Fun Things to do on Your Elopement
It’s no secret that elopements have become extremely popular over the last few years and for good reason! Elopements don’t mean running off in secret to Vegas anymore, but that’s cool too, I mean who doesn’t want to be married by Elvis?! Elopements have grown into something that exudes connection, authenticity, and intentionality. The foundation that elopements are built around is connecting you and your partner to the great outdoors and creating an experience driven day that focuses on celebrating your love in a way that best represents you. The creativity, options, and adventures are all at your fingertips – the day is yours! There are some common threads when it comes to traditional weddings and elopements. Both typically have a ceremony, vow reading, and the potential to include your family, friends, or PETS. Don’t forget you fur babes! While big traditional weddings have a pretty set plan of events they tend to follow, eloping is not limited to just a ceremony and reception. Open your mind to your wedding day being a lot more than saying vows and taking a few portraits – this is your chance to craft an entire day together, from start to finish and represent who you two actually are while having fun. No two elopements are ever the same and they deserve as much documentation as a traditional wedding.
To get the creative idea flowing I suggest making a date night out of this by asking yourselves a few questions to start:
What are our favorite activities to do together?
What new things have we been wanting to try?
What do we do for fun already that we could incorporate on our wedding day?
There are no rules around here so if you can dream it up, it can happen!
HIKING
From a short walk, to a cool lookout area, to a 2-day hiking trek because nothing says adventure like an epic hike to a ceremony spot. You don’t have to be in fantastic shape to hike. Hiking comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and lengths! So if it’s something you want to add on your list of fun things to do on you elopement day we can find the perfect hike for you.
4X4 ROADS
If hiking isn’t your jam and your ideal spot is on a 4×4 road, you can consider renting a jeep or hiring a driver. You can also access 4×4 locations by renting ATV or UTV vehicles and by horse back!
HELICOPTERS & PLANE RIDES
What screams adventure more than getting whisked away by helicopter to your own personal glacier or remote island! Helicopters and airplanes are an amazing way to see multiple locations in one day. Imagine one minute you are having a picnic on top of a mountain and the next you are being flown to a glacier and filling up your water bottle with some of the cleanest water on the planet.
Adrenaline Pumping
ATVs
BASE jumping
Bouldering
Canyoneering or caving
Mountain biking
Paragliding
White water rafting
Rappelling
Rock Climbing
Slacklining or highlining
Sandboarding or sand sledding
Snowboarding
Tattoos
Pack rafting
Unless you are a certified professional, you’re going to want to hire a guide for some of these activities!
Relaxing Activities
Sight Seeing
Laying or walking the beach
Going on a safari
Taking a motorbike ride
Horseback riding
Wine tasting
Picnic
Board games
Yoga
Painting
Relaxing in hammock
Soaking in a hot tub
Fishing
Riding bikes
Hanging in a tree house
Drinking tea or coffee
Water Activities
Here are some activities for my water babes!
Canoes
Kayaks
Paddle boards
White water rafting or floating
Cliff jumping
Fishing
Scuba diving or snorkeling
Soaking in hot springs
Packrafting
Jetskiing
Snow Activities
Eloping in the winter or early spring in the mountains? There are so many winter activities you can do on your elopement!
Snowmobiling
Skiing
Snowboarding
Snowshoeing
Sledding
Snowball fight
Ice skating
Build a snowman
Cold plunge
Night Activities
The party doesn’t end after the sun sets. Here are my favorite night time activities!
Stargazing
Cozying up next to a campfire
Making s’mores + campfire dinner
First dance by firelight
Night hiking
Lanterns
Candles
Hot tub
Kid/Guest Friendly
Want to involve your friends, family, kiddos or your fur babies in some activities on your day? Well here are a few ideas!
Go on a walk with your dog
Play yard games
Play card games
Have a dance party
Piñatas
Photo or video booth
Karaoke
Rent a boat
Cooking class
Make food together
Hire a chef
Tour a winery
Rent a cute cabin or tree house for everyone to hang out in
CAMPING, GLAMPING, BACKPACKING & GLAMPACKING
If you think it would be fun to camp the night before or after your elopement, you can pitch a tent yourself or rent a glamping experience. You could take a few days to backpack on a trail you’ve always wanted to explore—or book a guided overnight where your stuff is carried for you and camp is all set up (glampacking!).
ACTIVITIES TO DO IF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS CANT MAKE IT
Have them write you letters you can open on your wedding day
Facetime (we FaceTimed my mom when my wide and I eloped)
Family and friends can record themselves and send videos to you on your wedding day
PLAN OUT YOUR ACTIVITIES
Some of these ideas don’t require a lot of planning to incorporate into your elopement day, while others you are going to want to book in advance or hiring a professional guide. Make sure you schedule enough time for these in your day (or days) so that you can enjoy them fully without feeling rushed.
In short your wedding day is YOURS! Do what makes you heart sing and forget the rest.
If you are planning your elopement and need ideas for where to go, you can check out our “Best National Parks to Elope in” blog: https://brookelewisphotography.com/best-national-parks-to-elope-in/
