ADVENTURE WEDDINGS: HOW TO PLAN A CEREMONY IN A BREATHTAKING LOCATION
Imagine exchanging your vows on a mountaintop with sweeping views, by a hidden waterfall with the sound of rushing water, or on a secluded beach as the sun sets over the ocean. For couples seeking a unique and exhilarating way to say “I do,” an adventure wedding perfectly combines your love for one another with your shared passion for exploring the great outdoors.
At Married By A Teddy, we believe every wedding should reflect your essence as a couple—whether embracing tradition or breaking away from it entirely. Adventure weddings offer the chance to celebrate your commitment in a location that’s as bold and breathtaking as your love story. Ready to start planning? Here’s everything you need to know to create an unforgettable ceremony in a spectacular setting.
WHAT IS AN ADVENTURE WEDDING?
An adventure wedding is a non-traditional ceremony held outdoors that requires more effort and planning to reach, such as a mountaintop, secluded beach, forest, or desert. Adventure weddings typically involve travel, hiking, or particular logistics to access the site. They are perfect for couples who want to include exploration and discovery in their celebration.
Unlike conventional weddings that often occur in formal venues, adventure weddings are intimate, often with smaller guest lists due to the nature of the location. They focus on creating a memorable experience in an area that holds personal significance or evokes a sense of awe and wonder.
POPULAR ADVENTURE WEDDING LOCATIONS
Mountains – Rugged peaks with breathtaking views. Perfect for a Mountain Top Ceremony or Rock Climbing adventure, celebrating your shared strength.
Beaches – Secluded shores with open sea views, ideal for a Jet Ski Wedding, Scuba Diving underwater vows, or a serene Sailing Ceremony.
Forests – Magical, leafy settings. Exchange vows in a Treehouse, on Horseback, or in a snowy Backcountry Ski retreat.
Waterfalls – Dramatic backdrops. Begin your married life with Waterfall Rappelling or a Helicopter Ride for a scenic view.
Deserts & Canyons – Expansive landscapes. Opt for Desert Sandboarding after your vows or Canyon Ziplining to mark the moment.
Aerial Adventures – For heights enthusiasts: Skydiving vows mid-air, Hot Air Balloon ceremonies, or Bungee Jumping together.
Underwater – Dive deep with Scuba Diving or an Underwater Hotel for a unique marine backdrop.
Caves – Enchanting settings, ideal for an illuminated Cave Ceremony or Underground Exploration.
Safari Adventure – Say “I do” amidst wildlife on a safari, making for a naturally wondrous experience.
Volcano View – For the bold, a Volcano Wedding near a dormant lava field offers a fiery, unforgettable setting.
PRO TIP
Choose a location that holds personal significance or represents your shared love of adventure. It could be a favourite hiking trail, where you’ve created memories, or somewhere that captivates your imagination.
WHY CHOOSE AN ADVENTURE WEDDING?
Couples opt for adventure weddings for various reasons, all centring around creating a significant experience that celebrates their relationship and shared love of the outdoors. Here are some of the most common reasons couples choose this non-traditional approach:
A DEEPER CONNECTION TO NATURE AND EACH OTHER
Adventure weddings allow couples to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the world around them, fostering a more profound connection to each other and their surroundings. The peacefulness of a secluded forest or the grandeur of a mountain vista can add a profound sense of significance to your vows.
AUTHENTICITY AND PERSONALISATION
Adventure weddings are the ultimate expression of authenticity. They’re about creating a day that feels entirely you—without the pressure of traditional wedding conventions or societal expectations. You can structure your ceremony in any way that resonates with your relationship.
CELEBRATING A LOVE OF EXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE
For couples who share a passion for travel, hiking, climbing, or exploring the outdoors, an adventure wedding is the perfect way to incorporate that spirit of exploration into their ceremony. It’s an opportunity to turn your wedding into an adventure, creating memories you’ll treasure forever.
EXAMPLE
One couple exchanged their vows at the summit of a mountain they had climbed together during their dating years. The ceremony felt like a symbolic culmination of their shared journey in life and love.
