Couple Elopes in Magical Vermont Winter Wonderland

Olivia & Dave’s Frosty Vermont Adventure Elopement

Swell & Stone / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Vermont & Beyond

When trying to find the proper adjectives to describe Olivia & Dave’s elopement day in the dead of winter in Vermont I went through a whole slew of descriptors trying to find the best fit: sparkly, fun, joyful, adventurous, frosty, wintry, and then finally…magical. I think the word magical best describes their elopement day.

They did their first look in the Stowehof in Stowe, VT. Their great room has a ton of windows and it was pretty much empty on their wedding day which made for a beautiful, private moment. We packed up our winter hiking gear and headed out to hike an incredible trail that has 360 views on the top. The high that day was 10 degrees, so it was frosty, to say the least. It had snowed in the days before their elopement so I brought snowshoes and they had microspikes, but we only ended up needing the microspikes because the trail was packed to the top. This made for some funny moments, however, whenever one of us stepped off the trail and sunk into the snow up to our waists.

We stuck body warmers, toe warmers, and hand warmers on Olivia, which ended up being both too warm and not warm enough. The thing about hiking in the winter is that as long as you are moving, it’s comfortable. But the second you stop moving things get chilly fast. On the way up we got too warm, so I made them stop for photo opps so they wouldn’t get too sweaty. But as we neared the top they turned on the hiking speed and summitted quickly! We were hot at the top so they had no problems taking off their jackets for some shots. But after about 5 minutes they got chilly so the coats went back on and the jumping jacks began. That’s the other thing about hiking in the winter, it’s always a great workout.

The primary view spot was in the frosty wind, so we picked a spot for their ceremony that was protected by trees. The read the sweetest vows to one another, laughed, maybe shed a tear or two, and it was adorable because Olivia tried to kiss Dave somewhere in the middle, but he said they had to wait until the end for their first kiss!

“I can be my complete self with Dave and it’s not only accepted but celebrated. It’s so freeing. I don’t have to be anything but me and I know deeply that he loves me exactly for who I am. We also spend 99.9% of our day laughing at anything and everything. I just can’t help but smile and laugh with Dave and I genuinely have the best time with him doing something totally boring to anything adventurous. We make a great team and are truly best friends,” said Olivia of Dave.

And that was true, they complement each other in the most wonderful way, and genuinely do laugh at EVERYTHING together. They had so much fun, even though they were freezing cold, they embraced the adventure and lived in the moment, and you can just tell when you are around them that they love every moment of time spent together.

In fact, this elopement day was in the middle of a two-week long adventure road trip where they tried skiing together for the first time, they went snowmobiling for the first time, they hiked mountains in the winter for the first time, and enjoyed so many other adventurous firsts. As we were hiking up and they told me all about their trip so far it was clear that they were making memories that would last a lifetime. And this is something they will continue to do together forever.

These two rolled with all the punches and unknowns that come with getting hitched in the middle of winter in Vermont, and it totally paid off. The snow sparkled in the sunlight and their love and joyful fun nature made the afternoon even brighter than it already was. Cheers to these two lovebirds- keep adventuring and making snow angels together forever.

How Much Does It Cost to Elope? (Calculator)

How Much Does an Adventure Wedding Cost?

SWELL & STONE / Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Photographer / United States & Beyond

The cost of eloping

One of the prevailing questions, when people start planning and researching their elopement, is “How much does it cost to elope?” I put together a calculator that formulates an estimate of expenses based on what a couple wants to include on their big day. While there is no set cost to elope, most couples spend $5,000-$15,000, far less than the national average of $33,000 for a traditional wedding. Eloping couples tend to cut out the things they don’t care about, and perhaps pay a little more for the things they do. So it’s all in the balance of deciding what is important to you on your elopement day.

This calculator is only a guesstimate, and prices can vary widely depending on the vendors chosen for the day, plane ticket prices, and various other factors. While the average cost of a traditional wedding in the United States is nearly triple the cost of eloping, that number usually includes a lot more catering and venue costs than the standard small outdoor wedding or elopement. Using this calculator can help you determine the ballpark of costs you may need to budget for based on the items you’d like to include.

ELOPEMENT COST CALCULATOR

The Breakdown

Let’s break down each of these costs. Below I’ll include a reasonable range of costs you might encounter while planning your small wedding or elopement. Making the day special doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s all about making choices about what is important to you and your partner. Sometimes that means spending more on what’s important to you, and less on the things you don’t care about.

Travel

Obviously, staying closer to home for your elopement is less expensive than traveling internationally. If you elope to a nearby state or national park, or even a city park or local conservation area, the cost for a ceremony permit and photography permit will run anywhere from $0-$400. There are no plane ticket fees, no car rental fees, and you can potentially stay at home, cutting out AirBnB costs or hotel fees.

If you plan to stay within your region, i.e. if you live in Rhode Island, but plan to elope in the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, then you need to add in gas for travel, and hotel or AirBnB costs. Still, staying in your region is less expensive than taking a plane flight. A reasonable range to add to travel costs if you elope within your region is an additional $400-$1000.

When you decide to have a true destination wedding in a place that you and any potential guests might fly to that raises the stakes on cost. First, there’s airfare for the two of you and car rental. Then factor in hotel or AirBnB costs for the length of stay, which is often longer than traveling regionally. You’ll also need to consider the market difference for any vendors you might be hiring locally. Is it more competitive there because there is more demand in the location you’ve decided to get hitched? If you plan on flying domestically a reasonable range to add on to your elopement costs is $1400-$4000.

Traveling internationally adds a whole host of new costs to consider. Plane tickets will be more expensive, adding travel insurance or wedding insurance is a great idea for any wedding, but perhaps more necessary for international weddings because of the cost involved. So along with all of the additional costs listed for traveling domestically keep in mind things like larger costs for flights, hotels, and car rental depending on the location and if you decide to elope during high season in a specific area. Plan on adding an additional $1000-$5000 for international travel.

