Adventure elopements
A chat with sam Starns
Q+A with the one and only Sam Starns
When you live in the Pacific Northwest you can’t help but LOVE the amazing opportunities to be one with nature. I have to admit, I was not aware before I started researching weddings in the PNW that “adventure elopements” were even a thing… now I’m a bit obsessed. Sam Starns the genius behind Sam Starns Adventure Elopements and author of Elope Your Life was kind enough to answer all of my questions (and I mean all) about Adventure Elopements.
Q. How do you define an Adventure Elopement?
A. The term elopement used to mean running away from something (family, expectations, disapproval, etc.) but I aim to change that with my adventure elopements and the phrase “Elope Your Life”. I define an adventure elopement as one where, instead of running away from something, you’re running TO something (see my TEDx Talk! below). You’re running to yourself, your relationship and what’s true to you. An adventure elopement can look like a lot of things, as long as it sort of goes against all those societal norms and expectations of a traditional wedding. It could mean a picnic in the Redwoods after your ceremony with 5 of your closest loved ones. It could also look like taking a helicopter to land on a glacier or mountaintop by yourselves in Alaska. The world is your oyster!
Q. How do Adventure Elopements differ from typical elopements?
A. Adventure elopements don’t necessarily need to be adrenaline packed or require hiking miles on end, but I tend to differentiate them based on their venue. A courthouse, a city park, or backyard lends itself to more of a “typical” elopement, while more of a remote setting like a national park, mountaintop or a rugged coastline resonates a little more as an adventure elopement. But make no mistake, all types of elopements are beautiful!
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Q. Favorite memory from shooting an Adventure Elopement?
A. Oh man, this is so difficult! I have so many amazing couples and every elopement is different and fabulous in its own way. One time I was with a couple and we were taking a helicopter to a glacier and on the way we were searching for moose in swamp land and I just thought, “How inspiring is this couple to do such a badass thing for their day?” (the only thing missing was some music playing by CCR). I had a couple where the bride wore her mother’s dress (she had passed away when the bride was young) to their ghost town elopement and we were all emotional. I’ve also backpacked with a couple to a backcountry chalet where we stayed the night on their two-day elopement adventure in Glacier National Park, MT. It was tough, we were sore, but we met some amazing people, and even hitchhiked back to our vehicles (hitchhiking in Glacier is common and expected!)!
Q. Favorite memory from shooting an Adventure Elopement?
A. Oh man, this is so difficult! I have so many amazing couples and every elopement is different and fabulous in its own way. One time I was with a couple and we were taking a helicopter to a glacier and on the way we were searching for moose in swamp land and I just thought, “How inspiring is this couple to do such a badass thing for their day?” (the only thing missing was some music playing by CCR). I had a couple where the bride wore her mother’s dress (she had passed away when the bride was young) to their ghost town elopement and we were all emotional. I’ve also backpacked with a couple to a backcountry chalet where we stayed the night on their two-day elopement adventure in Glacier National Park, MT. It was tough, we were sore, but we met some amazing people, and even hitchhiked back to our vehicles (hitchhiking in Glacier is common and expected!)!
Q. What do you love the most about shooting Adventure Elopements?
A. I love that even if they’re at the same locations, no two elopements are exactly alike. Every couple is different, has different personalities, different interests, that really come alive. Of course I love those big epic days with amazing activities (horseback riding, helicopter rides, kayaking), but those are really just tools to help a couple express who they are and what lights them up inside!
Q. Is there a dream destination you have not had the opportunity to shoot so far?
A. My top few dream destinations I haven’t photographed in yet are Scotland, Botswana/Tanzania, Ireland, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, and Svalbard! These bucket list locations actually have slightly lower pricing for the first elopement there.
Elope Your Life
Elopement is not a rushed ending to your love story.
With Elope Your Life, Starns not only provides insight as an industry insider on the benefits of elopement, but how going against societal norms and standards can change the meaning of the phrase to a less traditional lifestyle. This mindset allows you to discover more about yourself and your relationship and opens you up to endless possibilities. By bringing out the unique qualities of someone who craves elopement and seeks adventure, you will then learn how to utilize these traits once you say “I do,” and every day after. Providing actionable steps to elopement from telling your family and friends, to finding a scenic and meaningful location, you’ll celebrate your love while being your most authentic self. It’s time to take the leap. It’s time to Elope Your Life.
It’s the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life. Sam Starns knows this first hand. After regretting her own lavish wedding ceremony and reception, she decided to dedicate her photography business to engaged couples who take the leap and embark on the brave and bold decision to elope.
