How to Plan a Luxury Elopement That’s Still Adventurous
The word “elopement” still carries a lot of baggage - it wasn’t too long ago that eloping meant tying the knot in Vegas, or having a hasty ceremony in a beige government building. It’s changed a ton, and now deciding to elope means prioritizing what’s important to you. On the day you get married it should be all about creating an experience that’s meaningful and personal - and having a small ceremony doesn’t mean you have to give up the glam! You can have a luxury elopement, intertwined with a unique adventure - and this guide will tell you how.
What is a Luxury Elopement?
Luxury might look different for every couple - and so will adventure! One of the most incredible things about eloping is that it’s completely personal, and each couple’s day is so unique. You have total freedom to create the wedding day of your dreams!
So, your adventure can be hiking in the Alps or road tripping through Namibia, or any other just-right-for-you experience, and you can incorporate luxury in tons of different ways. Some couples worry that eloping means they won’t get that glamorous experience of a big wedding, but this isn’t the case at all. Eloping simply means that you’re intentional about how you get married - that you keep your day small and intimate, giving you freedom to personalize it a lot more. Eloping can be just as luxurious as it is adventurous!
How to Plan a Luxury Elopement
If you want to elope but still want luxury and glam, you can have it all! I’ll give you some insights for planning an elopement that’s both luxurious and adventurous.
Choose a Luxury Elopement Location
Location is a really big part of your elopement day, setting the scene for where you’ll exchange vows with the love of your life, and determining what kind of adventure you’ll have on your wedding day.
I recommend thinking about what you want to do on your elopement day first, before trying to decide on a location - for example, what kind of scenery do you want? If you’re dreaming of mountains, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Megève or Crans-Montana would be a perfect setting, but if you love the beach, the French Riviera or Corsica may be a better option.
Your location can also be a factor in your luxury elopement experience - for example, Lake Como offers so many gorgeous, luxurious resorts, as well as elegant venues if you want to find a small one for your elopement. There are lots of locations around the world, like the French Riviera, that are known for being luxurious getaways! Come up with an option that offers stunning scenery, and first-class accommodations.
Incorporate Fashion
On the day you get married, you should feel glamorous, gorgeous, and like your absolute best! So if you’re keen on fashion, you can absolutely incorporate it into your day. Find a luxury wedding gown or a suit that you feel incredible in and that fits you perfectly, and you can even plan an outfit change or two.
Make it Adventure-Glam
You don’t have to sacrifice luxury to have an adventure, and you don’t have to sacrifice adventure to have a luxury elopement. An “adventure-glam” elopement is the best of both worlds, allowing you to have a unique experience on your wedding day while still feeling glamorous.
Think about what kind of adventure you want to have - and then add elements of luxury! For example, you can road trip through Namibia for your elopement (a pretty spectacular adventure), but find upscale accommodations where you’ll get a luxurious experience. Spend a day hiking in the mountains, but do it in a Prada wedding dress! Or, go skiing then have dinner prepared by a world-renowned chef - there truly are no limits, so think about what would make your day perfect.
Think About the Food
Everybody needs to eat, so a big part of your elopement day experience can be the food. For a luxury elopement, I recommend investing in the meal you have to celebrate tying the knot. This could mean trying a local Michelin Star restaurant, hiring a private chef, or even setting up a luxury picnic!
The Details of a Luxury Elopement
The little things can have a big impact - and when you’re planning a luxury elopement, it’s all about the details. Invest in decor and other elements that will bring your day together.
For example, florals are an incredible way to decorate and to make your elopement special, so book an experienced florist who will be able to create gorgeous arrangements for you. From the bouquet or boutonniere, to a personalized arbor or table decor, adding flowers makes everything feel more luxurious.
You can also have a luxurious setup for your dinner - many couples have a tablescape that is decorated with candles, flowers, and other elements, where you can sit and celebrate tying the knot. Another option is a luxury picnic, where instead of throwing a blanket down on the ground you have a carefully curated setup with pillows, decor, and amazing food.
There are also a lot of elements that will make your elopement feel more special and look more luxurious - for example, getting personalized vow books, getting a unique ring box, elegant dinnerware, the design of your cake, and more! When planning a luxury elopement, think about these little details that will really make the day special.
Your Elopement Deserves Luxury!
A lot of people have a tendency to think of elopements as less important than big weddings, believing that having few, or no, guests makes it less special - but if anything, being so intentional in how you get married makes it even more meaningful. And having an adventure doesn’t mean you can’t have luxury too! You deserve it, and the day you get married deserves it.
You’ll need someone to document the day, and as a photographer who specializes in luxury elopements, I’m ready to capture it, telling your story in an artful, soulful way that you’ll love looking back on forever. Inquire today to get started.
