A Guide to Elopement and Destination Wedding Insurance to Protect Your Investment

Planning your elopement is a wild ride—filled with excitement, a touch of nerves, and a lot of “What do we do next?” vibes. Eloping has become super popular, but it’s still new enough that there’s not as much established info out there as with traditional weddings. When planning a big wedding, you’ve got tons of resources, plenty of vendors on your team, and, let’s face it, a big financial commitment. Elopements and destination weddings can also be a big financial commitment. Something that’s not talked about enough? Destination wedding insurance FOR your elopement!

One thing that’s pretty standard for traditional weddings is event insurance, especially if you’re booking with a formal venue. They usually require it in case something happens before or during the big day. With elopements, insurance isn’t typically on the radar because you’re often not booking a formal venue, but I highly recommend it for any destination events you’re considering. If you’re traveling, have multiple vendors, non-refundable retainers, and all those little details like lodging and rental cars, you should definitely be looking into both travel insurance and event insurance so you have coverage for those “what if” moments. It sucks to think about the worst case scenarios, I know, but it’s so much easier to face them when you have a back up plan to cover you.

Even the best-laid plans can hit a snag or two and that’s why it’s smart to consider elopement and destination wedding insurance to protect it all. Here’s everything you need to know about why it’s important and how to get the right coverage for your Alaska elopement (or wherever your adventure takes you!).

Why Consider Elopement and Destination Wedding Insurance?

Financial Security

Elopements and destination weddings are still a big investment. From venue bookings(in some cases) and travel to attire, photography, and vendor services, non-refundable costs can add up fast. If something unexpected happens—like a sudden illness, bad weather, or a vendor not showing up—elopement and travel insurance can have your back, protecting that investment.

Non-Refundable Retainers and Monies Paid for Elopement Vendors

Booking your vendors usually means paying a non-refundable retainer to lock in your date and ensure they’re all in for your big day. But it’s more than just holding a spot—they’re investing time to get to know you, understand your needs, and plan out the day leading up to it. If life throws a curveball and you need to cancel, asking for that retainer back can be tough, especially if the contract says it’s non-refundable.

As an elopement photographer, I 100% feel for couples who have to cancel—whether it’s due to a personal decision, weather, accidents, or something worse. It’s heartbreaking. But realistically, I can’t always refund that retainer, no matter the circumstances, because it’s not only pulling money out of my account. It’s hours of work already done and a date I probably can’t rebook depending on how close we are to your date. For some vendors, they’ve even fronted money for your day for other products vendor services. That’s where elopement insurance comes in, helping you recover those costs without leaving your vendors out of pocket or creating any hard feelings.

Customized Coverage for Unique Events for Peace of Mind

No two elopements or destination weddings are alike. Maybe you’re planning something with stunning accommodations, adventurous activities, or a remote location. Tailored insurance coverage can protect against destination-specific risks, like flight delays, vendor cancellations, weather issues and/or accidents.

Things like severe weather, natural disasters, or family illness can throw a wrench in plans leading up to your day, or even on your day(if 2020 and on taught us anything it can be intense!). Especially with Alaska’s unpredictable weather, having insurance means that even in the face of dealing with any of those circumstances, while it still REALLY sucks, you’re still covered.

Health, Safety, and Emergency Assistance

When your elopement takes you far from home, health and safety can be big concerns. Additional insurance can cover medical emergencies, so you’re not stuck with unexpected costs if something happens. This is crucial for remote or adventure-filled elopements where getting help isn’t always easy.

I have a personal experience with travel/medical insurance myself. I was traveling for a destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and the worst case scenario did happen. After checking into the resort where the wedding was going to be, I ended up hospitalized the morning after and the day before my couples wedding. Thankfully I am fluent in Spanish and was able to communicate and get proper care. We are so thankful for our travel insurance kicking in and covering that entire day stay and all of the medication I needed to get me back on my feet and back to the resort for my couples wedding. It was ROUGH and I never wish to experience that again, but we were SO glad to have insurance that covered it after a very small deductible was paid on our part.

Liability Protection

Adventure elopements often come with risks—whether it’s hiking up a mountain, exploring a glacier via helicopter, or having a ceremony on boat. Liability coverage protects you from potential legal claims related to property damage or injuries during your event. This is especially important when planning something in unique or challenging environments like Alaska.

Insurance Providers for Eloping Couples

To protect your elopement day, here are some providers offering specialized destination wedding insurance:

• RVNA Event Insurance
  Phone: 1-800-364-2433
  Email: support@rvnuccio.com
  Cost: Starting at $125
  Coverage: Comprehensive coverage for elopements, including vendor services, travel expenses, and cancellations due to uncontrollable circumstances. They also offer liability insurance.

• Geico Wedding & Event Insurance
  Phone: 1-800-446-6671
  Cost: Starting at $75
  Coverage: Budget-friendly with limited options. Includes event cancellation and vendor-related coverage—be sure to confirm specifics with them.

• LifeMed Alaska
  Phone: 800-478-5433
  Cost: $50 per household (30 days); $125 per household (annual)
  Service: Emergency medical transport services, both on the ground and in the air. Essential for couples eloping in remote areas of Alaska, ensuring access to life-saving care.

• Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company
  Phone: 844-411-BHTP
  Coverage: Coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and lost baggage. Ideal for international or multi-location elopements.

Choosing the Right Coverage for Your Elopement

When selecting insurance for your elopement, think about:

• Assess Your Needs: What do you need coverage for—travel, accommodation, venue, attire, or vendors? Consider the specific risks tied to your destination.
• Compare Plans: Look at different insurance options to find what fits best. Pay attention to costs, coverage limits, and what’s included or excluded.
• Contact Providers: Talk to the insurance companies directly about your needs. Make sure you fully understand what’s covered and what’s not, sometimes verbiage and specifics can be tricky.

Elopement and destination wedding insurance are key to protecting your day and making sure everything is covered if something unexpected happens. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a mountaintop or beside a remote Alaskan glacier, the right coverage lets you enjoy your day without worry. Take the time to explore your options and chat with the providers to get the coverage that’s right for you.

Here’s to an incredible, stress-free elopement adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska! If this blog post brought you here and you’re intrigued about eloping in Alaska, check out this blog on How to Elope in Alaska, and reach out to me here when you’re ready!