Elopement Ideas
If you’re consider eloping, you’re probably wondering “what will we do all day”? Or, you might be wondering how you can make your elopement day feel more special than just a quick ceremony and some photos.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best elopement ideas and how to plan a fun-filled and memorable wedding day!
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Table Of Contents
Elopement Ceremony Ideas
Personal vows
Write handwritten vows to read to each other
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 you read your vows, you’ll 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, mixing sand together, painting a canvas together and more.
Best Elopement Ideas
Get Ready Together
Help each other get ready for the elopement
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.
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.
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.
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!
Enjoy A Private 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.
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!
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 incase there isn’t service at your location.
Read Letters
Read notes from your FRIENDS & family
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!
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 Ideas With Pets
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 will need to be leashed so you don’t have to hold them, but they can be nearby.
Go On an adventure
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!
Have your pets sign your Marriage License
For Colorado Elopements Only
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 for their paws, and double check with the office you get your license from to be sure they accept it.
Give Them A Cake!
Pet Friendly Wedding Cake
Bake your own or buy a pet friendly cake to feed your pets on your wedding day!
Unique Elopement Ideas
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.
Adventurous Elopement Ideas
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.
Water Activities
Perfect for beating the summer heat!
If you’re near a body of water, consider incorporating some water activities! You could rent a boat, canoe, kayak, paddle boards or even bring a pack raft on a hike.
Go camping
Go camping or just have a campfire and smores
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.
Star Gazing
Enjoy your first night as newly weds under 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! You can also consider getting lanterns for photos as well (ask your photographers if they have some already you can use).
Winter Elopement Ideas
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 Skiing & Snowboarding
Snow activities
You can go skiing or snowboarding on your wedding day to incorporate a shared passion for skiing and the mountains. Skiing allows adventurous couples to have a unique experience together and take fun photos amid scenic snowy settings. It’s a non-traditional way to celebrate that goes beyond the expected events!
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Colorado Elopement Photographers
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!
planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
