41 Ideas For Your Outdoor Elopement
Updated March 3rd, 2024
What to do on your elopement day
Maybe you’re eloping because you want to do away with tradition and plan a wedding day that is completely customized and unique to you and your relationship. In this blog post, we delve into a myriad of fun and unique outdoor ideas tailored for couples seeking an unconventional elopement experience. Let your imagination run wild as you curate an unforgettable celebration that perfectly encapsulates your love, your way.
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links in our elopement planning blog posts. This does not cost you anything, but it helps support the creation of these free, informational blog posts. Thank you for your support!
Summer and Fall Elopement Ideas
1. Go for a hike
Hiking on your elopement day offers an opportunity to immerse yourselves in nature and witness breathtaking views. Whether you choose an easy path or a more challenging trail, the act of hiking can symbolize the journey you are embarking on together as a couple.
Check out our favorite hiking elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
Check out our hiking elopement guide: Click here
2. Custom backpack signs
If you’re going for a hike on your elopement day, you could purchase custom signs to attach to your backpacks. The signs can say whatever resonates with you, but popular signs we’ve seen say Just Eloped, We Eloped, Just Married, Adventure Awaits, or Finally Legit. You could also consider including your names, elopement date, or even the location!
Check out our favorite signs on Etsy: Click here and click here
3. Hang out in a hammock
If you’re looking for a relaxing elopement activity, consider spending some time cuddled up in a hammock. You can spend this time eating your lunch, birdwatching, or even journaling.
Check out our favorite hammocks on Amazon: Click here and click here
4. Read letters from friends and family
Asking your friends and family to write your letters to open on your elopement day is a great way to include those who will not be physically present with you. Lay out a blanket and spend time reading through letters from the people who mean the most to you. Just get ready for some laughs and tears!
Check out our favorite elopements with letters: Click here, click here, and click here
5. Dress for adventure
Planning to hike or travel on uneven surfaces? Ditch the heels or dress shoes for hiking boots! And if you’re getting married high up in the mountains or during a cooler time of year, be sure to dress for the weather!
Check out our dress guide: Click here
Check out our suit guide: Click here
6. Watch the sunrise
Start your elopement day early by drinking coffee and watching the sunrise. If you’re looking for privacy on your elopement day, waking up for sunrise is a great way to get popular locations all to yourself!
Check out our favorite sunrise elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
Check out our sunrise vs sunset elopement guide: Click here
7. Watch the sunset
What better way to end your elopement day than to watch the sunset together? By this time, all of the nerves have melted away and you can truly enjoy as nature puts on a show.
Check out our favorite sunset elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
Check out our sunrise vs sunset elopement guide: Click here
8. Admire the wildflowers
Elope during wildflower season to be surrounded by colorful flowers! Here in Colorado, wildflower season is typically from July to early August. Just be sure to never pick or step on the wildflowers!
Check out our favorite wildflower elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
9. Go leaf peeping
If you’re eloping in the fall, consider a location that has trees that will change color! The yellow, orange, and red leaves make for a perfect backdrop. Here in Colorado, peak fall color varies by region and is typically expect from mid September to early October.
Check out our favorite fall color elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
Winter Elopement Ideas
10. Go snowshoeing
You can still include hiking in your winter elopement! Depending on how deep the snow is, you may just need a pair or snowshoes or microspikes.
Check out our favorite winter hiking elopements: Click here and click here
Check out our favorite microspikes on Amazon: Click here
11. Go skiing or snowboarding
Is skiing or snowboarding one of your favorite winter sports? Why not ski or snowboard on your elopement day? Some ski resorts allow weddings and elopements on their property, or you can have your ceremony elsewhere and then spend the rest of your day on the slopes.
12. Go dogsledding
For couples seeking an adventurous twist on their special day, a winter elopement with dogsledding offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Hire a dogsledding guide to take you on a snowy winter adventure.
13. Go snowmobiling
If you’re looking for a high-speed winter adventure, consider an snowmobile elopement. If you’re new to snowmobiling, hire a tour guide to ensure your safety.
Animal-Centered Elopement Ideas
14. Bring your dog
Your furry friend is a part of your family, so it only makes sense to bring your dog to your elopement! Bring your dog on a hike, have your dog walk you down the aisle, or just set aside some time for photos with your dog.
Check out our favorite elopements with dogs: Click here, click here, and click here
Check out our Colorado dog-friendly elopement guide: Click here
15. Let your dog sign your marriage license
In some states, such as Colorado, your dog can sign your marriage license as a witness! All you need is a paw print kit and careful placement. Always be sure to check with the county you are getting your marriage license in to make sure they allow dog paw prints.
Check out our favorite paw print kit on Amazon: Click here
16. Go horseback riding
For couples looking to infuse their special day with a touch of adventure, consider the thrill of horseback riding on your elopement day. Whether you both are experienced riders or looking to try something new together, horseback riding can add an unforgettable element to your elopement celebration.
17. Go birdwatching or whale watching
Like many of us, maybe you’ve picked up a love of birdwatching. Bring a pair of binoculars and spend some time looking for birds. Or maybe you’re eloping in a location such as Hawaii or Alaska with great whale watching during certain times of year. Watch from the shore or go on a whale watching tour.
High Adrenaline Elopement Ideas
18. Go off roading
There’s a common misconception that in order to get to the most beautiful views, you need to hike 8 miles. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Off roading is a great way to get further into the backcountry in a less strenuous and time consuming way.
Check out our favorite off roading elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
Check out our off road elopement guide: Click here
19. Hire an off road guide
Do you love the idea of an off road elopement adventure but don’t want to drive yourself? Hire an off road guide to drive you on the off road trails so you can sit back and enjoy the adventure. Some guides even have large enough vehicles to transport your guests as well!
