Unique Eloping Ideas for Elopement Planning

Unique Eloping Ideas for Elopement Planning

Plan for alone time in your elopement timeline

Take-away: Your wedding day, whether you’re eloping or not, is going to fly by. Make sure you set aside time to spend alone, just the two of you, and soak it all in together.

“We make sure our couples have time to be alone here and there throughout the day. It’s important they spend some time soaking in everything together. We’ll take a step back to capture the scene from afar and leave them to laugh and giggle, and think about their future together. This particular night we got pretty lucky and had this spot to ourselves. Not a bad place to have a private moment together on your wedding day, not a bad place at all.”

You can have an elopement ceremony with guests!

Take-away: If you want to elope but also want your closes loved ones with you during your ceremony, invite them along for your elopement ceremony and celebration! We’ll work with you to find the perfect place that everyone can comfortably make it to and then head out for a sunset adventure with just you two afterward.

“Eloping with guests. Yes, it’s a thing that’s totally possible! If you want an adventure filled day for your wedding that celebrates your passion for the outdoors, but you also want your parents or best friends to experience it with you, invite them! About one third of our elopements have a few guests with them. If your parents are able to hike, we’ll go on an adventure with everyone to a remote spot for your ceremony. And if they aren’t, we’ll find a nice roadside(ish) location that everyone can easily make it to. The “aisle” you walk down will be a dirt trail lined with tall grass and wild flowers. Instead of church bells you’ll hear birds chirping and wind blowing through the trees. Your officiant will announce your official marriage to your guests, including all the critters, trees, alpine lakes, mountain peaks, and clouds that were also there listening to your I-do’s. It will be the most unique and special ceremony that you and your guests have ever been a part of. And then we’ll all celebrate with a picnic and bottle of bubbly before we head off with just the two of you for a sunset photo adventure.”

Explore a unique place to elope

Take-away: We love it when a couple really shows their sense of adventure and wants to explore an entirely new place with us. The excitement and inspiration we all share creates such a fun experience and incredibly unique photos.

“We actually hadn’t scouted this spot before taking our couple here. Our original plan was to go to a completely different side of the park, but last minute the four of us decided to check out this spot on our way. Brandon ran ahead of us to see what was beyond a little hill and buzzed me on my walkie-talkie “Holy shit guys, it’s sick over here! Come check it out!” As you can see from this photo, it was indeed sick af 😍 We scout every location before going there with a couple, but being spontaneous can lead to gems like this. Plus, it’s always fun to explore a new area with our couple for the first time. We all experienced the sense of awe walking out here together, and that was amazing. Stoked these two were up for the adventure 🙌🏼”

Elope in a place you can honeymoon in too

Take-away: You’re eloping and stoke levels are going to be off the charts all month long! Take advantage of that and combine your elopement location with an epic honeymoon, or even a shorter mini-moon.

“These last couple days in Kauai have felt like a dream. Brandon has been coming here with his family since he was a kid. Ever since the day we met he’s been raving about how magical this place is. Now that I’ve finally experienced it for myself, I couldn’t agree more. The laid back vibe of the island makes you feel so relaxed and at ease. The weather is perfect, not too hot and not too cold, hovering around a 80 degrees. The sun dips in and out of the spotted clouds. When it hits your skin you start to warm up and just before you’re too hot, the sun dips back behind a cloud almost as if it knew you wanted shade again. The lush greenery and sounds of the leaves blowing in the light breeze is heavenly. And of course, the adventure this island has to offer is incredible. The hikes up in the mountains are some of the most unique landscapes we’ve ever seen. You have epic ocean cliffs down on the shore, drive 45 minutes up the west side and you have a lush Grand Canyon feel with raging waterfalls, and then 15 more minutes up the road you have the steep ridge lines of the Na Pali coast that are covered in thick greenery….”

Feel free to also be an artist

Take-away: If you have an idea for a photo, or even take a few photos yourselves, do it! This day is all about you and trust us, you’re going to feel inspired all day long. Feel free to flex your creative muscle and create something fun too.

