Your wedding day is one of the most significant milestones in your life, and when you center it around your Catholic faith, the experience becomes even more profound. But what if you could have both—a traditional sacramental wedding and an adventure-filled second day, all while keeping Christ at the center of your marriage?
Welcome to the concept of a 2-day Catholic wedding celebration, where the first day is dedicated to your sacrament of marriage and the second invites you to continue the adventure in the wilderness of God’s good earth. Here’s how to plan the perfect 2-day wedding celebration with the right blend of reverence, romance, and adventure.
The Sacrament – Honoring the Sacred Vows
The first day of your wedding is centered around the sacrament of marriage. It’s important to begin with prayer, focusing on the deeper meaning of this covenant as you commit yourselves to each other before God.
Start your day with a full Catholic nuptial mass with a traditional liturgy. Exchange your vows in the presence of your closest family and friends. Incorporating meaningful Catholic traditions, such as the exchange of wedding rings, the lasso or arras, or the inclusion of a special saint’s prayer, can further enrich your ceremony. One tradition that’s coming back is the dedication to Mary!
Take time during the mass to reflect on the significance of the sacrament. Remember that marriage is a gift from God, and the love between you and your spouse mirrors the love Christ has for His Church.
“When a husband and wife are united in marriage they no longer seem like something earthly, but rather like the image of God himself.”
St John Chrysostom
After the Mass, the reception begins, offering a time to celebrate with family and friends while continuing to honor your faith. If you’re drawn to a more traditional setting, you might choose a reception venue that echoes the same reverence as the ceremony itself.
As your traditional reception winds down, the evening can conclude with a sense of anticipation for the second day of your celebration—the adventure-filled day in the Black Hills. You can subtly set the tone for the next day by sharing your excitement for the adventure to come and reminding everyone that this celebration is just the beginning of your lifelong journey together.
Adventure + Elopement Vibes | Taking Your Vows to the Wilderness
Even after the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, you can still create epic memories that will last a lifetime. Consider a second, shorter adventure session while still wearing your wedding attire. This is your chance to revisit those beautiful vows with a photographer capturing you both in the breathtaking outdoors.
This session can be as adventurous as you like. Hike up to a scenic viewpoint, paddle through a peaceful lake, or even a horseback ride across a golden field. This isn’t just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about making memories that tie back to your sacrament and your shared love for adventure.
On the second day, step into the wilde, with a styled adventure session that reflects the depth of your love and the beauty of God’s creation. This day is all about celebrating the joy and freedom of your new life together, while keeping Christ at the foundation of your journey.
Planning Your Catholic Wedding in the Hills?
Let’s dream it up together! We’d love to help you plan a day that feels is faith-filled, heart-felt, and completely intentional
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged mountains, serene lakes, or wide open fields, the second day can be a perfect time to take your vows outside, embracing the elements. Your wedding attire, though formal, will take on a new character in the wild, creating those stunning “elopement vibes” that look like they belong in a fairy tale.
During your adventure session, you can incorporate a moment of prayer together in nature, perhaps kneeling on a cliff or by a quiet stream to ask for God’s continued blessing over your marriage. It’s a beautiful opportunity to connect with each other and with God, all while exploring the awe-inspiring landscape.
Check out these ideas for example:
- Hike Up Black Elk Peak – A Journey of Faith and Beauty: Start your adventure with a hike up Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, standing at 7,242 feet. This challenging but rewarding hike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Black Hills, making it the perfect spot to reflect on your vows and the beauty of God’s creation. The summit offers a majestic place to pause and say a prayer together—perhaps reading a Psalm or offering thanks for your marriage and the journey ahead. The hike is about 7 miles round trip, so it’s ideal for couples who are up for a little challenge.
- Kayaking at Pactola Reservoir – Serenity on the Water: Head over to Pactola Reservoir for a peaceful kayaking adventure. Surrounded by pine forests and dramatic hills, Pactola is one of the most serene spots in the Black Hills, offering the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment. Paddle along the glassy waters, reflecting on the beauty of God’s world around you. Kayaking together in the midst of nature fosters connection, trust, and teamwork—values that will carry you through the years of marriage ahead.
- Picnicking and Hammocking in the National Forest – A Romantic Escape: Make your way to one of the many scenic spots within the Black Hills National Forest, where you can set up a cozy picnic and relax in a hammock. Nestled among the towering pines or by a babbling creek, these quiet moments offer the chance to recharge and revel in the joy of being together. Bring a blanket, your favorite foods, and a simple yet heartfelt meal shared in the heart of the wilderness. Take in the sounds of nature—birds chirping, leaves rustling in the breeze—and simply enjoy the beauty of this sacred weekend, allowing your hearts to settle and connect.
As the day comes to a close, finish your adventure with a sunset stroll through the Black Hills. Choose a spot with an expansive view, perhaps a quiet trail that leads to a meadow or an open field where you can take in the splendor of God’s creation as the sun dips below the horizon.
This peaceful moment, with the sky painted in rich hues can be a time to pray together, thanking God for your journey thus far and asking for His guidance in the years ahead. The beauty of the Black Hills at sunset will serve as a lasting reminder of the sacredness of your commitment to each other.
Why the Black Hills Make the Perfect Location for Your Adventure Elopement
The Black Hills are a stunning backdrop for a wedding celebration focused on both faith and adventure. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the peaceful solitude of a forest picnic, the Black Hills offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, spiritual reflection, and adventure.
As you plan your 2-day Catholic wedding celebration, remember that day two is not just about the adventure—it’s about deepening your connection with each other and with God’s creation. Every moment spent in the wilderness is a reminder of the sacredness of the vows you’ve taken and the love that binds you together.
Planning Your Own 2-Day Catholic Wedding Adventure
If you’re dreaming of a wedding experience that honors your Catholic faith while embracing adventure and the beauty of God’s creation, here are a few tips to make it happen:
- Choose the Right Locations: The first day might be best suited for a church or cathedral with personal significance to you. For the second day, consider a location that speaks to both of you—whether it’s a national park, a mountain range, or a quiet forest glade.
- Make Time for Prayer: Whether it’s during the ceremony or on your adventure, take moments throughout your wedding to pray together and invite God into every step of your marriage journey.
- Hire a Photographer Who Understands Your Vision: Choose a photographer and videographer who can beautifully capture both the sacred and adventurous moments. You’ll want someone who understands your desire to keep Christ at the center while creating stunning images that reflect your love for nature.
- Incorporate Catholic Elements in Your Adventure: You can bring subtle Catholic elements into your adventure session, like a rosary, a cross necklace, foot washing ceremony, or a prayer book, as a meaningful way to keep your faith visible.
- Celebrate Your Marriage as a Journey: Your 2-day celebration isn’t just a wedding—it’s the beginning of your journey as a married couple. Embrace the adventure, knowing that God is leading you both forward.
A 2-day Catholic wedding celebration is an extraordinary way to honor your faith and celebrate your love. Whether you’re kneeling in the church to exchange vows or hiking a mountain together, you’re weaving your love story into the natural beauty of God’s creation—and keeping Him at the center of it all.