Check out our favorite off road tour elopements: Click here and click here
Check out our off road elopement guide: Click here
20. Go for a hot air balloon ride
Do you want to get a unique perspective of your elopement location? Start your elopement day at sunrise with a hot air balloon tour!
Check out our favorite hot air balloon elopement: Click here
21. Go rock climbing
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, you can rock climb on your elopement day! If you’re a more experienced climber, you can choose your own route. If you’re a beginner, you can hire a guide for a via ferrata or other climbing course.
Check out our favorite rock climbing elopement: Click here
22. Go mountain biking
If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous way to get to your elopement location, consider mountain biking! Always be sure that the trail you choose is open to bikes and watch for hikers.
Check out our favorite mountain biking elopement: Click here
Elopement Ideas For Food-Lovers
23. Have a picnic
Most of our couples choose to have a picnic on their elopement day. There’s just something about laying out a blanket in a beautiful location and eating with your partner. Some couples choose to bring a charcuterie board, some make sandwiches, and others have even brought breakfast burritos.
Check out our favorite picnic elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
24. Order takeout
Just because it’s your elopement day, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Order a pizza or any of your favorite takeout. You could bring it to a picnic area or even eat it at your accommodation.
Check out our favorite elopement with takeout: Click here
25. Hire a private chef
It’s very rare to treat yourself to a private chef, so why not do it on your elopement day? Hire a talented chef to create a custom menu for you and then serve you amazing dishes in your accommodation. Our couples who have hired a private chef have later told us that it was the best meal they’ve ever had!
Check out our favorite elopement with a private chef: Click here
26. Eat unique sweets
We’ve all heard of having cake at your wedding day, but consider choosing a dessert that’s customized to you or your location. Do you prefer cookies or pie? Are you eloping at sunrise and want to eat donuts? The options are endless!
Check out our favorite elopement with unique sweets: Click here
27. Pop some champagne
Popping champagne can be a fun way to celebrate after your ceremony. Don’t like champagne? Consider a cheers of coffee, apple cider, beer, or your other favorite drink. If you want a fun champagne popping photo, we suggest bringing along a glass bottle of sparkling water. This is better for the environment, less sticky, and doesn’t waste your expensive champagne.
Check out our favorite elopements with a champagne pop: Click here and click here
28. Take a cooking class
Are you eloping somewhere with a unique cuisine? Take a cooking class from a local and immerse yourself into the food and culture!
Water-Centered Elopement Ideas
29. Go for a swim
There aren’t any rules that say you have to stay dry on your elopement day. Whether you want to jump into a lake, take a dip in a waterfall, relax at the pool, or even go snorkeling, there are so many fun ways to include a swim into your elopement day.
Check out our favorite swimming elopements: Click here and click here
30. Go for a boat ride
Spend your elopement day relaxing day on a catamaran or have an adventure-filled day on a jet boat. You can consider renting a boat yourself or even hiring a guide.
31. Canoe on a lake
You could spend your elopement next to the water or you could spend time ON the water. Canoeing or kayaking is a fun and easy way to explore together and even access islands that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to visit.
Check out our favorite canoe elopement: Click here
32. Go stand up paddle boarding
Like canoeing, stand up paddle boarding is a fun way to enjoy the water. You can even buy a packable SUP if you are traveling to a more remote lake! Just be careful that you don’t fall into the water!
Check out our favorite SUP elopement: Click here
33. Run on the beach
There is nothing better than walking or running on the beach. Take your shoes off and let your feet and ankles get wet.
Check out our favorite beach elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
Elopement Ideas After Dark
34. Experience blue hour
The short amount of time right before sunrise or right after sunset is called blue hour and it’s one of our favorite times to photograph! The light is soft and blue (obviously) and with some lanterns or headlamps, it can be really beautiful in photos.
Check out our favorite blue hour elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
Check out our sunrise vs sunset elopement guide: Click here
35. Go stargazing
With so many of us living in cities, it’s rare that we’re in a dark enough place to see the Milky Way. So if you’re eloping in the wilderness, it can be so unique to end your elopement day by looking up at the stars.
Check out our favorite Milky Way elopement photos: Click here
Check out our sunrise vs sunset elopement guide: Click here
36. Have a campfire
Relax by the campfire, make some s’mores, or even have your first dance by the light of the fire. Always be sure to know if there are any fire restrictions in your location and always be sure your campfire is put out completely.
Check out our favorite campfire elopement: Click here
37. Go camping
Whether you’d rather stay in a tent, a campervan, or even at a glamping campground, there are many options to extend your time in the outdoors.
Check out our favorite camping elopements: Click here and click here
Guest-Centered Elopement Ideas
38. Have a dance party
Just because you’re eloping, doesn’t mean you can’t also have a dance party. Get a bluetooth speaker and play your favorite playlist and dance the night away under the stars.
Check out our favorite elopements with dance parties: Click here and click here
39. Ask guests to give speeches
Another big wedding tradition that you can bring to your elopement. Ask a few of your guests to give a speech or toast right after your ceremony or even wait until after dinner.
Check out our favorite elopements with speeches: Click here, click here, and click here
40. Go on a group hike
If you’re looking for an activity with your guests, consider going for a group hike! This can be a fun way to explore your elopement location and take in some amazing views together. Always be aware of locations with group size limits (especially in wilderness areas).
Check out our favorite group hiking elopements: Click here, click here, and click here
41. Plan a group excursion
Looking for a guided adventure to do with your guests? Depending on your elopement location, you may consider hiring a guide to take you off roading, a horseback riding, out on a boat, on a via ferrata, or even to a group cooking class. You could also keep things more simple by renting out a picnic pavilion and spending the afternoon together.
Check out our favorite elopement with a group excursion: Click here
