4 Tips for an Adventure Elopement
Here are 4 tips for an adventure elopement or adventure photoshoot. Adventure elopements can include taking pictures in the mountains, beach walks, or even something like going out on a sailboat or a helicopter. Choosing activities that reflect your personality and interests will make your photos that more special. Keep reading for tips on how to plan the perfect adventure elopement!
Decide on a Location and The Type of Adventure
An adventure elopement can be either pretty calm and chill or totally wild and crazy – it’s up to you on what you want. Make sure to choose something you’re both comfortable doing and enjoy doing together – and that suits both of your comfort zones!
More low-key, chill adventurous ideas could include:
- Forest trail
- Getting your favorite drink at your go-to coffeeshop or bar
- Walking around your favorite beach spot
- Sightseeing in a city or town
- A picnic date at a park
- A scenic bike ride
Some more adventurous ideas could include:
- Going sailing on a sailboat
- Hiking up a mountain
- Paddle boarding or kayaking
- Taking a dip in a hot spring or a lake
- A helicopter ride
Adventure Elopement Ideas Within 3 Hours of San Diego, California
- Go hiking at Torrey Pines State Beach, Mission Bay Park, etc.
- Explore different coastal towns along the SoCal coast
- Drive out to the desert to either Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, or Anza-Borrego State Park
- Rent e-bikes and take them on the beach at sunset
- Take a helicopter ride to see different sights of San Diego from above
- Go sailing on a sailboat for sunset photos on the water
- Take a day trip out to the mountains in Julian
- Paraglide at Torrey Pines Gliderport
- Rent a cozy cabin either in the mountains or on the coast
What to Wear for an Adventure Elopement
Wear Proper Shoes for an adventure elopement
Whatever you do, wear proper shoes!!! We don’t want any twisted ankles or killer blisters by the time we’re done shooting. Sneakers, hiking shoes, or sandals are the best options. If you want to wear something else (heels, flip flops, etc.), bring them in a backpack to change into when we start taking pictures.
Bring a Change of Clothes
Depending on the weather (especially if it’s hot out or a longer trail/walk between locations), bring your elopement attire in a backpack to change into once at the location. I have a portable “changing room” to use if needed. You don’t want to look sweaty during photos!
Bring Layers
If it’s colder out, you can easily wear sweatpants/leggings under a long dress or under pants. Also wear a jacket! Once at location, you can take off the sweatpants/leggings and jackets for photos. Bringing a blanket to snuggle up in-between shots, hand warmers, and a hot drink is also lifesaving.
Do a Touchup Before Your Adventure Elopement
Bring a towel, wipes, deodorant, makeup, bobby pins, a compact mirror, etc. to do some
quick touchups once at location (especially if you’re hiking or walking a further distance to the final destination for photos).
Bring Water
ALWAYS bring water with you. I don’t care if we’re doing a more “chill” adventure or if
we’re going on a more intense adventure– always. bring. water. Also bring snacks! Being
dehydrated and hangry is not the move during photos.
Adventure Photoshoot Outfits
I have an entire blog about what to wear for an engagement shoot here that also applies to adventure photoshoots. Most importantly, make sure you’re wearing an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in! P.S. you’re allowed to rewear your wedding attire on an adventure photoshoot too if you want! Here is some additional inspo on what to wear for an adventurous elopement.
Check for Permits
It’s important to check if a permit is needed for the location and/or the activity you’re planning on doing for your adventurous elopement or photoshoot. The consequences of not having a proper permit could lead to being fined and/or being asked to leave the area. Here is why attaining a permit is SO important.
The permit process typically requires contacting a park office or relevant authority before your visit to get the permits. Depending on the location, attaining a permit is needed anywhere from a couple of days prior to a few weeks or even months prior to the adventurous elopement or photoshoot. Information can usually be found by searching “[location] and permits” or “[location] and photography permits” or “[location] and wedding permits” online. Always check the specific rules and regulations for the specific location.
Most state parks and national parks require a permit. Some beaches also require a permit (including in Southern California).
Finding An Adventure Photoshoot Photographer
Are you interested in me photographing your adventure photos?
Well hey there – if you didn’t know me already, I’m Emily! I’m a California and Destination adventure photographer based in Southern California. I spend my time photographing adventure elopements of rad couples around the world. I love all things elopements, hiking, being out on the water, outdoor adventure, and am truly so grateful that I get to call this my job!!!
If you’re looking for a photographer for your adventure photoshoot who will:
- Photograph your beautiful adventurous photos through storytelling photos that you can look back on for the rest of your life
- Help you come up with your dream adventurous photos
- Help you find activities in the area to make your adventurous engagement photos intentional, unique, and memorable
…then I’m your person!!!
Visit my website to learn more about me, get to know my approach to photography, and then reach out to me if you think we are a good fit. I cannot wait to hear from you and photograph your dream engagement photos!!
Looking for More Inspiration for Your Adventure Photoshoot?
- Check out Pinterest for more ideas of what your photos could look like
- 5 Tips for How to Dress for a Hiking Photoshoot or Elopement
- 12 Locations for a Photoshoot in SoCal
- What to Do With Your Photos After
- 6 Tips for a Beach Photoshoot
- 7 Tips for Bringing Your Dog to a Photoshoot
