Vanlife Elopement Adventure: Say "I Do" on the Open Road

Photo Credit: Lucas Favre

Ready to ditch tradition and take the road less traveled—literally? If your love story is fueled by spontaneity, adventure, and epic views, a vanlife elopement might be the perfect way to tie the knot. Whether you already own a campervan or rent one for a weekend, eloping on wheels gives couples the ultimate freedom to explore Southern California’s most romantic backdrops. From desert landscapes to ocean cliffs and wooded mountain trails, a vanlife elopement combines your ceremony and honeymoon into one unforgettable journey.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to plan the ultimate vanlife elopement, including epic route ideas, what to pack, how to style your van, and how to make the most of your adventure with stunning couples photography.

What Is a Vanlife Elopement?

A vanlife elopement is a free-spirited, minimalist way for couples to exchange vows while road-tripping through nature. Instead of a traditional venue, the van itself becomes part of the ceremony and storytelling. You can say your vows at sunrise in the desert, toast with champagne on the beach at sunset, and fall asleep under the stars—all from the comfort of your rolling getaway home.

Why Choose a Vanlife Elopement?

• Ultimate freedom to choose your backdrop: desert, beach, mountain, or forest

• More affordable than traditional weddings

• Intimate and meaningful – just the two of you (and maybe your pups!)

• Eco-conscious and minimalist lifestyle

• Combines wedding, honeymoon, and adventure into one epic experience

"It’s not just a wedding day—it’s a memory you build mile by mile, sunset by sunset."

Best Southern California Locations for a Vanlife Elopement

Here are some of our favorite van-friendly elopement spots that combine scenery, accessibility, and photo-worthy magic:

🏜️ Joshua Tree National Park

• Address: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

• Dramatic boulders, open desert, Joshua Trees, and world-class stargazing.

• Designated camping areas available with advance permit.

🌲 Idyllwild Nature Center

• Address: 25225 CA-243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

• Rustic woodsy mountain setting with pine trees and hiking trails.

• Van-friendly with nearby camping and lodging.

🌊 San Onofre State Beach

• Address: Old Pacific Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672

• Park your van near the beach, walk down to say your vows with the sound of waves.

• Perfect for surfers and beach-loving couples.

🏞️ Lake Hemet

• Address: 56570 CA-74, Mountain Center, CA 92561

• Peaceful lakefront views, towering pines, and cozy campsites.

• Great for couples who want water + forest scenery.

🌅 Big Sur (just outside SoCal but worth the drive)

• Coastal cliffs, winding roads, and breathtaking overlooks.

• Consider stops at Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and Garrapata State Park.

How to Style Your Van for the Big Day

Make your van feel like a dreamy mobile venue:

• Drape boho linens or macrame across the back doors

• Add fairy lights or battery-powered lanterns

• Hang custom vow signs or a fabric backdrop

• Place a mini picnic table with charcuterie + florals

• Use neutral-toned throws and pillows for cozy seating

• Decorate the van exterior with florals or eucalyptus garlands

Sample Day-Of Timeline

8:00 AM – Coffee in the van while cuddled up in sleeping bags
9:00 AM – Road trip to the ceremony site, stopping for photo ops
12:00 PM – Midday hike or beach picnic
4:00 PM – Golden hour vow exchange + couple portraits
6:00 PM – Champagne toast, private dinner
8:00 PM – Starry night campfire, first dance under the stars

Photography Tips for Capturing Your Elopement Adventure

As your elopement photographers, we’ll make sure to:

• Use natural golden light for that cinematic glow

• Capture candid moments like cooking, driving, and laughing

• Snap detail shots of the van setup, vow books, rings, and decor

• Embrace imperfections—messy hair, dusty boots, sand on your dress

Campervan Rentals in Southern California

Don’t have a van? Rent one here:

• Escape Campervans – Los Angeles, San Diego

• Outdoorsy – Peer-to-peer rentals across SoCal

• VanCraft – Based in Oceanside, CA

• GoCamp – Fully stocked vans for road trips

Work With Us: Your Vanlife Elopement Photography Team

Thinking about hitting the road and saying your vows in the wild? We specialize in elopement and engagement photography across Temecula, Joshua Tree, Big Bear, Idyllwild, and all of Southern California. Our custom vanlife elopement packages include:

• Flexible timing for sunrise or sunset shoots

• Route planning help

• Storytelling-style editing

• Adventure-ready guidance with the best photo spots

📍Visit us at www.lastminutephotoshoot.com to book or view more galleries!

