Adventure Elopement in the Netherlands | How to elope?

Adventure Elopement in the Netherlands

How to elope?

You’re engaged!! It’s time to start planning your dream wedding but traditional weddings with the same standard set up is just so not “you”? Now you’re considering eloping but how do you actually elope?

WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT? An elopement is an untraditional intimate wedding with just you two or up to 30 guests where you can do whatever you want on your wedding day.

Many couples don’t understand what an elopement is or don’t want to leave anyone out on their wedding day. That’s totally fine, just don’t let the expectations of others crush your most important day because your wedding day should be about you two!

Follow these 5 steps to Elope:

1. Start by creating a mood board

2. Decide where to elope

3. Pick your elopement vendors

4. Announce your elopement

5. Have your dream elopement!

You’re in luck because planning an elopement is easier than planning a traditional wedding. Just follow these 5 simple steps and you’re ready to go!

Step 1. Start by creating a mood board

The first thing to decide is what vibe you want your elopement. Are you drawn to that summer feeling or rather want those cosy winter vibes? Do you want to do your vows indoors or outdoors? Do you want to elope with just the two of you or is there room for some guests?

What colors do you absolutely love? Do you like a vintage, boho or adventurous style? Is there a specific activity that you really like to do on your wedding day? Like hiking, road-trip, kayaking, skiing, playing music, watch the sunset or having a picnic together in a field.

Step 2. Decide where to elope

Now that you know what vibe you want on your elopement day, you can decide where you are going to elope. Do you picture your ceremony by a calm lake, windy beach, magical forest or epic mountains? Do you want it to be in your own country or travel and explore another country you wish to scratch off your bucket list?

A lot of couples plan their elopement in a country where they want to spent their honeymoon. So what honeymoon destination have you been dreaming about?

As an adventure photographer I love elopements in nature! You can find more elopement inspiration for locations on my blog for places like the Dolomites, Scotland or Norway.

Step 3. Pick your elopement vendors

To make sure your day goes smoothly, you need to hire some awesome vendors who understand your vision. It’s so important to have like-minded people helping you plan your day because it takes all the stress off. Do you want to get married officially by an officiant or have a symbolical vow reading ceremony?

What’s important to you? The dress, flowers, photos, diner, cake, backdrop, hair or make-up? Find vendors that match your personal style, connect with them and tell them your vision. My elopement photography packages include local vendor recommendations that make it easier for you to pick.

Don’t limit yourself to traditional wedding things but think outside the box to make this a unique and once in a lifetime experience. As an adventure elopement photographer I specialize in making this unique day truly about you!

Step 4. Announce your Elopement

When announcing your elopement, it’s important how you’re going to break the news to everyone. Some couples worry about this step because of the expectations of family and friends. Be confident in your decision and remember what you both find important.

Tell them before your elopement. You can tell people that you have been dreaming of an untraditional elopement because it’s more YOU than a traditional wedding. People will understand if you tell them your vision. You can even give a reception or BBQ party after you come back from your elopement to make it easier for them. You can also do a Skype call right after you eloped or do a livestream of the ceremony.

Tell them after your elopement. A lot of couples announce their elopement after they got hitched because they don’t want the pressure of others to influence their decision to elope. Follow your heart and do what feels most comfortable to you both. This day should be all about you two and your commitment to each other.

Step 5. Have your dream elopement!

Yayyy you’re ready to make your dreams a reality! Book your vendors, tickets or transportation and count down the days to your elopement day.

Remember to take in the moments and enjoy every moment to the fullest. That’s what elopements are all about… just you two, the intimate moments and your unconditional love for each other.

Are you ready for to create your unique elopement day? Fill in the contact form below to start the planning!

Check out my photos for more inspiration for your adventure elopement…

Vendors:

Photography: Amber Spits Photography
Wedding dress designer: Carla Couture
Bride’s shoes: Mary Jane Schoenenboetiek
Men’s suit: Hendriksen Mannenmode
Jewelry: Pluimage sieraden
Hair and Make-up: Daniëlle Rekelhof
Cake: Saakje Bakmeisje
Flowers: Bloemenzo Joyce
Styling and Cards: Willeke at Work

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ARE YOU READY TO CREATE YOUR ELOPEMENT?

If you want help creating your adventurous wedding day, find a unique location off the beaten path, help with planning your timeline, vendor recommendations, and a creative photography style on your adventurous day. I would love to be more than “just” your photographer and help you plan your adventure elopement!

Dolomites Elopement Photographer | How to plan your elopement in the Dolomites

Dolomites Elopement Photographer | How to plan your elopement in the Dolomites

 The Dolomites, Italy

When you don’t know where to start planning your elopement in the Dolomites.
Here’s everything you should know!

How to decide on a date and place?

The Dolomites in northern Italy is a popular tourist location, so planning the right date and place is essential if you don’t want to end up in a crowd of people during your elopement.

Summer and winter season are the busiest in the Dolomites because it attracts tourists that want to go hiking and skiing. The busiest months to avoid are July/ August/ January/ February which luckily leaves enough room to pick a less busy month of the year.

If you do have your mind set on having your elopement in a busier month, you can have it at sunrise or less crowded weekdays. Most ski lifts are opening after 9 am (all year) so that’s when the crowds start coming up the mountains.

Where in the Dolomites?

Imagine taking in the epic mountain view all around you. The most amazing mountains in the Dolomites are pretty close to each other and most are easy to get to by ski lifts.

There’s lots of options to choose from in the area and most are within short a driving distance. I personally love researching and finding amazing locations for my couples, that’s why I have a personal Location Ideas List included in my photography elopement packages and they will be based on the scenery of your dreams.

