One of the best things about eloping is that it allows you to create a wedding day that feels 100% you. I’ve said it before, but there really are NO rules when it comes to planning your elopement. Anything you can dream up for your day is possible whether that’s going on an epic adventure or having a laid-back, intimate day filled with your favorite activities. To help get you inspired about what’s possible, I’m sharing 22 elopement activity ideas that will help make your wedding day unique and memorable!
Why You Should Include Elopement Activities in Your Day
Before we dive into all the amazing things you can do on your elopement day, let’s talk about why elopement activities are so important.
Unlike traditional weddings, elopements don’t follow a set schedule. There is no order or timeline that your day needs to follow. This gives you tons of opportunities to make your elopement day your own. Want to start with a sunrise ceremony and then spend the rest of the day going on an adventure? You can do that! Or, if you prefer to plan a whole weekend with activities you love and end with your vow exchange, you can do that too.
No matter how you plan your elopement or what activities you choose to include, the most important thing is that you get married while doing things you love.
Adventurous Elopement Activities
If you and your partner love the outdoors, adding some adventure activities to your elopement can make your day even more memorable. Adventure elopement activities not only create incredible moments for you, but they also often make for stunning wedding photos.
Hiking
One of the most popular elopement activities my couples choose to do is hiking. Hiking for your elopement lets you exchange vows in a breathtaking location or simply soak in beautiful views after a satisfying adventure. While hiking is a more adventurous elopement activity, it can be an accessible one also. If going on a long hike isn’t for you, there are tons of short, scenic hikes that can still give you incredible views without the effort.
Kayaking
If you love the water, why not spend part of your elopement kayaking around a lake or even along the ocean shores? Kayaking is a great way to get a more adventurous elopement experience while still enjoying a relaxed environment. Keihona & Isaiah went paddling on the Oregon Coast, making for some really special moments on their elopement day.
Sandboarding
For couples who love trying new things, sandboarding is a fun and unexpected way to add a little bit of adventure to your elopement. Plus, we have some pretty incredible dunes right here in Oregon if I do say so myself! Katherine & Dev’s Oregon Sand Dunes elopement was such a fun and adventurous day. Even though the couple did not have a lot of experience sandboarding prior to their elopement, they laughed and celebrated their love in a way that was truly unique to them.
Rock Climbing
Looking for the ultimate adventure elopement activity? It doesn’t get any better than a rock climbing elopement – wedding attire and all! With routes for every level, there is a climb for everyone, so even if you don’t have a lot of experience prior, you can still enjoy this elopement activity.
To learn more about including rock climbing into your wedding or elopement, check out my rock climbing wedding guide below!
Helicopter or Sea Plane Tour
Want to experience epic mountain views, but don’t want to go on a challenging hike? Hiring a helicopter or seaplane is an epic way to access some incredible elopement locations while also getting to also witness them from the sky! Another perk of including a helicopter ride in your elopement is that oftentimes, these locations are more remote meaning you’ll be less likely to run into other people during your adventure.
Horseback Riding
Riding horses together can be a romantic and adventurous addition to your elopement. Picture this – you and your partner riding along a beach at sunset. Sounds pretty dreamy, right?
Skiing / Snowboarding / Sledding
For couples who love winter sports, why not incorporate skiing, snowboarding, or even sledding into your snowy elopement? Race each other down the hill in your wedding gear or go for a cross-country trek through a winter wonderland.
Snowshoeing / Sleigh Ride
If racing down a mountain isn’t quite your style, you can still include other winter elopement activities in your day. Snowshoeing is a more relaxed, peaceful way to explore the winter landscapes. Or, you can also take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow for a cozier experience.
Simple Elopement Activities
Just because you are eloping doesn’t mean you need to include a ton of adventure in your day. In fact, elopement activities don’t even have to take place outdoors. Sometimes, the best moments are the quiet, intentional ones. Here are a few simple elopement activities you can include that will provide tons of intentional, quality time with those you love.
