How to Upscale Your Elopement in an Unforgettable Way
The Endless Possibilities Afforded by a Small Wedding
There is nothing more I love than the unfettered joy and happiness of a wedding. Big or small; laid-back or totally over-the-top; solemn and serene, or playful and adventurous– the coming together of two souls is a milestone to venerate and celebrate. As a decades-long photographer of elopements and small weddings, I have had the lucky privilege of doing just that, time and time again.
As much as I have adored all the big weddings I have attended, I have to say there is something so perfect (and so very liberating) about a smaller elopement. Maybe you have landed on this page because you are considering a smaller wedding for your upcoming nuptials? You might feel a little constrained by the traditions and narrow-ish confines of the more customary wedding. You want to do something totally YOU, something imminently memorable, and something a little (or a lot) different.
Forget the idea that an elopement entails just a few short hours on a mountainside or on a beach during which you and your mate exchange vows and then call it a day. Not so at all! The truth is, with an elopement, the possibilities are genuinely limitless. Want to say “I do” while riding horseback through the Rockies on Clydesdales? Want to exchange vows underneath a canopy of beach almond trees outside your luxury tent in a rainforest in Costa Rica? Dreaming of wedding after a helicopter ride over the glistening snowy slopes of the Italian Alps? All of these things– and a multitude more– are possibilities when you elope.
Yes you are simplifying in so many fabulous ways when you choose to have a small wedding. But that does NOT mean that you can’t go BIG.
Epic Activities that Will Uplevel Your Elopement
Not long ago, I had a blast rapid-fire brainstorming a list of 101 super-fun elopement ideas ("101 Unique Elopement Ideas"). Some of them are a little more outside-the-box (get married while scaling a Via Ferrata in the Dolomites) than other, more lowkey ideas (say “I do” after a canoe trip at a friend’s cabin on the lake).
The point is, when you elope, there are really no rules…Or if there are, YOU are the one authoring them. And you can curate the exact, tailor-made experience that you want.
Peruse the following list to get the inspiration you need to start thinking BIG about all the things you CAN do, if you so wish:
1. Embark on a Luxurious Train Trip
There is something just so wistfully romantic about trains. I am not sure if it’s that they are reminiscent of a sort of “golden age” of travel, or that they offer the promise of adventure and new beginnings… But a rail excursion is one of my favorite elopement ideas. There are, of course, a veritable multitude of different rail companies and routes to choose from (i.e. Paris to Istanbul; Cape Town to Dar es Salaam, Africa…) Here are two for your consideration:
A romantic getaway on the Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies (from Vancouver to Lake Louise) with stops at luxury, high-end hotels sprinkled throughout your multi-day journey. The GoldLeaf service includes afternoon wine and cheese, gourmet meals, and two-story glass domed coaches through which you can soak up the spectacular views.
A dazzling 180-mile, 8 hour trek through Switzerland (from Zermatt to St. Moritz) on the Glacier Express. Enjoy sweeping views of the towering Alps while indulging in champagne or wine and a 5-course menu of chef-prepared Swiss cuisine. Switzerland is one of my favorite countries, and truly any time of year is a great time to visit. In the winter and early spring, you can tack on world-class skiing; in the summer and fall, you can plan for lovely alpine hikes and bike rides through wildflower-dappled fields.
Image by Oleksandr Lutsenko on Pexels
2. Soar Away on a Helicopter Ride
This is an exhilarating and unforgettable activity that you can add on to almost any elopement. If you haven’t been in a helicopter before, it is an experience that can literally take your breath away; but, what’s more, it offers an unparalleled viewpoint of the gorgeous surroundings (some of which are only accessible by air) that you have chosen to get married in. One idea: Jet off to the Big Island of Hawaii for a balmy, sunny elopement and then take to the skies on a helicopter ride that features either a volcano, a remarkable sunset, cliffs and waterfalls, or a tour of the whole island with Big Island Helicopter Tours. Another idea: Exchange your vows on a precipice overlooking the Grand Canyon, and then take the Grand Celebration Tour with Papillon Helicopters, which includes descending into the canyon for champagne toasts and exploring along the Colorado River, along with a more expansive rim to rim journey.
(*Note: I can provide drone photography if you decide to take a helicopter ride, and you choose to work with me!)