Including Friends and Family in your Elopement or Small Outdoor Wedding

Adding more people to the mix does make things more expensive. A lot of couples choose to rent out a large house or a summer camp for their guests to stay. Others choose to feed their guests multiple meals during their stay, especially if it’s in a remote location. These are optional, of course, but when few guests are invited the couple usually likes to spend as much time with those they love as possible. To many people, this is one of the huge draws of having a small, outdoor wedding, or elopement with guests. So keep in mind the amount of food and housing you would like to provide to guests who decide to attend your small outdoor wedding or elopement. Add on an extra $500-$5000 if you plan to include some level of feeding and/or housing your guests.

Vendors

Check out the info below to find out what average vendors charge to provide their services to eloping couples. Some items on the list are less expensive than traditional weddings due to the simple nature of elopements, however, some items on the list are most expensive due to travel expenses and added duties being performed by the vendors.

Florist

The average florist charges anywhere from $60-$1000 for a bride’s bouquet, with the average price being $175. If you’d like to have a floral archway add on another $500 or more. A lot of eloping and small wedding couples choose to forgo bridesmaid flowers and boutonnieres, but keep that in mind if that’s a tradition you’d like to include as well.

Cake

Most couples, even if they are eloping, like to have a special cake or cupcakes, or some kind of their favorite treat on their wedding day. The national average price for wedding cakes is $350-$450, however, most eloping couples request smaller cakes, and many couples I’ve worked with have paid around $50 for elopement cakes. Also, if you don’t like cake, don’t get a cake! Get something you and your partner will truly enjoy- like donuts or ice cream.

Officiant

Officiants cost anywhere from $500-$800 to perform a wedding ceremony. However, if an officiant is traveling to a remote area, or has to hike to a location they may charge you more. An alternative to hiring someone is asking a loved one to become ordained. It’s easy for a beloved friend or family member to become an ordained officiant, and in some states officiants aren’t even required. Your photographer also might be an ordained officiant (I am), but keep in mind they usually don’t perform the ceremony because they are busy taking photos, but they will sign the necessary paperwork at the end. Each state has different laws about whether or not an officiant is required. Some states may require witnesses as well. Check your state’s marriage laws to find out what is required, or ask your photographer. They’ve likely been through this a few times and already know the answer.

Musicians

Hiring a wedding band is normally close to the same price as an officiant. Music can run between $500-$900. But again, you may be asking the musician to come to a remote location and hike to a ceremony spot. For that reason, costs may exceed the average for elopements. Some couples choose to include family or friends that are talented and they planned on inviting anyway. That person then plays as a wedding gift to the couple.

Renting a 4x4 vehicle

Renting a 4x4 vehicle, like a Jeep Wrangler, is much more readily available in outdoor destination towns where off-roading is a fun activity. If you are eloping in one of these locations and want to use a 4x4 vehicle to get to a secluded ceremony spot, plan on spending about $300/day for a rental.

Helicopter Tour

If you’d like to EPICALLY take a helicopter to your ceremony spot, plan on paying anywhere from $300 per person for a couple hours to several thousand dollars if you’d like it for the day. Again, this option is available in more touristy locations, and places like Alaska have a lot of glacier helicopter tours and an abundance of pilots. In fact, there are around 8,000 active pilots in Alaska, which means 1% of the population is a pilot. That might not sound like a lot, but in the lower 48, only 0.000178% of people are pilots, meaning that there are 1000 times more pilots in the population of Alaska than in the lower 48.

Hiring an outdoor guide

I have done technical canyons and rock climbing elopements with couples. And while I’m a competent and skilled climber and canyoneer, I don’t guide couples down canyons or up rock walls. The reason for that is simple, I’m not trained and licensed to do that, my insurance doesn’t cover it, and my job is to take photos, not make sure my couple stays safe in a fun outdoor pursuit. For that reason, I recommend that if you’d like a more adventurous wedding day than hiking somewhere, you hire a guide for the activity. I’m super happy to photograph the entire day knowing that the guide is the person in charge of safety. Hiring an outdoor guide costs anywhere from $200-$1200 per person, depending on the adventure.

Photographer & Videographer

First, decide if you’d like both a photographer and a videographer. Most people feel the need for a photographer, and some want video as well. If you don’t feel the need for a videographer, that will likely cut your media costs in half. The average cost of a wedding photographer in the U.S. is around $2500. However, if your photographer has to travel that will add to the cost. In addition, most elopement photographers also serve as wedding planners, suggesting ceremony locations, florists, bakers, and other vendors that work in your chosen area. They help plan the timeline to make sure you get all the photos you want with the best possible light and in the best possible locations. It also depends on how much coverage of the day you’d like. If you only want a few hours you might plan on paying less than average, while if you want full day coverage you will end up paying more. Plan to spend anywhere from $2000-$7000 for a great photographer or videographer who helps plan the details and the timeline of your day.

Wedding Attire

Even elopers plan to get a dress, or suit, or alternative wedding attire of some sort. A wedding dress in the United states costs on average $280-$1600, with most purchases falling in the $1000 range. Grooms should expect a suit to run $300-$1000.

I hope this sheds some light on that question everyone wants to know. How much your wedding or elopement costs can vary depending on the style you prefer and things that you would like to include in your day. Everyone’s plans differ slightly based on their preferences. And that’s the beauty of small outdoor weddings and elopements, no one is exactly the same and NOTHING IS MANDATORY. Just do it the way you want and don’t worry about pleasing anyone else. In fact, doing things the way they want is one of the top reasons couples choose to elope or have an alternative wedding in the first place!

If you’d like a photographer with a ton of experience in outdoor weddings and elopements- get in touch! I specialize in only those things, and I’d love to help make your day picture perfect.

Whimsical Vermont Fall Elopement

A.J. & David’s Autumn Mountain Elopement At Warren Falls & Stowe Vermont

Swell & Stone / New England Elopement Photographer

A.J. and David told me the story of their first date while they were enjoying a picnic in the colorful fall forest in Vermont during their elopement. They were munching on unicorn colored cupcakes and cut open a beautiful rainbow confetti cake. Suddenly everything came full circle- I realized that they were in the perfect place at the perfect time, and that some things were just meant to be. I’m beyond ecstatic that they chose me to be their Vermont elopement photographer. Want to see my list of the best places to elope in Vermont? Check it out here.

