50+ Elopement Day Activity Ideas
Eloping gives you freedom to create a wedding day that is free from expectations for your day to fit inside a box. That means your day can leave out anything that doesn’t feel like you, and include the things that you love instead! With no more rules to build your day around, you’re left with freedom to include anything you want in your day! The only problem is, now you have too many options and it can feel overwhelming to be left with endless possibilities.
Whether you’re seeking an elopement experience that is filled with adventure or you would rather have a casual day, there are so many amazing things you can include in your day!
This guide will walk you through my top activities for eloping couples to inspire you and help you plan the perfect day!
But first…
Why Should You Have an All-Day Elopement?
What do you even do with all that time?
If the idea of an 8+ hour elopement day sounds a little crazy to you, that’s okay! Elopements have been undergoing a big change over the last several years and the definition no longer means a short, courthouse wedding with no guests.
Eloping is all about freedom to create a personalized wedding experience, and usually takes place outdoors.
I always recommend dedicating a full day to your elopement. Why? Because this is your wedding day!
Just because you are eloping doesn’t mean this day is any less special than if you had chosen a tradition wedding. This is one of the most special days of your lives, and it deserves to be celebrated accordingly.
Learn how to calculate how many hours of coverage you need.
The beauty of elopements is that you get to create a day that is all about the two of you. You get to have full control over where you get married, what you fill your day with, and who is with you (yes, you can absolutely still include your family or friends in your day!).
And no, this is not supposed to be an all-day photoshoot. Just a like a traditional wedding, your photographer should be there to document your celebration, not posing you all day long. You don’t have to feel awkward or like you need to know how to pose, because you just get to live in the moment and enjoy your day while your photographer documents the day from the background.
50+ Activity Ideas for Your Elopement Day
Here are some activity ideas to inspire you while planning your elopement day! Remember, the most important thing is to include the activities that have meaning to you and bring joy to you.
Adventurous Elopement Activities:
Hike
Camp
Take a Boat Ride
Horseback Riding
Go on a Helicopter Tour
Explore a National Park
Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Explore a Historic Site
Go Kayaking
Take a Jeep Tour
Go Backpacking
Visit a Natural Hot Spring
Rock Climb
Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Paddle Boarding
White Water Rafting
Sand Sledding
Go Ziplining
Snowshoeing
Go biking
Jump in a lake
Explore a Ghost Town
Go Waterfall Chasing
Rent a Camper Van
Relaxed Elopement Activities:
Have a Picnic
Watch the Sunrise
Watch the Sunset
Have your First Dance
Take Photos on Disposable Cameras
Go Whale Watching
Relax in a Hammock
Play an instrument or listen to music
Exchange gifts
Draw or Paint
Rent a cozy cabin or Airbnb (check out this list of unique Airbnb’s in Idaho!)
Make breakfast together
Play Games
Go on a Scenic Drive
Write Your Own Vows
Evening Elopement Activities:
Dance Under the Stars
Have a Bonfire and Roast Marshmallows
Stargaze
Take Epic Photos Under the Milky Way
Go on a Night Hike
Go Night Skiing
Elopement Activities Involving Food:
Hire a Private Chef to Cook you Dinner
Pop Champagne
Go wine tasting
Cook Dinner for Each Other at Your Airbnb
Enjoy Your Wedding Cake
Cook Breakfast Together
Go Out to Dinner Together
Elopement Activities that Include Family:
Have a First Look with Each Other and/or with Family
Have Virtual Celebration with Family or Friends
Have a Silent Disco
Have Dinner with Your Family and Friends
Read Letters from Your Family and Friends Throughout Your Day
Remember, your elopement day is about celebrating your unique love story. Choose activities that resonate with both of you and make the day truly special.
If you’d like help planning and documenting your elopement, I would love to hear from you!
Happy Eloping!