3. Sail Away on Pristine Waters
For those of you eloping near the ocean (or really any large body of water), incorporating an expedition on a sailboat is an excellent, easy way to upscale your wedding experience. Imagine saying your I-dos, and then setting adrift amongst rippling azure waves with a sherbert-colored sunset warming your skin as you toast to your happy future! Pure perfection. You can book your adventure for just a half-day– enough time for luxuriating in the peace and harmony of the afternoon, and sharing some drinks and a lovely dinner. Alternatively, you might consider a longer excursion, with overnights! One thoroughly vetted and spectacular choice: A crewed yacht charter through the sparkling aquamarine waters of the BVI with The Moorings. A captain and a chef (oftentimes married couples themselves) will curate a trip that you will never forget. Go diving for lobsters off the shores of Anegada Island, explore the secret rock pools of The Baths in Virgin Gorda, and kayak around the pristine waters of Little Jost Van Dyke… The world is your oyster!
(*Note: If you decide to incorporate any underwater activities in your elopement, I am now able to offer underwater photography!)
4. Ride Camels and Stargaze in Sultry Morocco
This is an experience like no other. Be lulled into awe and wonder as you are guided by Berber nomads over the High Atlas mountains and through the vast, undulating sand dunes of the Sahara. Plan for a half-day sunset journey, or choose to embark on a magical multi-day trip, including overnights at luxury hotels and a grand finale at your camp, where you will be treated to a homemade, delectable meal and entertained fireside with drum music. Gaze at the myriad stars in the night sky as you doze off; then awake to a sunrise seemingly hand-crafted just for you by the gods themselves. Check out Roaming Camels for more inspiration and information. What an exotic way to upscale your elopement!
5. Go Whale Watching, Waterfall Rappelling, and Horseback Riding in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an adventure-lover’s paradise and an unrivaled destination for your small wedding. There are limitless fun activities that you can incorporate into your elopement, including: surfing, diving, whale watching, fishing, zip lining, touring on ATVs, waterfall rappelling, hiking in the rainforest (and seeing sloths, and monkeys, and eyelash vipers!)… I could go on and on. You can find fabulous inexpensive places to stay all over this small country, but if you really want to upscale your wedding, you might consider one of its many high-end resorts. One that I’ve been eyeing and dreaming about lately is Rancho Pacifico. Nestled in the rainforest along the Pacific Ocean, this luxury resort offers swoon-worthy treehouses or sprawling, gorgeous villas with private plunge pools, along with an award-winning spa and top-notch dining. What’s more, the friendly staff there can arrange all the outings and activities you (and your sweetheart) so desire. It’s a must see (and do)!
(*Note: If you decide to incorporate any underwater activities in your elopement, I am happy to include underwater photography in your elopement package!)
6. Ascend to the Clouds on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sweep one another off each other's feet again by ascending into the heavens together. This choice is an excellent one for myriad different elopement locations, but one that comes to mind immediately for me is Sedona. This artsy, hip town in the heart of the Verde Valley in Arizona is renowned for its healing vortexes. And I am here to tell you– there really is a palpable undercurrent of beautifully profound energy in Sedona, making it a great spot for your small wedding. Sunset and sunrise are the perfect time to take a hot air balloon ride in one of the many outfitters offering this venture
(Rainbow Ryders, Red Rocks Balloons, etc.). Imagine levitating up into the deep, cerulean blue sky and watching in wonder and awe as the sun casts a crimson and apricot glow over the breathtaking sandstone formations for which Sedona is celebrated. Stay up late to toast your new happy unification and for the most spectacular night sky you have ever beheld!
Image by Freddy Rezvanian on Unsplash
7. Venture Out on an Exotic Safari
Going to Africa and roaming around in an open 4x4 and encountering all the wild animals there is a bonafide dream trip– the type of experience that may be the penultimate of your LIFE. There are innumerable fantastic places you can go to live out this bullet-list fantasy, but one that I know is truly BEYOND is the Singita Ebony Lodge in Sabi Sands, South Africa (Singita). This place is ultra-luxury at its finest. Composed of light-colored canvas, glass, timber, and adobe, this sprawling modern safari lodge overlooks the Sand River and encompasses 45,000 acres within a stunning wildlife sanctuary. Here, there is a high concentration, and thus a really good chance of spotting, the ‘Big 5’–lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalo. Singita is all-inclusive, meaning all food (which is top-notch) and drink (including premium wines) are covered, along with two Land Rover game drives a day and any number of walking safaris. Each of the 12 suites has its own plunge pool and is exquisitely outfitted with vintage campaign furniture, Ebony heirlooms, and contemporary African art. Have a small private ceremony at Singita, or book your honeymoon there; (after all, think of all the money you conserved by eloping instead of throwing a 200+ person wedding).
