Elopement Activity Ideas Introduction
Just because you’re not doing a big wedding with a ton of guests and a bunch of formal events doesn’t mean that you can’t fill your day chock full of fun and meaning elopement activities. I encourage couples to consider what they would do during an ideal date if it lasted all day and what date ideas have always sounded fun but they’ve never gotten around to doing?
You could do anything from cuddling up and reading a book together to rowing a canoe across a lake to taking a helicopter ride to the top of a mountain. The great thing about eloping is the world is your oyster when it comes to planning your elopement day activities! And the more activities you have, the more opportunities you’ll have for photos doing meaningful candid things together.
Feel free to peruse this extensive list of elopement activity ideas to help plan out your day!
Relaxing Indoor Elopement Activity Ideas
Play Instruments Together
If you’re long-time musicians or recently learning instruments together as a couple’s goal, playing a song you’ve been practicing together can be a great bonding moment during your elopement. It would also make really cute photos and a lasting memory.
Read Together
The morning of your elopement, get the day started cuddled up with a book together. Take turns reading to each other or just enjoy each other’s company while relaxing with a good page turner.
Give Each Other Letters
Exchanging handwritten letters with your partner the day of your elopement is a great way to express your feelings and ease into the proceedings in a sentimental way, especially if you want be seeing each other before the ceremony. It can also help to relieve some butterflies knowing how your partner is feeling before you say your vows.
Give Each Other Gifts
What better way to put a smile on your partner’s face than surprising them with a meaning gift before your ceremomy. Consider getting them jewelry, flowers, artwork, or that special something they’re been wanting for ages.
Get Pedicures And/Or Manicures Together
While getting ready for your elopement, how cute would it be to schedule a time to get pampered with your partner and have a pedicure and/or manicure done? Imagine staring lovingly into each other’s eyes while you get your digits beautified! North Portland’s Blooming Moon offers a Couples Deluxe Spa Pedicure that’s perfect for special events.
Get Ready Together
Since you’re eloping you’ll probably won’t be following all the typical wedding traditions, so seeing each other before the ceremony may not matter. If you don’t have a wedding party to keep each other company, then getting ready together could be a fun, intimate experience and it looks really cute when photographed!
Play A Board Game Or Put Together A Puzzle
If you’re board game fans, a quick game of your favorite might be a great, relaxing way to get your day started doing something familiar and stimulating. Maybe even consider ordering a custom puzzle with a special photo on it to begin putting together either before or after your ceremony.
Have A Couples Massage
Imagine having a relaxing, stress-reducing massage side-by-side with your partner on your elopement day. In Portland, Zama specializes in date-night therapeutic massages for couples that conclude with delicious chocolates and romantic beverages of your choice.
Smoke A Joint
If you like to get high with your partner or just think it would be fun or romantic to try it out for the first time together, set aside some time to enjoy a few puffs. If you want to create a relaxing vibe light up an indica or if you want to feel a little more energetic consider a sativa.
Write Or Read Poetry
Expressing your feelings in poetry would be an especially romantic gesture to give your partner. You could even agree to exchange poems. Or you could each choose a poem that’s meaningful to you to read to each other either during your ceremony or any other point throughout the day.
Yoga
Get limbered up and centered on your elopement day with a quality yoga session together. If you happen to be staying at a rental with a nice deck, unrolling your mat and getting in a solid yoga session could be the perfect activity in the morning sunshine to loosen any tension and get ready to say your vows.
Relaxing Outdoor Elopement Activity Ideas
Enjoy A Sunset
Whether you’re on a mountain top, the back deck of your lodging rental or lounging in a park, taking time to enjoy the sunset the evening of your elopement would be a special moment. Sunset is also the perfect time for photos, as well, if you’re having portraits taken.
Stargazing
Places like the Alvord Desert are particularly nice for stargazing due to the infrequency of clouds and low light pollution. If you happen to be getting married in a more remote location, stargazing could be very romantic for an elopement activity. As bonus, your photographer could capture some dramatic, long exposure portraits with the stars twinkling in the sky.
Row A Boat or Canoe On A Lake
Have you ever fantasized about making out with your special person in the middle of a lake on a boat or canoe decorated in floral garland. Your elopement may be the perfect time to grab some paddles and shove off for a romantic cuddle session on the water. Trillium Lake and Timothy Lake up near Mt Hood would be perfect for this elopement activity idea.
