The modern wedding comes in so many flavors. Desiring to craft events that reflect their outlooks and values, couples sometimes choose unique ways to say “I do.” From skydiving to naturist ceremonies, getting hitched may look much different from the normal for adventurous open-minded spouses-to-be. Maybe you’re fascinated by weddings or seeking memorable ways to exchange your vows. Keep reading to learn about adventure weddings and naturist nuptials, two meaningful alternatives for celebrating a couple’s shared love.
Adventure Weddings: Not Your Average Outdoor Nuptials
Want to tie the knot near a majestic glacier, exchange vows before a volcano or take the marital plunge with skydiving? These are all great examples of adventure weddings. Brides contributor Molly Allen calls them “adventure elopements,” since they typically only involve the couple and their officiant. Far-flung destinations are par for the course, but adventure weddings pair these exotic locales with extraordinary adventures.
What does an adventure wedding look like? Well, that depends on the couple. The Guardian profiled two grooms who wed in front of Fagradalsfjall, an Iceland volcano that erupted in April 2021. Skydiving weddings are a thing, especially in the United States. One firm, Go Jump, doubles down on the experience by offering Las Vegas–style skydive weddings. But these are just a few possibilities. Caves, glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and even helicopters have all served as adventure wedding venues.
Depending on the couple’s event vision, they may use a nature wedding ceremony script. Some spouses-to-be don’t just love the outdoors – they may feel a special connection to nature. With many spiritual traditions venerating nature, this isn’t surprising. Classic and modern literature also contains tons of possibilities for nature-themed wedding readings.
The Rise of the Natural
Star Trek fans may remember hearing about Betazoid weddings, which were traditionally conducted sans clothing. But the naturist wedding doesn’t just exist in science fiction. New York Times contributor Hilary Sheinbaum explains that it’s common among couples in nudist communities. The couple may appear without clothing, but they typically don’t require guests and officiants to follow suit. They often choose to wed at nudist resorts, in their homes, or at other clothing-optional venues.
Surprisingly, couples who aren’t nudist by lifestyle may elect to have this type of celebration. Sheinbaum comments that they’re motivated by other reasons. Some may desire to have a unique celebration. For others, tying the knot without clothing has spiritual significance. Believe it or not, a few couples choose nudist weddings to save money on expensive bridal dresses and other formalwear.
As you may imagine, planning a nudist wedding requires some additional care and handling. Finding a venue is one thing, but you also must hire an officiant and wedding pros who are comfortable working at such an event. Some secular officiants may be willing. In her New York Times piece, Sheinbaum profiled a minister ordained by the Universal Life Church who has solemnized naturist weddings. It’s also important to keep local ordinances and regulations in mind. You don’t want to run afoul of laws governing food service or end up with indecent exposure charges.
Solid Planning Steps for Your Unusual Wedding
Adventure and nudist wedding celebrations are two unique ways for couples to publicly proclaim their love. Both involve tying the knot in unexpected ways. As such, they require some unique planning considerations. Choosing a good location is one key to your event’s success. You must also think about logistics. Whether you want a photographer willing to trek to a volcano or an officiant who doesn’t mind performing your ceremony naked, you should honestly present your wedding vision and make sure your professionals are on board. Breaking with tradition may be scary, but you’ll be rewarded with a wedding that truly reflects your ethos and values.
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