(*Note: I realize 100% that Singita may be beyond most of our means. There are many other more affordable options for those of you who want to consider a safari elopement; I can help you find them if you are interested!)
8. Indulge in Champagne and Caviar on a Private Jet!
Okay so maybe going to Africa on a safari is sounding rather like a bargain experience now by comparison?! You are right. This idea is so over-the-top, but SO fun! Private jet weddings (and honeymoon escapes) are now a thing, if you can believe it. They offer complete privacy and unparalleled luxury– the kind where you might just pinch yourself and ask: Is this my life? You can totally customize the experience– from the entertainment, the food (champagne and caviar, if you wish), the decor, the layout, the destination… Every last detail can be bespoke! Another fabulous aspect of this choice is that you can hold your ceremony in the air, if you want, while you are traveling to a destination of your choosing. Telluride? Napa? Cabo? You got it! Starting prices on a small aircraft (perfect for 4 to 8 people) are approximately $2,800-4,200 an hour. As I said, it’s a pie-in-the-sky/the sky’s the limit type of affair. Pun(s) intended.
9. Plan a Wine Tasting at a Vineyard
Want to upscale your small wedding experience but prefer to stay on solid ground and/or not break the bank? Understandable! There are several slightly more lowkey options than the aforementioned ideas… One includes finding a nearby vineyard (or a local farm for that matter) and setting up a lovely, outdoor, curated meal (many companies provide this service now). Even better, you can add on a private wine tasting and tour of the vineyard, or, alternatively, a cheese tasting and cheese-making demonstration. There are plenty of vineyards to choose from stateside (in Virginia, California, New York, etc.); however, if you are looking for an epically unforgettable getaway, consider one in a more far-flung locale, like Italy. The incomparable Monaci delle Terre Ner is a luxury wine resort on the slopes of Mt. Etna (in Sicily) with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. It genuinely is romance personified!
10. Book a Private Chef (or a Private Cooking Class)
Private Chef- Nothing makes me happier than cozying up around a large table, surrounded by friends and family and the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and satisfied murmurs over a meal well-cooked and mutually enjoyed. So, naturally, I just love this idea! I recently photographed a gorgeous wedding in Crested Butte, Colorado (my home state). The lovely couple, R + D, reserved a fabulous, sprawling mountain house on a ridge and invited their nearest and dearest for a 5-day wedding celebration. On the night of their wedding, they invited world-class private chefs Tim Egelhoff (Tim Egelhoff) and Damon Goldman (Damon Goldman) to serve up a warm, cozy, and simply scrumptious dinner. Everyone sat around a beautifully appointed, rustic wooden table, and shared laughs, memories, and delicious bites, while the snow softly fell outside. Hiring private chefs (along with two wedding planners to be in attendance) allowed the happy newlyweds to just enjoy their afternoon and evening, blissfully relaxed, while someone else attended to the finer details of the last night’s fete. It was a perfect end to a perfect week.
Cooking Class- Alternatively, a private cooking class is another fun idea for those of you who love cooking– not just the camaraderie of a shared meal but also the hands-on factor of preparing the food. One super romantic idea? Elope in Italy and spend an unforgettable afternoon learning how to prepare an exquisitely delicious meal. Each region of this country has its own specialty ingredients, flavors, and culinary techniques, so the possibilities are endless. At Amalfi Heaven Gardens you can enjoy a farm-to-table experience in which you will tour the breathtaking vineyard and the terraced gardens of lemons, olives, and vegetables– all overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea’s brilliant waters. After you source your dinner’s ingredients from those very grounds, you will craft a four-course meal, under the direction of an expert chef, all complemented by local wines. A similar experience (in Ravello) can be reserved at Mamma Agata Cooking School (Mamma Agata). I have friends who do this every time they visit the Amalfi Coast, and they swear it’s an experience they will never forget. Sign me up!
