As an elopement photographer, I always love it when couples choose to add some adventure to their big day! I’ve been lucky enough to tag along on some amazing activities, and capture unbelievable moments for my clients. From hiking to off-roading, or even a helicopter ride - there’s no shortage of ways to personalize you and your partner’s special moments. In this post, I’m going to be sharing some of my FAVORITE ideas for turning your regular elopement into an adventure elopement!

Go for a scenic hike

One of the simplest and best activities to do during your elopement is a hike. You could even plan to hike to a special spot for your ceremony! Resources like the AllTrails app can help you determine the difficulty of the excursion, so you can choose a path that will be comfortable for you and your partner. If you decide to add hiking to your itinerary, make sure to bring plenty of water, apply sunscreen, and wear good shoes or boots. You might also want to check with local forest or park services to see if they require permits or special access. One of the best parts of hiking in an adventure elopement is the amazing photos you can get along the way! Check out my blog post all about How To Plan a Hiking Elopement!

couple hiking through the mountains on their elopement day, captured by erika greene photography

Get out on the water

What’s more romantic/adventurous than sharing a kayak with your partner in a beautiful location?! There are tons of options when it comes to going out on the water: kayaking, canoeing, rafting, sailing, or chartering a yacht. Check to see if there are any rental companies at the location you chose to have your elopement. Odds are, if there’s a lake or river nearby there will be a business ready to provide a boat of some kind. It’s one of the best ways to add some adventure and excitement to your elopement.

couple canoeing on a lake on their elopement day, captured by erika greene photography

Rip up some dirt roads

When you’re feeling really dirty, there’s no better way to blow off steam than some good off-roading! I’ve met a lot of adrenaline-seeking couples that have had the time of their lives taking a four-wheeler out on the trails. Whether it’s an ATV, your own Jeep, or some dirt bikes, you’ll love getting some mud in your wheels during your elopement. Sure, it’ll require a thorough shower after it’s all over, but if you’re looking for adventure, it will totally be worth it!

couple off-roading in a jeep on their elopement day, captured by Erika Greene Photography

Pitch a tent

There’s a lot to love about camping. It allows you to connect with nature, enjoy quiet moments with your partner, and is very affordable. Depending on how you envision your day, you could take an intimate trip with just you two, or invite a few guests who are attending your ceremony. If you already have camping equipment, you should consider adding it to your itinerary! Just like I mentioned for hiking, you should always remember to check your local forest service for requirements like permits or fire restrictions.

couple camping in tents for their adventure elopement, captured by Erika Greene photography

Grab a telescope

Gazing into the night sky is a total vibe, and the PERFECT adventure elopement activity. There are feelings you can get from stargazing that can’t be recreated anywhere else! You can have some incredible moments with your partner simply laying on a blanket looking at the cosmos. And if you own a telescope, that’s a huuuge bonus! Stargazing is super easy to fit into your elopement day timeline, and will certainly add a touch of adventure to the whole experience.

couple star gazing on their elopement day, captured by erika greene photography

Rent your dream car

Want to cruise around in a Cadillac or put the pedal to the metal in a Porsche? It’s easier than you think! With apps like Turo, you can find any number of vehicles to rent from local hosts. It’s also usually not as expensive as conventional car rental companies. You could roll up to your ceremony in a Lamborghini if you wanted to (haha I would love to capture a photo of that moment)! If you and your partner love cars, this idea would make your wildest dreams come true for your elopement!

couple riding in a mustang for their getaway car on their elopement day

Fly away together in a helicopter

One of the most unique adventure activities you can do for your elopement is a helicopter ride or tour. Flying in a helicopter is an absolutely unforgettable experience! It’s a much more visceral experience than flying in a plane, and you can land in far more secluded areas. Imagine how cool it would be to fly to the top of a mountain and perform your ceremony up there! The whole thing would be an adventure of a lifetime, and when better to make it happen than your elopement day?

couple popping champagne after their helicopter ride on their elopement day in Alaska, captured by Erika Greene photography

When you and your partner want a truly memorable marriage, planning an adventure elopement is the best way to do it!

If you’re hunting for ideas, I hope this post has helped you narrow down some activities you can do together. I have tons of experience photographing elopements and am more than willing to help you figure out what you can do to make your big day even more special. Whether it’s itinerary planning or photography questions, feel free to contact me and let’s start planning your epic adventure elopement!