“Sometimes our couples have a vision for a moment or photo they’d like to create and that always excites us. We love being able to take that vision and bring it to life for them. On this day, Alycia had a vision of her and her new husband surrounded by glowing candles. We weren’t exactly sure where or how we’d set them up, but when we saw the sky turn into shades of cotton candy pinks and blues, we knew we had a short window for this shot. We quickly set up the candles and asked these two newlyweds to look at each other. We snapped away from a distance and watched the biggest smiles grown over them as they soaked in their day together. It was a good thing we decided to do it right here because fifteen minutes later the sky opened up on us. It literally down-poured on us our entire way back down! Bonus feature of LED candles -> they’ll still glow in the rain 👌🏼”

Vow-renewals are just as special

Take-away: Just because you didn’t elope doesn’t mean you can’t have an elopement experience! Plan a day that’s special, true to yourselves, renew your vows to one another, and have an incredibly anniversary adventure.

“Derek and Sara have changed and grown a lot together since the day they got married. They moved from the Midwest to Washington and found their passion for the outdoors – together. They started hiking and as their relationship deepened, so did their love for the mountains. So when they were thinking about how to celebrate their 5 year anniversary, they knew they wanted to renew their vows in the mountains that have become such a big part of their lives. They reread letters they’ve written to each other over the years and their original vows, along with a new letter and new vows. It was so special to hear how their lives have changed over the years and all they’ve been through together. At the end of their reading they embraced, kissed, gazed into each other’s eyes, and held each other just like this. And just as if Mother Nature was there listening to them, she showed us the most magnificent sunset to compliment the beauty these two share together. It was all kind of a real life fairytale ✨💫”

Have the right attitude for "bad" weather

Take-away: Be prepared for weather with the right gear, go into the day with happiness and positivity, and embrace the beauty that mother nature give you! The day will be incredible no matter what because you’re finally marrying your best friend.

“A lot of people ask us “what do you do if it’s raining?” The short answer is “we go out anyway and have a blast!” But there’s really a lot more to it than that. Firstly, Brandon and I usually have a plan B on locations. You see, some places photograph really well on a clear day, like open vistas that stretch on for as far as the eye can see. But those places don’t photograph too well in rain or fog. So for days like this one, we switch up our location to a trail that has more dimension – lots of trees, alpine lakes, wild flowers, rocky outcroppings – a place that has beautiful natural features that you can appreciate up close. The way rain drops catch light is spectacular, so trails with features like trees and flowers that hold on to rain drops are crazy beautiful, everything seems to have a subtle sparkle to it! Raychel and Erik were so flexible and open to switching things up last minute, and that’s a huge part of making this all work. We’ve been on all these trails in all kinds of weather, so their trust in us to bring them to the best place for this particular day is something we’re so thankful for. The other huge factor in having an incredible rainy elopement is the couple. These two right here were the happiest, goofiest, smileyest, and loviest. They let go of all prior expectations and completely embraced the day in every way possible….”

Think of elopement ideas that are unique to you and your fiancé

Take-away: Think about all the things that are special to you two and your relationship, and figure out fun ways to incorporate them into your day.

“These two had the most intentional elopement, incorporating so many meaningful little details and experiences into their day. They rented an RV and road tripped up from the Bay Area with their two beloved pups, we wandered through a pristine redwood grove and Ace even rolled their wheelchair down for some pics (Ace has a rare degenerative disease and wanted some photos to show that even those with disabilities can have an amazing elopement too), Derek surprised Ace with a gift in the forest, we gawked at the cathedral-like light filtering through the trees, then we cruised up to the beach where we met @officiantjimmie for their ceremony. Jimmie and his partner, Meg, gifted their pups with custom doggy bandanas (check out their company @pawsnpines!) and Ace and Derek got married as the sun set. Then they busted out a custom cake a friend made with a design of their home Bay Area on it, uncorked an ultra fine bottle of smoky Scotch, ran around the beach, and to cap it all off we even saw a pod of Orca whales! Talk about memories made. This was one for the books!”

You can have an adventure elopement AND a wedding

Take-away: If you can’t decide between an elopement and a wedding, why not do both? You can have an adventurous day, read your vows to each other, celebrate your relationship in the way that fits you two best – and then meet up with friends and family a few days later for a big celebration with everyone! And we always get teaser photos to you for sharing at the reception 😉

