101 Unique Elopement Ideas for Your Dream Adventure Elopement
So you know you don’t want a traditional wedding and want to elope, but now what? One of my favorite parts of being an adventure elopement photographer is that couples can create experiences that are truly their own.
Nothing is better than incorporating all the little details and experiences to create a day that is 100% yours!
If you know you’d like to elope (or are strongly considering it!), check out my ultimate list of adventure elopement ideas. And while I’ve done my best to brainstorm an epic list, if you have your heart set on an activity you don’t see listed here, reach out! I bet we can make it happen.
101 Adventure Elopement Ideas
So, for those considering an adventure elopement, here is a list of 101 ideas I put together with love for you. As a thrill-seeking adventure elopement photographer, I’m excited to help any of these ideas become your wedding story.
Imagine your elopement infuses with adventure, such as…
Adrenaline Seekers
1. Hot Air Balloon Ride
What better place but in the heavens themselves to commemorate your everlasting love?
2. Rock Climbing
Harness up and scale a wall to cement your love in the firmament.
3. Ice Climbing
Brr! Grab those ice axes and get ready for a wedding moment that will surely take your breath away.
4. Climbing a Via Ferrata
Via Ferratas offer jaw-dropping views but with a bit more security than a rock climb. Perfect for the adventurous couple who wants a few handholds on their big day.
5. Helicopter Ride
Epic! Imagine a view that takes your breath away, perhaps as the sun is rising or setting. You will never forget this moment.
6. Dune Boarding
For those with a wild sense of fun and joie de vivre. Imagine the pictures!
7. Off-Roading
Take that road trip into the backcountry for a more secluded spot for exchanging your vows.
8. High Ropes Course
Tie the knot on a high ropes course!
9. Slackline
Exchange your vows while hovering in the air. A balancing act to be sure.
10. White Water Rafting
Rollicking and raucous. A super fun way to celebrate your big day! (Let someone else hold onto the rings!)
11. Volcano
Another epic place to declare your all-consuming love– peering into the depths of a fiery and fearsome beauty…
12. On a Glacier (did I mention I’m from Chile?)
There’s nothing more awe-inspiring and mystical than the sounds of a glacier calving. Let that be the only music your wedding needs.
13. Mountain Bike
Ascend a mountain with your partner in life and in adventure. There are spectacular routes in the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps!
14. Rollerblade Through a Park
Where are my 90s guys and girls?
15. Roller Coaster
Need I say marriage can be a roller coaster? In SUCH a good way, you are in for the ride of your life, so buckle up and get hitched in this oh-so-fitting fashion!
Travel Enthusiasts
16. At the Ends of the Earth (Looking at you, Patagonia!)
Truly an unforgettable fashion in which to celebrate your love. You would go to the ends of the Earth for one another anyway; why not go on your wedding day?
17. Road Trip
Pick a handful of bucket-list spots and hit the road with your sweetie. Curate that perfect playlist; hit up some great restaurants; take in all the sites. And say “I Do” along the way.
18. Safari
Who can imagine a more epic way to celebrate your bond than on an adventure of a lifetime?
19. The Amazon
Wild, buzzing, chattering, teeming with life… What an extraordinary place to venture into for an exchange of your vows.
20. On Your Own, Private Island
This may take some planning, but not necessarily a lot of resources! Sneak away to an intimate private island to exchange your vows with your sweetheart. You have the rest of your lives to be with the rest of the world!
21. Quaint Towns of Cinque Terre
Wander along the intricate footpaths through these coastal “five lands” in the Italian Riviera and get hitched along the way.
22. Mediterranean Cruise
Leave the worries of the world in your wake and luxuriate in the incomparable Mediterranean sunshine. There are endless varieties of itineraries and destinations to choose from.
23. Arctic Cruise
Unforgettable indeed. Explore the Svalbarg archipelago, an icy landscape carved right out of a fairytale, or stay a bit closer to home and explore Iceland or the Northwest Passage. Regardless of which you choose, bundle up and take in the marvels of arctic wildlife.
