You might be thinking about or planning an elopement and wondering, what are some unique elopement ideas to incorporate into our day? I believe that an elopement can be so much more than just a ceremony and portraits, but you might be wondering, what would we even do all day?

A married couple goes paddle boarding on Ivey lake in Pemberton, BC

That’s where I am here to help! Once you decide to elope there are SO many possibilities that open up. You’re free from a lot of the expectations of a traditional wedding, so you can do whatever you want! While that can be a relief for some, it can also be overwhelming and cause some major decision fatigue. Hopefully this list can give you some tangible ideas so you can brush away the clutter quickly.

But first, I want to emphasize that more than anything this is about YOU. Each couple is different, so each elopement is different. To start things off, I want to ask yourself, what do you enjoy most? What are your hobbies? What place or what activity makes you feel at peace, excited, alive, or fulfilled? What things do you often enjoy as a couple? If you have kids or pets, how can you involve them or what do you like to do as a family? If answers come immediately, then go with those, and incorporate those things unique to you as a couple on your elopement day.

Even with these questions, it can still be tough to know what is possible on your wedding day, so here are fun elopement activities that could work for you!

1. Hiking/Exploring:

This is very common for outdoor elopements, and with good reason! It’s one of the simplest ways to get to a place that is stunning and hopefully more private. But it’s not just about the destination; the journey can be fun as you explore different terrains, wildflowers, bodies of water, and maybe even pick some wild berries! There is so much variety based on the difficulty and length of the hike. You can even camp overnight to see that beautiful sunrise together!

A married couple walks hand in hand along a cliff on Mount Cheam in Chilliwack, BC

2. A Picnic:

Elopements often don’t have a reception, but you still need to eat! Picnics are the perfect solution because it makes that snack or meal feel elevated, special, and often beautiful! You can have a picnic pretty much anywhere whether it be on a beach, in a field, on a mountaintop, on a cliff overlooking the ocean, or even outside your Airbnb. They can be fancy or simple, for the two of you or for several people.

3. Helicopter/Floatplane:

If you really want to make an already exciting day, an unbelievable one, then flight is the perfect option! Not only can you access gorgeous and private locations with no effort, but you can also experience the incredible sensation of flying over oceans, rivers, mountains, deserts, and lakes. Often charter companies will have some tour aspect along with the flight, so you can learn geography and interesting facts about the area.

A couple walks back to the helicopter on a snowy mountain in Whistler, bc

4. Dancing:

Whether it be a slow first dance, or you want to spice it up and dance in front of a local live band (maybe in the town or at a resort), dancing doesn’t have to be something just for a big wedding. Slow dances are a great way to take a moment and take each other in or bring it back with a special song that was playing on your first date.

A couple dances in the rain under some stringed lights at their backyard wedding in Salmon Arm, BC

5. Read Letters from Loved Ones:

Often when couples elope, there are people they love that aren’t present. One way to include them and make them a part of your day is to get them to write letters to you both and read them on your wedding day. It’s a great way to revisit what you’ve been through together, and how they have impacted your lives.

A bride and groom laugh at hand written letters on their wedding day

6. A Campfire:

Activities don’t have to end after the sun goes down. A campfire is the perfect setting to snuggle up, keep you warm, and enjoy the evening together. You can make s’mores, roast your dinner, tell stories, review the day, or even sing songs together.

7. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon:

This might not be possible where you’re wanting to elope, but if it is, this is something to consider! How many people do you know who have even been in one? Probably very few to none, so this is a cool way to explore a unique experience together.

8. Rent a Fancy/Vintage Car:

This can be a planned “event”, or maybe a surprise for your partner. You can use it simply as your transportation, or a bit like a photo prop! There’s nothing like riding down a long winding road in a convertible with the top down.

9. Stop for Drinks:

Whether you want to stop at a local brewery, coffee shop, get bubble tea, or do a wine tasting; the choice is yours! There are SO many options here depending on the city and region. Some areas have beautiful vineyards with wine-related activities, or others have special craft beer. Maybe you have a favourite coffee shop or one you’ve always wanted to go to. Regardless, it’s a way to relax and enjoy yourself!

