Adventure in Luxury: Choosing Your Dream Elopement Backdrop

Adventure in Luxury: Choosing Your Dream Elopement Backdrop

From The Wedding Dish by Sara Alepin

January 29, 2026 · 21 min · Episode 168

About this episode

This episode explores the concept of luxury elopements with photographer Emilee Setting, discussing unique locations, cost comparisons, and trends in wedding planning.

If you think "eloping" just means a quick trip to the courthouse, think again. This week, we are sitting down with Emilee Setting Photo, an elopement photographer who specializes in creating all-day and multi-day luxury experiences that feel more like a dream vacation than a 20-minute ceremony. Grab your hiking boots (and maybe a glass of champagne) as we dish on: Location, Location, Location: Understanding the red tape of National Parks vs. the freedom of National Forests and BLM land. The "Luxury Elopement" Breakdown: How a $25,000 multi-day adventure in places like Greece or Alaska can actually save you money compared to a $75,000 traditional DC wedding. Combining the Wedding & Honeymoon: Why more couples are choosing to blend their "I dos" with activities like cliff jumping, private massages, and first-class travel. The Family Dilemma: Brilliant strategies for including your parents and siblings (like separate "get ready" times and private vows) while still protecting that intimate, private feeling. Navigating 2026 Trends: Sara and Emilee weigh in on the latest wedding vibes and why "going with your gut" is the best planning advice you'll ever get. Whether you want to…

People in this episode

Host: Sara Alepin

Guest: Emilee Setting

Topics covered

  • elopement
  • luxury weddings
  • destination weddings
  • family dynamics
  • wedding trends
  • adventure travel

Keywords

  • elopement
  • luxury
  • wedding planning
  • destination
  • family inclusion
  • 2026 trends
  • adventure

Sponsors

Photos from the Harty

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Greece, Alaska, DC, National Parks, National Forests, BLM land

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