You see when David first reached out to A.J. he was drawn to how colorful she was- Her colorful hair, her colorful wardrobe, her colorful personality, and the zest she had for life. So he asked her out, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to go on a date yet. Not deterred at all, he told her to get ready for a colorful time, and took her to a graffiti park in Austin, TX where they proceeded to add their own graffiti using a custom created quote stencil David had made. As they spray-painted it together it was like coloring their bond in permanent ink.

Fast forward to where we were now, in Vermont at the peak of fall foliage colors, and A.J. donning her Hutton rainbow wedding gown by the Watters- her 2nd dress. Her first dress, which she wore for the ceremony, was a gorgeous Galatea, also by the Watters. It was certainly a colorful experience. When A.J. walked out in her 2nd gown, she exclaimed “I’m a rainbow!” and David, having no idea it was coming, smiled from ear to ear.

The day began at their idyllic cabin in the woods. A stream ran through the side yard, and fog lingered in the morning air. They got ready in the warm cabin with the fireplace providing the bulk of the light. I took David outside to position him for first look photos, and he was in awe of their surroundings. They had been running errands the whole day before and arrived at the cabin in the evening. He was just getting the chance to look around.

A.J. came out of the cabin and walked down the wooden staircase, pulling the fallen leaves down each stair with her gown. She reached David and they embraced and enjoyed the feeling of it all sinking in. They were eloping and this beautiful scene was just the beginning!

We headed to Warren Falls where we met the officiant. The trail to the falls is less than a quarter mile, but they soaked in the beauty the entire way, and carefully climbed down to the perfect ceremony location. By this time, A.J.’s gown had picked up some mud, leaves, twigs, and dirt. After words from the officiant, they read letters to each other and then read their vows. It was a special moment surrounded by moss, changing leaves, and some of the clearest water flowing right by.

Their ceremony was followed by a picnic at Texas Falls Recreation area and then we headed off to do something they hadn’t done before. We arrived in Stowe and drove up the Auto Toll Road to stand on top of Mt. Mansfield, the highest point in the state of Vermont. At the top of the mountain most of the trees were evergreen, but part of the way down we could see where the pine trees gave way to the colorful foliage. The weather was impeccable and the morning fog had burnt off so we could see forever. They danced in the wind and enjoyed the views. The temperatures were a little chilly, but the hiking combined with putting their coats on intermittently helped them stay warm.

Finally, we headed down the mountain and toward Lake Champlain where we caught the sunset. Light twinkled, the colors of the sunset were amazing as the reflected off of the calm lake in front of us. They were a little bit chilly and very tired, but A.J. smiled and asked sweetly if she thought there was a chance for star photos. I wasn’t very hopeful because we had a full moon rising behind us, and there were some clouds in the sky. But we waited until it got a little bit darker and I went down and tested the shot. I came back up to them, and said if we were going to go for it we needed to go now! They jumped into action, stood still for a while, and then headed back up the beach to pack up and head out. I said goodbye, hugged them, and sat on the beach letting my camera timelapse and thinking about what a day it had been. These are the days when everything comes together and I feel so lucky to be the person they trusted to capture their day.

This was their first trip to Vermont, neither of them had ever been before. I think that says something amazing about who these two are as people. They are up for anything, ready to new experiences, and make the best out of everything. They had the time of their lives, seeing the unique landscapes, dancing in the leaves, letting the wind blow through their hair, and I am so grateful to them for being up for anything. They trusted me to come to a place they had never been to do things they had never done, and then made the best out of every amazing moment.

As we drove down Mt. Mansfield A.J. shared a little with me. She said, “I used to not like if a hair was out of place or if I was the slightest bit cold.”

I replied, “I can’t imagine you like that- you just walked through the mud in 50 degree temps to get married. You stood on top of the highest peak in Vermont with the wind blowing in your hair.”

She responded that she knew she had changed. She had let go of a lot in her life, and the need for everything to be perfect was something she was letting slip away as well.

And in designing the elopement day she truly wanted- a muddy, ruffled, joy-filled day, A.J. and David had, dare I say- one of the most perfect elopement days I have yet to witness.

“I am still in awe of my wedding photos and I owe it all to Kat. Not only did she help me decide on a location, she gave recommendations on florists, bakeries, and lodging! There is no way I could have planned our out of state elopement without her. And Oh My God the photos! They are truly works of art, every last one, and believe me there are a ton. The words stunning & breathtaking have been used most by my friends and family. My wedding day was spectacular and my wedding photos show it. I’m already planning an anniversary vacation so I can have Kat capture that day too. If you need an adventure photographer then you absolutely need to check out Swell & Stone. I’m forever grateful that I did!”

— A.J. & David

Epic Engagement Session at Valley of Fire | Las Vegas Elopement Photographer

Maria & Kaden Explore Valley of Fire State Park for Engagement Session

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Las Vegas & Beyond

Maria and Kaden reached out to me about 2 weeks before I was set to leave on a 3-week work trip around the desert, and in a matter of a few days, I was able to extend my trip a few days so that I could photograph them as well! They love last-minute trips and it ended up being great timing because Maria was going to be in Las Vegas for a work conference anyway. They are from Kansas City, so Kaden flew out at the end of the week, and we were able to go explore Valley of Fire State Park, which is only an hour outside the city, but packs a huge punch in terms of views.

The landscape is surreal and otherworldly, and to top everything off, it was their first time ever seeing the red rock. I love being there for people’s first experiences in the red rock desert. Like them, I’m from Kansas, and I drove through the desert for the first time in 2008 on my way to work at Lake Powell in-between years of school. I still remember hanging out of my best friend’s sunroof with my mouth hanging wide open. I couldn’t believe this magical place existed on earth.