“The story of Elaine and Shaun’s wedding: six years ago they moved to Washington and fell in love with the mountains. They started out on big hikes and backpacking trips. That led to sport climbing, which led to trad climbing, which led to summiting the rugged peaks they’d been hiking between for so long. Their weekends are spent on epic adventures, long approaches, big climbs, and 360 degree views of this sea of peaks. In the winter when these mountains are covered in snow, they’re out there on skis, hiking up these peaks and snow surfing their way down them. To say these mountains are a big part of their lives would be an understatement, which is why they wanted these mountains to be a big part of their wedding. Capturing days like this is such an honor for us because we really relate. So much fun climbing with these two and capturing such an important part of their relationship. And this weekend they’re partying with their closest friends and family at an Airbnb nestled at the base of these mountains. Just a reminder that you can have your ultimate adventure wedding AND celebrate with all your people too 🙌🏼🧗🏻‍♀️👰🏻🤵🏻🍾”

Work with people you love

Take-away: This one’s the most important one! Find your “friendtographers” – the ones behind the camera that will make you feel 100% comfortable to be yourselves around!

“WE ARE NOT ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHERS. We are your best friends who happen to be tour guides, planners, and also take beautiful photos. We don’t offer a quick elopement package to show up, shoot the ceremony, do sunset portraits, and then call it a day. No, our day with you begins at your inquiry. We ask questions to get to know you because we want to hear your story and hop on the phone to build the foundation of our friendship. We spend the next few months plotting and scheming with you. We’re texting about dresses and cute hiking boots. We’re emailing timelines that include things like picnics, a dance, hanging in a hammock, and reading letters from your parents. When we finally meet you on the day, we’re hugging as if we’re seeing an old friend for the first time in a while. We spend an hour just driving to the trailhead and hiking out, chit chatting and catching up. All four of us are running around the mountain like giddy kids on Christmas morning because TODAY IS YOUR WEDDING DAY! If your parents are there with you, we’re listening to stories of your childhood. We’re crying with you during your vows. We’re making coffee and pancakes on a camp stove after sunrise because who the heck doesn’t want to start their day with pancakes? We’re drinking your favorite IPAs in the evening because this is your wedding and we’re celebrating! As the sun begins to set and the light grows soft, we’re capturing the most excited, intimate, beautiful versions of yourselves together in the epic landscape you chose to get married in. The stars start to come out and so do the headlamps. We head back to the car reminiscing about the day and when we reach the car, we’re sad to say goodbye. But we know it’s not the end because the next day we’re already texting again. Weeks later we’re all reliving the day through the gallery we’re delivering. Months later we’re replying to your Instagram story because you just posted a pic of your new puppy. We’re meeting up for brunch in Joshua tree, Bend, or Yosemite, because we’re rolling through your neck of the woods again. Your elopement is an entire experience. One that we love documenting AND being a part of.”

The Foxes are Brandon and Gabi Fox, an adventurous husband and wife elopement photography team living and traveling in their DIY renovated 1972 Airstream. They are loosely based in the Pacific Northwest, but travel for work and play throughout the western states and beyond. Their elopement photography is award winning and is described as candid photography that captures couples as they are, where they are, blending images of love and natural beauty in the great outdoors. 

CUSTOM PHOTO ALBUM AGREEMENT

THE FOXES PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

These Terms and Conditions are a legally binding agreement is between you (“Client”) The Foxes Photography, LLC (“Photographer”) (collectively the “Parties”, or in the singular “Party”), for the purpose of Client purchasing a custom photography album from Photographer. This Agreement shall become effective upon the date you complete the checkout process.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. Fees & Retainer

Client shall commit to a custom album package by signing and returning this Agreement along with the initial payment for album service. Photographer will not begin its custom album services until the Agreement is signed and the album design fee is received. No final album will be printed until the full payment is made. In the event Client fails to remit payment as specified, Photographer shall have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement with no further obligation and retain any monies already paid as liquidated damages. Full payment must be completed by Client within 60 days of this Agreement’s date.

The fees in this Agreement are based on Photographer’s current album pricing at the time of booking. The price list is adjusted periodically, and any changes to custom albums will be charged at the prices in effect at the time.

  1. Album Design Procedure

The following outline indicates the general procedure of a custom album design. Client understands and agrees to this procedure.

  1. Photographer will use photos and album specifications to create their first custom album design.
  2. Photographer will send Client first draft of album design.
  3. Client will approve or send in revisions to album design.
  4. Photographer will make edits to album design. Only two rounds of edits are allowed.
  5. Client will approve final album design.
  6. Photographer will send in album for printing.
  7. Album is printed and shipped.
  8. Client receives final printed album.
  1. Album Spreads

Albums will include 35 spreads and no less. The definition of a “page” is one side of a spread in an album (for example, a 70-page album contains 35 spreads). If Client requests more than 35 spreads, additional spreads are $50.00 each. 

