Overland elopement – two words that go hand in hand like no other.　Absolute freedom. Total adventure. Endless exploration. A & M decided to take it slow, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and did a full two-day overland elopement Japan style.

They’ve always felt it’s them against the world. In love with the road and travel, the idea of bringing the love of freedom to the way they will get married seemed like a natural fit. Japan has always attracted them, but they aren’t big fans of package tours and hotel arrangements. Independent and fierce, explorers at heart, when they heard about the possibility of an overland elopement Japan was their first choice. It was a dream come true.

For the past 6 years, Henry’s been traveling extensively all over Japan to document stories of people in love. It’s no surprise that meeting Luke Bridgeford (Overland Japan) was just a matter of time and Overland elopement was born. Between the two of them, they share a vast knowledge of Japan’s hidden corners, natural attractions, and gourmet secret spots and experience of getting there in style. A & M put their full trust in Henry to plan their elopement and Overland Japan prepared a car of their dreams, a brand new Land Rover Defender. “A” is a 190cm rugby player and wanted to be sure he’ll be comfortable driving for a few hours.

The Freedom of the Open Road

Experience over things. It doesn’t hurt that in these times the total cost is kept low comparing to the traditional wedding, neither. A & M decided to take it slow, and really soak it in. They left early in the morning from Tokyo and headed down south. They stopped when they felt like it, and enjoyed the views and every minute of it. The weather that was first bit cloudy cleared out as they moved closer to their destination only couple of hours later.

An Evening by the Campfire

Their favorite music on, the car fridge filled to the top with food and drinks, all the camping utensils included, and the roof tent popped up. It was time to get the party started. But nothing over the top – it was a quiet time filled with laughter sitting by the fire. Soaking in each other’s presence was all they could ask for. She prepared the melon and prosciutto and he grilled the meat. Cold Sapporo beer for refreshments. The vibe was perfect. It was magical.

A Slow Morning with Mount Fuji

The next morning they woke up early. Sun was already up behind the mountains. You could see Mt. Fuji in the distance. A turned on the stove and soon the smell of the coffee woke M up. The beauty of elopement is there is no stress involved. Everything happens at your pace. You want to cuddle a bit longer? You want to soak in the views and sip the coffee? Take a nice long shower without looking at the clock? No one is waiting, and you can do as you please.

A & M decided to do the first look at the car camp, overlooking the ocean. You could see they relished in every moment. Music was playing, they spontaneously stopped to dance or just exchange kisses. The world was their stage.

M looked gorgeous in Alexandra Grecco dress from Intime Dress. It fitted her perfectly.

We helped them with the timing of all the little details so when they put on the suit and dress they were ready to get in the car and drive away.

We believe it’s details like these, shaped by our experience of helping couples plan their special day, that make all the difference. Traditional weddings may need a wedding planner, but to have a smooth adventure elopement, our planning service comes included.

The location they chose for the ceremony was only a 20min drive away.

To the spot is about 10 min hike from the parking lot filled with some amazing views. They were stopping all the time to take selfies to send to their families later.

Vows at the Edge of the World

Once we arrived the things just took their course. They forgot there was anyone around. M read his vows first and A was all in tears. By the time she put the ring on his finger, they were both in tears, laughing and kissing, … it was one of those moments you feel blessed and honored to be able to witness the two people such as A & M promise their lives to each other.

Take a ride with A & M on their overland elopement journey in Japan through the captured photographs below.

Shizuoka Elopement Wedding Photos

Unique Elopement Idea: Roadtrip Elopement

Mona & Aoi Shizuoka Summer Elopement

Shizuoka Elopement Wedding Video

Photography & Videography: Henry Delac Weddings

Overlanding company in Japan: Overland Japan

Dress: Intime Dress

Feel free to get in touch if you want to plan your elopement adventure anywhere in Japan!