{"id":5751,"date":"2020-10-25T13:41:36","date_gmt":"2020-10-25T17:41:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/?p=5751"},"modified":"2020-10-25T19:46:04","modified_gmt":"2020-10-25T23:46:04","slug":"how-to-plan-an-epic-adventure-elopement-for-under-10k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/how-to-plan-an-epic-adventure-elopement-for-under-10k\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plan an Adventure Elopement For Under 10k"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t\t\t\t\"Shalee\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\tHow to Plan an Epic Adventure Elopement For Under 10k \n\t<\/h1>\n\t

October 24, 2020<\/p>\n\t

Surprise! We\u2019re married! After traveling around the world together for over six years, Josh and I eloped surrounded by our family in Glacier National Park on September 28, 2020.<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

Photo by Elsa Eileen Photography<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VENDORS <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Photography:<\/strong> Elsa Eileen Photography<\/a><\/p>\n

Hair\/Make-up:<\/strong> Bridal Bliss Hair & Makeup By Lana<\/a><\/p>\n

Dress:<\/strong> Wilderly<\/p>\n

Flowers:<\/strong> Mum\u2019s Flowers<\/a><\/p>\n

Accommodation:<\/strong> Whitefish Escapes<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Photos by Elsa Eileen Photography<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thinking of planning an adventure elopement? Here\u2019s why I say YES: <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our wedding day was one of the most fun and stress-free days of my life. Here\u2019s the thing: weddings don\u2019t have to be stressful (or expensive!). Throughout the process, I received dozens of typical wedding-planning questions.<\/p>\n

\u201caren\u2019t you stressed?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201chow is planning going?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cwhat are all the things you have to do?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The answers were, no, it\u2019s easy, and not a whole lot. In fact, planning a wedding was probably one of the least stressful trips I\u2019ve ever planned (not sure what that says about my other trips \u2013 HA). On our day I got exactly what I wanted: to marry my best friend and adventure partner of the past six years, spend time with family, smile and laugh all day, eat tacos, go hiking, and feel completely stress-free.<\/p>\n

It was exactly all of that.<\/p>\n

And it stayed that way, even with the moments that didn\u2019t quite go according to the book. We originally planned to exchange vows on top of a mountain at sunset on our wedding day but ran out of daylight. We said, \u201cwho cares\u201d and climbed a bigger and better mountain three days later and exchanged vows on the summit in solitude. There is no pressure with an elopement. It\u2019s just about you two, the way it should be.<\/p>\n

The best part?<\/strong> At the end of it all, we realized we came in way under budget.<\/p>\n

And I’m sharing exactly how we did it for all those looking to plan an adventure elopement in the future.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

\"eloping<\/p>\n

Summit of Mount Reynolds, Glacier National Park <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The moment we started discussing marriage and a wedding there was one thing we knew was out of the question: spending more money on one day than we did on an entire year of traveling.<\/p>\n

Considering we traveled for a year on $10,000, we knew our wedding day would be filled with adventure and our closest loved ones on a budget. However, that didn\u2019t mean our wedding was going to be cheap. In fact, we wanted the opposite. And we didn\u2019t want our family fronting a ton of the cost, either. The fact that luxurious and beautiful weddings translate to spending tens of thousands of dollars is a common myth, and leave it to two admitted money-tight-wads to prove it.<\/p>\n

The scope: We had an intimate elopement-style wedding in Glacier National Park with 11 of our closest friends and family. The cost includes accommodation for all 13, two plane tickets, two rental cars, flowers, permits, photography, hair\/make-up, and all smaller details (earrings, bouquet wrap, suits, etc.) We only spent 60% of our budget\u2014full cost breakdown at the end of this post.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"planning<\/p>\n

My dad, mom, brother, and aunt<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Accommodation <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our ultra-luxurious four-floor condo located in Whitefish, Montana, featured a movie theater, four floors with an insane master suite, an epic view of Glacier National Park in the distance, and slept 18. The four-night price tag in the 1.5-million-dollar ski lodge came in at less than the average venue rental for a single day.<\/p>\n

We were also strategic with timing and location. Early in the research for accommodation, we quickly realized ski resort accommodation is significantly reduced in early fall and late spring because it is low season. If we were to book the same place in mid-summer or winter, it would\u2019ve cost thousands of dollars more.<\/p>\n

We ditched a reception and instead came home and created a taco bar for a feast. There was enough room that even if we had decided to host a small formal dinner at the house, we easily could have. Highly recommend tacos, though.<\/p>\n

\"How\"how\"how<\/p>\n

Venue <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wedding tip 101: National Parks are one of the most affordable ways to get married, which means you get epic views without epic price tags. <\/em><\/p>\n

We used natural elements to spice up our venue, which meant less money spent on decorations and other gimmicks. I briefly looked at buying an arch for the occasion, but eventually decided against it because you really can\u2019t beat a mountain backdrop. We spent a total of $100 on our ceremony venue, which was the cost of the wedding permit paid to Glacier National Park in order to get married within park boundaries.<\/p>\n

**Note**: If getting married in a National Park, you must<\/em> apply for a permit and get married at a predetermined location that will be listed on your permit application. You will need to bring this permit with you to the National Park on your wedding day. For wedding permit information in a National Park, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

Photo by Elsa Eileen Photography<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Photography <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pick one section to splurge on. For us, it was photography. We booked the incredible and talented Elsa Eileen Photography<\/a> about ten months before the day. This was the second most expensive aspect of our adventure elopement, but worth every penny. After the ceremony, we hiked four miles in our wedding attire (and hiking boots). As avid climbers and hikers, all we wanted after \u2018I do\u2019 was to run around the mountains. Elsa captured it perfectly and exceeded all my mountain-elopement dreams\/goals.<\/p>\n