LEGAL AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
While the idea of an adventure wedding is exciting, addressing the legal and logistical aspects is essential to ensure your ceremony goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
RESEARCH LOCAL REGULATIONS AND PERMITS
Many outdoor locations, such as national parks or protected areas, require special permits for events like weddings. Research the specific regulations for your chosen location well in advance. Contact the local authority or park service to inquire about permits, fees, and any restrictions on group size, decor, or equipment.
CHECKLIST FOR PERMITS AND LEGALITIES:
Determine if the location requires a wedding permit.
Understand restrictions on group size, noise, and decor.
Check regulations for drones, photography, and videography.
Confirm guidelines for environmental protection (e.g., no littering, respecting flora and fauna).
TIP
Apply for permits early, as some locations are limited and may book out months in advance. Be prepared to pay a permit fee and follow specific rules to protect the environment.
ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY
Assess the accessibility and safety of your chosen location, especially if it involves hiking or remote access. Consider your guests' fitness levels and abilities and prepare accordingly.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
How far is the location from the nearest road or parking area?
Will guests need to hike or climb to reach the site?
Are there natural hazards like loose rocks, strong currents, or steep slopes?
TIP
Provide clear directions, offer transportation assistance, or choose an alternative spot nearby for guests who need help to reach the primary location.
PLAN FOR WEATHER AND SEASONAL CONDITIONS
Nature is unpredictable, so planning for weather changes and seasonal conditions is essential. Research your chosen location’s climate and weather patterns, and have a backup plan.
TIPS FOR MANAGING WEATHER
Bring blankets, windproof jackets, or portable heaters for wind, rain, or cold.
Consider renting a tent or canopy for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
Keep an eye on weather forecasts leading up to the event and adjust plans accordingly.
TIP
Embrace the unexpected! If it starts to rain or the wind picks up, lean into it. The magic of adventure weddings is embracing nature's beauty and spontaneity.
CRAFTING A CEREMONY THAT RESONATES WITH THE SETTING
Let your location's natural beauty inspire your ceremony's structure and elements. Here’s how to craft a ceremony that feels at home in its breathtaking surroundings:
MINIMALIST DECOR AND ECO-FRIENDLY CHOICES
Nature provides the ultimate backdrop, so keep your decor simple and aligned with the environment. Avoid elaborate setups that could disrupt the landscape or cause environmental damage.
IDEAS FOR MINIMALIST DECOR
Use locally sourced flowers or foliage for a simple arch or bouquet.
Incorporate natural elements like stones or driftwood into your setup.
Opt for biodegradable confetti or flower petals instead of plastic options.
TIP
To protect the environment, always follow the “Leave No Trace” principle. Avoid using materials that could harm wildlife or vegetation, and clean up thoroughly after the ceremony.
PERSONALISED VOWS AND SYMBOLIC RITUALS
Adventure weddings are perfect for incorporating personalised vows and rituals that reflect your relationship and the environment.
CEREMONY IDEAS FOR ADVENTURE WEDDINGS
Handfasting Ceremony: Use natural fibres or ribbons to bind your hands together symbolically.
Unity Sand Ceremony: Use different colours of sand from places you’ve explored together to create a visual representation of your shared journey.
Tree Planting Ceremony: Plant a tree or flower together to symbolise growth and commitment.
TIP
Use language that connects your love to the environment, such as referencing the mountains' strength or the ocean's fluidity in your vows.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Beauty of the Unexpected
Adventure weddings are about stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world's wild beauty. They’re about embracing spontaneity, celebrating nature, and creating a ceremony that’s uniquely yours. Whether standing on the edge of a cliff, barefoot on a beach, or deep in a tranquil forest, we’re here to help you create a wedding that reflects your spirit of adventure and your love of exploration.
Ready to plan a wedding that’s as breathtaking as your love story? Contact Married By A Teddy today, and let’s discuss how The Adventure Begins package can align to your vision!