Maria and Kaden’s first time seeing the landscape was similar. They loved the colors and shapes. We had incredible weather that was comfortable to hike around in, and even when I asked if they wanted to take off their shoes and walk through cold slot canyon water, they were game.

They met online, both swiping right. Maria said, “We talked for a week or so through texts and calls then decided to meet in person. We met at a tapas restaurant for our first date and talked for hours. Afterward, we decided to keep the night going as any mature adult would do — with hot cocoa at a local coffee shop. For our second date, I picked the restaurant. He hadn’t been there before, and admittedly I was testing him to see how adventurous he could be with food. The first thing he ordered was my favorite item on the menus — something that most people wouldn’t even think about ordering. I was pretty hooked after that.”

As we hiked we talked about life in Kansas, their dogs, and the Kansas City Chiefs. When asked about their relationship Kaden said, “It would be impossible to identify an exact moment (I fell in love with her). For me, it is everything that Maria is that made me fall in love with her. The way she cares for others, the way she cares for herself, and of course I see and feel how much she cares for me. I admire her work ethic and desire to succeed in anything she is doing. She makes me better and THAT is what I fell in love with.”

For Maria, the moment she fell in love with him was a little more concrete. “I realized how much I loved Kaden when he and I were renovating his rental property. We were on a tight deadline and it was early in our relationship. I’m a very handy woman (thanks to my mom) and took the lead of the work — Kaden was so proud and appreciative and helpful. No matter how hangry I got, he met me with patience and kindness and a burrito. I may have been the one helping without him asking me, but I felt like the lucky one because I had him.”

They both love dogs and have rescued many. They spend the weekends outside with their pups. “We love going to restaurants that have patios and hanging out during nice days. Dog park, dog-friendly bars, Jeep rides, and lazy afternoons at home make for the best weekends.”

And one of my favorite stories they told me was their engagement story. When they were telling it my hands were sweating just thinking about what Kaden was going through. “Kaden got the ring in September then tried to think of the best possible proposal. He even brought it to Iceland during a trip we took in October! Yet he couldn’t find the right moment...” That’s right, he took the ring all the way to Iceland and didn’t propose. He said he had to keep hiding and moving to different places so Maria wouldn’t find it. And he managed not to lose it or blow the secret! “Finally, on Christmas, we were in Colorado with my family and he had a chance to ask my mom and brother in law (patriarch of our family) for permission. He got on one knee after we all opened presents and popped the question. I happy cried a lot, he smiled a lot. I would also like to note that I never told Kaden a ring style I wanted, I don’t wear jewelry. But the ring he got is absolutely perfect.” And it is a beautiful ring, check out the pics below for evidence.

They are clearly very in love, I think you can see that through the photos, but they are also the kindest people. They were joyful and fun, and I’m so happy we were able to make the day work. And what an incredible afternoon/evening we spent hiking around one of the coolest parks. Thunderstorms had hit the area recently and I had planned on taking Maria and Kaden through a slot canyon, but it was filled with water. But that was no obstacle, we just took off our shoes and walked through it, and of course, they paused so I could take some photos. The stormy weather made for a lot of wind, which Maria handled gracefully, even though wearing a dress in windy weather is a hard thing to do. A lot of the images included her hair whipping around her face, which I love. Her hair still managed to look great through it all.

I’m so happy these two took the leap to get on a plane and come meet me where I was for their engagement shoot on such short notice. This was right before everything started to get locked down for the coronavirus pandemic, so the time spent outside in fresh air in a new place was really a precious memory.

“Not only is Kat an amazing photographer, but she’s an incredible person. Kat gave us an idea of what to expect, but as our first time doing a photo session, we were still a bit nervous/clueless. Kat made us feel comfortable and at ease. I never once felt rushed. She really is a professional who found her calling. Our photos turned out SO so great... I can’t stop looking at them. I highly recommend Kat and swell & stone to anyone who is even the slightest interested in getting some really cool and memorable couples photos outdoors.”

— Maria & Kaden

How Your Favorite Color Palette Can Help Determine Your Elopement Location

Find Out How Your Favorite Color Palette Helps You Determine Where To Elope

Swell & Stone | Adventure Wedding & Elopement Photographer | United States & Beyond

Ever wonder where the best elopement location is for you? Take this short quiz to find out, and then read below to learn more about the best places to elope based on your favorite landscape and color palette.

I have what some people might call a “strong aesthetic taste”. My favorite color is blue and various forms of blue-green and dark teals. If I were to get married again, I would elope in the desert because I love the way the orange rock looks against the bright blue sky, and how the tan of the sand and the soft green of white sage play in harmony together. My house has exposed brick, which I feel mimics the red rock desert, and I have a teal couch next to a light brown leather couch complete with a southwest style rug. I’m just drawn to that color scheme, and I think part of the reason I love the desert so much is because I get to walk through living art. I keep returning to walk amongst the towers and night skies like an art connoisseur would return to the MoMA.

If you’re considering getting married outside, you might want to think about the color scheme of the location you are interested in. The beauty of elopements is that you don’t have to spend hours weighing decor options, deciding which tablecloths to rent, and picking out how all the pieces of the puzzle will work together. When you choose a wildly different wedding experience like eloping outside, the wilderness is your decor! So, take some time and sit down with your partner, because everything from the location you decide on to the time of day you get married will affect your wedding color scheme. You may decide to go somewhere you’ve never been before, or you may decide that a place you return to over and over is the location for you. Whatever you decide, work with your photographer to make that vision a reality.

Read below to look through a few options, but keep in mind that you can find a huge variety of color schemes and palettes in the same location. This is simply a guide to get you and your partner thinking about what aesthetic you are drawn to. Just because you aren’t mulling over what color your tablecloths are going to be, doesn’t mean you can’t have your favorite colors be a part of your day!

