Your Ultimate Guide to Planning an Adventure Elopement

Imagine saying "I do" on a misty clifftop at sunrise, with nothing but the sound of a waterfall and your partner's voice in the air. Imagine trading the stress of a traditional wedding for an intimate, unforgettable experience that is 100% focused on your love story.

This isn't a dream—this is an adventure elopement.

If the thought of guest lists, seating charts, and massive budgets makes you anxious, you're in the right place. As elopement photographers and videographers based in Louisville, we believe your wedding day should be the greatest adventure of your life. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a day that is intentional, breathtaking, and uniquely you.

What is an Adventure Elopement?

An adventure elopement is an intentionally small, intimate wedding experience that takes place in a beautiful, often outdoor, location. It’s about ditching the "shoulds" of a traditional wedding and focusing on what truly matters: the two of you committing your lives to one another. It's less about performance and more about presence. And it doesn't have to mean climbing a mountain—an "adventure" can be anything from exploring a new city to having a picnic at a stunning overlook in Red River Gorge.

Your Step-by-Step Adventure Elopement Planning Guide

Planning an elopement can feel daunting, but it breaks down into a few simple, exciting steps.

Step 1: Dream Up Your Perfect Day

Before you do anything else, sit down together and dream. How do you want your day to feel? Relaxed? Epic? Intimate? Cozy? Do you envision sunrise vows or a sunset first dance? Answering these questions first will guide every other decision you make.

Step 2: Choose Your Location & Set a Date

Your location is your venue. Do you dream of forests, waterfalls, or dramatic cliffs? This is where our expertise as Kentucky-based elopement photographers shines. We help couples find breathtaking and often secluded spots throughout the region. Consider the season and choose a weekday if possible for more privacy.

Step 3: Hire Your Vendor Dream Team

Your adventure elopement photographer and videographer will be your most important vendor. We do more than just take photos; we act as your guides, location scouts, timeline planners, and biggest cheerleaders. Once you've secured your photo/video team, we can help you find other amazing vendors, like an officiant and a florist.

Step 4: Plan Your Timeline & Activities

Your elopement is an all-day experience! What do you want to do?

• Hike to a beautiful overlook for your vows.

• Have a private first dance by a waterfall.

• Share a catered picnic with champagne.

• Read letters from your family and friends.

• Stargaze after the sun goes down. We will help you build a relaxed timeline that allows you to savor every moment.
  
  Let us know what you’re dreaming of!

Step 5: Handle the Legal Stuff

This is the "make it official" part. You'll need to research the marriage license requirements for the state and county you plan to get married in. You will also need an officiant and, depending on the location, you may need a Special Use Permit to get married in a state or national park.

Epic Elopement Locations in Kentucky & Beyond

As Louisville-based photographers, we've explored some of the most beautiful elopement spots in the region.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Red River Gorge, KY: World-famous for its dramatic sandstone arches and breathtaking clifftop views. Perfect for the truly adventurous couple.

• Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, KY: Home to the "Niagara of the South," offering powerful waterfall backdrops and lush forest scenery.

• The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Louisville, KY: A local gem offering diverse scenery, from wildflower fields to peaceful creeks, without having to travel far from the city.

• Clifty Falls State Park, Southern Indiana: Just a short drive from Louisville, this park boasts beautiful canyon views and a series of stunning waterfalls.

Our Favorite PNW Elopement Spots

• Cannon Beach, OR: Home to the iconic Haystack Rock, this location offers vast sandy beaches and dramatic sea stacks for a classic and breathtaking Oregon coast elopement.

• La Push, WA: Known for its wild, moody coastline, dramatic sea stacks, and massive driftwood, offering a truly rugged and primeval Pacific Northwest experience.

• Brookings, OR: The gateway to the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, this area boasts dramatic cliffs, secret beaches, and stunning sea arches for an epic and adventurous elopement.

• Manzanita, OR: A charming and romantic coastal town where the dramatic Neahkahnie Mountain meets a beautiful seven-mile stretch of sandy beach, offering a quieter and more intimate setting.
  
  Whether you're dreaming of a hometown celebration in the rolling hills of Kentucky or a dramatic adventure on a distant coast, our passion is telling your unique love story. We are based in Louisville but available for travel worldwide.

Your Elopement Questions, Answered

How much does an adventure elopement cost?

The beauty of an elopement is that you control the budget. Costs can range from a few thousand dollars to much more, depending on your travel, attire, and vendor choices. The average Everpeak elopement couple invests between $2,000 - $4,000 for their entire experience.

Do we need witnesses?

In Kentucky, yes, you need two witnesses. In Indiana, you do not! We are happy to act as one of your witnesses, and often a hiker or another park visitor is thrilled to be the second.

What if it rains?

Some of the most moody and romantic elopement photos happen in the rain! We embrace whatever the weather brings and always have a backup plan. A clear umbrella can make for some stunning photos.

Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

Planning an adventure elopement is the start of a beautiful journey, and you don't have to do it alone. We are more than just your photographers; we are your partners in crafting an unforgettable, stress-free experience that truly reflects your love story.

View our elopement photography & videography packages if you're ready to trade tradition for adventure, we would be honored to help you plan and capture it all!