\"hoe<\/p>\n

\"adventure<\/p>\n

Photos by Elsa Eileen Photography<\/a><\/p>\n

Transportation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This price can fluctuate based on your family and what costs you want to help cover. In our case, we covered rental cars and some plane tickets. We saved some money in this area because Josh and I could drive to the location, eliminating the need for two additional plane tickets and an additional rental car. This might not always be the case for destination weddings\/elopements. Overall, we ended up spending a lot less in this section than we originally budgeted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hair\/Make-Up <\/strong><\/h3>\n

I brush my hair on good days, which means I wasn\u2019t too keen on trusting myself with hair and make-up on my wedding day, making the price tag for professional services well worth the expense. In the end, I\u2019m SO glad I made this decision. I debated being cheap and doing it on my own, but I am in favor of splurging on this for your wedding day. I will never look that good again, and I\u2019m totally okay with it! I booked with Lana at Bridal Bliss Hair & Makeup<\/a> and she nailed the \u2018natural glam\u2019 look that lasted all day (yes, even after all the hiking).<\/p>\n

\"planning<\/p>\n

Misc Items <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, we are those <\/em>people that track *everything* we bought for the wedding. This includes the earrings I found the night before in a local antique shop to the suit we ordered on Amazon a week before the wedding when we realized the pants on Josh\u2019s suit were too short.<\/p>\n

And yes, we originally planned to spend $0 on a suit and reuse an older one Josh had previously worn in a wedding. Again, we are those people.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adventure Elopement Cost Breakdown: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Accommodation: $2,380.54 (four nights)<\/p>\n

Venue\/Permit: $100<\/p>\n

Rental Cars: $302.88 (two rentals)<\/p>\n

Airline Tickets: $475 (two tickets)<\/p>\n

Photography: $2,000 (elopement package)<\/p>\n

Hair\/Make-Up: $260<\/p>\n

Floral: $300<\/p>\n

TACOS for 13: $85<\/p>\n

Men\u2019s Black Suit (from Amazon): $100<\/p>\n

Misc Items: $64 (earrings, bouquet wrap, headpiece)<\/p>\n

TOTAL: $6,067.42<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"planning<\/p>\n

Photos by Elsa Eileen Photography<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Questions about planning an elopement? Email me! <\/em><\/p>\n

shaleewander@gmail.com<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Outdoor\n\t

At any given moment, Shalee is either lost, hunting for ice cream, or obsessively planning her next adventure.<\/p>\n

Born and raised in rural Michigan, she began exploring the shores of Great Lakes as a teen, often sleeping in her car to save money. Eventually, her urge to explore pushed beyond her Midwest borders. Today, Shalee shares her tips and stories to thousands of readers interested in adventure and outdoor tourism. Her pack now includes two spunky hiking cats<\/a> and her partner, Josh. Learn more about her here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tJoin the Adventure \n\t<\/h2>\n\t\n
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\"Shalee\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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shaleewanders<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n
\n \n It\u2019s been so fun this year to watch another cat <\/span>\n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg>\t \"It\u2019s\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n The BEST fall weekend camping, canoeing, and hikin<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"The\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n I know we\u2019re supposed to be all about fall at th<\/span>\n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg>\t \"I\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n He would ride on the roof if we\u2019d let him. \n\n#ca<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"He\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n \n If I\u2019m being 100% honest, the most disappointing<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"If\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n Don\u2019t ask me where this is IM NOT TELLING FIND I<\/span>\n \t \"Don\u2019t\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n \n Fall in Montana is very much alive \ud83c\udf42\n\n#montana <\/span>\n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg>\t \"Fall\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n \n And none of them are in the Tetons\n\n#wyoming #back<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"And\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n Dreamy mornings at camp with coffee and cat snuggl<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"Dreamy\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n\n\t
\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLoad More...<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg> Follow on Instagram<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/span>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\t \n\t<\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\"Blank\n\t

A Complete Guide to Road Tripping Western Scotland <\/a><\/p>\n

I’m 26 and I’ve Traveled the World. Here’s How I Afford it. <\/a><\/p>\n

The Michigan Bucket List<\/a><\/p>\n

Everything You Need to Know About the Eurail Pass<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How to Plan an Epic Adventure Elopement For Under 10k October 24, 2020 Surprise! We\u2019re married! After traveling around the world together for over six years, Josh and I eloped surrounded by our family in Glacier National Park on September 28, 2020. Photo by Elsa Eileen Photography   VENDORS  Photography: Elsa Eileen Photography Hair\/Make-up: Bridal Bliss Hair…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5754,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"tpl-no-header-footer.php","format":"standard","meta":{"sfsi_plus_gutenberg_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_show_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_type":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_alignemt":"","sfsi_plus_gutenburg_max_per_row":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,8,22],"tags":[561,565,557,559,558,564,562,555,556,560],"class_list":["post-5751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventure","category-north-america","category-tips-tricks","tag-adventure-elopement","tag-budgeting-an-eloepment","tag-elopement-cost","tag-glacier-national-park-elopement","tag-how-much-does-it-cost-to-elope","tag-how-to-plan-an-adventure-elopement","tag-national-park-elopement","tag-planning-an-adventure-elopement","tag-planning-an-elopement","tag-planning-an-elopement-with-family"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Plan an Adventure Elopement For Under 10k - 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