• Tips & Advice

The Perfect Holiday Gift for Engaged Couples

Did you know that nearly 40% of engagements happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re newly engaged or shopping for an engaged couple, ELOPE makes the perfect holiday gift. This holiday season, give the gift of adventure and help more couples create the elopement of their dreams.

Planning an Adventure Elopement: The 4 Most Important Elements

Planning an epic adventure elopement involves combining essential elements: an adventurous spirit, a thoughtful vision, shared passions, breathtaking locations, unique accommodations, a photographer to document your day, and meaningful personal touches that showcase your bond as a couple. However, it’s important to remember: the only true necessities for any type of elopement are the couple, a marriage license, and an officiant—everything else is simply a beautiful addition.

That said, let’s dive into how to create an exciting, intentional, and memorable day that’s truly yours, along with exploring the four most important planning elements to make it epic.

1. Shared Passions and Activities

Your elopement day should reflect your unique bond. Incorporate activities you both enjoy, whether it’s snowboarding, paddling on a lake, or making pancakes in the morning. These personal touches bring authenticity and excitement, ensuring your elopement feels as natural as it is special. Shared adventures deepen your connection and create unforgettable memories as you take on the world together.

Pro Tip: Use this list to brainstorm your ideal day. What adventures do you love doing together that could become part of your full-day elopement?

Here are some adventurous passions couples may share:

· Backpacking and Wilderness Camping – Explore remote trails, camp under the stars, and navigate the wild together.

· Mountain Climbing and Hiking – Conquer challenging summits in National Parks and celebrate with stunning views.

· Scuba Diving and Marine Exploration – Discover vibrant reefs, underwater caves, and breathtaking sea life.

· Horseback Riding – Trek through mountains or along coastlines on horseback for timeless romance.

· Paragliding and Hang Gliding – Embrace the thrill of soaring through the sky with awe-inspiring views.

Want more inspiration? ELOPE: A Modern Elopement Guide for the Free-Spirited and Adventurous is packed with creative ideas for planning the ultimate elopement. You can get your signed copy on Sherry’s website.

The ELOPE e-book includes 200 clickable links to connect you with vendors, national parks, and unique accommodations worldwide. Grab it now for just $4.99!

Don’t know what an adventure elopement is? Click here for video inspiration!

2. The Perfect Location to Say “I Do”

The location sets the stage for unforgettable moments and stunning wedding photography. Whether it’s a mountaintop, a forest, or a secluded beach, the right backdrop will make your elopement extraordinary.

Here are some iconic adventure elopement spots in the U.S.:

· Horseshoe Bend, Arizona – Marvel at the Colorado River’s sweeping curves framed by dramatic red rock formations.

· Cascade Mountains, Washington – Unwind in natural hot springs surrounded by breathtaking peaks.

· Outer Banks, North Carolina – Celebrate with romantic beaches and breathtaking sunsets.

· Joshua Tree National Park, California – Experience the desert’s unique charm and otherworldly landscapes.

· Acadia National Park, Maine – Discover rocky coastlines and forested trails for a peaceful escape.

In ELOPE: A Modern Elopement Guide for the Free-Spirited and Adventurous, find real stories of couples who discovered their perfect “I do” spots in breathtaking locations like Italy, Scotland, Mexico, Bryce Canyon, Alaska, Sequoia National Park, and more. Order your copy today through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

3. A Reception Unlike Any Other

Elevate your reception experience by incorporating local flavors and adventurous twists. A curated picnic with cheeses, meats, and wine is a perfect addition to your elopement. It keeps you energized while adding a romantic touch to your day.

Here are more creative food ideas to consider:

• Food Truck – Serve gourmet street food like Korean BBQ tacos or sushi rolls.
• Campfire Cooking – Host a cozy campfire with gourmet s’mores and cast-iron skillet dishes.
• Wood-Fired Pizza Oven – Customize pizzas with unique toppings from a mobile pizza oven.
• Interactive Oyster Shucking Bar – Perfect for coastal elopements.
• Private Candlelit Dinner – Enjoy an intimate meal prepared by a private chef in your Airbnb.

Discover even more unique reception ideas in ELOPE: A Modern Elopement Guide for the Free-Spirited and Adventurous. Follow the author, Sherry, on Instagram for endless inspiration and recommendations.

4. A Unique Stay to Elevate Your Day

Extend your celebration with a stay that complements your adventure. Choose accommodations that enhance your elopement’s ambiance, such as a secluded cabin, treetop hideaway, or luxury tent. These unique stays add magic and ensure your adventure doesn’t end after the vows.

Here are some adventurous options:

· A-Frame Cabin – Cozy and romantic, perfect for a secluded mountain escape.

· Airstream Trailer – Embrace a nostalgic, road-trip vibe with vintage or modern flair.

· Converted School Bus (Skoolie) – Stay in a quirky, creatively renovated bus for a fun experience.

· Geodesic Dome – Futuristic stays with panoramic views for dramatic landscapes.

· Yurt – Rustic yet luxurious, ideal for scenic spots like forests, deserts, or lakesides.

Find more tips for securing unique accommodations to plan your adventure elopement in ELOPE.

About ELOPE: A Modern Elopement Guide for the Free-Spirited and Adventurous

ELOPE, recently recognized with the 2024 International Impact Award for Cover Design, Adventure, and Travel, is a comprehensive toolkit for modern elopements. It provides expert guidance on logistics, budgeting, creating timelines, navigating family dynamics, planning itineraries, choosing a colored gown, including pets in your ceremony, and more. Featuring stunning photography and inspiration for secluded destinations and locations—ranging from mirror houses to remote alpine lakes—ELOPE is perfect for planning a quiet, intimate celebration.

Sherry champions full-day celebrations that are unique, deeply personal, and unforgettable. The book includes real stories from 12 flight attendants who eloped around the globe, offering endless inspiration for your special day. Available in both paperback and e-book formats, a planner is also coming soon! It will only be available on the website.

What Makes ELOPE Stand Out

Readers and industry experts alike have praised ELOPE for its innovative approach to fresh wedding planning. Here’s what they’re saying:

• “Enables couples to navigate every aspect of elopement planning with confidence and ease…inspiring a totally different version of the perfect wedding day.” — Cat Ekkelboom-White, Founder of European Elopement Guide

• “An impeccable guide that makes planning an adventure elopement not just approachable, but utterly irresistible.” — Nick Edmundson, Founder of Wandering Weddings

With glowing reviews like these, it’s clear that ELOPE isn’t just a guide—it’s a movement.

• Author & Photographer: Sherry Martin Peters
• Book Cover Photography: David Conaty Photography