  1. Revision Rounds

The first draft will include photos selected by the photographer and will be sent to Client for approval. Client may request modifications to be made. Photographer shall complete modifications and send the second draft of album design to Client. Client may then accept the design or request one more round of modifications. Photographer will complete this second modification request and send the final draft of album to Client. After these two rounds of revisions to the album design, no further revisions are allowed. Any additional revisions are invoiced at a rate of $75.00 per round. All additional revision rounds must be paid before the revision is made by the Photographer. Photographer requires up to 10 days to complete a revision request. Client has 50 days to send Photographer any and all revision requests. Any revisions requested by Client more than 50 days after this Agreement’s date will not be accepted by Photographer.

  1. Final Approval

Photographer will not place an album order with the album Manufacturer until Client approves the design draft, and the balance is paid on any upgrades or additional spreads. Client agrees to check the final album design very carefully before giving final approval. Once final approval is given, Photographer is not responsible for typos, image defects, duplicate images, or other errors that may have been missed. 

  1. Parent/Duplicate Albums

Parent/duplicate albums cannot be altered from the original designs. All parent/duplicate albums shall be ordered at the time of final approval of the original album design and will be invoiced and must be paid prior to Photographer sending in album for printing. No parent/duplicate albums are available after the original album ordering phase is complete.

  1. Album Delivery

Client understands and agrees that Photographer’s album manufacturer (“Manufacturer”) generally takes 6-8 weeks to print and manufacture the album. While every possible precaution is taken and Manufacturer has been selected by Photographer for its superb quality, Photographer assumes no liability for the loss or damage of album while in possession of Manufacturer. 

  1. Ordering Date

Client shall agree to final album design within 60 days of this Agreement’s date. Any delay by Client in approving final album design will result in termination of this Agreement and no further obligation by Photographer.

  1. Retouching and Edits

Photographer will use the final edited images delivered to Client to make the album design. Photographer will not re-edit or retouch any images.

  1. Returns

Client understands and agrees that once final approval of album design has been given to Photographer, no returns or refunds are allowed whatsoever. In the event Client receives the printed album and sees any manufacturer defects or dislikes the album quality, Photographer will work with Manufacturer to the best of their ability to remedy the situation. Client is responsible for any additional fees associated with returning or reprinting the album.

  1. Album Archiving

Photographer shall keep a copy of final approved album design for 90 days but does not permanently archive the final album design. Client understands that after 90 days the album design will not be available to order additional copies and a new agreement must be signed to start the process over.

  1. Photographer Copyright

The final album design by The Foxes Photography, LLC is their property, will remain their property, and are protected by United States Copyright Laws (USC Title 17). Client hereby waives any claims for ownership, income, editorial control, and use of the images and album design. Violations of this federal law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties.

  1. Reproduction

Client and Client’s agents agree to acquire the album design and product directly from Photographer through their professional album company. Client and Client’s agents agree not to scan, copy or reproduce the album design in any manner without written permission, including using the custom album design to create other albums. Photographer may seek damages for any illegal reproduction. Client and Client’s agents further agree not to supply the album to any third-parties.

  1. Communication

Photographer’s office hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm PST Monday through Friday. Photographer’s primary source of communication is through their email [email protected]. Photographer will respond to Client’s emails within those office hours.

  1. Indemnification

Client shall indemnify, release, discharge and hold harmless Photographer, its heirs, legal representatives, assigns, employees, contractors, or any persons or corporations acting under permission or authority of the Photographer from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses and costs, including reasonable legal expenses and attorneys’ fees, to which Photographer may become subject as a result of any claim, demand, action or other legal proceeding by any third-party to the extent such losses arise directly or indirectly out of activities performed by Photographer pursuant to this Agreement, except to the extent such losses result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional acts of Photographer.

  1. Maximum Damages

The sole remedy for any actions or claims by Client shall be limited to a refund, the maximum amount not to exceed the total monies paid by Client under this Agreement.

  1. Limitation of Liability

If, during the production and/or before the album(s) are delivered to Client, the media has been lost, stolen, or is unusable because of defect, damage, equipment/platform malfunction, processing, or other technical error caused by Photographer or by forces outside the control of Photographer, Client agrees to relieve and hold Photographer harmless and will not impose any additional liability.

