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How to Plan Your Adventure Wedding Day

Does the idea of planning a traditional wedding make you break out in cold sweat? Especially when you could be planning something much more fun like a great adventure? Well, now you can combine the two!

By: Cat Ekkelboom-White + Save to a List

As a real outdoorsy girl, I must admit that planning my wedding was a bit of an out-of-body experience for me. Being more comfortable in ski boots or hiking gear, the world of weddings was completely overwhelming. I hated reading bridal magazines and just wanted to grab my skis and elope on the top of a mountain with my now husband. But I didn't because I didn't. And boy do I regret it.

But there's a new trend in weddings that is becoming more popular and I'm completely in love with it. 

What Is An Adventure Wedding?

There are no rules to define what an adventure wedding is, but I like to think of it as an intimate wedding or elopement that celebrates the things that you love about life; nature and adventure.

Unlike a traditional wedding, an adventure wedding isn't about themes and colour-schemes. It's about having an unforgettable experience that celebrates who you are and the things that you love to do as a couple. It's about planning your most exciting adventure yet and saying your vows to each other in a place and a way that means something to you.


So How Do You Plan An Adventure Wedding?

1. Pick a Season or an Activity

For most outdoor lovers, you'll have your favourite season and your absolute favourite thing to do. That might be skiing, hiking, climbing, kayaking or mountain biking, just to name a few things. 

2. Pick a Location

A real adventure isn't just about the destination, it’s about the journey. Where have you always dreamed of exploring? Where was the most beautiful place you ever visited? 

3. Elopement or Wedding?

That feeling of facing a challenge together and overcoming it is something that adventurous couples know well. It’s what makes their bond so strong, and is why many choose to elope and share the moment just with each other and one or two close friends. If you want as many friends and family to be there as possible, you can still have an adventure wedding, you just might need to look for somewhere that is a bit more accessible.

4. Pick Your Team Carefully

Look for people who share your passions when you're looking for a wedding planner or a photographer. With adventure weddings, this is even more important than ever. A total stranger who shares your interests will understand your wedding vision better than anyone. If you’re choosing to combine your wedding day with a sport or outdoor activity, you’ll also want people who are competent and understand the demands of those too. 

5. Pack Your Bags and Let’s Go

That’s the beauty of adventure weddings. You don’t have months of selecting stationary, creating table plans and deciding on a wedding menu. You’ve found a destination and you know how you’re getting there. You’ve got a great team to help you document your adventure. So that’s pretty much it. Book flights and hire transport if you need to, pack your stuff and let’s go!

All images copyright of Wild Connections Photography - European Adventure Wedding Photographer

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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