Dreamy Locations for Your Luxury Elopement
Now that you are thinking BIG about all the amazing things you can do for or during your elopement, let’s have some fun and talk about some unforgettable destinations that you might consider for your small wedding. Obviously, I’ve already mentioned quite a few spots (Switzerland, Sedona, Sicily, South Africa…), but the world is BIG, my dears, and there is SO much to see. Here are five epically romantic and spectacularly beautiful places to consider for your elopement:
The Maldives
Have you ever seen those swoon-worthy thatched huts perched over a glistening blue lagoon in some faraway locale and thought, Oh my god… If only! Well, it’s likely you were looking at pictures from the Maldives. This country of islands lies to the southwest of the southernmost tip of India. It is comprised of almost 1,200 islands, grouped together into two atolls, that fan out like scattered pearls across the Indian Ocean. Newlyweds have been coming to the Maldives to honeymoon for years. But why not just get started early and plan a luxury elopement there? With over 100 resorts to choose from– many with customizable wedding packages– you will have your pick of fabulous places. One to consider? Anantara Veli Maldives (Anantara) resort is paradise personified. This 5-star, adults-only resort boasts multiple amenities, including luxury overwater bungalows with private plunge pools and sundecks with direct access to alabaster-sand beaches and the waters of the sparkling blue lagoon. Culinary delights, adventurous excursions, and soothing wellness treatments abound, too. Exchange vows on the beach, under a white-canopied tent, as you gaze out at what feels like the edge of the world and think, “How did I get so lucky?”.
Image by Oleksandr Lutsenko on Pexels
Torres del Paine, Chile
As a native Chilean, I'd be remiss not to include a place that I go to every year, a place that I adore from the bottom of my heart, a place that is the very definition of adventure, beauty, and wonder– Torres del Paine National Park. Spanning 448, 284 acres between the Andes Mountains and the Patagonian Steppe, many claim that this is the most beautiful national park in the world. Picture soaring, granite peaks; immense glaciers; bright blue lakes and icebergs; and dense, subpolar forests… It is a wonderland of beauty, teeming with wildlife, and provides endless opportunities for the adventure-seeking traveler. Plan to go for an extended stay (as it is not necessarily the easiest place to get to) and either exchange vows on the front or back end of your journey. There are an abundance of great accommodations to choose from but one standout is Tierra Patagonia. This luxury retreat features forty, sanctuary-like rooms– each tastefully appointed and composed of locally-sourced lenga wood and glass– overlooking the striking Lake Sarmiento. The space is designed to blend seamlessly with nature. You can cuddle up with your sweetheart with a mug of tea or glass of champagne from the comfort of your room and soak up unimpeded views of the crystalline waters and snow-capped peaks beyond. Tierra Patagonia offers multiple packages (including one for newlyweds); all of them include breakfast, lunch and dinner; an open bar; and two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion, each day that you are there. Their spa is one of the prettiest I have ever seen. Partake in a sunrise yoga class, get a massage using all locally-sourced ingredients, and then really unwind by soaking in a hot tub overlooking the breathtaking landscape. Can you imagine a more perfect place to elope?! I can not.
Santorini, Greece
Greece is a dreamy place to celebrate your small wedding, and Santorini, specifically, is practically drenched in romance. This island in the Aegean Sea is noted for its spectacular whitewashed cliffside villages, blue-domed churches, red-sand beaches, and sapphire waters. One of its most standout features is its many calderas, or vast depressions in the Earth (the result of the eruptions of many volcanoes, the largest of which occurred about 3,600 years ago). Of course, all of these land formations offer up excellent vantage points from which to view the lovely sea and its deep fiery crimson-tinged sunsets. There is much to discover and appreciate here– the rich history, the enticing culture, the warm and welcoming people, the exquisite cuisine. Luxury hotels proliferate, but one favorite is the Grace Hotel, which is part of the supremely luxurious Auberge Resort Collection. This sumptuous clifftop retreat in Imerovigli offers up the most jaw-dropping views and luxe amenities– an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean, a restaurant headed up by a Michelin-awarded chef, a top-of-the-line wellness center… You can completely customize your experience here with innumerable activities like private yacht cruises, jet skiing, wine tours and tastings, horseback riding on the Black Beach of Vlychada… This is a once-in-a-lifetime spot for your elopement!
