When couples come to us wanting to elope, the biggest concern they have is how to make their elopement special out of a fear that they may regret eloping. They also often wonder what to do on their elopement day. We here at Celebrate Again exist to help you realize that eloping is a celebration more magical than you could ever imagine because the possibilities are almost limitless. This is why we’re so excited to bring you this list of 25+ fun ideas for how to make your elopement special and magical!
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
Create All Day Fun
Most couples eloping only think about exchanging vows and maybe dinner after, but what if your elopement wedding day was more about creating the most epic day of your marriage and less about the formalities of getting married? What if the day or even the days surrounding your ceremony were full of all your favorite things, having the time of your life, setting the tone for the beginning of your marriage together?
I’m not going to lie here, I wish my husband and I would have done this a decade ago. Hey, Lumalia here, the CEO behind Celebrate Again. I believe that wedding days should be about couples, their stories and loves, not just saying, “I do” and signing a marriage license, but about setting the tone for the rest of your lives together. So, why not start off with an epic adventure? Wondering what else you could do? Keep reading–I’m so excited to share ALL the ideas I have for you two!
Go on Adventures
Eloping couples like yourself seem to be living life a bit differently, wanting to really experience the most out of life, which is why we encourage all of our couples to think about some of their bucket lists and tackle a few items there to celebrate their wedding day!
Ever wanted to hot air balloon ride? Why not exchange your vows floating in the sky?
Ever wanted to go snowmobiling through the backcountry of a mountainous landscape? Find a secluded spot to dive into another world exploring someplace you may never have known existed.
Hike through a forest or stunning trail. Maybe one that ends with a beach view and waterfall?
You could even have a backpacking wedding at a stunning vista that will make your jaw drop.
Here are some adventure elopements we’ve been able to be a part of!
- Snowmobile elopement
- Swimming
- Canoe ride
- Snowshoeing elopement
- Rock climbing elopement
- Hiking elopement
- Backpacking wedding
- 4×4 Wedding Jeep Elopement
- Wahclella Waterfall Wedding Exploring
- Waterfall Wedding Venues
- Explore Hawaii, we’d love to be your Hawaii elopement photographers!
- Want to elope in Washington? We’ll be your Washington elopement photographers!
For more ideas visit our elopement timeline activities suggestions and our sister companies guide to creating an Elopement Ceremony!
Looking to plan an Oregon elopement? Check out our guide on How to elope in Oregon and this guide on planning an Oregon Coast Elopement.
And for our Washington lovers, check out our these guides!
- How to plan your Mount Rainier Elopement
- Planning an Olympic National Park Elopement
- How to Elope in Washington State
Pro tip: Take some time together to create an ultimate bucket list together and see where it may lead you. Save your bucket list for unique was to celebrate your anniversary or for your anniversary trip in the future!
Go for a Dip
Water or mountains, it’s always a topic of conversation around here. Many couples struggle to decide between the two: a beach location for their elopement, or a mountain location (Which is why we love serving Colorado, Oregon and Hawaii, where either of these are options are accessible within the same day!) But what if you enjoyed some swimming on your wedding day, hitting up a hot spring or rowing out to a gorgeous view, or just getting on the water?
Create a Playlist
Considering all your five senses on your wedding day experience can truly make it magical. Take some time to create a playlist for your day that you can return to as you look back on the day. Because isn’t most music we love tied to an amazing memory we have listening to it? Most couples only think about music for a first dance, but since you’re doing things differently, why not make it more epic by making the whole day full of music you love?
Include Cultural Traditions
While you may be breaking the cultural norm, that doesn’t mean you can’t borrow traditions you particularly love to craft a day that’s uniquely you. Are you drawn to Turkish culture? Create a Sofreh Aghd (a gathering of items that represent an element of the couple’s new life and marriage together which could include items from family or friends too). Consider planting a time capsule together, literally tying the knot, or practice handfasting, a tradition from the Scottish. Dive into any heritage you want to find traditions that fit you.