24. Rent a Camper Van in New Zealand (Check out Quirky Campers!)
These trips are SO fun and will create lifelong memories. If New Zealand is too far, Iceland is a spectacular choice, too, and you can make it around the whole country in around a week along the Ring Road. Marvels abound.
25. Take a Train Ride Through the Mountains
There is something so endearing about a train ride. It holds whispers of the past and promises of the future. Cozy up in a cabin for two and soak up the stunning views along the way on any number of romantic train rides: Paris to Istanbul, the Canadian Rockies, South Africa…
26. Explore Ancient Ruins
If your wedding takes you to a place where there are ruins (think Mexico, Greece, Scotland, Peru, Cambodia…), take some time to honor the ancients and their fascinating creations.
You Love a Winter Wonderland
27. Backcountry Skiing
Get out into the great white beyond with your darling, and together find that perfect backdrop for your intimate moment.
28. Snowshoeing
Trek into the snow-laden woods and hone in together on just the place for solemnizing your love.
29. Snowmobiling
With snowmobiles you have such great access to the great outdoors. Venture out to its far reaches and say “I Do”.
30. Ice Skating
If you can do it gracefully– or hey, even if you can’t– saying your vows while ice skating certainly conjures up sweet romance.
31. Build a Snowman
You are going to build a life together…
32. Have a Snowball Fight
...And a sense of humor and playfulness must be at the heart of any strong marriage!
33. Snow Angels
Create a sweet memory (and fabulous picture) by making your mark– in the crystalline snow– as a newly-wed pair.
For Those with a Bend Toward the Unfamiliar and Unexpected
34. Camel Riding
For those with a sense of fun and spontaneity, with a flair for the unfamiliar.
35. Behind a Waterfall
Carve out a sonorous and magical space for saying your I-Dos.
36. Treehouse
From the vantage point of the lush, green canopy, exchange your vows. Then perhaps stay a night or two?
37. Desert
Here, again, is a place where one can feel so small. Imagine standing in that great expanse and lifting up your BIG love for all the world to see and know.
38. Cloud Forest
Celestial and ethereal. I can hardly imagine a more fitting place to elope.
39. Whale Watching (or dolphin or sea lion)
Say your vows while nature wows you with surprise appearances of these marvelous creatures.
40. Glass Bottom Boat
Get to see under the sea without chancing a dousing.
41. Submarine
Venture into the depths of the ocean for a truly otherworldly wedding.
42. Yoga; Maybe You’re Into AcroYoga
Namaste on your wedding day? Strike a pose with your honey, and then repose.
43. Aerial Yoga on Silks
For the acrobats out there! Or those who want a super creative way to ring in their wedding day.
44. The Depths of a Cave
Otherworldly, or underworldly? Going to a deep and unfamiliar place to solemnize your love just seems fitting.
45. Monastery
Serene, ponderous, sacred, hallowed... If these words resonate with you when you think of your wedding day, a monastery might be just the place.
46. During an Astrological Event
A spectacular display by the heavens on your most spectacular of all days. Meteor shower, supermoon, equinox… The celestial possibilities abound.
47. Gondola Ride (Another point for Telluride)
Take in gorgeous panoramic views while scaling a mountain, just from within the comforting confines of your own private gondola.
48. Lighthouse
Scale to the tip-top of a lighthouse and be rewarded with sweeping views of the sea. There, exchange your vows with the waves crashing far beneath.
49. Tattooed Rings
An indelible way to declare your infinite love for one another.
50. Drum Circle
A good drum circle is a profound expression of love and energy, a vibrant concert, and a spirited dance party all in one. What a fun way to honor your marriage.
Animal Lovers
51. Near Monkeys
A zoo wedding is SUCH fun!
52. With Elephants
Maybe they are more your thing? (I hear they really like music, so maybe they will dance along with you!)
53. Animal Sanctuary (Best Friends is by some gorgeous spots!)
You can even kindly make a donation in your name to honor your love and to protect our fellow creatures.
