How Do We Add Adventure to Our Wedding Day (Without Alienating Our Guests)?

Let’s face it: a lot of weddings follow the same formula. Ceremony, canapés, dinner, speeches, dancing. Rinse and repeat. But if you’re the kind of couple who craves something more, why not inject a little adventure into your wedding day?

The challenge? Not everyone in your guest list is going to be thrilled about hiking up a mountain or jumping into the sea for a post-ceremony dip. The key is balance—making your wedding thrilling for you, while keeping it accessible for your guests.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Choose a Venue That Feels Like an Escape

Adventure doesn’t have to mean trekking to the middle of nowhere. The right venue can set the tone without requiring guests to strap on hiking boots.

Best Adventure-Friendly Venues in Kent & Beyond

🏰 Secluded Manor Houses – Think somewhere like Preston Court in Canterbury—gorgeous grounds, historic charm, and a setting that feels like stepping into another world.

🌊 Coastal Cliffs & Seaside Retreats – Folkestone’s rugged coastline offers epic backdrops without forcing guests into anything too wild.

🏕 Luxury Outdoor Settings – Places like The Oak Grove near Ashford provide that "wilderness adventure" vibe while keeping things stylish and guest-friendly.

2. Make Your Ceremony an Experience

Want something different from the usual aisle-walk? Try this:

🔥 Sunset or sunrise vows – The golden light alone makes it worth it.

🛶 Arriving in style – Whether that’s by boat, horseback, or classic vintage car, it instantly elevates the experience.

🏔 A ceremony in an unexpected location – Clifftop, forest glade, private beach? It makes for unforgettable photography without requiring guests to hike for miles.

3. Add a Surprise Element

Nothing makes a wedding more exciting than the unexpected.

🎸 Live music in an unexpected place – Imagine a jazz trio on the beach or a string quartet in the middle of the woods.

🍸 A secret cocktail bar – Instead of a standard drinks reception, why not lead guests to a hidden speakeasy-style setup?

🎆 Fireworks, fire dancers, or late-night entertainment – Because who doesn’t love a little spectacle?

4. Plan an Adventurous Photo Session

If you want epic, editorial-style wedding photos, you don’t need to drag your guests into the adventure—you just need to steal a moment for yourselves.

🏝 Coastal cliff portraits – Just the two of you, dramatic skies, and the sea. Enough said.

🏍 Arriving (or leaving) on a motorbike – Because nothing screams ‘effortlessly cool’ like making an entrance this way.

🎭 Fashion-forward city shots – For couples getting married in London or a creative hub, a moody, cinematic night shoot in the city adds instant edge.

5. Keep the Adventure Going the Next Day

If your guests aren’t up for a full-on adventurous wedding, offer an optional ‘day-after experience’ for those who are.

🏄 Morning surf session – Perfect if you’re getting married somewhere like Whitstable or Cornwall.

🚲 Scenic bike ride or coastal walk – Great for reconnecting with friends and family in a relaxed setting.

🍷 Winery or brewery tour – A classy but fun way to keep the celebration going.

The Bottom Line

Adding adventure to your wedding doesn’t mean forcing everyone into an endurance test. The goal is to create a day that feels exciting, unique, and reflective of who you are—while still ensuring your guests have an incredible time.

And if you need a photographer who can capture all of it—the wild moments, the stylish details, the raw emotion—you know where to find me.