Elopement Story: From San Diego to Costa Rica, Our Lifelong Wedding Adventure

At HomeExchange, we love giving the floor to those who can talk about it best: our members. This testimonial was written by Rachel, a wonderful member who used HomeExchange to elope not once, but three times—and she’s not done yet!

The Beginning of Our Lifelong Elopement Story

When my partner, Andy, and I first considered eloping, we were overwhelmed. The world is full of incredible places, and picking just one for our "big day" felt impossible. Would it be a tropical beach? A secluded mountain peak? A vibrant city? The options were endless, and we couldn't decide. Then, Andy had a genius, and completely unconventional, idea: "Why don't we just pick the first place and then keep choosing new places to 'elope' for the rest of our lives?"

The idea was simple, but exhilarating. Instead of one wedding, we would have a lifetime of celebrations, just the two of us—and sometimes with our family. We would pack our wedding attire, capture our own ceremonies, and find amazing places to stay. What made this dream a reality was discovering the world of HomeExchange, a hospitality service that has unlocked a world of affordable, unique travel experiences for us.

A "First" Wedding on the Pacific Coast

Our first "real" elopement took place in San Diego, a destination that felt both adventurous and accessible. We brought our daughters along, eager for them to experience the West Coast for the first time. We stayed at a beautiful HomeExchange property where our hosts went above and beyond, leaving us special gifts and a huge bouquet of flowers that I carried during our ceremony.

It was a beautiful ceremony on the rocky California coastline, a kind of beach our girls had never seen before. But in a beautiful twist of parental irony, the most special moments for our kids weren't the dramatic waves or the wedding vows. Instead, their favorite memories were simple, wholesome tasks at our HomeExchange: cleaning the pool and eating fresh oranges straight from the tree's poolside. It was a perfect, humbling reminder that adventure, especially for children, is found in the smallest, most authentic moments.

Hawaiian Sunrises, Sunsets, and Second Chances

Following our San Diego success, the allure of the Hawaiian Islands was irresistible. Thanks to HomeExchange, we were able to visit multiple times—something that would have been impossible on our budget if we had paid for hotels. 

We celebrated our marriage on several Hawaiian beaches, capturing our special moments ourselves at both sunrise and sunset. Each time, it felt like a renewal of our vows and a deepening of our love for each other and for the kind of travel that values experience over expense.

Staying with HomeExchange in Hawaii meant we weren't just tourists. We were temporary locals, living in real neighborhoods, and soaking up the true island life. These exchanges offered us a level of comfort and freedom that no resort could, allowing us to focus on our celebrations and create intimate memories as a family.

A Costa Rican Retreat with a Multi-Generational Twist

Our most recent "elopement" brought a new layer to our tradition: including my parents in the journey. This time, we found a stunning HomeExchange on the mountainous side of Costa Rica. The house felt like a secluded retreat, and our hosts provided invaluable guidance, suggesting places for us to explore and making sure my parents, who have limited mobility, were comfortable and had their own adventures.

One day, while my parents enjoyed a plant tour of the property with our friendly hosts, Andy and I snuck away. We ventured to a remote waterfall, finding ourselves completely alone in a scene straight out of a postcard. We changed into our wedding clothes and, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, shared our vows again. It was a romantic and powerful experience, proving that even with a multi-generational group, there is always room for a private and deeply personal moment.

Why We Choose the Lifelong Elopement With HomeExchange

Our journey of "lifelong eloping" has taught us that a wedding isn't a single day; it's a continuous celebration of partnership and adventure. By choosing HomeExchange, we have been able to make this dream a reality, creating countless priceless memories without breaking the bank. It has allowed us to share these special moments not only with each other but also with our children and parents, creating a rich tapestry of family travel and personal celebration.

This unconventional approach has given us a lifetime of shared adventures and private ceremonies, replacing the stress of a single event with the joy of ongoing discovery. Our wedding album is still growing, filled with sunrises over the Pacific, sunsets on Hawaiian beaches, and vows exchanged beside a Costa Rican waterfall. It's a testament to the idea that love, like travel, is a journey without a final destination.