Craft a Unique Ceremony
For more unique ceremony ideas check out our elopement timeline with elopement ceremony ideas.
Include traditions from different cultures or make your ceremony as special as you want it!
Travel Some Place Unique
While you certainly can get married at home or in your home state, it is also crazy fun to travel someplace unique to make your elopement special. We particularly love these locations in the U.S. because of their unique landscapes that are accessible by most people, especially if you’ve got a small crew eloping with you.
Oregon
You can skip Iceland and just come here instead. Oregon has breathtaking waterfalls, mountainous beaches like the famous cannon beach, alpine lakes, rivers, mountains, green forests, and so much more.
Colorado
Known for its winter wonderland and world-renowned skiing (especially in Telluride), Colorado also has alpine lakes, sweeping mountain views like Rocky Mountain National Park, and spots like Buena Vista, a true hidden gem with its own modest waterfalls. Check out our best places to elope in Colorado guide for some ideas!
New Mexico
The forgotten state by most Americans who think Texas and Arizona touch. It’s called the Land of Enchantment for a reason with its stunning white sands, alpine lakes (if you know where to look), Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, dormant volcanos (see this desert elopement), ancient ruins, and uncrowded desert vibes. It’s one very unique place to go, full of rich history too.
For more check out our best places to elope guide!
Practice Yoga or Meditate
Do you practice yoga or meditate daily? Why not include your sacred practices into your wedding day experience? And get this friend, I’m a yoga teacher too. So if you’re looking for a custom-made yoga class to connect you two on your elopement wedding day I can do just that for you! Learn more about our Celebrate Again yoga to get a taste!
Read Letters from Loved Ones
If your family or bestie cannot attend, have them write you a handwritten letter you open on your wedding day. Make sure to have your photographer document you opening your letters so they can see your reactions–I’m sure they’ll appreciate being able to see your reaction later!
Not close to anyone who’s not already coming? Write each other a letter. Most vows are promises, but what if you started your day reading a letter to your beloved before you saw each other in person? Not sure what to write? Check out our love quotes for her guide to help you get started!
Have A First Look
Get Ready Together
If you don’t want to do a first look together, consider helping each other get ready, zipping up each other’s dresses or buttons. It can be a really sweet intimate time!
Invite Someone You Love
Including a few special people is one of the biggest pieces of advice I get from couples who eloped in a more old fashioned way, such as at a courthouse with only a judge and one witness present. In many places, you’ll need at least two witnesses, so why not include two close friends, family, or a small crew to celebrate your beautiful day. Why not also include your pups?
Read more about eloping with family and friends here!
Pro tip: Did you know in the state of Colorado your dogs can be your witnesses and sign your marriage license with their paw prints? Say what?! Yep, you don’t need witnesses in Colorado you can self solemnize (aka no officiant or witnesses needed) so your dogs can sign just for fun! Check out our How To Elope In Colorado guide for more info!
Create a Custom Scent
Start a Tradition
Starting your own tradition is a great way to give your elopement a special touch. At some point on your wedding day, start a tradition of your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Maybe create a jar that every year you’ll add one thing to it that symbolized your year together. Collecting something sustainable on your wedding day like a rock.
Leave No Trace Warning: Don’t pick wildflowers on your wedding day unless you are on your own private property. Most take decades to grow back.
- Take a photo holding your parent’s wedding photo or your baby picture, then the next year hold your wedding day photo and keep adding on each year.
- Start an adventure journal together. Each year add a photo from the year along with an expert. Yep, you can totally create your own “Up” adventure book.
Find Your Adventure Book: We love these adventure books on Etsy! This Leather bound book or this like the movie “Up”
Create a Secert Handshake
I know this sounds SO elementary but how fun would it be during your ceremony to include a secret handshake.
