One of the best parts of choosing an elopement over a traditional wedding is that there are literally no rules for your day. You can fill it with all the things that make you two light up. From slow mornings snuggled up with coffee and pastries to adrenaline-pumping adventures, you’ll remember forever – your wedding day can (and should be) more than just a ceremony.

And that’s where these elopement ideas come in! Let’s talk about all the fun, wild, cozy and everything-in-between activities you can include in your elopement day to make it even more meaningful.

Why Add Activities to Your Elopement Day?

Adding activities isn’t about filling up a timeline to please someone else. It’s about creating memories and crafting a day that reflects who you are as a couple. What makes you you? What makes you feel alive?

When you take time to slow down, do things you love, and share experiences that feel special, your elopement day goes beyond the ceremony and becomes so much more than a photo shoot – it becomes an adventure. An intentional, happy, completely you kind of day! Whatever adventure looks like for you.

But if you need help brainstorming how to go about adding activities to your day, ask yourselves these questions:

• What are our favorite things to do together?
  
• What do we do for fun on weekends or days off?
  
• Is there something new we’ve always wanted to try?
  
• How can we turn our favorite activities into part of our wedding day?

And if you’re not sure, I’ve got you! You tell me your vibe and I’ll help bring it to life!

25+ Fun Elopement Ideas for Your Day

Here are just some ideas to help you dream up your perfect elopement adventure!

Chill & Romantic

• Picnic with your fave snacks + views
  
• Campfire with s’mores + stargazing
  
• Slow morning coffee + pastries in bed
  
• Pool time at a luxe Airbnb
  
• Beachcombing or collecting seashells together
  
• Glamping or cozy cabin retreat

Water Lovers

• Paddle boarding on a peaceful lake
  
• Canoeing through the forest
  
• Fishing at your go-to spot
  
• Surfing at sunrise or sunset
  
• Hot tubbing with champagne + mountain views

Snow Day Vibes

• Skiing or snowboarding together
  
• Snowshoeing to your ceremony site
  
• Après-ski hangs by a fireplace

Land Adventures

• Hiking to a stunning overlook (don’t worry—I’ll help you find the perfect one!)
  
• Backpacking overnight for an under-the-stars experience
  
• 4-wheeling through the forest or desert trails
  
• Sand boarding on epic dunes
  
• Horseback riding through meadows or mountain trails
  
• Biking your favorite route or trail

Elopement Ideas With Family

Want to involve your friends, family, kids, or your fur babies in some activities on your day? You most certainly can!

• Play games you love, like cards, board games, corn-hole!
  
• Brewery hopping at some local gems
  
• Dance party under the stars or in your Airbnb living room
  
• Watching the sunset or stargazing with blankets + snacks
  
• Karaoke
  
• Bring your pups along for the fun! And if you’ve been wondering how to plan a dog-friendly elopement, I’ve got you!

There are many, many more things you can do during your elopement day. Just ask, and I’m sure we can make it happen!

Planning Tips for Your Adventure-Filled Elopement Day

While some things (like stargazing or playing games) can happen on the fly, other activities may need a little prep! I’ll help you figure out what needs permits, reservations, or gear—and make sure it’s all squared away ahead of time so you two can just show up and enjoy your day!

Want to go paddle boarding but don’t have boards? I’ve got rental recs. Thinking about a campfire? I’ll check the fire restrictions for you. That’s the beauty of having someone who’s done this before by your side—I’m here to make it all feel easy and FUN.

This is Why I Also Recommend All-Day Elopements 

With so many amazing elopement ideas to choose from, just a few hours is not enough. An all-day (or multi-day!) elopement gives you the freedom to explore multiple locations, try new things, take intentional breaks, and just be with each other.

Even with the most well-thought-out timeline, unexpected things can pop up, and giving yourself breathing room means way less stress and way more space to enjoy the moment if things do go slightly off the rails. 

Ready to Bring These Elopement Ideas to Life Together?

This is your sign to go all in on making your PNW elopement day the best day ever. Whether you’re dreaming of mountain lakes or coastal breezes, forest hikes or brewery hangs, your wedding can be so much more than just vows + photos.These elopement ideas are your permission slip to go big, get creative, and fill your day with love, laughter, and a whole lot of adventure.

Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon and PNW elopement photographer! And I freaking love working with couples like you that are foregoing tradition and choosing a day that is about you and your love! If you and your partner want to plan an epic elopement, I’m here to document a day you’ll never forget! You can check out my packages and contact me via my inquiry form here!