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Elopement ideas & activities

to make your elopement special and memorable

Elopement Ideas & Activities For Adventure Weddings

Updated For 2026

The most overlooked aspect of elopement planning.. elopement ACTIVITIES! The best way to add adventure, make your elopement feel special and memorable is to plan to include activities. Plus, it’s a good way to get gorgeous, candid photos and not feel like you’re just doing a photo shoot!

This can be anything – from things you love to do together, to new things you’ve been wanting to try. You can include traditional elements like a first dance and cake cutting, or elopement specific activities like reading letters from your friends/family. It doesn’t have to be extreme sports like rock climbing- it could be as simple as a picnic and champagne.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best elopement ideas and how to plan a fun-filled and memorable wedding day! Here are our favorite elopement ideas and activities for how you can make your elopement day feel special- not just a quick ceremony and some photos. Because you’re not just getting married – you’re starting your marriage doing what makes you happy together.

Why should you add activities to your elopement day?

One of the best parts about eloping is the freedom to do what you want. Including activities that you already enjoy together such as hiking to a remote area, off-roading, having a picnic or even trying a completely new activity together adds to the experience you have. These shared experiences are what turn your elopement into more than just a ceremony – they create real memories you’ll talk about for the rest of your lives, not just photos you look back on.

Having activities planned takes the “posing” away from having your photos taken. It allows you to take your mind off the camera and really just enjoy the moment. This results in beautiful, candid photos that tell a story and showcase authentic moments!

The beauty of eloping is that it’s completely customizable to what you like to do as a couple. This is the perfect time to share something you love doing with your partner. Whether that’s fly fishing in a beautiful Colorado river, sharing a glass of your favorite wine while overlooking a stunning landscape or even playing your favorite board game – incorporating things you already love to do together allows the pictures & videos to better showcase who you truly are as a couple.

Elopement days go by fast, but the moments you feel are the ones that stay with you forever. When you build your day around meaningful experiences instead of just the ceremony and portraits, you create memories that are tied to emotion, not just a timeline. Years from now, you won’t only remember what your photos looked like – you’ll remember how it felt to hike hand-in-hand at sunrise, laugh over a shared adventure, or slow down and soak it all in together. Those layered experiences are what turn your elopement into a story you’ll tell for the rest of your lives.

Your elopement day should feel like an adventure from start to finish – not something that peaks at the ceremony and then slowly winds down. Of course you’ll be excited to see your partner for the first time and hear the vows they spent hours perfecting, but the magic shouldn’t stop once the ceremony ends. When you build in activities you’re genuinely excited about, the day keeps unfolding in the best way – full of movement, discovery, and shared moments. Instead of feeling like a short event, your elopement becomes a full-day experience you’ll never forget.

Elopement Getting Ready Ideas

how to start your elopement day together

Getting ready for your elopement

get ready together or separately

Some couples choose to get ready together on the morning of their elopement. You can share breakfast, write your vows together and help each other get your attire on for a memorable elopement morning.

Elopement First Look

Surprise each other with the big reveal

Yes, you can have a first look even if you are eloping! This typically involves having a first look at the AirBnB right after you get dressed, OR you can have a first look at an epic location by taking separate transportation, or simply hiding your attire with a blanket.

Detail Photos

Have your most important details documented

Have your photographer set some time aside in the timeline for detail photos. This can include whatever you’d like- but most commonly includes your rings, florals, vow books and any invitations/announcements. You can also include shoes, jewelry, perfume, etc!

Elopement Ceremony Ideas

elements to include in your elopement ceremony

Rock paper scissors

to decide who reads their vows first!

Can’t decide who should read their vows first? Do rock paper scissors!

This is such a fun way to start off your ceremony, and makes for a great photo-op too!

Personal vows

Write handwritten vows to read to each other

This is an elopement, there’s no need to follow any tradition or a generic script! Take some time to write personalized vows to each other and read them during your elopement ceremony.

Be sure to write your vows in vow books to avoid reading off of your phone, it doesn’t look nearly as good in the photos!

Exchange Rings

After your vows, exchange your wedding bands!

Simply take turns putting each others rings on to make it official, then seal the ceremony with a kiss and celebration!

Unity Ceremony

Choose an activity for a unity ceremony

There are many different types of unity ceremonies- from more traditional activities such as hand fasting and unity candles, to unique ideas such as planting a tree together, blending wine, boba drinks, mixing sand together, painting a canvas together and more.

Sign your marriage license

Capture the moment it becomes official

Capture the moment you legally make it official. This moment always turns out more funny than expected as following the extremely specific instructions is always somewhat challenging.

