101 Things to Do on Your Elopement Day
Not sure how to begin your adventure on your elopement day? Check out these fun ideas below to help create an unforgettable experience.
Eloping means skipping out on the stress of a traditional wedding for authenticity and fun.
It means embracing your true selves and letting go of what doesn't serve you. The beauty of an elopement is you get to do whatever… whenever… wherever… with whoever. You are the ones that write the rules. You have the choice to elope just the two of you or include family and friends. You have the choice to create your next biggest adrenaline pumping adventure or take your day slow and soak in every moment. You now get to…
Embrace the freedom to create an intentional experience.
However when Hollywood only shows us what a traditional wedding day looks like, it can be difficult to imagine how eloping could be anything more than running away to Vegas or to the courthouse after lunch. The next alternative then would be to choose somewhere beautiful to read your vows before continuing on about your day. Except…
Have you ever been on a 20 minute adventure?
The greatest adventures are the ones that last hours, days, or even weeks. Your wedding day is worth taking the time to slow down for… to create a timeless experience that tells your own unique story.
Your story is worth telling.
If you’ve been feeling a bit stumped on what to do on your elopement day, check out these 101 ideas of things you can ACTUALLY do right here in the Pacific Northwest. This carefully curated list includes something for everyone no matter your overall vision.
Let’s get to brainstorming…
Create an adventure
Hiking
Backpacking
Fishing, claming, or crabbing
Dirt biking
Rent an ATV
Schedule a Jeep Tour
Kayaking
Canoeing
Rock climbing
Bouldering
Mountain biking
Caving
Horseback riding
Bike ride
Night hiking
Hunt for the Northern Lights
Go agate hunting
Forage for mushrooms or berries
Take a drive and go sightseeing
Camping
Rent a van and live the van life for a few days or even weeks
Chase the thrill
22. Slacklining or highlining
23. Bungee jumping
24. Skydiving
25. White water rafting
26. Adventure rope course
27. Zip - lining
Fly high as a kite
28. Helicopter tour
39. Seaplane tour
30. Hot air balloon ride
31. Paragliding
32. Gondola ride
wander through a winter wonderland
33. Skiing
34. Snowboarding
35. Cross-country skiing
36. Snowshoeing
37. Have a snowball fight
38. Ice Skating
39. Sledding
40. Snowmobiling
41. Catch a train through the snowy Cascades
42. Sleigh ride
43. Dog sledding
Make a splash
44. Diving
45. Paddleboarding
46. Kayaking
47. Canoeing
48. Surfing
49. Jetskiing
50. Water skiing
51. Rent a boat, or here in Seattle you can even rent a hot tub boat!
52. Swimming
53. Grab a tube and float the river
54. Chill in a hot tub or pool
55. Hang out in a hot spring
56. Go skinny dipping
57. Take a boat tour
58. Go whale watching
Keep It Chill
59. Dancing
60. Yoga
61. Wine, Beer, or Cider tasting
62. Make your favorite meal together
63. Have a picnic
64. Hire a private chef
65. Go to a boujee restaurant
66. Hit up your favorite bar (or a new one)
67. Stargazing
68. Cozy up to a campfire or indoor woodfire
69. Build a fire and make s’mores
70. Go on a walk with your dog
71. Book a unique stay- think quirky vacation rentals, tree houses, glamping, fire lookout etc.
72. Begin or end the day with a spa session
73. Explore an orchard and go fruit picking
74. Practice your favorite art medium together- paints, pencils, clay etc.
75. Chill in a hammock
76. For the musicians- bring along your instrument to play
77. Catch a ferry
78. Fly a Kite
Make a game of it
79. Bar games: pool, shuffleboard, darts etc.
80. Yard games: giant jenga, cornhole, ladder ball etc.
81. Hit the arcade
82. Vist a carnival
83. Putt putt
84. Axe throwing
85. Beer pong
86. Go-kart racing
Keep or create wedding traditions
87. Get ready together
89. Do a first look
90. Write your own personal vows
91. Write each other private letters
92. Walk down the “aisle”
93. Plan a surprise for each other
94. Share your own mini wedding cake or favorite dessert
95. Read notes and letters from family/friends
96. Call or FaceTime friends/family
97. Share a first dance
98. Toast with your drink of choice
99. Incorporate a cultural tradition in a way that speaks to you
100. Host a mini celebration with just a few friends/family members
101. Incorporate “Something old. Something new. Something borrowed. Something blue.”
Things to consider next…
Endless opportunities become available to you when you push aside the traditional wedding platform. If you consider doing one thing only, let it speak to your journey thus far as a couple. Your next step is to sit down together and map out what your most perfect day ever would look like, no restrictions. From there, I would love to help you begin turning your dream into a reality.
Hi there! I’m Heather McFord
I’m the photographer behind Cascadian Exposures. Combining my 15+ years of photography experience and a lifetime exploring all that Washington and Oregon have to offer, I’m here to help you craft an elopement day that feels uniquely YOU. All of the ideas above are excellent starting points but only if they truly resonate with who you and your partner are.
When you hire Cascadian Exposures, you get more than just a photographer. We’ll dive deep into what a meaningful celebration of your love looks like for you. Then we’ll craft the perfect experience that combines your sense of adventure with your refined taste. I’ll be with you every step of the way so you can simply focus on the excitement of saying “I do”.
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