Did you know it was even possible?! IT IS. I’ve seen so many weddings done so many different ways so here are a few tips to help you have a stress free wedding day - because you deserve one.

Don’t wing it.

I know I know, all my spontaneous, type B, enneagram 7’s out there just wanted to skip right over this section. But this is not the time! Now let me say I’m ALL about being flexible, spontaneous and relaxed day of. As it should be! And sometimes required when dealing with nature. Having a day of timeline and plan in place will actually reduce stress day of, I promise! Plus there are some logistics you just can’t get around like park entrance times, needing a permit to get married is some locations, knowing how long and strenuous a hike is, knowing when the sun will set and it will be dark out etc. But we can also plan for spontaneity. I know that sounds counter productive but things like choosing your location to say your vows can be chosen day of when you reach the summit, or pulling over on the side of the road for a few portraits because the view is so good and light is just right!. From the weddings and elopements I’ve been a part of, I can honestly say the more couples try to just wing it, the more stress it creates. 

Have A Back Up Plan

You need a rain plan. There are some things you can’t plan for like if you forget your hiking boots, or a road is unexpectedly closed overnight, and those times we do need to be flexible and make decisions in the moment, but we want to minimize this as much as possible. For the things we can anticipate, make a back up plan so your day continues to be stress free.

Be Prepared 

I know this feels kinda obvious, but it’s worth saying. 

-Be prepared for bad weather

-Be prepared with a permit if it’s required

-Be prepared with extra snacks incase things take longer than expected and you get hangry

-Be mentally prepared that fog might completely cover the mountain and block the views (this happened on our 5 year vow renewal, and yes it was a bummer, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day if you’re mentally prepared for it)

-Be prepared for wildlife 

And the list goes on, but the MOST IMPORTANT one:

-Be prepared to run late. Things always take longer than expected, hair and make up, packing your things, the officiant gets stuck in traffic, etc. so always always always add in plenty of cushion time. This is something I do on every timeline I create for couples, because no day runs perfectly as expected and then if you are running late, worst case, now you’re simply just right on schedule.

PRO TIP: Read over the Leave No Trace principles to help you get ready for your outdoor adventure wedding.

Hire Expert Vendors

Expert vendors go above and beyond their job description. I firmly believe any expert vendor should not only be executing their job but also make it their priority to do everything to eliminate stress for you. The more experienced vendors you hire, the more knowledge they have if something unplanned happens - likely they already have back up options to suggest and quickly execute. They are intentional weeks if not months before the wedding to ensure day of things run smoothly and they aren’t bombarding you with questions. So be sure to ask questions, make sure they’re a good fit and that you can be confident in them come wedding day.

(Chelsea of Blooming Branch Creative sets up a table scape for the couple.)

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

We’ve all had those days that are ruined by our own unmet expectations. I know you’ll want an epic backdrop and perfect weather where you aren’t too cold or too hot, and that you’ll look flawless the whole time, and of course that’s what I’m crossing my fingers for too! But just remember where the value of the day really lies. Before your wedding day take some time together to think about what is most important to the two of you and what this day is symbolizing and even process through the things that could go wrong and how you might handle them to keep focused on what’s most important.