Planning Your Dream Elopement with Jenna Roden Photography

Dreaming up all the potential activities to fill your wedding day with is one of the most fun (and underrated) parts of elopement planning. The little details you add to your day—the things that reflect who you are—will shape not only where you elope, but also how you experience the entire day.

When you're planning a non-traditional or intimate wedding, the possibilities are wide open. Whether you're dreaming of an adventurous, adrenaline-filled experience or a slow, intentional day together, there are endless ways to make your wedding day feel uniquely yours.

Use this list as a jumping-off point as you plan your own elopement ceremony ideas and elopement activity ideas—to inspire moments that feel real and memorable.

ELOPEMENT CEREMONY IDEAS:

Read personalized vows to each other. Sharing handwritten vows can be one of the most emotional and grounding parts of your day.
Exchange rings. Wedding bands are a traditional token of forever, but you can also create your own symbol—a tattoo, a bracelet, or something personal to you.
Handfasting. A symbolic Celtic tradition where your hands are literally tied together to represent unity.
Unity ceremony. This could be sand blending, a unity candle, tying a rope, or any small action that brings two things into one.
Read letters from loved ones. If you’re eloping alone or far from home, this is a meaningful way to include family and friends.
Washing your partner’s feet. A Christian tradition symbolizing selfless love and humility.
Give each other gifts. These can be planned or surprise gifts—letters, books, or anything meaningful to your relationship.
First kiss. A ceremony classic—but it doesn’t have to happen in front of a crowd. Let it happen somewhere breathtaking and quiet.

WARM WEATHER ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES:

Hiking to a ceremony location
Riding in a hot air balloon
Canoeing or boating on a lake
Swimming in a remote alpine lake
Camping or glamping under the stars
Relaxing in a hammock
Planting trees or flowers
Horseback riding
Stargazing in the mountains

COLD WEATHER ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES:

Playing music together
Sitting by a campfire
Couples spa day or massage
Making your own rings
Journaling your thoughts throughout the day
Skiing or snowboarding together
Getting tattoos to mark the day
Playing board games or card games
Ice skating

FOOD-RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Wine tasting at a local vineyard
Visiting your favorite brewery
Hiring a private chef
Packing a picnic to share somewhere scenic
Cooking a meal together
Toasting with champagne or margaritas

ADVENTURE & TRAVEL ACTIVITIES:

Helicopter or airplane tour
Off-roading in a Jeep or ATV
Skydiving
Watching the Northern Lights
Exploring glaciers or ice caves
Going on a safari
Ziplining through the jungle
Walking along a remote beach

Make It Personal

When it comes to planning your elopement day activities, your options are endless. Start by thinking of the things you already love doing with your partner—and ask yourself which of those things truly reflect your relationship. Bringing those experiences into your wedding day makes it more meaningful, and gives you memories you’ll love looking back on.

As you build out your elopement timeline, be intentional with your time and leave extra room for rest, spontaneous moments, and things that might take longer than expected. The goal isn’t to rush—it’s to enjoy the full experience of your wedding day.

You can also read more tips on timeline creation in my post, [How to Plan Your Elopement Timeline].

Starting to plan your dream elopement?

I’m Jenna, an elopement photographer and guide based in the west, serving couples across the U.S. and beyond. Through By Jenna Roden, I don’t just photograph your day—I help guide you through the planning process so your elopement feels true to you from start to finish.

Whether you're hiking into a hidden spot for your ceremony, soaking in a hot spring after you say “I do,” or popping champagne on a mountaintop, I’ll be there to document the whole thing in a way that feels timeless and real.

Contact me today and let’s start planning your day.

Elopement Ceremony Ideas + Elopement Activity Ideas