River Hot Tubing
Imagine floating down the Willamette River while soaking in a hot tub wearing a white bathing suit and holding a glass of champagne. Sounds amazing right!? Well Portland’s Yacht Tubs offers this exact experience, which would be an amazing experience for your elopement.
Hot Springs
What could be more romantic than sharing a morning or evening soak in a hot spring with your partner during your elopement? While public hot springs can be busy, those found in more remote areas such as the Alvord Hot Springs can offer more solitude.
Spring And Summer Elopement Activity Ideas
White Water Rafting
White water rafting could be an exciting elopement activity idea to make your day extra special. The Imperial River Company in Maupin offers excellent guided trips down the Deschutes River. For a more leisurely rafting experience with less intense rapids, the John Day River may be a better option.
Sand Boarding
If you’re eloping on the Oregon Coast and enjoy board sports, you might consider giving sand boarding a shot. Much like snowboarding, sand boarding is an exhilarating activity perfect for active couples who want to level up their beach experience. Sand Master Park, located in Florence, offers 200 acres of pristine sand dunes for your elopement enjoyment.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a wonderful summertime elopement activity for adventurous couples who love getting on the river or lake. Bring along some binoculars for birdwatching or a pole for fishing for a relaxing afternoon before or after saying your vows.
Rock Climbing / Bouldering
Rope up at Smith Rock or head to a local Portland climbing gym, such as Movement or Portland Rock Gym, for a casual climb to get your elopement day statement with some exercise.
Horseback Riding
What could be more magical than galloping across a sandy beach horseback with your partner during your elopement. Check out C & M Stables in Florence or Oregon Beach Rides out of Nehalem Bay for some wonderful, guided horseback adventures.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing the morning of your elopement can be a great way to get in a relaxing activity to reduce any potential stress and enjoy nature with your partner. If you don’t know how to fly fish, it could be a great opportunity to learn together during a guided trip.
Dune Buggying
The Oregon is famous for its sand dunes, so if you’re planning an elopement on the coast, an afternoon of driving dune buggies might be an exhilarating idea to incorporate in your elopement plans. Spinreel Dune Buggy And ATV Rental is conveniently located right next to the famous Oregon Dunes.
Whale Watching
June through September are excellent months to whale watch on the Oregon Coast, which could be a fun activity during your elopement. Bring a pair of binoculars to Cape Kiwanda or Cape Perpetua or Depoe Bay’s Whale Watching Center.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Imagine saying your vows and immediately after boarding a colorful hot air balloon to watch the sunset. Portland Rose Balloons does private flights at Wood Shoe Tulips farm, an ideal place for an elopement.
Sky Diving
Are you thrill seekers who think checking skydiving off your bucket lists together sounds like an exciting activity for your elopement? Just 30 minutes outside of Portland, The Pacific Northwest Skydiving Center in Mulino will get you set up for a safe experience.
Fly Kites
If you’re a whimsical couple eloping on the Oregon Coast, flying kites might be a fun activity. Luckily the Oregon Coast has plenty of wind, so flying kites is the perfect activity to take advantage of the environment. Bahama Mama’s Beach Shop in Manzanita offers rentals if you don’t have kite of your own.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is a great way to explore Oregon’s lakes and is an easy activity to pick up. Enjoy this wonderful warm-weather opportunity to enjoy sunshine while spending quality time with your partner during your elopement. Portland’s Next Adventure offers various water sports rentals, including paddle boards.
Go On A Hike
Oregon offers a plethora of excellent hiking opportunities for your adventurous elopement. Consider Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge, South Sister near Bend, or Tamanwas Falls near Mt Hood.
Snorkeling
Oregon’s oceans may not have the best visibility for snorkeling, but if you’re a PNW couple traveling to a tropical location then snorkeling might be a wonderful elopement activity. Many destinations have tours that will boat you out to the best spots.
Run A 5K Together
Are you and your partner big runners? If so, participating in a morning 5K race that aligns with your elopement might be a fun way to get the day started. Imagine wearing white and black shorts and shirt like a dress and suit. Maybe incorporate a short veil for fun. Find A Race would be a good resource for race dates that might work for your elopement.
Bike Ride
Enjoying a leisurely bike ride with your partner the day of your elopement is a great activity to get some exercise and feel invigorated before you say your vows. If you’re visiting Portland for your elopement, consider renting a couple bikes and cruising around the east and west bank esplanade for various view of the city.
