Just like the inspiration to elope, and to embrace a non-traditional and unconventional celebration creates space for non traditional attire and accessory choices. And I’m so here for it! The one thing my clients need guidance on most often-is their adventure elopement hairstyle.

Hi, I’m Meaghan, hairstylist, makeup artist and founder of Black Fern Beauty Co. I’m based in Southern Oregon and I specialize in hairstyling and makeup artistry for adventure elopements, and destination micro weddings.

Planning your Adventure Elopement Hairstyle

I always leave space in every elopement hairstyle I create, for the perfect accessory. I also encourage thinking outside the box for unique and meaningful ideas for elopement hair accessories that are special to you. When we plan your elopement hairstyle, we’ll take in consideration how you’re most comfortable-up or down, what activities you have planned, and what the weather conditions could be. Once we consider the overall shape or style, any hairpieces are like icing on the cake.

It’s important to note, all of the elopement hairstyles I create look beautiful and complete on their own. If you don’t feel called to anything in particular, I’d actually advise against any additions to your elopement hairstyle. Just let it be what it is-stunning.

Remember, pivoting our hairstyling plan for more extreme weather will leave you happier in the long run. Some elopement hairstyles look amazing after they’ve been rained on. Others, are less attractive and way less comfortable. Being comfortable is so important while out on trail adventuring for your elopement. We always move with more confidence when we are comfortable-which without a doubt translates in your images.

The Perfect Hair Accessory for Elopements

This one is my favorite, hands down. Foraging for the perfect flora, local to the region you’re eloping in. POV: You’re hair and makeup is finished and you’re slipping into your elopement attire while I forage outside your cabin or tent for the perfect additions to your hairstyle. This happens a lot and is no joke, one of my favorite ways to create for you on such an epic day.

If you’re selecting flora that can survive after being cut, you can explore with your partner and gather your foraged hairstyle accessories together as a great way to take some time to connect with nature and your special day together. If you have a large enough area to forage, you can pick your bouquet too.

Pro Tips: Before anyone gets to foraging, we should be mindful to do so safely and ethically. Here’s some tips if you’re new to foraging.

1. Know Your Location and Obtain Permission:

• Respect Private Property: Always ask for permission before foraging on private land. 
• Avoid Protected Areas: Never harvest from nature preserves or conservation areas. 
• Be Aware of Local Regulations: Check for any specific rules or restrictions in the area you plan to forage. 

2. Harvest Ethically and Sustainably:

• Take Only What You Need: Only harvest what you plan to use. 
• Leave Enough for Wildlife and Regrowth: Don’t take the only plant of a species or the largest, healthiest plant. Choose a large healthy plant ho harvest less than 1/8 total.
• Be Mindful of Your Impact: Avoid disturbing the surrounding environment and leave no trace. Pack out all trash and leave the area as you found it.
• Avoid Sensitive Habitats: Be extra cautious in wetlands, tundra, or deserts. 
• Be Gentle: When gathering, do as little damage as possible to the plants and surrounding flora
• Identify Plants with 100% Certainty: If you’re not sure, use reputable sources to verify your find.

Floral Hair Pieces for your Elopement

This is a beautiful option if you’re working with a florist for the rest of your elopement needs. A bouquet, and boutonnière is the perfect start for elopement day, and a floral hair piece created on a comb is a lovely addition.

Pro Tip: Have your florist opt for metal hair combs on which to design their floral masterpiece. Hard plastic combs lack the flexibility to secure firmly into your elopement hairstyle.

Having your florist design a hair piece for you will give you so much continuity with color choice along with the rest of your floral pieces.

Floral crowns are another beautiful way to incorporate a larger floral statement. Many of my brides have worn these in place of holding a bouquet, but it all boils down to your overall style, aesthetic and elopement day vibe and location.

A serious consideration is where fresh cut florals are permitted and where they are not. The California Redwoods are a great example: “Live or dried natural plant/flower material is prohibited. This includes cut flowers for bouquets and potted plants. Live plant materials may contain insects or unwanted pests that could be introduced into the park. Silk, wood, or paper flowers are allowed.” Whether the park is located in a state park, or park will determine elopement day guidelines. Here’s the link to the NPS rules and regs, and permit information for the California Redwoods.

Veil or no Veil?

While this is a deeply personal choice, I of course, have opinions. Lots of brides aren’t sure whether they want to/should wear a veil and my advice there is pretty simple. If you invest in a longer, cathedral length veil, be OK with it getting dirty. For the best and most epic images, you’ll need to be holding your partners’ hand, and even steadying yourself on a tree or rock with the other, as you traverse your day. She’ll just have to drag along behind you, and it’s beautiful.

My other piece of advice on this is to consider your dress and elopement hairstyle. If you have a snug fitting dress, or tidy hairstyle, conciser adding a veil for some movement. If you have a mountain peak, beach, or cliffside on the list of locations for you adventure elopement, bet on a breeze-and having something around you create movement, makes this Pinterest worthy photos you’ve showed me in your vision boards on our planning calls.

Creative Accessories for your Adventure Elopement Hairstyle

Among some of my favorites, have been up-cylced heirloom bridal items-lace or other dress material made into hairpieces, bird feathers, handmade wire and beaded pieces, even vintage broaches make a really cool accent.

The key is, finding something sentimental to you. If it has special meaning, we’ll find a way to work it in. Second, consider the size of your items. If unconventional items are being repurposed for hair accessories, remember size and balance. Your ideas are beautiful, but we don’t want them taking over, or distracting from you or covering your hairstyle.

While my job is most definitely about adventure elopement hair and makeup, my styling experience absolutely comes in handy if you’re having hard time selecting the perfect adventure elopement hairstyle. My experience as a creative contributor to The Roam Collective Co. keeps me fresh on trends, the classics, and living outside the box. My position with Roam enables me to create inspiration for others, especially in the elopement space.

If you’re interested in working with me, please visit my website contact here.