The Complete Elopement Idea Guide: Inspiration For Your Best Day Ever!
A quick scroll through Instagram and you cannot help but find a photo of a wedding day at the top of a mountain with an epic view. The rise of elopement adventure continues and it is a trend here to stay.
With so many couples choosing to have an intentional and meaningful day that is a true reflection of who they are, Canada offers a wide variety of options to elope in style when it comes to picking where you say I Do.
Canada offers numerous mountain ranges, vast prairies where you can see for miles, tons of lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and glaciers. With 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves, the options are endless for where to commit your lives to each other. Canada is perfect for the nature-loving couple looking to experience something unique and non-traditional.
But even though you’re eloping, that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t much to consider. That’s why I’ve created this elopement guide of unique eloping ideas to help you plan an intentional day that is a true reflection of who you are. So stick around and read about some of the best ways to elope in Canada!
Benefits Of A Full-Day Elopement
While the idea of a full-day elopement may seem overwhelming to some, it can actually be an amazing way to celebrate your love and create lasting memories. With a full-day elopement, you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourselves in the experience without feeling rushed or limited by time constraints.
Plus, having a photographer with you for the entire day ensures that every special moment is captured and preserved forever. Don't worry, you won't be on camera all day - the focus is on telling the story of your love and creating a day that is uniquely yours.
Click here for 3 Reasons to Choose Full-Day Elopements
Planning Your Adventure Elopement
If the idea of an “adventure elopement” sounds scary and intense, this section is for you!
Adventure elopements don’t need to require an epic 10KM hike. It doesn’t require a huge adventure that pushes you outside your comfort zone.
Adventure elopements are simply weddings that include activities that you both truly love and that are a true reflection of yourselves.
Elopement Venue Ideas In Vancouver, BC
Elopements offer a unique opportunity to choose a wedding venue that super suits you. And with a smaller guest list, the possibilities are endless!
Imagine saying your I Do’s on a mountaintop, in a secluded forest, or on a picturesque beach. The intimate setting allows for more flexibility in terms of location and can provide stunning backdrops for your photos.
Plus, with fewer people to accommodate, you can focus on finding a location that offers the best lighting and plenty of space for your photographer to capture all the special moments of your day.
So, let your imagination run wild and choose a venue that truly reflects your love story! Need some help jumpstarting your imagination?
Check out my blog post on Vancouver elopement venues and hidden gems.
Non-Hiking Elopement Ideas
Is hiking a type-2 activity for you? Want to make your elopement day special with activities you love but that don’t require much energy exertion?
I’ve got you covered! There are plenty of ways to make your day unforgettable without breaking a sweat!
Check out this list of non-hiking elopement ideas, everything from camping to boating to a beach day.
How to Tell Your Family You're Eloping
Deciding who to invite to your wedding can be a difficult decision, especially if you're considering eloping.
Maybe you want to avoid family drama, or perhaps you're not close with your relatives. Whatever the reason, breaking the news to your family can be challenging.
Here are some helpful tips for how to tell your family that you're planning to elope.
Elopement Timeline
As a former project manager, the best piece of advice I can give you when it comes to creating your day of timeline is to always make buffer time your best friend.
Giving yourselves time to really soak in the moment will help you remember exactly how your day felt.
IMAGINE YOUR ELOPEMENT DAY TIMELINE…
12:00 pm - We meet at the super cute cabin you're renting and have a wedding day champagne brunch.
1:00 pm - You get dressed separately, to keep it a surprise!
2:00 pm - You head to a cute spot close by for your first look.
2:15 pm - You laugh, and shake out any nerves, while we take some portraits in an area close by.
2:30 pm - We pack the car and drive to the trailhead.
3:00 pm - We start our low-key hike, exploring and stopping along the way to take epic wedding photos.
4:30 pm - You choose the perfect wedding location for walking down the aisle and the elopement ceremony.
5:00 pm - You get married! (Vows/tears/love/hugs/golden light!)
5:30 pm - Pop the bubbly! You enjoy some snacky snacks and just take in the moment.
6:00 pm - We explore + snap some photos of you together.
7:00 pm - We hike back to the car and take cute photos along the way.
8:30 pm - We all drive back to your AirBnB.
9:00 pm - We get some sunset photos of you.
(Show stoppers-- trust me).
Click here for additional tips on how to create your PERFECT timeline.
Unforgettable Unique Eloping Ideas
Your elopement wedding is a HUGE deal! It deserves to be treated just as special as a big traditional wedding. And by focusing on the experience of your day, you can include all the things you love in a completely bespoke manner.
Choose the right amount of coverage to include all your fun activities, in a location that makes you happy, without feeling rushed or stressed, so that you can be fully present to experience your unforgettable Canadian elopement.
And the fact that you have made it this far means that you are committed to having the day of your dreams, and I am going to help bring your vision to life! Simply click the button below to learn more about what’s included in my wedding photography packages + what to expect when we work together.