Have A Fire On The Beach
Having a fire on the beach is a romantic activity to cap off your elopement day. Imagine wrapping up your portraits at dusk and strolling to a premade fire with a blanket to cuddle on and your favorite beverage to sip. So long as you’re not near vegetation, fires are generally allowed on Oregon beaches, but check local restrictions beforehand.
Roller Skating
Rollerskating would be a fun way to kick of your elopement day. Find some colorful knee and elbow pads and skate hand-in-hand on a picturesque local bike trail or Portland’s east and west bank esplanade with a small speaker for music.
Spelunking
Oregon has some excellent spelunking opportunities if that would sound like a fun activity for your elopement day. The Oregon Caves National Monument has excellent guided tours. The Oregonian also lists several others to consider.
Fall And Winter Elopement Activity Ideas
Have A Snowball Fight
If you’re getting married in the snow, you might as well take advantage of it and get a playful snowball fight in while you’re at it. Be sure to have some gloves on hand so your hands don’t get too cold, and maybe work on your throwing arm in advance so you can one-up your partner with a well-placed throw. White River West Sno-Park would be a great place to cut loose.
Go Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a great way to explore Mt Hood and is an excellent winter elopement activity. Consider renting a snowmobile if you’re from out of town or if you’ve never ridden one before. Mt Hood Outfitters offers excellent snowmobile tours!
Go Skiing / Snowboarding
Skiing or snowboarding is a thrilling and adventurous elopement activity for couples who love the snow. Oregon’s top snow sports destinations like Mount Hood’s Timberline lodge, Mt Hood Meadows or Mount Bachelor offer stunning slopes and cozy lodges for a perfect winter elopement activity.
Snow Tubing
if you’re not much into skiing or snowboarding, but love the idea of playing in the snow during your elopement, a visit to a tubing slope might be a great idea. Mt Hood Ski Bowl East offers tubing at their Snow Tube and Adventure Park, which could be fun for the family, as well, if some will be in attendance.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a romantic wintertime elopement activity, perfect for couples looking to embrace the season. Whether you visit a charming outdoor rink like the one in Bend’s Old Mill District or the Portland Winter Ice Rink or a cozy indoor rink like the one at Lloyd Center—skating hand-in-hand adds a playful and nostalgic touch to your special day.
Sleigh Ride
A sleigh ride is a dreamy way to celebrate your winter elopement, especially in snowy regions like Mount Bachelor or Central Oregon. Cuddle up under a blanket as you glide through picturesque landscapes, creating a magical memory to treasure forever.
Snowshoeing
If you find yourself in the snow on your elopement day, a leisurely showshoeing excursion through the forest could be a great way to get your day started before saying your vows. Trillium Lake offers an excellent snowshoeing trail with up-close views of Mt Hood.
Dog Sledding
For adventurous couples, dog sledding is a thrilling winter activity that brings you up close to Oregon’s snowy wilderness. Consider booking a guided trip near Mount Bachelor for an unforgettable experience with your partner and a team of energetic sled dogs.
Go Bowling
It might seem like a first date idea, but bowling is a quirky and lighthearted elopement activity that’s ideal for couples looking for a laid-back celebration. In Portland, KingPins Family Entertainment Center and Grand Central Bowling are great options. If you’re looking for a more retro alley, you might consider Milwaukie Bowl instead.
Go Mushroom Foraging
Mushroom foraging is a unique elopement activity for nature-loving couples, especially during fall in Oregon’s lush forests. Guided foraging tours in areas like the Oregon Coast range or Willamette Valley let you enjoy the thrill of discovery while connecting with the environment.
Carve Pumpkins Together
Carving pumpkins together is a cozy and creative fall elopement activity, especially for couples planning a Halloween-themed day. Pick out your pumpkins at a local farm, like Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island, and enjoy an afternoon of carving while sipping on hot cider.
Food And Drink Elopement Activity Ideas
Spray Or Saber A Champagne Bottle
You may already be planning to sip some champagne during your elopement, so why not add a little extra flare to the proceedings and either saber the bottle or give it a good shake and spray. Click the following links to learn how to properly saber a bottle of champagne and spray a bottle of champagne.
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is a sophisticated and relaxing elopement activity, especially in Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley. Sip on world-class Pinot Noir as you take in the stunning vineyard views, creating a perfect backdrop for intimate moments with your partner.
