The 20 Best Elopement Activities
What to actually do on your Elopement day
Get inspired with some ideas for the best Elopement activities and the perfect destinations and seasons to bring them to life!
I’m Nico – Your Elopement Photographer & Planner Worldwide
I’m a multi-award-winning Elopement photographer and planner and here to teach you everything you need to know about eloping.
Today, we’re diving into the 20 best Elopement activities that you can seamlessly integrate into your Elopement adventure.
Find the Best Elopement Activities for Your Special Day
If you’ve been researching Elopement planning, you’ve probably heard people (myself included) rave about the endless possibilities for making your day unforgettable.
And while that’s of course super exciting (because it’s true!), it can also feel a little overwhelming.
And I get it. A traditional wedding would’ve given you an exact guideline to follow, because it’s all been done a million times before.
Now, with all the freedom an Elopement allows you to have, it can be surprisingly hard to come up with ideas sometimes.
Let’s fix that.
Below, you’ll find inspiration for the 20 best Elopement activities in the world – whether you’re eloping outdoors or in a city – along with some incredible destination ideas to bring your vision to life.
The 10 Best Elopement Activities in Summer
Canoeing / Kayaking
Whether it’s a calm lake, a winding river, or the open sea – take to the water and paddle through breathtaking landscapes. This is a great example for safe yet exciting adventure-beginner-friendly activity!
Best in:
· Tiveden National Park, Sweden
· Soča River, Slovenia
· Saimaa, Finland
Sunrise Hike
Somethings that’s well worth getting up early for – enjoying the morning sun as it slowly rises is nothing but magical, allows you to have some popular places all to yourselves and makes for amazing photos.
Best in:
· Madeira, Portugal
· Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
· Grand Canyon, Arizona
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Float high above rolling hills, desert landscapes or dramatic mountain summits. A peaceful, accessible activity for all (assuming you’re not afraid of heights).
Best in:
· Cappadocia, Turkey
· Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
· Gstaad, Switzerland
Safari Tour
For the ultimate wild Elopement, why not say “I do” on safari? Best planned between June and October, this one lets you exchange vows while spotting giraffes, elephants and lions in their natural habitat.
Best in:
· Kruger National Park, South Africa
· Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
· Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Horseback Ride
Experience the freedom of exploring amazing landscapes on horseback. Why not make a multi-day adventure out of it?
Best in:
· Sary-Chelek, Kyrgyzstan (actually Nr. 1 on my bucket list!)
· Algarve, Portugal
· South Coast, Iceland
Helicopter Tour
This is one of those things everyone should try at least once – I promise, you won’t be able to stop smiling as you’re soaring through the sky. Plus, it’s a great way to access more remote locations!
Best in:
· Dolomites, Italy
· New York City, US
· Maui, Hawaii
Wilderness Glamping
Spend the night under a sky full of stars with the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
Best in:
· Patagonia, Chile
· Kronobergs Lan, Sweden
· Levin Iglut, Finland
Wine Tasting
Wander through sunny vineyards, sip world-class wine and celebrate your Elopement in the most relaxed way possible.
Best in:
· Burgundy, France
· Tuscany, Italy
· Cava, Spain
Gondola Ride
A timeless, cinematic classic – drift through ancient canals, pass under historic bridges and take in centuries-old buildings.
Best in:
· Venice, Italy
· Amsterdam, Netherlands
· Annecy, France
Seeing the Midnight Sun
Seeing a sun that never sets is a surreal feeling. Enjoy an endless amount of daylight and an hour-long sunset, which is PERFECT for photos!
Best in:
· Lapland, Norway / Finland / Sweden
· Greenland
· Iceland
The 5 Best Elopement Activities in Winter
Hot Spring Swimming
Escape the cold and soak in warm, steamy waters while being surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Best in:
· Uunartoq, Greenland
· Sky Lagoon, Iceland
· Seljavallalaug, Iceland
Dog Sledding
Dash through a snowy wilderness and explore icy landscapes with a group of huskies leading the way.
Best in:
· Tromsø, Norway
· Abisko, Sweden
· Saimaa, Finland
Christmas Market
Stroll through a festive Christmas market straight out of a fairytale – twinkling lights, mulled wine and endless delicious treats included.
Best in:
· Poznan, Poland
· Riga, Latvia
· Prague, Czech Republic
Skiing
To add a little thrill to your Elopement, why not glide down some epic slopes and enjoy some gorgeous mountain views as you go.
Best in:
· Zermatt, Switzerland
· Aspen, Colorado
· Sunnmøre Alps, Norway
Seeing the Northern Lights
Seeing the northern lights is a bucket-list moment for many – and rightly so. Standing beneath a sky full of colorful swirls is something you’ll never forget.
Best in:
· Lapland, Norway / Finland / Sweden
· Iceland
· Denali National Park, Alaska
The 5 Best Elopement Activities in Cities
Art Gallery / Museum
Arrive early and wander through quiet halls filled with ancient or modern masterpieces – perfect for some unique, elegant photos.
Best in:
· Old National Gallery, Berlin
· National Gallery, London
· Met Museum, New York City
Rooftop Dinner
Take in breathtaking city views while savoring incredible food and drinks.
Best in:
· Barcelona, Spain
· New York City, US
· Singapore
Botanical Garden
Discover a hidden oasis and escape the buzz of the city. Peaceful, romantic and great for a quiet moment for the two of you.
Best in:
· Botanical Gardens, Singapore
· Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
· Giardini di Castel, Merano
Castle Visit
Towering archways, grand halls and hidden courtyards – explore an ancient castle and feel like royalty for a day.
Best in:
· Sintra, Portugal
· Edinburgh, Scotland
· Prague, Czech Republic
Culinary Tour
From local specialties to exotic flavors from around the world, why not plan your Elopement around the joy of unforgettable food?
Best in:
· Berlin, Germany
· Rome, Italy
· Bangkok, Thailand
