Ultimate Guide to Planning Elopement Day Activities
When my couples ask me what kind of activities they can do on their elopement day, I tell them the sky is the limit. And while that sounds cheesy AF, it’s true! Your elopement day is a reflection of you as a couple, so what was a perfect wedding day activity for one couple, might not fit your vibe. And it’s no secret that while traditional weddings follow a general schedule of events and activities, elopements don’t have that same sort of framework attached. The awesome thing about eloping is you can pick and choose which pieces of traditional weddings you want to incorporate like vows, a first dance, champagne toast, etc. and then add in other more unique activities that make for a super fun day and amazing candid photos!
When choosing your elopement activities, consider things like what you enjoy doing together, things you’ve always wanted to try, sentimental ideas, and what might make for awesome photos. An elopement doesn’t have to be a mini version of a wedding—you can plan a full day of fun on your elopement day, and most of my couples choose to book 8+ hours to fit in everything they want to do!
Still, choosing what activities you can and should add to your elopement can seem overwhelming, so here are some tips for choosing your elopement activities and some examples of awesome elopement activities!
Why Include Activities on Your Elopement Day
Incorporating activities into an elopement day can transform the experience from just another wedding day into the adventure of a lifetime. Most people who choose to elope already crave a more intimate and exciting alternative to a traditional wedding and activities help create that atmosphere. I always encourage couples to add activities to their elopement day for a number of reasons.
Tells a unique story. One of the main reasons to include activities on an elopement day is to lay out the narrative of your day. The activities help tell the story of your love and your special day in a way that posing and smiling for 8 hours will never achieve.
Creates candid moments. Activities create an environment where you are interacting naturally together, which translates to incredibly candid moments of laughter, tears, movement, and joint appreciation for the day. Doing things together also helps you feel more comfortable in front of the camera, since you’re able to focus on the activity rather than having your photo taken.
Alleviates wedding-day jitters. Including activities can also help alleviate any potential stress or nervousness that might come with the big day. Traditional weddings often come with a high level of pressure and expectations, which can detract from the joy of the occasion. Elopement day activities create a more relaxed and spontaneous atmosphere where the couple is able to be present and focus on enjoying the moments together.
Incorporates adventure. Activities can serve as a way to explore your incredible elopement destination. My couples get to elope in some of the beautiful locations in the world, and incorporating activities allows them to fully experience and enjoy these places, especially if they are visiting for the first time.
Makes for epic photos. Obviously one of the reasons I love when my couples include activities is that it allows for some incredible and unique photos. Many activities also include “props” that really enhance an already incredible backdrop like a canoe on an alpine lake at sunset or a classic car driving along a high mountain pass.
Gives your day structure. Since most wedding days include both guests and expected activities, it’s easy to create a timeline for 8 hours. But having 8-hour elopement without guests and no activities will make the day feel long and disorganized. Adding activities adds structure without feeling stressful.
How to Choose Your Elopement Activities
Elopement activities are dependent on a variety of factors such as: season and weather, chosen location, natural features available, and the vision of the couple, but I recommend dreaming big then narrowing down your activities from there. Here are some considerations when planning your elopement activities:
Take into account your location. One of the biggest factors about what activities you may want to include is your location. If you’re getting married in the mountains of Colorado, you may want to hike or camp. If your location is Florida, you’ll want to consider water-based activities like going to the beach or renting a boat!
Consider seasons and weather. Your chosen season will also have an effect on the activities available to you. Summer elopements can involve things like Jeep tours, hiking, swimming, etc. while a winter elopement may include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, a cozy sleigh ride, or ice skating. When it comes to Colorado elopements, the most accessibility for activities and locations will be July-September.
Think about what you like doing together. If you absolutely love hiking together, you may want to include a small hike into your elopement day or choose a location that requires a small hike to a gorgeous spot for your ceremony. If you’re avid skiers, you might want to consider a winter elopement where you can integrate skiing into your special day! If there are activities you love doing together, I always recommend starting there for your elopement activities!
Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty. For most of my couples, an outdoor elopement means they want to incorporate outdoor activities, which often comes with a bit of dirt involved! If you’re worried about your attire getting dirty, consider what’s more important to you—keeping your expensive wedding attire pristine, or experiencing all the things you envisioned on your big day.
Keep an open mind! Not all activities need to be complicated or strenuous like a hike or 4x4 driving. Consider mellow activities you enjoy as well like a picnic, cooking class, private yoga lesson, wine tasting, etc. These activities can be just as fun and add some variety to your day.
Dream up bucket list activities. Another great place to start is to spend a date night dreaming up some bucket list items. If you’ve always wanted to take an epic helicopter ride, we can narrow down locations that allow for guided heli tours. If Italy is on your bucket travel list, perhaps an elopement in the Dolomites would be your dream!
Budget for your activities. Don’t forget to budget for the activities you want to include. While I always suggest some free activities, if you have your heart set on something that might cost a little extra like a hot air balloon tour, renting a Jeep, or a private horseback ride, be sure to budget for it!
Narrow down from there. Once you’ve come up with your list, start narrowing it down based on how much coverage time you have, if you’ll be inviting guests, what date you want, etc. Start big, then let the details come into play! I always sit down with my couples to discuss what activities they might add to their day and how we can include as many of them as possible.
Elopement Activity Examples
Here are some ideas for activities you can potentially include in your elopement day. Keep in mind that for shorter elopements, you may only be able to fit in one activity. However, if you choose a full- or multi-day elopement adventure, you can include multiple activities, in multiple locations! This adds adventure and varied scenery into your day!
Hiking: If you are eloping in a beautiful natural setting, consider going for a hike or a walk. This can be a great way to connect with nature and each other, especially if hiking together is something you already love doing! You can either choose to hike to your location, or share a hike together after your ceremony!
Picnic: Pack a picnic lunch or dinner and find a scenic spot to enjoy it. This can be a romantic and intimate way to celebrate your elopement—and it’s also free. I love helping couples plan romantic picnics in incredible settings like beside an alpine lake or in a mountain meadow!
Adventure sports: If you are an adventurous couple, consider adding some excitement to your elopement by trying out an adventure sport such as rock climbing, sky diving, or bungee jumping on your big day! If this is something you’ve never done together, I can recommend some great local guides to take you on your adventure!
Water activities: one of my favorite things to incorporate on elopement days are water activities like canoeing or paddleboarding. While it can seem daunting to hop on a paddle board in your wedding dress, let me assure you, it’s so much fun and makes for incredible photos. I always suggest couples do a water activity at the end of the day or bring a different outfit to wear for it in case they get a little wet!
Spa day: Relax and de-stress on your elopement day by planning a spa day! If getting pampered together sounds like your definition of a dream elopement, consider booking a couple’s massage or facials together!
Wine tasting: If you are eloping in a wine region like California, Washington or Oregon, consider scheduling a wine tasting tour to sample some of the local offerings. Many wineries are even dog friendly, so you can bring your pup along on your elopement wine adventure!
Horseback riding: Consider booking a private horseback riding tour for you both to experience the beauty of nature in a different way!
Sightseeing: Take a guided tour of the area or visit local landmarks and attractions. You can book a private Jeep tour or a romantic walking tour through a European city!
Cultural experiences: Experience the local culture in a new place by attending a festival, visiting a museum, or taking a cooking class.
Beach activities: If you are eloping on a beach, consider going for a swim, snorkeling, or taking a sunset sail. I also love finding gorgeous cliffs where couples can jump into the ocean in their wedding attire—talk about an epic experience!
Romantic dinner: End your elopement day with a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant or in a private setting by hiring a chef to come to your vacation rental.
I love helping my couples plan out their day with unforgettable activities that make their day feel fun, adventurous, and unique. Remember, the most important thing is to choose activities that reflect your personalities and interests as a couple! Contact me today to help you plan elopement activities that will make your dream day come alive!