Ok ok, I know maybe I watched “The Parent Trap” a few too many times growing up, but I think partners are also best friends, and best friends should have their own secret handshake.
Find a Special Beverage
Do you love wine, scotch, beer, or even sparkling water? Maybe you could splurge a little to buy your favorite, try that brand you’ve had your eye on but just couldn’t justify the price before, and let it be a part of making your elopement special.
Leave No Trace Pro Tip: We know how big those champagne popping photos are, so please be mindful of leaving champagne on trails or outdoors were it can attract wild life to the trails and endanger everyone. Instead opt for spraying carbonated water and drink your champagne.
Eat Dessert
Whatever dessert you love, include it on your elopement wedding day: cupcakes, ice cream, cookies, pie, brownies, pineapple. Enjoy indulging your favorite treats, because why not?
P.S. Some of these photos are recipes over on our yoga site if you have a hankering. Click the photo to get the recipe.
Storytime: My husband and I personally didn’t like cake, so we had cookies at our wedding, to which I’m ashamed to say no one ate because we didn’t “cut the cookies.” So after our wedding I then proceeded to eat 6 gallon-sized bags of cookies over the next three months single-handedly. Hi, my name is Lumalia and I’ve had a cookie problem since age 3. 😉
I even hear out in Portland, Oregon there is a new restaurant in town called The Yard (originally from Alabama) that makes milkshakes with brownies on top. Talk about a special treat for your elopement day!
Decorate Your Spaces
While you may not want to decorate the beautiful outdoor location you chose to elope at, you may want to decorate where you have a mini dinner or reception after with family or friends. Include a centerpiece from a florist, or go a little crazy with balloons, streamers, twinkle lights, or laser star lights.
You could even include “just married” tags hanging off a hiking backpack, your car, or any other fun places!
Want to decorate but not sure where to start? Consider hiring a stylist to help you create a unique picnic or reception space just for the two of you or your small crew!
Include Unique Elopement Day Activities
Do you love backyard movies? Why not rent a projector and screen your favorite movie as a part of your reception.
- Do you love picnics? Why not picnic for lunch or dinner on your elopement day? Bring in some flowers, your favorite books, pillows, and make it magical!
- Buy some yard games and play with your family and friends.
- Start a fire and roast some s’mores. Maybe bring your guitar to play and sing along or hire a local musician to serenade you!
- Visit a local food truck for one of your meals.
- Commission a local artist to paint or draw a scene from your day.
- Go on a tandem bike ride.
- Ride the train or bus in your wedding clothes, enjoy all the congratulations.
- Play with nature confetti, grabbing dried leaves and throwing them up in the air (biodegradable confetti is important, especially to leave no trace)
- Ditch your phones and bring a disposable camera to document the day from your own point of view as well as hiring a professional.
- Play your favorite board game.
Ask your local vendors about unique things to do in the area that you could include on your wedding day.
Pro tip: All of our couples get handpicked activity recommendations from us from our years of exploring and living in all the places we serve!
Have A First Dance
But instead of having to be the center of attention in a large crowd, enjoy dancing under the stars or in the comfort of your hotel or romantic stay! Don’t forget a Bluetooth speaker and portable charger to make it feel more special! Downloading your song ahead of time can also make sure you can play your song if you decide to dance in the middle of nowhere adventuring!
Chill Out
The best thing my husband and I do anytime we go on a trip just the two of us is to plan for some good old fashioned chill time. While having a day packed full of adventures is crazy fun, it goes by so fast. While it’s hard to want to slow down on your wedding day, remember taking time to soak it all up will make it that much better.
Here are some chill ideas for your elopement:
- Enjoy some hammock time together
- Take a mid-day nap (if you need help falling asleep try my free yoga Nidra for sleep guide to help you drift off fast!)
