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Jess and Autry initially wanted to elope to The Dolomites, but when they got in touch with their photographer, Mariah, they decided on Slovenia instead. It offered them exactly what they were looking for. They combined their elopement with traveling the country and ended up spending two weeks touring around Slovenia.
They met during tennis, so naturally tennis had to be incorporated into their day and photos!
Why Did the Couple Choose Slovenia for Their Elopement?
Jess & Autry: Slovenia was a new destination for both of us to experience together, and we were drawn to the stunning scenery, variety of areas to explore including Alpine and wine-producing regions, and overall reputation as a hidden gem of Europe. After discussing our initial ideas for the elopement location with our photographer, Mariah, she suggested Slovenia as an amazing alternative and we quickly knew that was where we wanted to be.
We chose to elope because we felt like it was important to focus on the true meaning and purpose of the day; our love and commitment to one another, as opposed to worrying about the stress of a larger and more formal wedding production, if guests thought the food was good, the music was good, or if someone was having a good time or not. As a couple who loves to travel, we also sold that idea to ourselves even more by combining it into a two week vacation/honeymoon.
What Makes Slovenia Special for Elopements?
Mariah, the photographer: I love the mix of epic white rock mountain summits and the green blue waterfalls and gorges of the Soca River. It’s an underrated and lesser known location for elopements, making it a really unique choice.
Can You Get Legally Married in Slovenia?
Yes, you can. Jess & Autry opted for a symbolic ceremony and had their legal ceremony in the US a few days before leaving for Slovenia.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Slovenia?
Jess & Autry: We always strive to leave no trace and be respectful of these sometimes sensitive and protected landscapes during our travels, and our photographer shared in these ideas and practices of sustainable travel and adventure during our elopement day.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Slovenia into Their Elopement?
Jess & Autry: Yes, we incorporated native flower arrangements for both the bride and groom (bouquet and boutonniere), used their national beer to cheers (and drink!) in our photos (Union Lager). Additionally, our elopement location was held atop the Vrsic Pass, a historically and culturally important mountain pass in the Julian Alps.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Slovenia During the month of June?
Jess & Autry: We recommend it. Although we experienced a heat wave which made things pretty warm even with us being from Louisiana. Of course, temps are not typically that warm in late June, and it also did not rain of us for two weeks so that was amazing! However, traveling any earlier in the year may risk certain alpine passes and trails still being closed.
Mariah, the photographer: Pick late June to mid July for wildflowers. Pick October for fall colors, fewer crowds and cooler temps
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Slovenia?
Jess & Autry: Find someone who knows the area – our photographer was instrumental in helping us plan out the details of the day and navigate issues that came up, such as Mangart Saddle still being closed, so that you can enjoy your day and not worry about it all coming together. Our elopement day was 5 days into 15-day Slovenia trip, which gave us time to relax for a few days, get over any jet lag, and pick up any last minute needed items so we didn’t have to stress about anything once we got to our destination where we’d stay before and after the elopement day (Bovec) – we did all this while enjoying Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge, and Lake Bohinj. As experienced travelers, we did plenty of research before our trip, but staying flexible is ultimately the best advice – no amount of research could have indicated where we were going to find a bottle of champagne on a national holiday when all of the stores were closed, or whether or not the tennis courts and pizza bar would be open or booked up on our elopement day, but we just let it happen and it did!
Mariah, the photographer:
— Be flexible around weather, and try to account for backup days
— Plan water activities, like fly fishing, rafting or canyoning around your elopement
— Stay in the area at least 4-5 days. Slovenia has a lot to offer!
— Fly into Venice, it’s only two hours away
— Base yourself in Bovec to be right in the mountains
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Jess & Autry: We had custom tennis balls ordered for a photoshoot idea we had, and even went so far as to find and book a tennis court so we could stage a photoshoot early in the morning on the elopement day. We also brought a ‘wedding day’ sign, made by Autry’s daughter for us, which was captured at all of our photo locations throughout the day.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Slovenia, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Jess & Autry: Mangart Saddle, our original location for the elopement, was still closed due to winter conditions or a lack of debris clearing, which was saved by our photographer who immediately knew of an equally stunning location within the same general area. Additionally, it was abnormally hot during some of our trip, and we needed to manage sweat and overheating during our full day photoshoot and ceremony. We ended up cooling down at a local waterfall with pizza and Union beer where it ended being one of the most magical parts of the day, and of course made for amazing photos.
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Slovenia?
Jess & Autry: Stay flexible and do your research, but don’t forget to just let good things happen sometimes. We would strongly recommend both spending at least a few days in the country before the ceremony if traveling in from the US, as well as spending at least another 8-10 days in Slovenia after your ceremony if possible. There is so much we did not get to see, even in our 15 days entirely within country. After our elopement day, we spent a final day in the mountains before retreating to Slovenia’s picturesque Goriska Brda wine region, where we rented e-bikes, toured wonderful wineries, and enjoyed the peaceful Mediterranean breeze for a few days.
Mariah, the photographer: If you’re considering elopement locations like Switzerland and the Dolomites, but turned off by the crazy crowds and prices, Slovenia is such a great alternative. It’s low key, friendly, the food is great, and you can still honeymoon through the Dolomites and Switzerland along the way.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Jess & Autry: Playing tennis together in the morning (tennis is how we met), coming to the perfect spot at the waterfall even when it was crowded on a hot day (it’s like they saved it for us), and coming up on dozens on mountain sheep atop Vrsic Pass, including a baby lamb (and they featured in our photos!)
Why Is Slovenia One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Jess & Autry: With Slovenia, we felt like we could easily access different landscapes that were both unique to Slovenia yet captured different parts of Europe, all within 1-2 hours drive from just about anywhere. We stayed in the capital city, Lake Bohinj, Soca Valley, Goriska Brda, and Piran – these were outstanding examples of old world European cities, alpine Europe and outdoor adventure sports, wine regions, and coastal Mediterranean. Our elopement location was atop Vrsic Pass within the Julian Alps, where every direction you look is breathtaking.
