesn’t just have to be the two of you – you can invite a few close family and friends to celebrate! Get a log cabin in one of our many state parks, and enjoy a weekend together. Or enjoy an afternoon at a winery and get married amongst the grapevines! Whatever you dream of, you can do!

Are you looking to get married in Brown County State Park? Read my guide here!

No matter where you decide to elope, from the Forrests of Indiana to the West Coast, I would love to photograph your day! Intimate weddings and elopements are dear to my heart, and I love documenting all love stories. Contact me today!