Desert Color Palette

The desert is one of those places that has a huge variety of color palette options. There are minimalist options in places like White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, or bold contrasting colors in the red rock desert of southern Utah and Northern Arizona. In some locations you can get some really monotone, gorgeous looks. If you drive a few hours you will get bold colors, and vibrant shots. The thing is, sometimes you can get both in the same place depending on the time of day. Work with your photographer to get an idea of how the changing light will affect your images. Although every photographer is different, all the photographers I know LOVE shooting at sunrise and sunset. Some hate shooting in the middle of the day. I think it really depends on the location, and in some spots, I love shooting in the middle of the day just as much as at dawn and dusk. Also, the desert is a great place to wait until it gets dark and shoot the night sky. I love photographing when the stars come out, and in the desert that is almost every night.

Mountain Color Palette

The high alpine is one of the most enchanting places to be and photograph. Mountain blues and grays are some of the most lovely colors, but depending on the season you can see some orange, red, yellow, and green in the mix as well. Often there are water elements and chances for reflections, too. The season for eloping in the mountains is short…unless you’re willing to dress warmly and get some wildly different shots- winter wedding style!

Forest Color Palette

Foggy forests bring out some ridiculously rich colors and dreamlike landscapes. I always say, “don’t be afraid of rain on your wedding day, because interesting weather makes for the most interesting photos!” I had a client once say to me that she was going for a “woodland nymph vibe”, and I knew exactly what she meant and we scheduled her elopement for the fall in Vermont. The forest is a truly magical place to be, especially in the off seasons.

Ocean Color Palette

If you’re a water person, one of the most beautiful places to elope is to a coastal location. But keep in mind, not all coastal locations are tropical. There are gorgeous spots on the coast of Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Of course, Baja California, and the entire California Coast are unreal for clear, blue waters. Then there are places where the forest meets the ocean, like the Northern California coast, Oregon, and the San Juan Islands in Washington. Keep all of these things in mind, and maybe one of those locations has everything you love all in one place!

Sunrise & Sunset Color Palette

I’ve talked a little bit about shooting at dawn and dusk because those times are what photographers call the “golden hour” and with that comes a different, gorgeous color scheme. If you go to a place that has a primarily blue, green, or neutral color scheme, the golden hour can be the perfect time to add warm colors to those landscapes.

I hope I’ve given you some ideas and things to think about visually as you choose your wedding or elopement location. Not only should it be a place you love or a place you’ve longed to go to, but it’s also important to think about the color scheme of the place because that will affect your photos! If you are searching for an adventure wedding or elopement photographer who can help you work through those things I would love to help. Contact me here or use the button below and let’s start planning your wildly different wedding experience!

Top 11 Reasons Why Couples Elope in the Great Outdoors

Top 11 Reasons Couples decide to have an adventure elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE Wedding & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / United States AND BEYOND

Not everyone is made for big, traditional weddings. In fact, some people dread the thought of them. And instead of asking “why do couples elope?” they find themselves wondering why everyone wouldn’t elope! There are a lot of reasons why couples decide to elope, including not getting along with family, or just being shy and not wanting to be the center of attention all day. Eloping isn’t just about running off to the courthouse when you turn 18 anymore. Some couples want to save money, and other couples just want to spend their money more intentionally. Eloping is about creating your big day in an intentional way that is true to you and your partner. It’s about creating an experience that you will remember for a lifetime, rather than spending a ton of cash on a big party for everyone else. So if you’re the outdoorsy type who would love to make your wedding day about experiences instead of things, then maybe an adventure elopement is right for you. Here’s a list of a few of the reasons some couples choose to elope.

1. We hate being the center of attention and would rather spend the day doing things we love with just each other or a few special people.

   If one or both of you are introverted it makes perfect sense that you’d rather have a more secluded location with a minimal guest list. Wedding days can be overwhelming, and even more so if people are heaping love, praise, and attention on you and then turning around and judging your centerpieces. A lot of people already wish they would never again have to make small talk with their 2nd cousin or stand in a ballroom with 100 people staring at them, so some couples choose to avoid putting themselves in that position, to begin with.

2. We don’t have the money to spend on a giant wedding.

   Maybe neither of your families have the means to pitch in, and you are busy working hard to build a career in a field you love. Traditional weddings can set you back big time, and make it harder to reach other goals in life that ultimately may be more important to you than spending a fortune on one day. The average wedding in the United States now costs over $33,000. That’s a lot of money that could go toward school, or a house, or building your future life with your partner. So instead of choosing to blow a huge wad of cash in a single day, many couples are choosing to hold onto it and use it for the things they deem truly important in life. You can easily plan an incredible and memorable elopement for under $10,000. So if you decide to save some money and still get married in a way that feels right to you, more power to you!

3. We have the money but would rather spend it on something else.

   Maybe your parents are willing to pitch in or you are both in a great place career-wise. Even then couples are choosing to spend their money with intention and to plan a day that reflects their values and lifestyle. And the truth is many people getting married today value experiences over things. They want to watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon while saying vows, or they want to spend their special day on a mountaintop with only their partner. Think about it- with the $33,000 an average couple spends on a traditional wedding, you could fly to an incredible locations, book a ridiculously nice AirBnB, get the most gorgeous dress of your dreams, hire a photographer who takes epic photos, take a helicopter tour to your secluded ceremony site, say your vows to the love of your life, and see sights and views that blow your mind, all while having an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. And that still might be less expensive than a traditional wedding! Making decisions that create a more intimate day just feels more special to a lot of people, and many definitely find the experience much more enjoyable than stressing out about last minute decor decisions.

4. We want to avoid the family drama altogether.

   Aunt Jo doesn’t get along with your mom, or brother Chris always gets too drunk. Tense family situations are real and more and more couples are choosing to opt-out of being put in a situation that could cause greater tension in their family. Many couples find that eloping is so much easier and more closely reflects who they are as people. They choose to spend their wedding day outside and make it about their real and true love for their partner. Your wedding day should NOT be difficult or stressful due to familial tension. So just cut out the possibility of trouble and elope to a beautiful destination of your choice. It will likely be cheaper and a lot less stressful.