Have a Picnic
Almost all of my couples choose to have a picnic on their elopement day because food is such an important part of celebrating! Whether you’re overlooking a mountain lake, sitting on a cliffside, or cozied up on the beach, a picnic is a great way to relax and enjoy a meal together.
You can also get creative in the type of picnic you plan. Consider a brunch picnic, a charcuterie picnic, or a full-on gourmet picnic catered by a local vendor. Needles to say, the options for having a picnic during your elopement are endless!
Get Matching Tattoos
Getting a tattoo is becoming a popular elopement activity for many couples. Not only is this such a unique elopement activity, but it’s also a great way to get a lasting symbol of your elopement. Taylor & Andrew hired a tattoo artist at their Oregon wedding and it was a hit for them and their guests!
Get a Tarot Card Reading
For a spiritual or mystical touch, a tarot card reading can be a unique and meaningful experience on your wedding day. Whether you hire a professional reader or pull your own cards, this is a beautiful way to incorporate a bit of your personality into your elopement.
Walk Your Dog
Your elopement day wouldn’t be complete without your best pet! I always encourage my couples to bring their pup along on their special day. Plus, there are some amazing pet-sitting wedding vendors you can hire so your pet can be included as much (or as little) as you want.
Tidepooling
Having photographed a lot of elopements on the Oregon Coast, I’ve found that tidepooling is one of my couples’ favorite elopement activities. Searching for sea creatures along the coast is a peaceful way to spend time together on your elopement day without needing to go on a full adventure.
Go Winery Tasting or Brewery Hopping
Visiting a local winery or brewery is a fun and relaxed way to celebrate your marriage. Oregon and Washington have some of the best wineries and breweries in the country, making them a perfect place to celebrate with a post-elopement toast!
Cook a Meal Together
If you love to cook, why not prepare a special meal together? Whether it’s cooking breakfast in your Airbnb, or preparing a picnic meal to take with you in the afternoon, cooking is a beautiful way to share in an activity you love on your special day.
Have a Catered Meal or Hire a Private Chef
If you prefer to have someone else do the cooking for you, don’t worry, there are plenty of options! You can either order a catered meal to enjoy with your partner and/or guests, or hire a private chef who will cook your meal right in front of you and give you the ultimate five-star experience.
Cut a Wedding Cake
Did I mention that food was a big part of eloping? Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to skip the wedding traditions you love! Cutting a cake (or sharing a sweet treat) is a simple but fun way to celebrate your marriage. Plus, who doesn’t love cake?
Read Letters from Loved Ones
If your family and friends aren’t present at your elopement, reading letters from them can be a beautiful way to include them in your day. Many of my couples do this, and it always creates such heartfelt moments.
Play Card or Board Games
Want to bring a little friendly competition into your elopement? Playing a game you both love, whether it’s a simple card game or a full-on board game, can be a lighthearted and fun way to spend your day and share in an activity you love.
Listen to Your Favorite Records
If music is a big part of your relationship, consider bringing along a portable record player and playing your favorite music while enjoying the scenery around you.
Share a First Dance
Speaking of music, having a first dance isn’t just reserved for traditional weddings. In fact, there’s something special about having your first dance in a breathtaking outdoor location, with no one else around but the two of you. Whether it’s on a mountaintop, a secluded beach, or in the middle of the forest, dancing to your favorite song on your wedding day is sure to bring out all the feels and make for an unforgettable moment.
Relax in a Hot Tub
Ending your elopement day with a hot tub soak under the stars is the perfect way to unwind and reflect on your day. While this is an activity that most people enjoy any day of the year, the joy of just being together can feel even more magical on your elopement day.
No matter what elopement activities you choose to include in your elopement, the most important thing is to celebrate your day in a way that feels authentic to you!
Want to brainstorm even more elopement activity ideas together? Reach out to inquire – I’d love to help you plan your special day!