Best Elopement Celebration Ideas

how to celebrate your elopement

Pop Champagne

Spray some champagne or sparkling water!

Bring along some sparkling water to spray and champagne to drink after your ceremony! This is such a fun activity that always results in the most epic photos. Make sure to leave no trace- always pick up your cork and trash!

take shots or a shot ski

take shots with a shot ski

Celebrate your elopement with your favorite drink! Consider taking a flask with your favorite liquor, bringing fireball shots, or even a custom shot-ski.

Have A Picnic

Pack your favorite food and drinks to enjoy!

Pack a basket with your favorite foods and drinks and find a scenic spot to enjoy a private picnic with your partner! There are lots of businesses in Colorado that offer to-go snack boards and picnics. You could also opt for something more simple like pizza and beers, or bring along a tasty treat like a small cake or cupcakes!

Eat cake!

celebrate with cake or your favorite dessert

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a wedding cake! You can get small wedding cakes custom made, or pick up one at Whole Foods. Or if cake isn’t your thing- bring your favorite dessert!

First Dance

Choose your song and slow dance

You don’t need to have a traditional wedding to have a first dance! Be sure to download your first dance song onto your phone in case there isn’t service at your location.

Custom “we eloped” sign

national park elopement sign

A custom “We Eloped” sign is a simple way to celebrate the moment you become officially married. Whether you bring a wooden sign, acrylic board, or handwritten poster, it adds a fun, just-married touch to your ceremony and portraits. It’s perfect for announcing your elopement in photos, sharing with friends and family later, and even turning into a keepsake for your home.

FaceTime or read letters from family

Read notes from your FRIENDS & family

FaceTime your friends and family on your elopement day- or surprise them with your marriage like these two did! Or- have your loved ones write you letters, then set some time aside to read them together on your elopement day. Be sure to let your friends and family know well in advance so you have them written to bring on your adventure!

Adventure Elopement Ideas

unique ELOPEMENT activities for ADVENTUROUS couples

Go Hiking

Choose a scenic trail, short or long!

Hiking is one of the most popular elopement activities! Incorporating a scenic hike into your elopement is a great way to get stunning scenery in your photos. It can also increase the chance of privacy on your day if you hike to more remote or lesser known areas. Your elopement photographer should help you find a breathtaking trail that’s suitable for the length, difficulty and scenery that you’d like for your day.

4×4 Off-roading

CHOOSE A DIRT ROAD AND FIND SOME VIEWS

If you’re in an area with scenic roads like Telluride, consider hiring a company to take you on a 4×4 tour! Or rent a Jeep and explore some backroads to an epic overlook.

Sailboat tour

go on a scenic sunset sailboat ride

Take a scenic sailboat tour of Lake Dillon. The Dillon Marina offers private sunset sail cruises during the summer months.

Be aware you are not supposed to swim in Dillon Reservoir, as it’s very cold and you can get hypothermia.

Water activities

canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding

Have fun on the water by kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding or jumping in a lake to end your elopement!

We recommend an adventure session to include fun activities on the water, without worrying about your attire.

Go horseback riding

a scenic horseback ride in the mountains

Whether you’re an avid horseback rider, or have no experience, going trail riding is an activity anyone can do!

There are tour-led horseback rides in various areas of Colorado- from the San Juan Mountains to Crested Butte to Breckenridge.

Take a scenic gondola ride

take a gondola for easy views

Want the views without the hike? Take a Gondola! Many ski resorts run their gondola throughout the summer and into fall.

Some areas such as Telluride even have free rides!

Have a campfire

Go camping or just have a campfire and s’mores

Set up a tent, RV or rooftop tent and camp for the night! Spend the evening cuddled up by the fire, sipping yummy drinks and roasting marshmallows. Bring blankets, snacks, and a bottle of wine to make it even more romantic.

explore with lanterns

take blue hour photos after sunset

Stay out after dark and explore with lanterns. Ask your photographers if they have some already you can use- we personally provide these for our clients upon request.

Star Gazing & astrophotography

find a clear sky and look at the stars

If you’re in a remote area with clear skies, take advantage of the opportunity to go stargazing and get epic astro photos!

Hot air balloon ride – A hot air balloon ride turns your elopement into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Floating above mountains and valleys as the sun rises feels surreal, romantic, and wildly cinematic. It’s the perfect way to start your marriage with a sense of wonder and adventure you’ll never forget!

Helicopter ride – A helicopter ride takes your elopement to a whole new level – literally. It allows you to access jaw-dropping, remote locations in minutes, making your day feel exclusive and extraordinary. This is hard to find in Colorado due to restrictions on where they can fly and land.