54. Adopt a Pet
A magnanimous and sweet way to memorialize your love for another. Three IS a magic number!
Outdoor Lovers
55. Hiking
What more wondrous way to celebrate your love than in the serenity and majesty of the mountains?
56. Backpacking
Venture out to that secluded promontory together and declare your love–what a sweet and unforgettable reward at the end of a long trek.
57. National Park
Out national parks contain a multitude of breathtaking vistas– all picture-perfect backdrops for your dream elopement.
58. National Monument
Pick one that speaks to you and resonates with your story as a couple, and then honor it by exchanging your sweet vows there.
59. State Park
Maybe you want to stay closer to home than traveling to a national park. State parks have plenty of green space and lovely landscapes to provide a wonderful backdrop for your special day.
60. On the Top of a Mountain
Take in sweeping, jaw-dropping views with your sweetheart. It may have felt like you climbed a mountain before finding each other, so what better way than to take a deep breath at the top, and finally say (or shout) “I Do”.
61. Salt Flats
A truly dazzling, expansive landscape for your perfect day.
62. Wetlands
Make the lush, verdant wetlands the backdrop to your elopement.
Water Lovers and Beach Babes
63. Sailboat
For just you two, or bring a crew. Tie the knot on the wide open seas.
64. Beach
Let the mighty and grand ocean be the gorgeous backdrop to your dream day.
65. In the Ocean
Better yet, wade into the lapping waves to exchange your vows.
66. Snorkeling
Or swim out into its lulling current.
67. Scuba Diving
Or better yet, plunge into its depths for a magical elopement.
68. Kayaking
Get out on the water in a boat just for two. And hey, maybe combine this with #36 and spot some whales along the way!
69. Paddle Boarding
A fun and active way to get out on the water together and do some exploring.
70. Surfing
Catch some waves with your cutie before exchanging vows– on your boards or on the shore.
71. Parasailing
Drift up high into the heavens together and take in the breathtaking views for I-Dos.
72. Windsurfing
Hold on tight! Harness the wind to your heart’s delight and laugh in the ocean spray on your joyous day.
73. Jet Skiing
Frolicking around on the roiling sea? Zipping and zooming with your bestie? What fun!
74. Pineapple Plantation (Aloha!)
Sweetheart: Check. Bathing Suit: Check. Boarding Pass: Check. Hawaii is the penultimate elopement destination.
You Long for a Cozy Escape
75. Bed and Breakfast Tour
Simple, sweet, and romantic. Curate the perfect little trip with your sweetheart. I am thinking cozy quilts, wine or cider by the fireplace, warm scones in the morning…
76. Tuscan Cottage
Many Tuscan landscapes look so idyllic it seems as if you are looking at a painting rather than what is right before your eyes. The food here is truly spectacular, too. So it’s a win-win destination all around!
77. A Friend’s Cabin
Trek out into the woods just the two of you or bring along a small group of friends. A cabin elopement is cozy and intimate. Imagine camp fires, s’mores, games, naps in the hammock, and delicious shared meals. Perfection.
Good Food; Good Drinks; Good Music
78. Coffee Farm
Or any farm, for that matter! A farm is the perfect backdrop to any nuptials and a sweet way to celebrate nature’s bounteous gifts and beauty.
79. Winery
Wineries are usually in the loveliest of places. Partner with the owners to create a dream wedding. With really good wine. Cheers!
80. Olive Farm
You will find many of these along sunny, gently sloping hills– a sweet backdrop for your elopement. You can engage in a fun new pastime, too: olive oil tasting.
81. Bluegrass Festival (Telluride’s is awesome!)
Telluride is indeed a dreamy spot for an elopement. But you can find cool festivals all over! Ring in your big day with some rollicking jigs and good times.
82. Brewery
Who doesn’t love an afternoon with friends at a good brewery? Book your favorite for your big day. Cheers!
83. Teahouse
Tea houses have such character. And if tea is more your jam than say beer or wine, this is a great (and distinctive) choice. And a signature blend in your names is such a charming wedding favor!
