The Difference Between an Elopement and an Adventure Elopement

Let’s start off by saying all elopements are exciting! A chic city elopement, a secret visit to Gretna or a fun filled Vegas trip. Immediately you know what to expect from these types of elopements, but what about Adventure Elopements? What does that mean? Who are they for? Do you know the difference between an Elopement and an Adventure Elopement?

Today we’re going to go over the differences between an elopement, and an adventure elopement. Similar on the surface, but their differences could take you from having a beautiful mountain backdrop to being at the top of that mountain!!! 

Adventure elopements are aimed at those with a sense of adventure. For those where it’s not enough to just have a nice view on your day, you want to be amongst it. Outdoor lovers, thrill seekers I’m talking to you. 

If you’re struggling to decide what to do for your special day, this will help you make those decisions! Whether you’re going to fly to another country, you’re going to go into the depths of nature, or you’re going to hop on a boat ride to seal the deal.

Difference Between an Elopement Wedding and an Adventure Elopement

  • What is an Elopement Wedding

  • What is an Adventure Elopement Wedding

  • The Similarities

  • The Differences

  • Ideas For An Elopement Wedding

  • Ideas For An Adventure Elopement Wedding

  • Consider Your Goals

 What’s An Elopement Wedding

Nowadays, eloping doesn't really mean leaving in secret to get married, it can and still does, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Elopement weddings are frequently conducted with simply the couple present or with a very small group of guests, usually less than 6! 

Typical reasons people choose to elope are costs, family politics, a desire to escape, a desire to keep things simple, less stress and even as a more eco-friendly option. 

What is an Adventure Elopement Wedding

An adventure elopement wedding, similar to an elopement wedding, sees couples looking to get wed just the two of them. But this isn’t just about a couple running to another town or country, this is about including elements of adventures into their day. Hiking a mountain, swimming in a lake, discovering waterfalls, exploring caves… the possibilities are endless.

Adventure elopements are the perfect option for couples who want to start their married life with a spontaneous adventure. 

Whether it’s heading to your favourite place or jetting off somewhere new. No matter where you decide to go, an adventure elopement will always provide the most beautiful landscapes that will ensure your wedding photos are a work of art!

In the same way you can find photographers who specialise in city elopements, so too can you find companies tailored to Adventure Elopement. This is a super niche area of photography and I’ve teamed up with an amazing fellow creator in The Lake District to offer an elopement service like no other in the UK.

We offer, planning, photography & videography for adventure elopements in The Lake District and beyond, check us out here:  With Abandon Elopements

The Similarities

Elopement weddings and adventure elopement weddings are similar in the sense that the people involved are usually just the couple (and a celebrant), making them couple-focused and a lot more intimate than your traditional wedding.

Due to this, you miss out on the whole ‘stress of a wedding’ and you can fully cater the event to you. If you just want to celebrate for a day, a weekend, or a week - it’s easier to plan when it’s just the two of you!

The Differences

While elopement weddings often incorporate a beautiful backdrop, they don’t usually require much ‘adventure’ in order to achieve this. They are a more relaxing day overall and typically include a whistle stop ‘picture tour’ to get some amazing images before heading back to a warm car. They usually don’t take all day and ensure you’re back at your hotel in time for your dinner reservations. 

Adventure elopement weddings take eloping to the next level. Instead of standing at the side of a road where there’s a popular view, you’re IN the view. The entire day is designed to combine the things you love and include these seamlessly into your day. Nothing is off limits, you want to say “I do” rappelled off the side of a Scottish rock cliff? You want to helicopter ride to a remote location? You want to explore miles of caves and wed by candle light inside a mountain? You get the idea!


Ideas For An Elopement Wedding

If you’re planning a more traditional elopement wedding, here are some ideas to get you in the mood!

  • Chic City/Town Hall

  • Private Castle

  • Barefoot Beach

  • Exclusive Restaurant

  • Lakeside Picnic 

  • Private Stately Home

  • Secret Garden 

Ideas For An Adventure Elopement Wedding

If you're planning an adventure elopement wedding, here are some ideas for the adventurous duos out there…

  • Mountain Hike

  • Waterfall Swim

  • Helicopter Ride

  • Boat Trip

  • Cave Exploration

  • Via Ferrata

  • Cliff Rappel

  • 4x4 Experience

  • Glacier Exploration

  • Hot Air Balloon

  • Private Island

Consider Your Goals

When deciding if you want an elopement wedding or an adventure elopement wedding, consider your goals together as a couple.

If there’s somewhere you’ve both been wanting to travel, or an activity to do together, but just haven’t got around to it, why not use your elopement as the reason to try it!

Conclusion

Now we’ve gone over the differences between an elopement wedding and an adventure elopement wedding, I hope you’re feeling a bit wiser about what you’d like for your special day!

Whatever you decide, whether it’s an elopement wedding or an adventure elopement wedding, it’s important to be able to capture the moment by hiring an experience elopement wedding photographer, so you can look back on those special memories for years to come. 

If you’re looking for an elopement in the Lake District or surrounding area, get in touch with me here!