A married couple and their friends get coffee and enjoy themselves on their wedding day

10. Biking/Motorcycles:

Mountain biking, road biking, dirt biking or leisure bikes; again, there are so many options. In some places like Tofino you can ride bikes on the beach, or maybe mountain biking has been a common occurrence on the weekends and you want to ride a favourite trail. This can even include motor vehicles such as using a dirt bike to access a view point, or take ride a motorcycle to your ceremony location together.

11. Fishing:

If you love the outdoors, but maybe aren’t the type to hike or do adventure sports, this might be more your style. It gives you the chance to relax, enjoy your time together, enjoy the ceremony, and might even provide you with your dinner!

12. Snowmobiling or Dog Sledding:

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean there are less things to do. These two options are a way to experience the snowy backcountry in a way like you’ve never before. Maybe it’s a way to transport you to your ceremony, or maybe you just want to access a private portrait location with an insane view.

13. Grab Some Treats/Dessert:

So maybe you’ve decided to put together a picnic, but you really want ice cream. Unfortunately it’s hard to keep it cold, but fortunately, there are local businesses around that can cater to that sweet treat you’re looking for. I am a huge gelato fan, but you can also get donuts, smoothies, crepes, candy, or something at a local bakery!

A bride and groom toast their scoops of gelato with a plain wall in the background

14. Plant a Tree/Plant:

A great way to commemorate your special day is to plant a tree or other plant! Imagine how cool it would be for your kids to see a tree grow and know that it all started when their parents got married. This could be in your backyard, or maybe on another property (with approval of course).

15. Have a Privately Catered Meal with Close Friends/Family:

Are you and your partner self-proclaimed “foodies”? Or do you want the quality of a 5-star meal without the busyness and rush of a restaurant or traditional wedding reception? Well hiring a private chef or a small catered meal is the perfect solution. This allows you to have more freedom with location but also ensures that you’ll get a unique culinary experience on your wedding day. This could be in your backyard, on a nearby vineyard, on a private dock, on a boat, or maybe in a park!

A married couple and their guests toast their wine glasses among the lavender of Bilston Creek Farm in Sooke, BC

16. Jump in the Water:

When the day is done and you’ve lived every moment to the fullest, the best feeling is to let it all go and jump in! Maybe you’re in a beautiful tropical place, into a hot tub, or maybe you want to do a polar plunge in a glacier-fed lake; the choice is yours. It can also make for very intimate photos!

A married couple jumps in the water at the end of their wedding day on the sunshine coast, BC

17. Sight Seeing:

Are you low-key type of people who like to experience the sites and sounds of your destination? This could mean anything from riding around the city in a carriage, taking a ferry down a river, or taking a gondola up a mountain to see the views!

A couple walks the streets of Downtown Vancouver in front of Hotel Georgia

18. Make some art together:

Whether it be pottery, painting, or taking some photographs of each other, creating something symbolic and fun can bring a whole new level of bonding to your wedding day.

19. Stargazing:

This is perfect if you’ve scheduled a sunset hike for your elopement day, if you’re camping or staying in a hut overnight, or after you’ve finished cuddling by a campfire together. You can map some constellations, and let’s face it, it will make for some sweet photos!

A married couple gazes at the night stars on their wedding day

20. Ride/Paddle in a Boat:

There are SO many options here. You can do something manual like a canoe, row boat, kayak, or paddle board, or you can do something with an engine like a speedboat, yacht, or ferry! There is something about being on the water that both brings a calm but also opens the possibilities to what you can do and see.

Even though I listed a ton of ideas, these aren’t even half of what’s out there! When in doubt, think about what you love. If you can’t think of specific activities, think about what place or genre of activities you like. For example, do you like something peaceful, or are you an adrenaline junky? Do you like being in the forest, or above the trees? As I always say, the world is your oyster!