5. We wanted to do something unique and important to us.

   Let’s face it, every summer we get invited to a handful of weddings, and we go, and we eat, drink, and are merry. But at the end of the summer, can you remember what was so great about each wedding or does it all just blur together in a mix of eating, drinking, dancing, and the like? Now more couples are seeking to do something that sticks out in their own memory as spectacular and incredible. And it makes sense, in 30 years you absolutely will not remember what the silverware looked like or what style of monogram you chose for the place settings, but you will remember committing yourself to the person you built a life with. So why not do it in a stunning and scenic way? There are a ton of incredible locations to choose from, so you can go back to a place you already know you love, or you can make new memories and explore somewhere new. Either way, you will be choosing to make your wedding day align with the values you hold dear.

6. We don’t want our wedding to be about pleasing guests. We want it to be about us.

   Some people will never be pleased even if you choose the right caterer and the best cake and DJ imaginable. And who cares about those people anyway? Honestly, you getting married has nothing to do with them and you don’t need that negativity in your life. It’s time we all start caring about living our best life more than we care about what people think about our lives. So please yourself on your wedding day. If you have always wanted to go to Alaska, but it seems too far away. Go! Get married there and make it the vacation of your dreams. At the end of our lives, I bet we won’t be laying on our deathbeds saying “I really wish I would have please Aunt Karen more.” No, we will be saying- damn, we lived it right.

7. We are outdoorsy and love traveling. We decided to incorporate adventure and experiences into our big day.

   If the great outdoors is the place you feel most alive, most free, and most in awe of nature and the world- then dang it, eloping in the great outdoors is for you. I’ve heard from so many couples say that they had never even thought of their wedding or what it might look like, and then they saw photos like mine- photos of couples dedicating their lives to each other in epically beautiful places, and all of the sudden they were psyched on getting married and what their wedding might look like. It’s not that they didn’t want to commit their life to the person they loved, it’s that the production and show of weddings seemed horrible and overwhelming and unnecessary to them. Once you realize that it’s your day and it can absolutely be whatever you want it to be a whole new world opens up and it’s almost like you can taste the freedom and feel the wind in your hair.

8. We don’t like big, traditional weddings.

   It’s pretty simple, for a bunch of different reasons and on this list and otherwise, some people just really don’t like big, traditional weddings. They don’t like going to them, they don’t look forward to them, they may actively avoid them. So when it comes time to plan your big day and you feel like this, just know- you don’t have to have a big, traditional wedding. You absolutely do not have to spend a lot of time making decisions about things you could care less about. In truth, we should all spend more time making decisions about things we sincerely care about. There are so many other options out there and I’m sure you can find something that looks more up your alley. While you’re at it you may as well buck all kinds of trends and get married outside in the dead of winter!

9. We wanted to combine our wedding with our honeymoon in an epic travel destination.

   If you love traveling and find your self planning the honeymoon before you even start to think about the wedding, maybe doing both at the same time is right for you! Think about it, you were so excited to go somewhere awesome, you skipped over that part where you actually get married and went straight to the fun stuff. Clearly, you’re not that stoked about planning something big, so maybe just keep that excitement for the honeymoon going and plan your wedding in the same place! Why not kill two birds with one stone? It’s efficient and it gets the job done, all while being really fun. It sounds like a win-win to me. Plus so many epic travel destinations, like National Parks or National Forest lands, are free or inexpensive to get married on.

10. Nature is our church.

    I totally get this one. I feel so much more in awe of our world, and therefore spiritual when I am outside in an epic location. Like when I saw the sunset over the Baja California coast for the first time, or when I saw a lightning storm approaching Zion National Park or the first time I experienced autumn in New England- these experiences help wipe away all the negative and help me see the world with a clean slate. If you feel like you can relate, and that your most enlightening experiences happen when you’re outside, then eloping in the great outdoors is certainly for you.

11. We didn’t expect our families to support our marriage decision.

    This is a super sad truth, but some families do not support their loved one’s decision to marry under certain circumstances or a specific person. Whether faith and religion or race prejudice play a role, it’s an unfortunate occurrence. Of course, if you’ve met and fallen in love with your forever person only to find an unsupportive family it makes sense that you would feel free to be you with them there on your day. Many couples in this position choose to elope and to do it in a way that feels right to them. This way they only have positive and happy memories from the day they married the love of their life.

If you’re thinking of eloping in the great outdoors and would love someone with a ton of know-how and experience to photograph the story of your day, I would love to help! Make sure to reach out and tell me a little about you two and what you are considering for your small wedding or elopement. I help plan your entire day from beginning to end if that’s what you need. My specialty is finding gorgeous, off-the-beaten-path locations for couples to enjoy a secluded ceremony. If you need recommendations for an officiant, florist, cake maker, or anything else I’m here to help you make your day as true to you as possible.

Yosemite Elopement Complete with Airstreams & El Cap | Yosemite Elopement Photographer

Megan & Michael Elope in a Breathtaking Yosemite Landscape

Swell & Stone / California Elopement Photographer

I think one of the things that says the most about who Megan & Michael are as people and as a couple is the number of times each one of them bent down in formal wear to pick up trash off the ground during their Yosemite elopement. I can count at least two hand fulls of times- really it was habitual. Megan & Michael developed that habit because they spend a lot of time outside, and clearly care deeply about keeping it clean for others to enjoy. They run Fresh Off the Grid, a blog that serves as a cooking resource for outdoor enthusiasts.

Their wedding was an incredible combination of personal, beautiful, adventurous, and so much fun. They had their families in attendance, and stayed at AutoCamp Yosemite, which is a really nice camp/glamp spot about 30-40 minutes from the El Portal entrance to Yosemite National Park. When I arrived, Michael was hanging out in their airstream and Megan was over in Michael’s sister’s tent getting ready. They were all having a great time, enjoying breakfast and taking in the pondside scenery of the camp spot. One of my favorite moments was when Megan saw herself with her hair in a braid and her makeup done, after she had put the dress on, and she smiled and started to tear up. “I just never see myself like this,” she said. It was an emotional moment for her mother and soon-to-be mother-in-law as well as they looked on with tears in their eyes.

