15 Epic Things to Do During Your Elopement
You’ve already made the coolest decision to elope.
No seating charts, no timelines packed with stress, just you, your person, and a whole trip built around connection and adventure.
But here’s the secret: your elopement doesn’t have to be just a quick ceremony and a few photos. It doesn’t even have to be just one day.
You can stretch the magic into a full day or weekend filled with experiences that feel like you, not like a wedding checklist. Whether you’re hiking into the mountains, kicking back by the coast, or exploring a new city together, your elopement weekend is a chance to slow down and make memories that hit a little deeper.
Here are 15 ideas that go way beyond the ceremony to help you turn your elopement weekend into an immersive experience you’ll actually remember. Not just a day you got dressed up for a few hours. The kind of things you’ll still be talking about years later.
Go for a Swim in an Alpine Lake
Cold water, big views, zero stress. Jump in and make a memory you’ll talk about for years.
2. Get Matching Tattoos
A little ink to mark the day, because rings are cool, but tattoos are cooler.
3. Go Stargazing
End the night with a blanket and a sky full of stars. Bring champagne. No notes.
4. Rent an ATV and Explore
Kick up some dirt and find a trail that takes you nowhere and everywhere all at once.
5. Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Early morning or golden hour, calm water, quiet air, and just the two of you.
6. Relax by the Water
Whether it’s a lake, a river, the ocean or a waterfall, slow down, dip your toes in, and take in the quiet.
7. Eat the Local Classic
Every location has its thing. Deep dish in Chicago. Lobster rolls in Maine. Tacos in Baja. You can’t visit these places and not try the local specialty.
8. take a boat tour
Relax and take in the sights while learning about the location that’s now your favorite place on earth.
9. Sing Karaoke
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t go out and party your way. Find the local dive bar and belt out a power ballad (horribly) and make it unforgettable.
10. Read Letters from Family + Friends by the Fire
If you’re eloping without guests, ask your people to write you letters. Read them under the stars or by the fire. The perfect way to involve your loved ones, even if they’re not invited.
11. take your dirt bikes into the mountains
Take the unique opportunity to do something super adventurous and fun as hell right smack in the middle of your wedding day. Being able to take time for a real adventure is one of the coolest reasons to elope.
12. Visit a Local Brewery or Winery
You’re married. Celebrate with a drink and get a few cans to go to enjoy after you get home.
13. Have a Picnic with a View
Grab local snacks, a bottle of wine, and find a lookout point. Bonus points if you bring a game to play together.
14. Take a Cruise in a Vintage Boat or Convertible
Cruise down the Chicago river, or roll the top down and take the long way. Pacific Coast Highway, we’re looking at you. A vintage anything makes for the ultimate photo enhancement.
15. Go for a hike
Not every elopement involves hiking, but if you’re into it, pack a change of clothes and continue on an epic hike post-ceremony.
Your Elopement Weekend, Your Way
The best part about eloping is that you get to write your own rules. There’s no “right” way to do it. You can spend the weekend hiking, cooking, sailing, or doing absolutely nothing.
The point is to make space for what matters most: you, your person, and the kind of moments that make you forget about time. You can hike to your ceremony, eat pizza on the beach, or dance in a bar after dark. Whatever feels true to you, do that.
Make the weekend full of things that remind you why you chose this path in the first place. No performance, or expectations, just connection, adventure, and a little bit of magic.
If you’re ready to start planning your elopement weekend (and want someone who gets it, knows the best hidden spots, local vendors, and epic photo ops), I’d love to help you bring it to life.
👉 Inquire Here or check out my Elopement Planning Guide for more inspiration and location ideas.
