Elopements have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with good reason. They offer an intimate and stress-free alternative to traditional weddings, allowing couples to focus on each other and their love rather than the details of a big event.
I personally LOVE elopements that are fun and special to the couple, whether that’s eloping on a cliffside at your favorite national park, getting ready at a cabin in the woods, or wearing something funky and crazy in Las Vegas.
If you're planning an elopement, you may be wondering how to make your day special and unique to your relationship. Here are 50 quick things you can do on your elopement day:
Getting Ready
Take a hot shower/bath together to relax and refresh yourself.
Accessorize your outfit with a sentimental piece of jewelry or something borrowed. You can still have traditional wedding moments within your elopement!
Write a love letter to your significant other.
Take a moment to reflect on the journey that led you to this moment.
Say a prayer or set an intention for the day.
Get ready together.
Or don’t, and share a special first look moment at a scenic spot before the ceremony.
Take a walk together before the ceremony.
Go out to brunch together.
Wake up early and start the day with a cup of coffee together.
Go on a sunrise hike: There's nothing more romantic than watching the sunrise with your partner. Find a scenic spot and enjoy the stunning view together.
Get massages or take a yoga class.
Ceremony
Share a bottle of champagne to drink after your vows. Don’t forget to keep the cork!
Instead of arriving in a car or a limousine, you can make an entrance on ATVs, horses, motorcycles, or even a helicopter!
Exchange personal vows or love letters.
Incorporate a meaningful ritual or tradition from your culture or religion.
Hire a musician or band to serenade you during the ceremony.
Get married underwater: If you're certified divers, consider getting married underwater. It's a unique and unforgettable experience.
Have a unity ceremony or handfasting.
Hire a professional artist to create a portrait of you during the ceremony.
Have your pet be a part of the ceremony.
Activities
Set off fireworks or sparklers together as a grand finale.
Take a helicopter ride: If you're up for an adrenaline rush, take a helicopter ride over a nearby mountain range or national park.
Choose an activity that means a lot to you: take a hike, walk the dog, kayak, rock climb, etc.
Go shopping for matching jackets.
Get matching tattoos.
Bring a photographer along to capture candid moments throughout the day. I’d love to be that hype woman for ya hehe!
Take a post-ceremony adventure together, like a hike or a hot air balloon ride.
Go on a horseback ride: Explore the surrounding countryside while riding horses with your partner.
Have a picnic for two: Pack a basket with your favorite snacks, find a secluded spot and enjoy a romantic picnic with your partner.
Rent a boat and explore the nearby lakes, rivers or ocean.
Go paragliding: If you're adventurous and not afraid of heights, take a tandem paragliding flight with your partner.
Sunset sailboat cruise.
Enjoy happy hour at your favorite brewery.
Go wine or whisky tasting together.
Do a cake/dessert cutting together - just because you’re not having a big wedding doesn’t mean you have to ditch all the traditions if you don’t want to.
Share a first dance together.
Take a moment to create a time capsule of memories from your elopement day.
Send postcards to friends/family to announce where you are and where you just got married.
Create a signature cocktail together, so you always have a unique drink you made up together you can share on your anniversaries.
Take a stroll down the beach, waterfront, or scenic spot to breathe in the day.
The Night-Of
End the night with a private stargazing session in a secluded spot.
Plan an intimate dinner at a favorite restaurant or with a private chef.
Have a campfire: End your elopement day with a cozy campfire. Make s'mores and enjoy the starry night sky together.
Storm a pub or local bar and have yourself a “reception” party for yourselves.
Rent out a bar or rooftop to host a small happy hour for any guests you may have.
If you had an intimate ceremony with just the two of you, invite some friends/family as guests for a small afterparty.
Attend a concert or show of your favorite artist or performer.
Spend the night at a cozy bed and breakfast.
Spend the night at a unique Airbnb/VRBO experience: like a treehouse, castle, cabin, igloo etc.
These are just a few ideas to make an elopement day truly memorable and personal. Remember to make your elopement day an adventure that reflects your unique relationship. It’s all about celebrating your love in a way that feels like “YOU.”
Hi there!
I’m Bree and I am a bubbly elopement photographer based in San Diego and Las Vegas. I have more than 8 years of experience in capturing the most important and memorable moments of couples' lives. My approach is a combination of a photojournalistic and fun style, capturing candid moments as they happen and also orchestrating photos that feel natural and fun. I LOVE adventure and epic elopements. Anything outdoorsy or even unique Vegas elopements are my jam!