After she was ready we did a first look and headed out for a 9 am ceremony at Cathedral Beach in Yosemite. It is a stunning beach with the unreal backdrop of El Capitan and views for days. They said their vows in a sometimes tearful but completely joy filled ceremony. Celebrations of champagne followed before the wedding party headed off for lunch at the Awanhee Hotel. Later we reconvened at AutoCamp Yosemite where Megan & Michael works their outdoor camp cooking magic in a special dinner reception for their family. The setting was stunning, the details were beautiful, and the couple cherished getting to spend this quality time with their family all together in one place. The weather could not have been more perfect for their day.

The next day after having breakfast with their family, and packing up their lives into backpacks I met them down in the backpackers campground in Yosemite Valley. Their honeymoon was starting the next day, and they were planning to spend 3 weeks hiking the 211-mile John Muir Trail! When I walked up they had set up their tent and were already chowing down on freeze dried meals to lighten their load. But they had one more adventure in formal wear before spending the next three weeks dirtbagging! They jumped in my truck and we went up Glacier Point Road to hike to Taft Point just before sunset.

Walking through the forest the light filtered through in just the right way. The temperature was perfect, the light was amazing, and Megan & Michael took some time to look back on the events of the weekend. They talked about how it couldn’t have been more perfect, how happy they were to have the whole amazing experience with their close family.

When we arrived to the point we looked around. Neither of them had been to this spot before and they were in awe of the view. As the sun began to sink lower, colors lit up the sky. They walked out the cliffs edge and the light danced around them as they peered down at Yosemite Valley.

After the sun set I returned them to their camp spot, and the next day the headed out on the JMT. I’m happy to report that they completed the trip and they reported back, “The JMT was pretty amazing - challenging but so rewarding, and really a perfect honeymoon for us.”

“Stop your search right now and book Kat for your wedding photography! We hired her for our small wedding in Yosemite, and we could not imagine a better experience. She did an absolutely incredible job.

To start, she did a great job of communicating - both in advance of the event and on location. We always felt like we were on the same page. Very professional and thorough, yet very easy-going and relaxed to talk with.

On the day of the wedding, she did a perfect job of capturing fly-on-the-wall candid moments while also making sure we got the more traditional set-piece photos. She was like our fairy photo godmother. She was there to provide a little guidance (to help wrangle family members for portraits, etc), but otherwise just captured our special day as it naturally unfolded. She was on the entire time, watching over us, and it really shows in her photos.

But the most important thing to know about Kat is that she really goes the extra mile for her clients. She scouted out locations for us the day before, she drove us / coordinated a shoot near Glacier Point at sunset. And when it came to the editing, she got us the final photos turned around quickly. We went on an extended 3-week honeymoon and the final photos were in our inbox when we got back. We could not be happier with the experience.

So end your wedding photography search right now, and book Kat. It was one of the best decisions we’ve made.”

— Megan & Michael

If you’re looking for a photographer for your wildly different wedding experience get in touch with me ASAP! You can do that HERE- or by hitting the button below.

Epic 4x4 Outdoor Adventure Wedding in Southern Utah Backcountry

Cameron & Rick say “I Do” in an Enchanting Ceremony in the Desert Southwest

Swell & Stone / Utah/Arizona Elopement Photographer

I can honestly say that in terms of weather for Cam & Rick's adventure elopement in the backcountry of Southern Utah, or Northern Arizona- the exact location is undisclosed- we got about as lucky as we possibly could have.
I drove in the day before and it literally rained the entire length of Arizona- I drove from Phoenix. It NEVER rains the ENTIRE length of Arizona! But the morning of their wedding day it was clear and beautiful. Cam was a flurry of calls and texts in the days leading up to the day, but ultimately she and Rick made the best call- to GO FOR IT!
Four 4x4 vehicles met me at the access road. We figured with enough wo(man) power and tow straps we would be fine even if the roads weren't passable. And hell, it'd make for a great wedding day story either way. And make for a great wedding day story it did! We all made the 1.5 hr drive safely, but we all had to navigate frozen puddles that covered entire sections of road! As soon as we arrived we went to hike around the area. We were able to see it in a completely unique way, reflecting pools of water dotted the whole desert, a rare sight!
Cam & Rick had known each other for a while before they started dating. They are both part of the canyoneering community, which happens to be fairly tight knit. Rick had a crush on Cam, and one of her friends asked if she liked him back. She responded, "I wish I liked Rick!" But as she spent more time with him and their mutual friend group she realized that she did, in fact, like Rick. Fast forward to their beautiful, love filled wedding day.
The day was spent hiking, marveling at nature, spending time with family and friends in on of their favorite places. Cam was walked down the aisle by her soon-to-be step son Gavin, and her good friend, Everett. Rick's daughter Hannah looked adorable in her lavender dress and Vans.
After the ceremony, and some group photos the group enjoyed some food and watched the sun get low on the horizon before heading out. Cam & Rick stayed back with me and venturing back out to a spot when the stars came out. There had been scattered clouds all day, but they cleared to the north just after sunset. Even in very cold temps Cam & Rick were stoked to help create the star photo you see above. A perfect ending to an absolutely perfect day with one some of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of spending time with.

