5 Non-Hiking Elopement Ideas

When COVID hit, there was a huge rise in elopements and intimate weddings in gorgeous, Insta-worthy locations. And every couple and their dog started posting those epic, swoon-worthy scenic shots. But Insta is always the highlight reel, right? And in this case, what it conveniently glosses over is the serious hiking a shot like that requires.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE those shots and I’m 100% down to hike up for them if you are. But if you’re like me, and hiking is a "Type 2" kind of fun for you (meaning not THAT fun for you), I have 5 non-hiking ways to spend your elopement day.

5 Outdoor Elopement Ideas That Aren’t Hiking

#1 Go Camping

If you’re outdoorsy—and I’m pretty sure you are—I think you would LOVE a camping elopement. Imagine this: you and your love pack up and leave the city behind. You set up camp, settle in, pop some bottles, and relax, And sunset, you say “I do” as I snap a few stunner photos. Then you snuggle up under a blanket next to the fire, stargaze, and sleep soundly.

OR you have that first lovely night to yourselves, then wake up early for mimosas and a sunrise ceremony and we take photos on the campground while you hang out outside together, go for a trail walk, or head to the water.

Either way, a camping elopement is easy, laidback wedding day perfection.

#2 Hit The Road

One of my very favourite elopement day ideas is to pack a bag, hit the highway, and head out on a road trip together! You’ll feel like it’s just you two, sneaking away from real life and going out into the world. And, you’ll get those vacation vibes and the moods that come with them.

And living in Vancouver, we really are in the perfect spot for a road trip! In just a few hours of travel time, you and your love could:

• Hit up Harrison Hot Springs

• Cruise the Sea to Sky, stopping in Lions Bay, Porteau Cove, Squamish, Whistler, or Pemberton along the way

• Take the ferry to Victoria for high tea, craft beer, or—if you’re feelin’ fancy—a night at the Fairmont Empress

• Take a trip down Chuckanut Drive in Washington (once the border’s open)

#3 Schedule An Activity

Elopement days are longer than you might think. When it’s just the two of you, you can wake up when you want and do anything you want, because your ceremony only takes like, 20 minutes! So why not spend some of your day doing an activity you love to do together?

Here are my fav ideas: 

• Ride bikes

• Go horseback riding

• Go berry picking

• Pick out a pumpkin and carve it

• Go swimming

...but you can and should pick the activities that mean the most to you—and make you happiest.

Not Sure What To Do? Try This:

A friend recently spent time at Sundance Ranch in Ashcroft, BC. Having grown up on a farm and loved horses her whole life, she said being at Sundance was "absolute heaven" to her. 

When it comes to thinking about what to do on your elopement day, start with your version of absolute heaven as a couple, and work backward from there. If it gives you that excited, butterflies, can’t-eat-can’t-sleep feelings, you’re on the right path!

#4 Get Out On The Water

Have you ever seen He’s Just Not That Into You? Where Jennifer Anniston and Ben Affleck get married on the boat? Or that scene from the office when Jim and Pam sneak off together before their big wedding to get married their way in Niagara Falls? So cute, right?!

If you and your favourite human love the water too, why not get out on it for your elopement day? You could get married on the water—like Ben and Jen, and Jim and Pam—or book a water activity like sailing, kayaking, or stand-up paddling as a way to spend your day together.

Pro Tip: Say your vows at sunsets! I’m already drooling over the photo potential.

#5 Have A Beach Day

A beach day might sound humble, but don’t overlook this one. Because what’s more fun, relaxing, and romantic than a date day at the beach? You can make like you’re in Mexico and spend your whole elopement day together soaking up the sun with your toes in the sand, dreaming about life with your love. 

You could pack a romantic picnic lunch (I love the idea of beer or wine, a little DIY charcuterie board, and some desserts!) or even bring your favourite takeout. Pack a book, bring a football, or just cozy up together on a towel. Then, say your I Do’s at sunset —it’s always the most romantic time—and close off the day with s’mores and a nightcap (if campfires are allowed).

Whatever You Do, Make It 100% Perfect For You

Elopements are all about focusing on what matters to you and letting go of what doesn’t. So whatever elopement ideas you decide to go with, just make sure they are 100% true to you. You can’t go wrong that way. 

What’s Your Version Of Absolute Heaven?

Get in touch with me and let me know what you’re dreaming of! I’ll help you plan it, prep for it, and document it—giving you all the elopement planning, photography, and hype-girl support you ever need!