Activities to Include Before or After Your Elopement

Choosing to elope is an adventure in itself, but let’s not forget about the epic activities you can also include during your experience! The best part of eloping is getting to do whatever you want—this means if you want to ride in on horseback to your ceremony, you can! Some activities may be location-specific, but because there are endless opportunities for unique elopement activities, it might be hard to narrow it down. But if you do need a little help coming up with ideas, don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are some of my favorite activities to include before or after your elopement.

Stargazing

I had to put my absolute favorite right at the top. There is nothing better than having a sunset ceremony, hiking back down, and stopping for a few starry pictures along the way. What a magical way to end your perfect day by soaking it all in while staring up at the diamond sky. Stargazing is one of the best activities to incorporate into elopements. You can’t go wrong with this one.

Hiking

Of course, we can’t talk about elopement activities without including hiking. If you and your partner are adventurers at heart, hiking is the perfect activity for you. Not only do you get to include an activity you already love doing, but oftentimes hiking is the best way to get to some of the most beautiful locations. Just imagine you hike to the top of a mountain before dawn and then get to witness an epic sunrise and some cloud inversions? Whew. I’m all in.

Hot Air Balloon or Helicopter Ride

Let’s be honest, a hot air balloon ride is on a majority of our bucket lists. Well, why not include it in your already epic elopement?! Fly above the desert, mountains, or forests while soaking in the magic of the day with your partner. If hot air balloons aren’t available in your location, a helicopter ride can be just as epic. Imagine jetting off to Alaska, hopping in the helicopter, and eloping on a secluded glacier? I can see it now (and I’m tearing up)!

Horseback Riding

What’s one thing you think of when you hear the words “Wild, Wild, West?” I bet horses come to mind! If you’re not much of a hiker, horseback riding can be a great way to get to your location without as much effort on your end. Plus, horses are already magical creatures. The best part? Horseback riding isn’t limited to a ranch out in Wyoming or the deserts of Arizona. You can include horses in just about every location! (I’m talking dreamy, beachy horseback riding.)

Picnic

A major difference between traditional weddings and elopements is the dinner and reception. While some couples choose to have a reception, just keeping the ceremony private, others may not have any guests at all. If you still have to have dinner to celebrate tying the knot, have a picnic! If you don’t want a whole meal you could create a charcuterie board of your favorite meats, cheeses, jams, and crackers. Just don’t forget the champagne! However, if you do decide to invite guests, but don’t want them at the ceremony, you could have a brunch or dinner with your family and friends. 

Canoeing, Kayaking, or Boating

Eloping near an alpine lake? Grab your kayak, canoe, or boat and head out on the water after your ceremony! Or better yet, use them to get yourself to a secluded island to exchange your vows! Just imagine the two of you self-solemnizing in Colorado on a private island in the middle of the most gorgeous lake. All I can say is wow—I can’t wait to capture that one!

Campfire and S’mores

Following your epic stargazing adventure, you could have a campfire and s’mores (and of course, champagne) to end the night! Who doesn’t love a good s’more and the sweeter it will taste at the end of the most perfect day. This can be especially special if you have a few of your family and friends there to enjoy each other’s company.

No matter what you choose, the best part of eloping is getting to decide exactly what YOU want and not what tradition has told you. If you want to elope in the middle of a forest, surrounded by nature, and far away from society—DO IT! If you want to ride a helicopter to your ceremony location, I’m more than ready to tag along. And if you want to keep things simple, there’s nothing wrong with that either. I’ll be there to capture your story and your love, leaving you with meaningful memories you’ll enjoy for the rest of your lives. 

If you’re ready to start planning an epic elopement, I am SO ready to help you. From scouting the best locations to helping you pick out your elopement day activities, I’ll help you do it all! Are you ready? Let’s talk!