The ultimate guide to eloping in Antarctica
TIPS. VENUES & LOCATION IDEAS
for an adventurous Antarctica elopement
If you and your loved one are looking forward to experiencing the greatest elopement experience of your lifetime, it is no wonder that you are considering having an Antarctica elopement. After all, this is the perfect destination location for all those fearless explorers and audacious souls that wish to crown their wild love with an ultimate adventure. And what place is better for such a journey than the Earth’s southernmost point?
Being the least populated continent, with only around 30,000 visitors throughout the year, it is definitely a unique place to plan your elopement. But being such an understated destination means that you are obliged to have a thoroughly developed plan that will allow you to get the most out of your journey. This brings me to the purpose of this article – to provide you with a guide containing all the information you will require to have a seamless and delightful Antarctica elopement.
Let’s dive in…
Hey! I’m Amber.
Your Antarctica elopement photographer + planner
Eloping is supposed to be a joyful experience! You opted for an intimate wedding because the conventional wedding style didn’t quite suit you, and my goal is to guarantee that you have an unforgettable and pleasurable wedding day. As both an elopement photographer and travel planner, I’ll be right by your side to help you plan your ideal day. I’ll handle everything from scouting for the perfect location and providing tailored vendor suggestions, to assisting with paperwork and all other details.
If you’re dreaming of eloping in Antarctica, I’m the person you need to talk to! Feel free to reach out to me for further information on elopement packages and to begin creating your dream day.
First, let’s be sure we’re talking about the same thing:
What is an elopement?
An adventure elopement is a special kind of wedding ceremony where the couple exchanges their vows in a location that is significant and meaningful to them, usually set in a natural or outdoor environment. This could be a secluded beach, a remote mountaintop, or any other spot that holds a special place in their hearts. Adventure elopements are usually small and intimate, with only the couple and a few close friends or family members present. Rather than focusing on conventional wedding traditions, the emphasis is on the couple’s love and commitment to each other. Adventure elopements are often unplanned and can be arranged quickly, making them an excellent choice for couples seeking a simple and meaningful wedding ceremony that reflects their unique interests and preferences.
How to Get to Antarctica for Your Elopement
Antarctica is located in the Southern hemisphere, a cold, remote area surrounded by the Antarctic convergence. It contains the largest ice piece on the entire planet, with a surface that can grow up to 19 million square kilometers. It is the 5th biggest continent, featuring impressive mountain summits and metamorphic and ingenious rocks.
Due to its specific location and unusual topography, it is easy to assume that not all conventional means of transportation can help you reach this destination. The two most popular options are flying and sailing, and here is how you can make use of them:
Get to Antarctica by boat
Sailing remains the most popular option to get you to Antarctica, especially for all of you who wish to enjoy every minute of your destination adventure. Most boats depart from Ushuaia (a city in Argentina), which means you will first have to get to Argentinian before you make your sailing trip to the Earth’s southernmost point. The trip takes about 48 hours and is usually accompanied by calm weather.
Get to Antarctica by plane
Another, perhaps more convenient option is to fly to your elopement destination. This voyage only takes about 2 hours, which means you will save plenty of valuable time. After you get to Punta Arenas in Chile, you will step on a plane that will fly you to the Antarctic Peninsula or, more specifically, to King George Island. After you arrive, you will need to take a boat ride in order to get to your destination point.
A thing to note before you book your flight and cruise journey is that the choice of ships, and the sailing itinerary, are more limited than the cruise option I mentioned above. It is also slightly more expensive than traveling by boat, and you are more likely to experience a flight delay due to the constantly changing weather conditions in the area.
However, the delays usually are no longer than a few hours, so make sure to carefully consider both transportation options by weighing their pros and cons. Your ultimate decision will largely depend on your vacation time, i.e., how many days you can dedicate to achieve your dream and elope in Antarctica.
Getting Around Antarctica During Your Elopement
Whether you decide to travel to your elopement destination by boat or plane, you will need to consider other transportation options that will allow you to get around Antarctica during your stay. Since there are no roads that allow for using conventional vehicles – just several short non-paved tracks around certain locations – the means of transportation you can use are quite limited.
Overall, the most convenient way to get around the island is to travel by foot or with a snowmobile. Of course, this is not suitable for traveling long distances. Still, it will certainly help you and your Antarctica elopement photographer to get from point A to point B for some striking elopement photos. You can also consider a helicopter ride for short trips on difficult terrain.
However, if you wish to make your Antarctica elopement an adventurous yet luxurious voyage, I suggest taking the more stylish route and exploring the heart of this frigid continent. This extraordinary experience involves staying in a luxury camp in Antarctica’s northern interior side, providing complete privacy and flexibility in your activity choice. You will also be offered the unique opportunity to go hiking, explore ice tunnels, and visit a colony of emperor penguins.
It will definitely be a venture that only a few people in the world have experienced!
