How do you Plan an Adventure Elopement? Eloping with Amanda

For couples that are OBSESSED with travel, adventure, and exploring, I’M YOUR GIRL! I’ll be your ultimate hype girl and adventure guide/BEST FRIEND!!! I am a travelling, destination wedding and elopement photographer based in Ontario, Canada.

Thinking about eloping and have no idea where to start?! SO WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? That’s easy! You reach out and get the right information from a professional who understands the logistics of eloping, what’s required, and how to assist you plan your dream elopement from including scouting locations for you, to permits/legal aspects, vendors, timeline planning, and so much more.

I always love to say that your dream day can look however you want it to, BECAUSE IT CAN! If this means having just the two of you renting a cabin/airbnb in the woods, saying your vows and having a picnic dinner by the ocean, or flying to somewhere epic and beautiful that you’ve only dreamed about, the WOLD IS YOUR OYSTER!

I offer destination wedding and elopement packages This includes a full day adventure, or a two-three day adventure package whilst documenting your ENTIRE adventure traveling. This can be in multiple location doing activities you love, or just documentary-style captures of your stay together. Add-ons are optional and also include sessions that you can add-on such as a pre-wedding day shoot, or day after adventure session.

Looking for some guidance? I’D LOVE TO HELP! Let’s start by getting to know YOU and what your dream day looks like. Through my experience, I’ve catered an elopement planning experience where we pin point all the decisions together, so you’re NEVER alone throughout the planning/whole process. I enjoy hearing your dreams, ideas and visions, and ultimately the BEST part is I get to know the REAL YOU!

The process of beginning your elopement journey starts with YOU friend. I’m just here to help assist you along the way! Let’s take the next steps, WHAT DO YA SAY?!?!? LET’S DO IT!!!!!!

I love to look at life as having absolutely, NO REGRETS (as corny as it may sound), it’s so true. You deserve someone to effortlessly capture your day who is your friend, gets it, will support you and ensure you have the BEST experience and special day.

That is what you are investing in, is the EXPERIENCE. You want to vividly remember this EPIC day, authentically and unique to you.

Firstly, you need to find the right photographer for you, but also someone whose work you resonate with as well as personality. This is HUGE, if you and your elopement or wedding photographer do not connect, this is one of the first steps I would be taking to ensure you have someone you are in love with.

Next, you need decide on a location (this can be closer to home, more local or you need to decide if you actually want to fly there). This can be somewhere you’ve always wanted to travel to, or somewhere special that has sentimental value.

Next, you need to think of the logistics (what exactly goes into planning an adventure elopement)? Well, let’s start with deciding if you want to get legally married beforehand, or have an officiant or minister, and legal witnesses there on the day of your elopement.

You’ll then want to make a rough plan or timeline of what you exactly want your day to look like, and for it to pan out. This is the FUN part, and DON’T WORRY. This is where I come in to help YOU!

I will help you decide on a location you’d like to elope at, or pinpoint some ideal locations that are appropriate for you and your plans.

Decide if you want to rent a local airbnb, lodge, cabin or camp (there is no wrong answer)! I highly suggest ensuring there is a bright space for where you plan on getting ready together, unless you’re hardcore outdoor fans, then you don’t need to worry. It’s also always a good idea to have a plan B (back up photo location, just in case. Although, as a photographer we LOVE and are willing to shoot in the rain, if you are! (hehe) It would be giving all “The Notebook” vibes, and we ARE HERE FOR IT!

Take into account the weather, know and understand the surroundings where you’ll be having your elopement, prepare, and make sure you have the right gear if you’re hiking, camping, or making a road trip. You’ll want to pack ALL the essentials you’ll need for the day of.

But what about your family, and loved ones? That’s OK, we can have a few witnesses, or close family members also be there for you and your special day. An elopement doesn’t necessarily have to be two people. You can also video call and surprise your loved ones and friends, after you elope! Some couples like to keep their elopement day more private, and then share the photos shortly after they eloped. These are both options, and something to think about.

What does a timeline even look like? Well, for a standard, full day elopement that covers between 6-8 hours, this includes getting ready photos, actually writing your vows by hand, detailed shots, a first look, your personal vows/vows and ceremony, photos of the two of you (this can be a various different locations as well: example being on a beach, by the water, then inside a cabin or airbnb, along a cliffside, or nearby trails), family photos, intimate or family dinner, first dances, speeches, golden hour photos going into blue hour).

Don’t worry about researching local vendors, as that’s something additionally included in all my elopement packages, as well as if certain locations require a photography permit, you’ll need to make sure you have your marriage certificate of course.

Some couples, like to add in activities they enjoy doing on their elopement days, like canoeing, hiking, camping, going on a walk, exploring, checking out the nearest local town or cafes, playing board games, you name it! This is something fun that you can do to make your special day even more authentic and uniquely you.

Lastly, you’ll want to create a Pinterest board of the colours you love, day of inspo, photos and shots you love, the details, and all the little things you want to ensure are included and captured on the day of. When you book your elopement package with me, first off the bat, I send over my elopement guide that includes all my packages, pricing and information you can review with your partner. There are several different options so you can choose what may be best suited for you. Don’t forget though, that your package can also be customized as well.

The minimum amount of coverage I suggest for an elopement is 3-4 hours coverage, with the most being 10-12 hours, depending on what specific location you’re choosing. If the destination is within mountain or hiking range, or consider if you even want to fly in a helicopter to your location, think of having a possibly early morning for sunrise, to capture the absolute best landscapes, if you enjoy hiking and climbing. The best time of day for those soft, romantic and dreamy photos is ideally sunrise or golden hour (sunset), going into blue hour.

As a photographer, I am adaptable and prepared for whatever weather situation. Bringing clear, white umbrellas is always a good idea for the two of you. I’ll always give my best advice and suggestions.

How do I (your photographer get there? Is travel, accommodations, car rental, meals included in your packages as well? The answer is yes, my packages are all-inclusive, they include flight, travel, food, and car rental, if out of province or destination. If your elopement is more local within Ontario a travel fee will most likely apply. If you have questions, please send a message my way by inquiring through the contact form on my web site.

Again, I am here to be a helping hand for you, this process is so fun and exciting!!! I’d love to help plan your dream day with you and make it come to life. Let’s create magic!