- Read your favorite books
- Read through our romantic love quotes list
- Soak up the scenery
- Sit by a fire
- Sit on a patio or deck
- Get in a hot tub or hot spring
- Take a bubble bath together
- Hangout in bed surrounded by candles or flower petals
- Get a couples massage
- Do a puzzle together
- Cook together
- Write down your favorite moments from the day together
- Stargaze
- Practice yoga or meditation
Plan A Surprise
- Do you love to sing? Write or sing them a song!
- Do they have something they are collecting a lot of? Gift them with something on your wedding day.
- Do they have a favorite candy? Write them a candy note card using the candy as the words to write a silly phrase. Just search candy cards for a list of ideas!
- Write them sticky notes and have them left everywhere after they got to sleep so they can see them when they get up to get ready.
Let your creativity run wild to make the day extra special for your beloved.
Ride in Style
Pro tip: We are excited to partner with Native Jeeps to help our Colorado couples arrive at remote locations outside of Idaho Springs where they’ll guide you and you get to drive your own 4×4 jeep on trails that fit your comfortability levels!
Wear Fabulous Clothes
Since you’re not splurging on guest gifts or catering for 400 why not feel fabulous in what you wear or include two outfits! We have a great elopement wedding dress guide that can help you navigate what to wear!
Consider what activities you may be doing throughout the day. If you’re hiking or adventuring consider what type of dress you can move well in or if you’re wanting to do that in another part of the day consider two outfits. You could even have a wedding day swimsuit for when you get in that hot spring or hot tub later!
Wear Shoes You Love
Stay Some Place Cool
Consider renting a really badass rental property for your elopement and crew. Check out our VRBO Colorado wedding venue guide for ideas in Colorado or our Airbnb wedding venues in Oregon
Many of our couples like to make their elopement special by turning their elopement into their honeymoon also and enjoying a luxury stay someplace!
Love all these ideas but not sure where to start? Check out our guides to help you get started!
- What is an Elopement
- How to Elope
- Elopement Packages
- Should I Elope Quiz: Elope vs Wedding where you can hear some eloping stories
- Deep dive into the differences of an Elopement vs Wedding
- Still trying to figure out all the details of where to go? Check out our Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado or Airbnb wedding venues in Oregon guides!
Let's Hang Out.
We’re here to be your elopement day BFF’s and share our expertise through the entire planning process.Schedule a call with us to get this party started!
We believe in intention over tradition and that your wedding day should feel like you!
Let’s craft a wedding day experience that lets you run wild.
Learn more about hiring us as your Oregon elopement photographers or Colorado elopement photographers
NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT?
Free Elopement Wedding Checklist PDF Download
Ready to make wedding planning easier? Download our free elopement checklist PDF!
We respect your privacy. If you don’t see your download immediately after signing please check your spam/prompotionals folders or email us
Feeling like you want some extra support right now? We gotcha bb. Check out some of our fave elopement guides we’ve made just for you:
- 🧐Should I Elope Quiz
- Elopement VS Wedding deciding which is right for you
- How to Get Married Without a Wedding for couples that want a different kind of day
- ✨How To Make Your Elopement Special
- ⌚️Elopement Timeline
- 👗Elopement Wedding Dress For Your Outdoor Wedding
- ☑️Elopement Checklist
- 🏠Eloping with Family
- 🧳Elopement Packing List
- Elopement Ceremony Guide
- 💦Waterfall Wedding Venues
- Ethereal forest wedding inspo
- Adventurous Hiking Elopement
- 🏞Best Places to Elope
Washington Resources
- How to Elope in Washington State
- The Pros and Cons of a Mount Rainier Elopement
- Your guide to planning your Olympic National Park Wedding
- North Cascades Elopement Guide
- Ruby Beach Elopement Inspo + Planning Tips
- Get to know your Washington Elopement Photographers
Pin How To Make Your Elopement Special For Later
12 Responses
Omg WOW so many fun elopement ideas to make the day special! I love all this useful information SO MUCH! And your photos are incredible!