Image by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels
Provence, France
This area in the South of France stretches from the left bank of the Rhone to the border of Italy and is renowned for its opulent lavender fields, its idyllic stone villages, its balmy Mediterranean climate, and its laid-back Arcadian charm. I picture a small wedding here including so many simple, but joyous pastimes…Long, languorous bike rides along the lush lavender and vibrant blond hay fields that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Strolls through the farmer’s markets where you can pick up locally-sourced delights like plump olives, freshly-baked breads, fragrant herbs, sweet honey, tart goat cheeses like Brousse du Rove, and cold bottles of rosé. Cooking classes, perhaps with Xavier Mathieu at the five-star Phébus & Spa. A sunset painting workshop en plein air and under the glorious Mediterranean sun. And, when you are ready for a bit more adventure, a hot air balloon ride over the very landscape that inspired Van Gogh’s most famous paintings. So many great accommodations are here for your choosing, but a superior standout is Baumaniere. This family-owned, luxury manor house is nestled in the rocky outcrops of Les Baux-de-Provence within the Alpilles mountain range. Each of its 53 rooms are individually designed and decorated, but all are refined and elegant, their walls adorned by paintings from the private collection of the Charial family. The property boasts a pool, a restaurant with 3 Michelin stars, a spa, and a chocolaterie (yes, they make chocolates here!). What’s more, you can stroll to the village (Baux-en-Provence) easily from the grounds and there explore the cafes and shops that line the cobblestone streets. Elope there, or exchange vows stateside and then plan an extended wedding party there. Mais oui, s’il vous plaît!
Image by Le sixième rêve on Pexels
Iceland
Upscaling your elopement does not mean you have to spend top-dollar to have an unforgettable experience. The truth is, creating a “luxury” experience is all about tailoring your elopement to your preferences and your dream of what you want your small wedding to look and feel like. That’s why I wanted to include Iceland on this list. If you are an adventurer at heart, you can book a relatively inexpensive elopement by travelling the country in a camper van– which is my favorite way to see it! Furthermore, getting there is much easier than getting to, say, Africa! It’s just a short, 5 ½ hour flight from New York. And it is genuinely one of– if not the– prettiest places on the entire planet. If you want to see what our Earth might have looked like before humans started impacting, developing, shaping and otherwise changing its landscape, go to Iceland. You can drive for miles and miles and gaze out on unimpeded horizons and not see a single indicator that man has ever been there (besides, of course, the road itself). Iceland is a place forged by fire and ice. It is an astounding mixture of green, rolling lowlands (populated by wild horses and sheep); massive glaciers; rumbling, fiery volcanoes; black-sand beaches; steaming lagoons; Mars-like surfaces (they sent the astronauts to train here); and more breathtaking waterfalls than you can possibly count. As I said, the coolest (and least expensive) way to see and appreciate this totally one-of-a-kind country is by renting a camper van and driving the 825-mile Ring Road, which encircles the entire country. (Pro tip: If you want to explore the country’s rugged interior Highland F-roads, you will need a sturdier 4x4 vehicle). You can easily do this in one week. Or, you can take a more leisurely pace and alternate sleeping in the van (they are outfitted for this purpose and are cozy and comfortable) with stays in lovely hotels. It is totally fun to “rough it” for a few nights– either in the van or under the myriad stars, and then pamper yourselves with some cushy (indoor) R&R. Because each region of Iceland has its own totally different vibe and landscape, it might be best to book a place on each of the four coasts. The south is renowned for its beaches and icebergs; the east is like visiting the Moon; the north is replete with soaring cliffs, fjords, and whale-watching; the west (where Reykjavik is) is where the famous Blue Lagoon resides. This is one of Iceland’s most illustrious attractions (so, yes, it can be a little “touristy”). If you don’t mind that, plan a stay at the uber-luxurious Retreat, a five-star hotel on the lagoon boasting sleek, minimalist rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of the turquoise geothermal pools (which you will have more exclusive access to, or even a private lagoon of your own); a world-class restaurant serving gourmet cuisine; an underground spa; and daily yoga sessions. Iceland is truly otherworldly in every way; it’s an unforgettable place to elope to!
I hope reading this has helped expand your hearts and minds to realize that an elopement is NOT just a few hours on a mountaintop or on a shore. It can be so much more! Are you ready to upscale your elopement? Reach out to me and let’s get this (wedding) party started.
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
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If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!