What elopement vendors to choose?

Whether you want your elopement to be low key or fully styled choosing the right vendors is always hard. A good elopement vendor is open to your vision and ideas but also has the knowledge and experience to execute their service well, so you can enjoy your day without a worry.

In the Dolomites you can find a florist, officiant, hair stylist and make-up artist to help you on your day. A wedding photographer is also be important because your wedding day deserves to have every moment captured, so you can look back on every detailed moment of that day for years to come.

I believe it’s important to find a wedding photographer that you fit and connect with on a personal level. So you can have the time and space to have the most amazing and personal wedding day that is truly about you two without having to pose for photos.

Local vendor recommendations for your wedding location are included in my elopement photography packages. Just to give you some options and inspiration!

How do you elope in Italy?

If you want to get legally married in the Dolomites you need to have an officiant and the legal documents to elope in Italy. You can have a civil or catholic ceremony and foreigners are also allowed to get married in Italy.

All you need do is submit paperwork and request the local government to have your ceremony outdoors with two witnesses. The legal ceremonies have to be conducted by a local mayor or government official.

For the paperwork you need your passport, birth certificate, affidavit and submit a declaration of intent to marry. Most couple want to avoid the hassle and get legally married at their hometown and have a symbolical ceremony in Italy instead.

Whatever you choose, a wedding day is about devoting your love to one another and that’s what matters most! Some people want to have their beloved family and friends witnessing their elopement day. While others choose for it to be with just the two of them.

Whatever your personal preference is, either way this day will be a very intimate and long lasting experience for you both.

What to do on your elopement day in the Dolomites?

You can have an elopement adventure! If you like hiking and exploring, there are so many amazing sights in the Dolomites.

Most couples like to hike up a mountain in their wedding attire or change in their wedding clothes at the top of the mountain. And other couples like to do a picnic at a beautiful lake.

To make the ceremony special you can read out vows for each other and exchange rings. Whether you want traditional or personalized vows, it will definitely be an intimate and emotional moment for you two.

After the ceremony you can pop some champagne and make a toast to starting your life together. Do you have a special song together? Because you can still have your first dance together even if its outdoors or at the restaurant later. I can bring my music speaker and play your favorite song.

At the end of your day you can look back on the day while fine dining in an amazing Italian restaurant. (And it’s the best in the world) Or even have a small after party with cuddles by the fire place. That’s the fun of elopements, you can literally create a day filled with the things you love doing together!

I took these photos at Seceda, Val Gardena at sunset in August after a three hour hike together and we had so much fun!

Weddingdress by: Modeca

Do you want to learn more? You can read more about my elopement photography here!

Or check out my other blogs below.

ARE YOU READY TO CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE?

If you want help creating your adventurous wedding day, find a unique location off the beaten path, help with planning your timeline, vendor recommendations, and a creative photography style on your adventurous day. I would love to be more than “just” your photographer and help you plan your adventure elopement or destination wedding!

Norway adventure at the Atlantic Road - Norway elopement photographer

Norway adventure at the Atlantic Road - Norway elopement photographer

Norway

Thomas & Julianne

Adventuring the coast of wild Norway with splashing sea on the rocks and the wind in your hair!

Have you ever been to Norway?

If not, don’t miss out on this amazing country! If you like mountains, fjords, lakes, forests, history, fairytales and mysteries. This is the place for you. I have been to Norway many times as my parents used to go there on summer holidays. Yes we we’re the type of family that love hiking and exploring on holidays! ;)

This is where my passion for hiking and planning trips started.

And this year during my trip to Norway with my boyfriend and dog, it all came together. I did many shoots while visiting some new places and revisiting places of my childhood memory! And I have so many stories to tell and memories to share with you.

The Atlantic road is an extreme road hopping over many small islands with a total of 8 bridges. (In norway it is called the “Atlanterhavsveien”.) This road is known to be the most beautiful drive. This place is so remote and it really feels like you’re at the end of the world. Some people like driving it when there is a storm because the wind will spray the seawater on the roads. And it really makes for an epic location to do an elopement or engagement session at. And I have lots of recommendations in the area for some quiet spots and accommodations!

Thomas and Julianne are so in love, that is completely obvious. We explored, laughed and drove over the amazing Atlantic road in Norway. We explored the trails along the road and we’re blown away by the beautiful views and of course the extreme winds haha! Julianne was so brave in the cold wind with her summer dress on, luckily Thomas was there to keep her warm. We we’re hoping for a sunset and eventually it did come for a short 5 minutes and it gave us some beautiful sun-soaked photos at the end! Overall it was breathtaking. I mean really, my photos don’t do it justice. I am dying to explore more of beautiful Norway and Scandinavia!

TIPS FOR ADVENTUROUS COUPLES:

There is no better way to bond with your partner than through adventure! It’s all about give and take when you adventure together. Do things that you love, but don’t forget supporting the things your partner loves too. Trust each other and try out some new things. You never know, you might find something you really enjoy doing which you never thought of before. Push that comfort zone and together you will experience new adventures. If you’re thinking about eloping in Europe but don’t know where to start, I can help you create the most adventurous elopement of your dreams!

Do you want to learn more? You can read more about elopements here!

Or check out my other blogs below.

ARE YOU READY TO CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE?

If you want help creating your adventurous wedding day, find a unique location off the beaten path, help with planning your timeline, vendor recommendations, and a creative photography style on your adventurous day. I would love to be more than “just” your photographer and help you plan your adventure elopement or destination wedding!