The Outdoor Wedding Experience: Where to Elope
Where to Elope?
There’s something magical about outdoor weddings. The stunning natural landscape, the fresh air, and the wide-open spaces create an unforgettable experience for the happy couple.
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding, you may not know where to elope. There are so many options that it's easy to feel overwhelmed. I’m going to explain the most popular and best places to tie the knot in the great outdoors.
What is an Elopement or Adventure Wedding?
More and more couples are ditching the big wedding tradition in favor of more intimate, fun weddings. some choose to elope, while others plan adventure weddings. Some have both but what exactly is an elopement? What’s an adventure wedding?
ELOPEMENT:
If you’re envisioning a wedding in Vegas or secret weddings in the dead of night, you have the right idea. Traditionally, eloping was what you did when you didn't want your family to know you were tying the knot. Today, things are a bit different. Many couples just want an intimate wedding. They may want their closest friends and family there, or they may just want it to be the two of them. Modern elopements are usually more planned out, with beautiful locations and experiences taking center stage.
ADVENTURE WEDDING:
An adventure wedding is exactly what it sounds like – an adventure! We take the party outdoors to some of the most stunning locations. The possibilities are endless when it comes to receptions and ceremonies. You can be saying “I do” on the sandy shore and toasting champagne in a mountain cabin with your closest friends.
Some couples have adventurous elopements. Others have one or the other. There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s all about making your dream wedding day come true.
Where to Elope Outdoors?
The beauty of outdoor weddings is that there are so many options for locations. No matter where you are, there are beautiful outdoor venues that can serve as the backdrop for your wedding.
National Park Weddings:
With their idyllic landscapes, National Parks are a great option for outdoor weddings. Some of the most iconic natural wonders of our country are found in National Parks.
If you want to get married at a national park, here are a few things you need to know:
Permits: You’ll more than likely need a permit to get married at a national park. Information about permits and weddings can be found on the park’s official website (in most cases). You may need an extra permit for photos.
Crowds: National Parks attract tourists from all over the world. Keep this in mind if you want to get married on a weekend in the spring or summer, it may get crowded so pro tip; weekdays are typically best!
Entrance fees: many national parks have entrance fees. you’ll need to figure out how you want to handle this, but you may want to cover this cost for your guests.
Don’t let these points deter you. Planning a national park wedding doesn’t have to be complicated and there are so many beautiful parks to choose from (more than 400 in the U.S.).
Here are some of my fave national parks for weddings:
National Forests:
There are so many gorgeous national forests in the U.S. – 155 to be exact. Together, these forests encompass 190 million acres.
One advantage that National Forests have over National Parks is the seclusion they offer. Sure, they may not have the iconic landmarks and sights that National Parks have, but they are every bit as beautiful. You may or may not need a permit, depending on the location, but you will probably need permission.
public lands:
Local parks are public lands, which means that anyone can use them. If you want to keep things local and simple without sacrificing the beauty, this may be the perfect route for you. Many parks have great amenities, like restrooms, tables and covered areas. You may or may not need a permit, but that information is easy to find.
Park weddings are every bit as beautiful as weddings at national parks or forests, and they’re a great affordable option for eloping couples.
airbnb or backyard weddings:
If you want a more intimate and private outdoor wedding, renting an airbnb or having a backyard wedding is a great option.
There are some advantages to going this route. You get the place all to yourself, and it’s a lot easier to get ready for your big day. You also have more flexibility when it comes to decorations, flowers and food so you’re only limited by your imagination.
Planning an Airbnb wedding isn’t complicated (I’ve written a guide on it!), and most hosts are happy to oblige if you’re having an intimate wedding.
Outdoor weddings are special and I may be biased but no indoor venue can compete with the majestic peaks of Mount Rainier or the desert beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. But you don’t have to go far to have an unforgettable wedding. National Forests, parks and airbnb properties are equally beautiful.
You can link up your Airbnb wedding guide here if you want!
