Elopement Ideas [2024]
50 Ideas for Your Elopement
How Does Eloping Work?
Usually when people think of an elopement, they picture a quickie ceremony, a few photos, and done. But this is your WEDDING, and your love story deserves more than that! So, what can you actually do on your elopement day? How do elopements last all day? Actually, more and more of my eloping couples are planning not only full-day elopements, but multi-day adventures!
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to elopements, and the possibilities for your day(s) are endless! I always tell my couples to think about…what are some of the things you already love doing together, the things you’ve always wanted to do, the items on your bucket list, what you enjoy when you’re on vacation, places you want to visit, what your dream trip would look like, and so on! Picture it – that day could be yours! You could have the elopement experience of your dreams…
Elopement Location Ideas
Unique Elopement Ideas
There’s so many amazing ideas for elopement locations! Depending on where you want to travel (or if you want to be local to home), what kind of experience you want, the scenery you’re looking for, whether you want more amenities or somewhere more remote, and so on…
To help give you some ideas for beautiful elopement locations and unique elopement ideas in general, check out the following location guides:
Elopement Getting Ready Ideas
This is how you’ll start your wedding day together! Your wedding morning can be a nice relaxing slow morning together, maybe you want time for some cuddles before starting the day, make your morning coffee or tea, cook your favorite breakfast together…
AirBnb all to yourselves or a big one with space for loved ones
Why not get ready together? How romantic!
Or you can get ready separately and do a First Look - also super romantic!
Make breakfast together
Pick up your favorite donuts
Do yoga together
Write your vows in your vow books together
Elopement Ceremony Ideas
Your elopement ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments during your elopement. It can start with a First Look and you can incorporate traditional elements or create your own ideas or a mix of both, and commit your lives to each other in a way that’s special to you…
Personalized, handwritten vows
Love letters
Ring exchange
Unity Ceremony (sand ceremony, wine mixing, etc.)
Cultural or religious rituals/traditions
Include music that’s meaningful to you
Surprise each other with something
Have a First Dance
Read letters from loved ones
Watch video toasts from loved ones
Elopement Activity Ideas
This part is really where the sky’s the limit! You can basically incorporate anything that excites you two, anything that feels like it would be a “hell-yeah-this-feels-like-us” experience! Whether you want to do something relaxing, or adventurous, or thrilling, or whatever you’re into - here’s just a few ideas…
Scenic hike
Off-roading in a jeep
Hot Air Balloon ride
Boating / Sailing / Kayaking
Camping / Backpacking
Cliff jumping
Relax in a hammock
Swim in a lake
Enjoy some hot springs
Get matching tattoos
Cuddle by a campfire or fireplace
Horse-back riding
Wine Tasting
Rock climbing
Bike Riding
Elopement Transportation Ideas
This is always a fun one! You can do some really adventurous, make a road trip experience, get ready in a camper van…
Road trip
Rent a car you’ve always wanted to drive
Adventure in a camper van or RV
Jeep tours
Helicopter ride?!
Float plane
Sunset sailing
Elopement Food & Drink Ideas
Yesssss, my favorite topic, haha – FOOD! I definitely encourage couples to savor this part, I feel like most couples who have traditional weddings don’t even get a bite of their dinner or their delicious cake, so take advantage of that elopement freedom…
Eat at your favorite place (even if that’s fast food burgers!)
Private chef to cook you an intimate dinner
Picnic setup
Charcuterie board
Pizza lunch
Cooking together
Late night snack
Mimosa brunch
S’mores by a fire
Cook together and candlelight dinner
Brewery
Drinks at a bar
Shots after your First Kiss
Blend your own wine at a winery
Pop champagne
Elopement Photo Ideas
Elopement Photos
Honestly, part of the point (and the fun!) of having an elopement instead of a big traditional wedding is not even having to worry about having “photo ideas.” Rather than feeling like you’re in an all-day photoshoot, you’ll be so immersed in the experience and adventure of it all, actually be able to enjoy yourself, savor all the moments, and create beautiful memories. When I’m capturing these moments for my couples, I focus on you two interacting with each other, rather than you interacting with the camera, if that makes sense.
I encourage you to embrace the together-ness, the lightness of these moments that aren’t clouded by stress and drama, enjoy the quality time and soak in the experience we create together!
Elopement Picture Ideas
I’m your PLANNER too!
I’ll help you plan your elopement from start to finish!
*You’ll have an EXPERT by your side the whole way*
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