How to Legally Elope in Antarctica
Saying your long-awaited ‘I do’s’ surrounded by the striking appearance of Antarctica’s glaciers and its eccentric wildlife is an experience that only a minor percentage of the world’s population can get. Just imagine how you and your partner are holding hands, as the chilly wind is blushing your cheeks, and the penguins and seals are the only ones apart from your Antarctica elopement photographer that witness your love. It is an unforgettable way to mark the beginning of your new life together.
Deciding to tie the knot in such a remote and wildly beautiful destination means carefully considering the laws that will make your union legal. The only country that can issue a marriage license is Britain, and by law, it allows all couples to apply for such a marriage certificate.
For all non-British citizens wishing to legally elope in Antarctica, the British government advises that they consult their national authorities to formalize their marriage. In the case of US citizens, marriage licenses are issued with reciprocity, which means that US residents are not obliged to file for any additional paperwork.
If you wish to have an Antarctica getaway exclusively for the adventurous experience, you can also consider planning a symbolic ceremony that is not legally binding. However, most cruises sailing to the South Pole now offer legal officiants whose services you can use to honor the beginning of your love union.
One thing to remember when planning your Antarctica elopement is that you are not allowed to bring any decorations with you. Suppose you are a couple who does their best to support the environment and make a positive change. In that case, you will be thrilled to discover that the Antarctic Treaty forbids the use of floral arrangements and other adornments that are an integral part of any conventional ceremony. So, you will be granted the most unique elopement experience while also being environmentally conscious.
For couples from the US:
In certain states, you can ask your county clerk the authorization to sign your wedding license abroad. If they agree, as a registered minister, my team and I will be able to legally marry you without the hassle of a legal wedding ceremony in Antarctica.
Why Elope in Antarctica
The experience
Of course, the most common reason why you should decide to book your romantic getaway to Antarctica is the unique experience. Being an inhabited and generally overlooked location provides the ideal opportunity for having an ultimately adventurous affair. From the moment you set sail towards the wide white landscape, and during your whole stay there, this icy desert will certainly grant you some unprecedented experience you will never forget.
Photography locations
The unique topography of this region allows for creating some of the most striking photographic memorabilia from the most special day of your and your partner’s life. For those who wish to have some candid elopement photographs taken, discussing location options with your Antarctica elopement photographer is the best way to ensure that you will have the most scenic backdrops.
Unique wildlife
Apart from being able to crown your love among the vast white scenic beauty, you will also encounter at least some representatives from the exquisite Antarctica wildlife, which includes penguins, whales, seals, albatrosses, and a wide range of other seabirds. If you are lucky enough, you will be honored by their presence as you exchange your wows, meaning that you will have the most majestic wedding audience in the world!
Top 5 spots to Elope in Antarctica
Due to the wide expanses of untouched snowy surface, you might wonder if there is anything else worth seeing apart from the distinct native fauna. And since I am sure that you wish to elope in a unique location that will act as a final flourish on your elopement adventure, here is my carefully crafted list of 5 best locations that you need to put on your Antarctica getaway itinerary:
Rothera Research Station on Adelaide Island
Situated on a rock promontory west of the Antarctic Peninsula, this site is the largest center for biological research and a palace supporting air and deep-field operations. The landscape is predominately made of mountains and glaciers, making it an idyllic location for your destination elopement. Its central location provides the unique opportunity to encounter various innate wildlife, from rare Antarctic birds to mammals. The station can be reached by either air or sea and is embellished with the most striking scenery. You can already imagine how it will wonderfully serve as an iconic backdrop for your elopement photographs.
Visiting the South Pole
Flying to the world’s southernmost spot will surely make your dream to elope in Antarctica complete. Visiting the most southern point of the globe will allow you to explore the incredible polar wilderness, and tie the knot surrounded by the Earth’s most striking views and scenic beauty. Due to its remote nature, it is a place that few people can visit, making your eloping adventure genuinely one-of-a-kind.
Snow Hill Island
There are many reasons why visiting Snow Hill Island is one of the best locations to elope with your partner, and I can only mention a few. Although the journey to this island is not very convenient, your adventurous spirit will definitely receive a rewarding experience. This island is home to a colony of rare Emperor penguins and their offspring, which creates the ultimate opportunity to have these beautiful creatures witness your love.
Port Lockroy
This island is not only recognized as an important historical and natural location, but it also makes a perfect destination for couples who wish to tie the knot in a rocky location that provides an eye-pleasing background.
When to Elope in Antarctica
Although Antarctica’s scenic beauty has probably enchanted your senses in the first place, and the thought of having one of the most unique experiences tackled your heart – you need to be well aware of its weather conditions. The harsh climate that the South Pole experiences throughout the year can seriously affect your schedule, so you must be prepared to adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Generally speaking, the best time to plan your Antarctica elopement would be summertime. But mind you, the period of Antarctic summer does not range from June to September. In fact, the antarctic summer lasts from mid-November through February, making this time-span most safe and ideal for a destination elopement.
Example budget of an elopement in Antarctica
When considering to elope in Antarctica, you need to consider that this might be the most expensive adventure you will ever take. At the same time, I can assure you that it is also going to be the most adventurous and exciting one, that will guarantee for a once in a lifetime experience.