Still dreaming of your perfect elopement? Explore our blog for more ideas on engagement photography, surprise proposals, and planning unforgettable moments with the one you love most.

If you're interested in our downloadable camper van elopement checklist, subscribe to our email list and we'll send it over for free!

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Re-Creating Your First Day Together: A Sentimental Couples Photography Session

There’s something magical about your first day together — the butterflies, the awkward laughter, maybe a slightly overdressed outfit or an unforgettable location. Whether it was a casual coffee date, a beach walk, or a late-night taco run, that moment marks the beginning of your shared story.

At Last Minute Photoshoot, we’ve discovered that one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate your growth as a couple is through a “Re-Creating Our First Day” photography session. This isn’t just a throwback — it’s a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come, how deeply you’ve grown, and how beautifully your love has evolved.

Let’s walk you through how to plan this unforgettable experience.

Why Recreate Your First Day?

Photographing your recreated first day is like time-traveling with a purpose. It’s a celebration of your origin story — the spark that started it all.

These sessions aren’t about perfection; they’re about perspective — capturing the contrast between who you were then, and who you are now. It’s perfect for couples celebrating anniversaries, engagements, or just because your love deserves documenting.

Step 1: Walk Down Memory Lane

Start by answering a few simple (but powerful) questions:

• Where did we go?

• What did we wear?

• What did we eat?

• What time of day was it?

• What did we talk about?

• Was there a moment that made us both laugh?

Write these answers down and share them with your photographer. The more detailed, the better. These moments will guide the tone and locations of your shoot.

Step 2: Your “Re-Create the First Date” Checklist

Here’s a printable-style checklist to make the prep easy and fun:

Location

☐ Visit the original spot (restaurant, park, coffee shop, trail, etc.)
☐ If that’s not possible, find a similar vibe or background nearby
☐ Note any visual landmarks for your photographer

Outfits

☐ Try to wear what you wore that day (or a modern version of it)
☐ If you can’t remember, choose outfits that match the same tone or style
☐ Consider including a “then and now” outfit shot for contrast

Food & Drinks

☐ Order the same meal or drink from that day
☐ Grab takeout or recreate it at home if the spot no longer exists
☐ Plan a mini picnic setup with the same flavors

Photo Prompts

☐ Walking side-by-side, like you did on that first day
☐ A candid moment trying to “re-enact” your original conversation
☐ A close-up of your hands now vs. then
☐ Sitting in the same spot, smiling at each other
☐ Holding a photo from that day, framed in the shot

Step 3: Add Personal Touches

Include keepsakes from your journey:

• First movie ticket stubs

• A copy of an old text message or DM

• Matching tattoos or bracelets you’ve gotten since

• A photo album to flip through during the shoot

Step 4: Reflect on How Far You’ve Come

This part is where the real emotion happens. During your shoot, your photographer can guide you with prompts like:

• “What would you tell your past selves today?”

• “When did you know you wanted forever?”

• “What’s something new you’ve learned to love about each other?”

These reflections paired with genuine reactions make for the most powerful images — joy, laughter, maybe even a tear or two.

Bonus: Turn It Into a Photo Series

Want to take this concept even further? Create a mini-album:

• Page 1: A shot from your first date (if you have it)

• Page 2: The recreated version

• Page 3: A written note to your past selves

• Page 4: Favorite memory together

• Page 5: A photo that shows who you are now

Frame it or turn it into a coffee table book to mark the occasion.

Perfect for:

• Anniversaries (1-year to 20+!)

• Proposal lead-ups (relive your first day and end with a ring!)

• Engagement sessions with extra depth

• Valentine’s Day or holiday shoots with meaning

• Documenting a relationship milestone

Final Thoughts

Love is made in the details — in the messy hair, nervous smiles, and late-night conversations that shaped who you are as a couple. A “Re-Creating Our First Day” photography session is more than just a photo op. It’s a chance to slow down, celebrate your love story, and fall in love all over again.

📸 Ready to recreate your first day? Let’s help you document the beginning — and everything that’s bloomed since.
Book Your Session with Us Here ➜