8 wild wedding locations

If you’re itching to ditch the traditional, check out these eight wild wedding options for tying the knot in North America. It’ll make for a wedding celebration that your guests won’t soon forget.

1. 1. On top of a volcanoConsider exchanging vows in Volcano, Hawaii, for a truly eruptive experience. Head to Volcano National Park to marry on black lava overlooking an active crater or opt for a lush garden nearby for a picturesque ceremony.
      (volcanogallery.com)
   2. Underwater
      If diving is your scene, consider an underwater wedding in the Florida Keys. Captain Slate (captainslate.com) has been officiating water nuptials since 1978, and holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest underwater wedding, which included 110 divers.

1. 1. In a yurt
      For the ultimate in glamping, consider saying “I do” in a yurt, a circular tent historically used by nomads in Siberia and Mongolia. The Yurt Company, based in Mississauga, Ont., (theyurtcompany.ca) will deliver and set up a ‘long barn’ wedding yurt to fit your guest list (up to 100 people) anywhere in Ontario.

1. 1. Aboard a pirate ship
      Take your mates on a pirate adventure by renting a vessel from Toronto-based Pirate Life (piratelife.ca). The boat has capacity for 40 guests (with three staff in full pirate gear), and can be rented by the hour. They’ll even do makeup for you and your guests – pirate style.

1. 1. Atop a glacier
      If cooler temperatures are your preference, head to Alaska, where you can elope on a glacier in a truly serene setting. Opt for a wedding planner, such as Alaska Destination Weddings (akdestinationweddings.com), to take care of all the details – including finding an officiant and two witnesses, which is required by the State of Alaska.

1. 1. In a helicopter
      Take to the skies with a heli-wedding in Canmore, AB. Once you pick your destination – be that a mountain ridge or alpine meadow – you can exchange your vows outdoors and top the day with a romantic picnic or hike. (marthashelihikes.com)
   2. On a mountaintop
      For the ultimate high-level view, head to Grand Lake, CO, where you can tie the knot in an outdoor wedding amidst the Rocky Mountains. Grand Lake Lodge (grandlakelodge.com), nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, can accommodate up to 75 guests and features a banquet department that will take care of all the details.

1. On a dude ranch
   Besides offering a picture-perfect setting for photos, a dude ranch provides a great spot to spend your honeymoon. At Latigo Ranch in Kremmling, CO, guests are treated to gourmet meals, comfortable cabins and horses – thoughtfully chosen to suit your personality and riding skill – so you can ride off into the sunset together. (latigotrails.com)