For All the Romantics
84. Horseback Riding
It conjures up such romance and gallantry! Be it on a beach or a mountainside…
85. Under the Stars
How marvelous! To feel the grandeur and mystery of our awesome universe as you celebrate its greatest gift– LOVE, of course.
86. Hot Springs
Say your vows and then indulge in a hot, steamy soak. How luxurious!
87. Picnic
Simple but perfect. Pack a romantic lunch for two, roll up your favorite blanket, grab a few bottles of bubbly, and stake out just the right little grassy knoll or mountaintop for your I-Dos.
88. Canoeing
Row out and let the winds and waters lead you where they may. Perhaps even bring along a picnic….
89. Tulip Farms
They’re Breathtaking– Imagine a seemingly endless expanse of bands upon bands of the loveliest colors. It’s like Picasso painted this backdrop just for you on your precious day.
90. Lavender Fields
Just the most idyllic shades of wheat gold and vibrant purple, swaying on gently rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Swoonworthy!
91. At Sunrise
There is something so precious and magical about rising with the sun. The world takes its first breath with you, and the promise of new beginnings sparkles on the horizon. Celebrate your new beginning with the sunrise.
92. During Sunset
Alternatively, you can say your I-Dos right at the “golden” hour, where the world holds its breath for one last instance before giving way to whatever the night holds. In this case, perhaps a big party just for you two?
93. With Wild Horses in the Background
How dreamy and romantic! Whether on a white-sand beach or on a Western ranch or on a verdant farm, getting married surrounded by these doe-eyed marvels will make for lovely pictures indeed.
94. In a Castle (Ireland has several!)
Always wanted to feel like a prince or princess on your wedding day? Book your very own castle and ring in your nuptials in the most romantically regal style.
95. Famous Harbor
Coming into a port feels like a coming home, which is a bit what falling in love feels like, right? Perhaps after that cruise with your sweetheart (see #79 and #80), you can tie the knot ensconced in a lovely harbor.
96. Boardwalk
Make a pier or boardwalk your aisle!
97. Your Backyard
I love the intimacy and comfort of a backyard wedding. Create everlasting memories in a place that is already close to your hearts.
98. Make S’Mores
Getting married on a mountainside, on a farm, on a beach? Create a s’mores bar with all the fun toppings and cozy up by the fire to roast those marshmallows.
99. Dance by the Fire
Again, you can incorporate this one (almost) anywhere. Getting married at a friend’s cabin in the woods, on a beach after parasailing, on the shore after canoeing around a lake? A fireside dance is a perfect accompaniment.
100. Plant a Tree
Another way to indelibly commemorate your everlasting bond. Give back to the Earth, but also make a bold statement. Set down roots that will flourish like your love.
101. Fly a Kite
Channel your inner child and bring a sense of playfulness and delight to your elopement.
Wherever your adventure takes you, whatever the activity, you’ll say, “I do,” and marry your best friend in a way that is all your own. It’s what I love about capturing adventure elopements — no two elopements are the same!
I hope this list inspires you and ignites your creativity. The sky's the limit when creating adventure elopements as unique as the couples I work with.
As an adventure elopement photographer, I specialize in elopements in my native country of Chile, neighboring Argentina, Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. However, I’ve traveled to dozens of countries and am bilingual in English and Spanish. If there’s somewhere you want to go, I’m here for it!
I understand the details of international elopements, how to scope out what permits you may need, and I am 100% invested in the couples I work with. I’m confident that if you can dream it, we can plan it. I love a good challenge!
As a Leave No Trace Ⓒ certified photographer, you can rest assured that while I am all for exploring our world, I wholeheartedly believe in leaving it just the way we found it.
If an adventure elopement is what you have your heart set on, reach out to schedule a low-key, no-pressure call. Chat with an adventure elopement specialist (oh hey!), and let’s start turning those elopement dreams into reality!
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
Find out how I can help make that happen!
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer, that’s great!
You can do that by filling out the form below, by emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling/texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!
