Sacred Pause: Why Ceremony Still Matters in Adventure Elopements
September 9, 2026
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Article and photos by Ginger Berryman of Tule Walks
Many adventure elopements happen in the great outdoors, which is why these tips for connecting with nature during your elopement can help you make the most of the experience. Why do people choose to elope in nature? Obviously, snow-capped mountains make for an epic backdrop… but it’s more than that.
We feel grounded and calm in nature. We seek thrills and adventure in nature. Nature has an unrivaled ability to pull us into the present moment. Have you ever looked out your window and felt hypnotized by the pink clouds of the sunset or a deer peacefully grazing on the lawn? Suddenly, your to-do list is on the back burner.
An elopement day can feel like a whirlwind. Connecting with nature encourages you to live in the present moment. Here are some simple ideas that fit easily into any elopement itinerary to help you do that.
Once you know where you’re going to elope, hop online and order a field guide for that region. Many state and national parks will have field guides in their visitor centers as well.
If you’re new to nature nerd-ing, get a general field guide that includes a variety of topics. You never know what will inspire wonder. Personally, I think the fun really starts when you get specific, so consider a topic that your elopement location is famous for. Think mosses in the Pacific Northwest, tidepools of the Oregon Coast, or cacti of the Southwest.
Binoculars and magnifying glasses, specifically. Getting a closer look can help you feel more connected, and these tools also encourage you to slow down, as they are nearly impossible to use in a hurry.
One of the hardest things for humans to do these days is to JUST. SIT. STILL. Pick a spot, and sit there quietly. Look and listen for 5 minutes. You can jot down things you notice in your vow book and compare your observations with your partner.
If you’re spending any time out on the trail, try walking 100 yards solo to see what you notice. Then, if you like, you can walk that stretch of trail again together to point out the curiosities you’ve discovered. You may bond over noticing the same funky mushroom or sparkly spiderweb, and it’s an opportunity to see the landscape through your partner’s eyes.
Count something! It doesn’t really matter what. Throughout the day, keep track of how many types of flowers you saw, or how many raptors flew overhead. Keep a running tally in your vow book. Take note of your favorites, or ask your photographer to snap a photo of them!
Save a couple of pages in your vow book to journal on. Near the end of the day, perhaps as the sun sets, jot down a few sentences about how you’re feeling about this place and your partner. Solidify the memories you made that day.
Let these tips help remind you that you are a part of nature. And that you deserve an elopement day full of beauty and meaning. Remember to stop and smell the roses (or pines or mountain air…).
Discover more elopement tips:
• Wedding Flower Keepsake Ideas: Turn Your Bouquet Into Functional Art
• Why You Should Hire An Elopement Planner
Planning an adventure elopement, find more tips inside Adventure Wed Magazine!
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