“Stop your search and book Kat. She is fun, professional, REALLY good at this, and goes above and beyond. I can’t say enough. Kat will make dreams that you didn’t even know you had come true. Her photos are just beautiful! She has a great eye to capture the moments. I can look at my photos and relive the joy. She captured our joy!
”

— Cameron & Rick

Stunning Winter Adventure Wedding in the North Cascades

Hannah & Collins Dreamy Winter Adventure Elopement in the Pacific Northwest Mountains

Swell & Stone / Pacific Northwest Elopement Photographer

When Hannah first contacted me about photographing her and Collins’ wedding in Washington I was so excited...except it was going to be in the dead of winter, in the North Cascades. But I truly had nothing to worry about, they are the super adventurous, and tough as nails. Their ceremony was actually on Saturday in Seattle. After listening to their family and friends tell stories about taking on challenging outdoor endeavors with them I knew they would be troopers for our adventure shoot the next day.
We headed out in clear weather Sunday morning. I had found a webcam online that show beautiful sunny skies in the mountains, so even though they had a whirlwind wedding the day before Hannah and Collins were down to push up the timeline a little and get to the mountains. They chatted on the way there about how nice it was to be escaping to the mountains, if only for the day. When we drove in the weather was still nice, but cold. And the clouds where moving in, an indication of a storm building for the afternoon.
Hannah and I had exchanged quite a few emails regarding road closures in the North Cascades in the winter. We were able to park at Diablo Lake. We saw so many beautiful landscapes that day, from the mountains with a storm moving in, to ice waterfalls, to whirlwinds of snow on the dam. We explored the varied landscapes, and then warmed up in the car when it got too cold.
The laughed and explored together easily, even in freezing temps. To be honest everything with Hannah and Collins seemed easy- their love for each other and their family and friends' love for them.
The last place we stopped was the first place they ever camped together. They reminisced about that trip, and where they are now, and they walked down the road with Hannah's gown gathering an array of pine cones and needles in the train. It was an absolutely perfect way to end their weekend of celebration, and to continue their life together.

“Kat shot our wedding and we are sooo happy with the photos and she was really fun and easy to work with. She trekked all the way up to the North Cascades with us to get some spectacular shots in the dead of winter! She was super professional and had lots of good ideas for creative and adventurous shots that really captured our love story and our passion for the outdoors. I would highly recommend her if you want unique wedding photos and you have an adventurous spirit.
”

— Hannah & Collins

Winter Elopements: The Definitive Guide to Getting Married Comfortably Outside in the Winter

Adventurous Couples Brave Winter Weather and Get Unique, Jaw-Dropping Photos as a Result

Swell & Stone / Adventure Wedding & Elopement Photographer / United States and Beyond

When it comes to getting married in the winter the vast majority of people assume it will have to be indoors. But if you’re the adventurous type and plan on eloping with just your partner and maybe a friend or family member or two then you don’t have to worry if grandpa is going to freeze standing outside. Winter landscapes provide an almost otherworldly backdrop, and talk about a memorable experience. So if you’re look for a wildly different wedding experience, consider getting married outside…in the WINTER! Here are a few important factors to keep in mind.

Footwear

Keeping your feet warm is one of the keys to staying comfortable in frigid temps. Luckily most wedding dresses are long so women can easily wear wool socks and comfortable hiking boots with their dress. Choose something you will be able to walk around in for hours if need be. Depending on your chosen location for your ceremony you may need to hike in them for a little while. These boots are some of my favorites and they happen to look stylish under a wedding dress too. This is not one of those times to skimp on comfort. In fact, comfort is of the utmost importance here, because if you’re suffering, it will be difficult to want to continue. Danner makes a classic and beautiful boot that looks great under dresses.

Long Underwear

Men can wear just about anything, thin, warm, and wooly underneath their suits, but classic long underwear is a good place to start. Women, on the other hand, need something warm but also not obvious, and for that I love nude fleece lined leggings. If the bride’s leg peaks out from under the dress while walking you can’t even tell she’s wearing leggings in the photos. Women can also opt for a long sleeve gown to make their top layer a bit warmer. However, I also recommend having a jacket you don’t mind being photographed in. Which brings me to my next point…

Stylish Jacket

It doesn’t hurt to have a nice jacket you don't mind being photographed in. You can take it on and off as needed, but you might as well be warm while walking around. For a lot of brides it's a white down jacket or some other kind of white jacket. For men, it's often a black down jacket. But it doesn’t have to fall in line with the standard wedding color scheme, the beauty of it all is you get to be yourself and wear whatever you like, not what other people expect you to wear. So break norms and traditions, after all you are eloping outside in the winter- if that’s not already breaking traditions I’m not sure what is.

Foot, Hand, & Body Warmers

These things are pretty much the best ever. They are thin, warm, and last for hours, and they just might be your key to getting married outside in the winter even if you thought that was something you could never do. They come in different types- foot, hand, and body, and yes, it makes sense to get all the types because the hand warmers do not fit in your shoes comfortably the way the foot warmers do. The body warmers are larger and cover more surface area, so if you are really worried about being cold, pick up some of these and you might be sweating before you can say “I do!”

Blankets

If you have family or friends in attendance, offer them the above advice for sure, but also maybe have a couple of extra blankets in the truck of your car if someone comes a little unprepared. They can be national park themed or just pretty blankets, but whatever you choose, make sure it’s warm and you don’t mind having them in your photos.

Hot Drinks

It does not hurt to have a thermos full of something hot to take along with you. Whether it’s hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or spiced rum- pick your favorite warm drink and carry it along in a backpack to help keep you hydrated and warm. Here’s a recipe for a delicious special occasion drink that will definitely keep you warm, even on the coldest of days.

Have a Car Nearby to Warm Up In

Finally, there is no shame in driving to a beautiful location and getting out for 10-15 minutes at a time. Most ceremonies only last about 15 minutes, so use all the above suggestions to stay warm during that time and then jump back in the car with the heat cranked up full blast! When shooting winter adventure weddings and elopements this is a common strategy, the couple gets to have the ceremony where they want, but also check out several other locations for photos. If you have guests, host the reception at a cozy, scenic lodge. This can be easy to do in the winter because there are usually fewer crowds, unless you’re at a ski resort, of course. An important thing to work out with your photographer beforehand are any potential road closures. You don’t want to plan to drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, for instance, between December (or the first big snow) and mid-May.

I hope this info was helpful and gave you a different perspective on getting married outside in the winter. As an adventure elopement photographer, winter weddings have been some of my favorite to photograph. Crowds aren’t an issue and there is something so quiet and peaceful about being outside in the winter that translates to a wildly different wedding experience for couples. If you’re looking for a photographer for your wildly different wedding experience get in touch with me ASAP! You can do that HERE- or by hitting the button below.