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.

Learn about the modern definition of “elope”.

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!

Similar Posts