How much money you should allocate for your Antarctica eloping journey will largely depend on the length of your stay, the route you will take, the activities you will indulge in, as well as the means of transportation you choose. When planning your destination elopement budget for Antarctica, keep in mind that it can greatly vary – ranging anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 per person.
Although it probably sounds excessive, I advise you that you don’t get overwhelmed. After all, only a handful of people have so far experienced such astonishing elopement, so if you wish to be one of the few who can boast about having an adventure of a lifetime, allocating these funds will be worth it.
Lodging for your elopement in Antarctica
This collection of luxury accommodations will make your Antarctica elopement not only the most adventurous, but also an experience that offers the utmost convenience. Below are the three lodging options you can choose from:
Whichaway is a flagship camp located on the shore of a freshwater lake in the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis. It provides six polar pods that contain all the amenities that will allow for an ultimately comfortable experience. You will also have the opportunity to chat in the communal lounge or library, and enjoy a fine gastronomic experience in the dining area.
This is an idyllic spot for all the contemporary pioneers- a location where luxury and adventure combine into a unified experience. It provides six well-equipped tents which feature the utmost comfort. Apart from the extraordinary stay, you and your partner can indulge in various activities, including ice climbing, rope walks, and abseiling.
The last lodging option certainly provides an otherworldly feel- from the appearance of the so-called ‘Spy Pods’ to the ultra-luxury experience the accommodation provides. Echo is a remote camp sitting in solitude, surrounded by scarred rocks and endless whiteness. It is specially designed to offer exclusive lodging for a small group of guests and make their Antarctica expedition a truly unforgettable experience.
Unique Things to Do When You Elope in Antarctica
Visiting such an epic destination as this frozen gem at the South Pole means you will be granted the most incredible exploit. The region has forever been a pivotal point for plenty of explorers and adventure-seekers, offering some activities you can indulge in during your stay.
Camping under the open sky
If you are keen on camping, you will find this activity appealing from the moment you lay your eyes on the opportunity. There is certainly nothing that can surpass the unique experience of camping under the stars, which makes it something you and your partner will happily look back on for the rest of your life. Obviously, the harsh weather conditions necessitate that you carefully prepare for this adventure, meaning that you need to put safety in the first place and, ideally, go with a camping company that is well-equipped for and acquainted with Antarctica’s climate.
Experiencing the polar plunge
No ultimate Antarctica elopement can be complete if you don’t submit yourselves to the coolest activity in this destination – the polar plunge. Being a quick dip into the Earth’s coldest waters, it is something that will certainly make your heart beat faster. You will be able to jump from a back of a ship, or perhaps run in from a beach. Expect that the water will be freezing and you will be shivering, but there will be guides standing around you and assuring you that you are in safe hands.
Drinking in the world’s southernmost bar
Time in Antarctica seems to pass at a really slow pace, which made those who temporarily inhabit this striking destination come up with an entertainment option, i.e., a bar. Some scientists from the Vernadsky Research Base decided to distill vodka and share the liquor with all who attend the world’s southernmost bar. If you and your loved one feel like a vodka shot will help you warm up after a long day spent outdoors, be sure to visit this place.
What to Wear to Elope in Antarctica
As you are probably already aware, packing your suit with warm clothes is necessary. The only way you will be able to endure the freezing weather is to layer your outfit. Keep in mind that not all people experience the cold the same way, so packing more clothes will also ensure that you are well-equipped for warmer and colder days. Your activity level will also determine your body temperature, so make sure to dress accordingly.
Naturally, you will want to wear your wedding dress, so my best tip is to layer up. Wear some thick thermal leggings – choose a beige color, so they aren’t apparent beneath the dress; different undergarments to keep you warm, and bring a thick coat.
Although the clothing choice depends on couples’ personal preferences, it is best to wear waterproof black ‘muck’ boots, provided by the expedition team. Wearing special waterproof boots is the only way to ensure no water will get in contact with your feet, and that you don’t experience frostbite – especially after longer outdoor exposure. Each time you arrive or leave from your lodging point, you will be required to undergo a chemical treatment process in order to disinfect your boots.
Elope in Antarctica – Your Checklist
Plan ahead
One of the most important things when planning your Antarctica elopement is to plan well in advance, especially the means of transport. The distinctiveness of this region requires that you think of a thorough plan of action to avoid inconveniences.
Pick a date
Consider the most appropriate time that allows for a safe and convenient visit to this region and select your travel date accordingly.
Discover the transportation itinerary
Depending on which type of transportation you choose, make sure to get informed about its traveling schedule and book your voyage.
Pack accordingly
Keep in mind the freezing Antarctica weather and pack your suitcase with warm clothes.
Live your dream elopement
Last but not least, is to remember to have the most adventurous and delightful elopement.
DOES Antarctica SOUND LIKE YOUR DREAM?
How it works to plan your elopement in Antarctica
Let’s dive in, so you can start your journey right away!
Imagine a wedding where you can be you. Breathe. Bask in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket-list dream.
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Are you eager to start planning your elopement in Antarctica? I’m here to help you envision, plan and immortalize this beautiful adventure! Contact me now for a free consultation!
