Take a chance on the Natural State and have your Arkansas elopement be an adventure of a lifetime. Mixing adventure with city life, you can get the best of both worlds here while marrying your best friend for life. If mountain views, new experiences, and breathtaking scenes are what you are into, then stick around and see what we did and how your Arkansas elopement can include the same things!
We took this trip as a family and had so much fun doing it that I know you two will enjoy it just as much as we did! Here are just a few of the places we visited and where you can too!
- Hot Springs National Park
- Garvan Woodland Gardens
- Mount Magazine
- Buffalo National River
Experiencing History & Relaxation: Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park was a no-brainer to visit. There is so much history here that you just have to see for yourself. If you are wanting to plan a relaxing day with just you and your partner, book a spa day at one of the three remaining bathhouses that still run today. If adventure or nature is more your style, venture through one of their trails or take a stroll down the main road of Hot Springs.
Your elopement can start off relaxing and prepping for your day of adventure. Although most Arkansas elopements don’t happen inside the National Park, as the park is a city in itself, there are lots of must-see things here. I wouldn’t knock it off your list of things to experience while you are in the state!
A Fairytale Dream Come True: Garvan Woodland Gardens
If you are looking for something easy to access with beautiful views and endless photo opportunities, this is the place for you. Your Arkansas elopement can be a fairytale dream come true. Garvan Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden waiting to be explored. Inside the garden, that’s really a huge forest, are multiple locations perfect for your elopement ceremony. These are my personal favorites:
- Anthony Chapel – completely air conditioned, beautiful architecture, floor to ceiling windows, available 7 days a week with discounts Mon-Thurs, discounts for 10-20 guests but can fit up to 200
- Koi Pond Meadow- pond and water views surrounded by lush forest and flowers, super affordable, available Mon-Friday only, 20 people or less
- Full Moon Bridge- offering waterfall views with a spacious colorful flower garden nearby, there is no sitting area and 8 people max
Having your ceremony here also means having a photography pass to take your portraits within the gardens. Your Arkansas elopement photographer (aka me! ) will have you looking straight out of a Home & Gardens meets Bridal magazine. If you’d like to see my personal experience here, check out my stories on Instagram.
Views to Die For: A Mount Magazine Arkansas Elopement
Mount Magazine is a personal favorite of mine. The state park is not only named after this mountain, but it’s the highest point in all of AR. Beings it is the highest point, that means your Arkansas elopement can be cliffside if you’d like. Think breathtaking views, daring heights, and beautiful scenery year-round. The state park also has a lodge located at the top so you can take in the views from being to end of your elopement day. There is also a restaurant here if you’re craving something for room service as well.
Mount Magazine also has tons to offer in and around the state park. One activity that is sure to cure an adventurous craving is going trail riding on ATVs on a tour guide. The tours can often get you to secret spots that the rest of the world has no clue of. We did this as a family and loved it. Want to chat more about making it part of your elopement? I even have contacts for you to use! Check us out here.
Your Arkansas Elopement at Mount Magazine can also include things like horseback riding, hiking the numerous trails, hang gliding, and so much more.
Floating the Buffalo National River
If water sports and sightseeing is on your Arkansas elopement bucket list, then this is the place to check out. Buffalo National River is the first named National River in the United States. The huge bluffs and scenery are what pulled me in and had me saying ” I have to go see it while I am here”. I would definitely recommend going to see it for yourself and include it as an activity for your Arkansas elopement.
There are numerous business and towns that offer things like kayaking, rafting, tubing, and tours to go down the river. Keep in mind that a lot of these businesses do get booked quickly and also depend on the water levels during your preferred date. If you are just looking for somewhere with water and bluffs for epic photography opportunities, this may be the place though! There are also tons of natural waterfalls nearby along Scenic 7 Byway -*hint hint* check out this one!
Making Your Arkansas Elopement Special
No matter where you decide to say I do or what activities you want to include with your elopement, remember to stay true to yourselves. Try to really picture yourselves doing and being in these places. Arkansas has so many beautiful spots for your elopement and activities, so you won’t get bored. If you need help along the way, reach out! We planned our getaway within a few weeks, which means your elopement can too. I can be the Arkansas elopement photographer you’ve been searching for.
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