Have you ever wondered how you could spend your elopement day aside from the ceremony? Some people might think eloping is only an hour or two long and then the fun is over and done with. I’m here to tell you that doesn’t have to be the case! This is your day after all, and you get to call 100% of the shots. This blog is for all the couples out there planning an elopement who just feel like something is lacking and want to make their elopement truly unforgettable and memorable.

Think about it this way: You are planning an elopement because you want to focus on your own relationship and your love rather than the stress of planning a big, traditional wedding. So why not make it EXTRA special and do something memorable or even something you’ve never done before? Why not take a helicopter ride or get matching tattoos or rent out a roller rink? You can easily do something you both enjoy, and usually do it while still in your bomb-ass wedding attire!

While this list is created with the Pacific Northwest in mind, these ideas can be taken anywhere in the world to really spice up your elopement!

Pop some champagne!

Shake up a bottle of bubbly and really let loose. How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to spray champagne all over the place? Take advantage of your elopement day!

Hot tip: Pack a second bottle to drink afterward that isn’t flat and half empty.

Take a helicopter ride

Have you ever flown in a helicopter to get a truly one-of-a-kind view of your favorite place? Your elopement day is the PERFECT day to do something super special, including flying around 1,000 feet above the ground! You can take flights over cities, mountains, the coast, or a combination of all three!

Here are a few Washington companies that you can book a helitour through:

Seattle Heli Tours
Atomic Helicopters
Nature Nuts Adventure Travel - check this out for a flight AND hiking experience

And I can’t forget Oregon specific helicopter tour companies!

Consider bringing your photographer along! You’ll get once in a lifetime photos of you both taking in the sights PLUS I can guarantee you’ll get some amazing landscape shots.

Pack a picnic

Nothing shouts romantic more than a picnic lunch (or dinner.. or breakfast!), especially when it includes all of your favorite charcuterie foods. Meats, cheese, wine, fruit, crackers, and chocolate are all great options to start with, but really think about what you love and can realistically bring to a picnic! Who says you can’t eat cold pizza and PB&Js at your picnic (hint: no one!).

Junebug Weddings put together this phenomenal list of picnic ideas that are cozy, lovely, and most importantly YUMMY. You can either keep it super simple with a picnic basket, a blanket, plates, champagne glasses, and some utensils, or you can really go all out and style your picnic to the stars! Candles, small tables, decor, flowers, cake, and anything else you can dream up.

Pro tip: Prep everything the night before your elopement and pack it up so you can easily grab and go on your elopement day!

Take the plunge

What better way to kick off this chapter of your lives than jumping into a lake or river? In the summer, it can be an incredible way to cool off and end our time together. In the winter, it can be a shocking but TOTALLY worth it way to feel energized and ready for life’s adventures. You already know I’ll be coming in with you!!

Take an Adventure Tour

This will really depend on where your elopement takes place, but there are a ton of possibilities! Here are my faves:

Paragliding over the water
Dune buggy tour
Scooter tour through downtown
White water rafting
Glacier hiking
Hot air ballooning
Horseback riding
Skydiving
Rock climbing

Camping or Glamping

Whether your style of camping is in a backpacking tent with just the essentials, glamping with electricity and a stove, or renting a cabin, there are tons of options that will keep you comfortable and still be an adventure. Check Airbnb for some alternative rentals like treehouses, yurts, and tiny houses! Take a peek at some of Airbnb’s most exciting stays in Washington and Oregon:

Bring your dog!

Planning a day that’s totally dog-friendly allows you to bring your pup along every step of the way. Some National and local parks have restrictions regarding dogs, but there are plenty of places that your dog can join in on the fun! Don’t forget waste bags, extra water, and plenty of treats. To spice up their outfit, get a custom collar made or add a bowtie so they can partake in the fun, too.

Catch the Sunrise or Sunset

For some extra magic, time your ceremony with the sunrise or sunset. The sky's painting a masterpiece that you’ll only see once, and you'll be in the spotlight. It's like a free light show to accompany your vows! Plus photos in the 30min before sunrise and the 30min after sunset are pure magic and I love photographing during those times. The early start time or late end to the day is always worth it!!

Get out on the water

If outdoor water recreation is your jam, find somewhere near your elopement spot to rent a vessel and get out on the water! Even a quick lap around the bay in your wedding getups will make for a memorable experience and even dreamier photos. You KNOW I’m getting in the water with you for some truly adventurous photos.

Eloping is just as significant and special as a traditional wedding, so you should definitely plan something exciting for your elopement day. Get creative! Dig deep and think about what you love, from your favorite place to crack a beer, ride a bike, or watch the sunset. Something that is totally YOU will make your elopement even more personal and memorable.

So you’re ready to start planning this adventure, right? The next step is to book me to photograph the entire thing. Let’s go!

Plan your adventure!