In no event shall Photographer be liable under this Agreement to Client or any other third-party for consequential, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, punitive, or enhanced damages, arising out of, relating to, or in connection with any breach of this Agreement, regardless of (a) whether such damages were foreseeable, (b) whether or not Client was advised of such damages, and (c) the legal or equitable theory (contract, tort, or otherwise) upon which the claim is based.

  1. Force Majeure 

No Party shall be liable or responsible to the other Party, nor be deemed to have defaulted under or breached this Agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement (except for any obligations to make payments to the other Party hereunder), when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from acts beyond the impacted party’s (“Impacted Party”) control that are unforeseen and unpredictable at the time of contracting, including, but not limited to, the following force majeure 

events (“Force Majeure Events”): (a) acts of God; (b) a natural disaster (fires, explosions, earthquakes, hurricane, flooding, storms, explosions, infestations), epidemic, or pandemic; (c) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest; (d) government order or law; (e) actions, embargoes or blockades in effect on or after the date of this Agreement; (f) action by any governmental authority; (g) national or regional emergency; (h) strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns or other industrial disturbances; and (i) shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities. The Impacted Party shall give Notice (as defined in Section 27) within 10 days of the Force Majeure Event to the other Party, stating the period of time the occurrence is expected to continue. The Impacted Party shall use diligent efforts to end the failure or delay and ensure the effects of such Force Majeure Event are minimized. The Impacted Party shall resume the performance of its obligations as soon as reasonably practicable after the removal of the cause. In the event that the Impacted Party’s failure or delay remains uncured for a period of 15 days following Notice given by it, the other Party may thereafter terminate this Agreement upon Notice. The Retainer and all other payments made by Client up to the date of Notice of a Force Majeure Event are non-refundable.

  1. Cancellation of Album Services by Photographer

In the event Photographer determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot or will not perform its obligations under this Agreement due to circumstances including, but not limited to, injury, illness, death of family member, pregnancy, military orders, religious obligations, other personal emergencies, or total breakdown of communication with Client, it will:

  1. Immediately give notice to Client;
  2. Issue a refund or credit based on a reasonably accurate percentage of custom album services rendered; and
  3. Excuse Client of any further performance and/or payment obligations under this Agreement.
  1. Sales Tax

Should any sale and/or use tax be imposed on any part of this Agreement, such tax shall be collected from Client and remitted by Photographer. All sales tax will be included on invoices.

  1. Entire Agreement

This is a binding Agreement that incorporates the entire understanding of the Parties, supersedes any other written or oral agreements between the Parties, and any modifications must be in writing, signed by all Parties, and physically attached to the original agreement.


22. Venue and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington including all matters of construction, validity, performance, and enforcement and without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws. The Parties agree that any dispute or lawsuit arising out of, or concerning, this Agreement that is not first resolved by arbitration shall be resolved exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction located in Whatcom County, Washington. The Parties assume responsibility for their own collection costs and legal fees incurred should enforcement of this Agreement become necessary.

  1. Arbitration

Any and all disputes or disagreements rising between the Parties out of this Agreement upon which an amicable understanding cannot be reached, shall be decided by arbitration in accordance with the procedural rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Parties agree to be bound by the decision of the arbitrator(s). The arbitration proceeding shall take place in Whatcom County, Washington, unless another location is mutually agreed to by the Parties. The cost and expenses of the arbitrators shall be shared equally by the Parties. Each Party shall be responsible for its own costs and expenses in presenting the dispute for arbitration.

  1. Severability & No Waiver

In the event that any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable. Any failure by one or both Parties to enforce a provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other portion or provision of this Agreement.

  1. Transfer

This Agreement cannot be transferred or assigned to any third-party by either the Photographer or Client without written consent of all Parties. 

  1. Headings

Headings and titles are provided in this Agreement for convenience only and will not be construed as part of this Agreement.

  1. Notice

Parties shall provide effective notice (“Notice”) to each other via email at the date and time which the Notice is sent: Photographer’s Email: [email protected]

  1. Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures 

The Parties agree that a facsimile copy (electronic copy) of this Agreement, which contains the Parties’ signatures, may be used as the original.

Signatures

By checking the box on this order form and upon completion of purchase, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.