Elopement ideas with pets

including your pets in your wedding day

Pets At Your Ceremony

Invite your pets to your ceremony

If your pets are patient- you can have your pets with you when you say your vows! Be sure to bring along an anchor if they are prone to explore and need to be leashed so you don’t have to hold them, but they can be nearby.

Dress your pets up

Have your pets dress for the occasion

It’s always cute to make your pets a bit more “formal” for the wedding day. You know your pets best and what they will tolerate but we’ve seen everything from a vest that attaches to their leash, a floral crown or even a full length outfit!

paw print on your marriage license

your dog can sign your marriage license in colorado!

In Colorado, since you don’t need an officiant or witnesses, your pet can sign your marriage license! Be sure to get ink-less pads to keep their paws clean, and double check with the office you get your license from to be sure they accept it.

Get a dog cake

Pet Friendly Wedding Cake

Bake your own or buy a pet friendly cake to allow your pets to take part in the celebration on your wedding day!

go hiking with your dogs

take your pets on a hike to a scenic location

This is one your pets will love- take them on a hike or walk to a beautiful vista! Remember to bring leashes, a portable water dish, waste bags and some treats!

Micro wedding Ideas

for your adventure wedding with guests

speeches and toasts

Share the mic

Your closest friends and family love the opportunity to share how they feel about you. This is also an incredible moment to include in your wedding film if you hire a videographer.

Enjoy A Dinner

FOR THE FOODIES!

Hire a private chef to prepare a romantic dinner for you and your partner at your AirBnB/VRBO. This can be a special way to celebrate your love and enjoy a delicious meal together.

Unique Elopement Activities & Ideas

for your adventure wedding

Pull a Tarot Card

ADD A MEANINGFUL, INTENTIONAL MOMENT TO YOUR CEREMONY

Into tarot cards? Consider pulling one during your elopement! Whether you take it seriously or just enjoy it for what it is, it adds a personal, intentional touch to your ceremony. It’s a small moment that often ends up being one of the most memorable parts of the day.

fly fishing

do what you love on your elopement day!

If fly fishing is something you love doing together, your elopement day is the perfect excuse to build it in. Instead of your day feeling rushed or overly structured, you get to slow down and actually enjoy being married in the middle of something you already love.

A Unique Place To Stay

Choose a cute AirBnB or VRBO

Don’t settle for a stuffy hotel room.. choose a fun and unique rental for your elopement! Consider a treehouse, yurt, mountain home with a view, etc. We recommend booking somewhere with lots of windows and natural light for the best getting ready photos.

Scenic Train Ride – A scenic train ride is such a chill, memorable way to spend part of your elopement day. There are lots of options in Colorado such as the Georgetown Loop Railroad and the Leadville Railroad.

Get Tattoos Together – Getting tattoos on your elopement day is such a fun, meaningful way to mark the moment! Whether it’s tiny matching symbols or your wedding date, it becomes a permanent reminder of the day you got married.

Winter elopement ideas

how to celebrate your elopement in the winter

Go On A Sleigh Ride

Horse drawn carriage sleigh ride

Take a romantic sleigh ride through the snow on a horse drawn carriage for your elopement activity! There are a number of places that offer this throughout Colorado. This particular elopement was near Breckenridge.

Go snowmobiling – Snowmobiling is a great way to get epic views without the hike. It allows you to reach remote winter landscapes that most people never see, turning your ceremony into a full-blown adventure.
Snowshoeing – Snowshoeing is perfect for couples who want a peaceful winter experience with a sense of discovery. It gives you access to quiet, snow-covered landscapes without the crowds.
Go ice skating – Ice skating is a fun, low-key way to celebrate your elopement day together. It feels like a real date, not a photoshoot – just you two laughing, holding hands, and soaking it all in. Simple, sweet, and memorable.

Visit a hot spring – Soaking in a natural hot spring is one of the most relaxing ways to end your elopement day- and very Colorado!
Go skiing or snowboarding – For winter-loving couples, nothing says “us” like celebrating on the slopes. Whether you take a few celebratory runs or plan your ceremony around a ski day, it turns your elopement into a true mountain adventure.
Ice Castles – The Ice Castles in Colorado are absolutely worth a visit when they’re open in the winter! Exploring an ice castle feels straight out of a fairytale and makes for epic photos.

Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!

Colorado Elopement Photographers, VIDEOGRAPHERS & PLANNERS

We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Colorado. We believe eloping is the best way to get married, so much so that we did it ourselves! We know it can feel overwhelming not knowing where to start, which is why we help couples set a date, pick a location, make a timeline, etc!

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