One of the best ways to get off the beaten path on your elopement day and really immerse yourself in nature is by having a kayaking elopement. Not only are you able to get away from the hustle and bustle of park crowds but you’re also able to interact with more wildlife and have more space to yourself. Couples who choose to kayak on their elopement day not only get a one of a kind experience but they also get to spend quality time together that results in some of the most unique photos. While kayaking elopements are always worth doing, the logistics can sometimes be overwhelming. In this blog post we’ll walk through how to bring your dream kayaking elopement to life!
Why having a kayaking elopement is worth it.
While the obvious answer is “to get off the beaten path”, opting to go kayaking on your elopement day also opens up entirely new stunning locations for you to enjoy all while beating the crowds. If you’ve seen photos of couples who choose to kayak on their elopement, you’ve seen just how incredible the photos can be but what you don’t see is that couples who choose to go kayaking on their elopement day get to experience the parks in a different way than the majority of guests do.
When you choose to elope, you choose to avoid the crowds and create a truly unique day without the pressures of on looking eyes. Many couples who choose to elope choose to do so because they opt for the security of having the space to say exactly what’s on their heart without the fear of others overhearing or judging what they’re saying. Kayaking allows you the space to get away from not only other park guests but also your photographer, leaving you the time and space to create memories that only you and your partner share.
If you’re a nature enthusiast and enjoy wildlife watching when recreating outdoors, kayaking elopements allow you to to get away from other guests and in turn increase your chances of seeing wildlife such as seals, whales, otters, birds, bears, elk, and so much more. If you bring a pair of binoculars and enjoy the sounds of nature, your chances of spotting wildlife unique to the area you elope in increases by quite a bit. On all of my elopements I always bring a guide book, pair of binoculars, and pocket microscope so you can really connect with the incredible flora and fauna unique to the Redwoods and Southern Oregon Coast.
Kayaking is one of my personal favorite hobbies and in my free time I can be found paddling rivers, oceans, lagoons, and lakes searching for hidden gems and unique wildlife. The peace that comes from being the only one on a secluded riverbank sunbathing in the sun or kayaking between ocean sea stacks is one of the best things. On your elopement day you shouldn’t feel the need to rush from one activity to the next but rather savor every moment soaking in the company of your partner.
Should I kayak in my wedding dress?
Uh absolutely! If you’re thinking about going kayaking on your wedding day then odds are that you’re also really excited to have bad ass photos of you kayaking in a wedding dress. While this is something I highly recommend, there’s a few things to keep in mind when it comes to safely kayaking in your wedding dress.
Make sure that your dress doesn’t have tons of fabric that can suck up water. Wedding dresses are heavy enough as is when they’re dry, but in the event you go overboard you need to make sure that you’re able to swim and support the weight of your dress in addition to minimizing the fabric that can get stuck on things under the water. Having a dress with a lot of beading means a lot of weight.
How do I get my kayak if I’m eloping somewhere away from home?
Depending on how you choose to hit the water, you often have 2 options – the first option is that you’ll go kayaking with a kayaking guide company. These places will provide either rental kayaks or include kayak rental within your package. This makes the logistics nice and easy meaning that all you have to do is show up and get on the water!
The second option if you’ve been kayaking before and are comfortable taking on the water on your own is to rent kayaks on your own from a nearby rental company. If you’re choosing to elope in Oregon or California then you have the option to keep your kayak for a few days to hit the rivers and oceans on your own. While this option involves setup and teardown, you have the option to hold onto your kayaks for a little bit longer to enjoy on our own time.
What if I’ve never kayaked before?
Kayaking is a fun and easy way to get into boating! While you don’t need to be a kayaking pro to enjoy the water on your day, if it’s your first time then I highly recommend hiring a guide company to take you out to ensure your day goes as safely and smoothly as possible! A few of the guide companies I recommend are:
- South Coast Tours : specializing in both river and ocean kayaking
- Kayak Trinidad : specializing in ocean, river, and lagoon kayaking.
- Smith River Kayaks: specializing in both ocean and river kayaking.
What does a kayaking elopement look like?
Depending on the level of adventure that you’re wanting to add into your day, kayaking can take up just as little as an hour or can be turned into a full/half day adventure. The minimum amount of time I recommend to really enjoy kayaking on your elopement day is 6 hours. This ensures that you aren’t rushed through any of your day and you’re able to enjoy all of your time on the water!
When is the best time of year for a kayaking elopement?
If you’re planning to have a kayaking elopement in Southern Oregon or Northern California then I recommend eloping sometime in the summer. The months of May to August, not only are these months the warmest which helps to offset the cold water, but it’s also our driest months minimizing rain and making for the calmest months on the water.
Where are the best places for a kayaking elopement?
I may be biased but I truly think that there’s very few places that compare to kayaking Southern Oregon and Northern California. From exploring jaw dropping coastlines and sea stacks in the ocean to gently floating down crystal clear rivers the color of emeralds, the paddling near Brookings and The Redwoods are unparalleled to anywhere else I’ve ever paddled. and if you’re looking for a bit more of an adventure, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the rain floods our rivers making for endless whitewater rafting adventures. Not all rivers are the same so be sure to research your particular river before setting off on your adventure!
Kayaking on your elopement day is a bold choice, but then again so is eloping in general. So why not do both?
All things considered, kayaking on your elopement day is one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have on your day. Ensuring that you work with a photographer, guide company, and are properly prepared will ensure that you’re able to safely enjoy the water on your elopement day!
Meet your Kayaking Elopement Photographer
As a local to the Redwood National Park area and hobby kayaker, I have tons of knowledge when it comes to planning a custom, intentional elopement. As someone who is super passionate about my job and where I work, I don’t want to just be your photographer. I want to help you with the planning process, finding locations, places to stay, vendors, and most of all help you figure out solutions when things derail. It’s your wedding day and the last thing you should be doing is stressing out. I want to ensure that my couples have the best day possible and that means being a shoulder for them to lean on when problems arise!
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