Cocktail Bar Crawl
If you want to get loose, make a list of the best cocktail bars in Portland, and make a slow crawl around town hitting each up for the fanciest cocktails they serve. Pink Rabbit, Angel Face, Expatriate and Hale Pele would be definite contenders to be on your list. Consider sharing the same cocktail at each place if you don’t want to get sloshed too early.
Private Chef
Hiring a private chef for your elopement day adds an intimate and luxurious touch. Enjoy a customized gourmet meal tailored to your tastes in the comfort of your venue, making your celebration feel truly special and unique.
Marshmellow Roasting
Marshmallow roasting is a cozy and nostalgic elopement activity that’s perfect for an evening by the campfire. Whether you’re at a lakeside cabin or a beach bonfire, this sweet and simple activity creates warm memories to cherish.
Brewery Tour
A brewery tour is a fun and casual way to celebrate your elopement, especially in Oregon’s beer-loving cities like Portland or Bend. Sample a variety of local craft beers while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere perfect for toasting your new adventure.
Picnic
A simple, romantic picnic in one of Portland’s many parks is an excellent idea for you and your partner to enjoy each other’s company. Pack a cute basket with a basket of treats and some champagne and flutes. You can’t go wrong with this classic during your elopement. Peninsula Park‘s rose garden and the top of Mt Tabor Park are excellent options.
Cook Together
Cooking together is an intimate and creative elopement activity that lets you bond over making a special meal. Choose a favorite recipe or try something new with local ingredients from Oregon farmers’ markets for an extra personal touch.
Get Takeout
Opting for takeout is an stress-free and delicious elopement activity, especially after a busy day of celebrating. Pick up your favorite dishes from a beloved local spot and enjoy them together in a cozy and private setting or while lounging on the trunk of a classic car with your feet on the bumper.
Go To A Super Nice Restaurant
Dine at a high-end restaurant to mark your elopement with an unforgettable culinary experience. Oregon’s fine dining gems, such as Portland’s Le Pigeon or The Painted Lady in Newberg, offer exquisite menus and romantic atmospheres.
Visit Your Favorite Coffee Shop
Stopping by your favorite coffee shop adds a sentimental and relaxed moment to your elopement day. Whether you’re sipping on a perfectly brewed pour-over or savoring a pastry, it’s a simple way to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
Travel Elopement Activity Ideas
Travel Abroad
You’re saving a boatload of money by skipping the big wedding, so why not treat you and your partner to an incredible elopement experience abroad. Mexico, Thailand, and Switzerland are a couple excellent choices.
Ride Motorcycles
Riding motorcycles together is a thrilling elopement activity for adventurous couples who love the open road. Oregon’s scenic byways, like the Cascade Lakes Highway or the Historic Columbia River Highway, offer stunning views and unforgettable moments of freedom.
Helicopter Ride
A helicopter ride can be an exciting and romantic way to get a new perspective together was a couple of the wonderous state of Oregon. Hillsboro Aviation and Envi Aviation give wondrous tours of Mt Hood, Mt Saint Helens, and the Columbia River Gorge.
Go On A Cruise
A cruise is a serene and romantic elopement activity, perfect for couples looking to relax on the water. Whether you choose a dinner cruise on Portland’s Willamette River or a sightseeing cruise in the Columbia River Gorge, it’s a unique way to celebrate your special day.
Take A Drive In A Classic Convertible
Few things feel more free and exciting than cruising in a classic convertible with the top down, wind blowing in your hair and sun shining on your face. Driveshare offers a host of classic cars that would be perfect for cruising during your elopement.
Lodging Elopement Activity Ideas
Stay In A Fire Lookout
Fire lookouts offer a remote, secluded location high above the trees with excellent views of the surrounding forests. Cozy up with 360 degree views of your surroundings. Book your fire outlook early though because they’re very popular. Hager Mountain Lookout and Bald Knob Lookout are excellent options. More fire lookouts can be found in this Oregonian article.
Camping
For outdoorsy couples, camping might be the perfect activity for your elopement to enjoy each other’s company in nature. Consider the many camping opportunities at the many national parks up and down the west coast, or find a more remote hike for an overnighter in the backcountry.
Go Glamping
If you’re not you’re not the outdoorsy type but love the idea of lounging in natural, glamping might be more your style. Imagine lying back on a comfy bed in a spacious safari tent with heating, a chandelier overhead, and warm lighting while your partner gives you a massage in the woods. Check out Hipcamp for various glamping opportunities around Oregon.
Stay In A Unique Airbnb
There are numerous Airbnbs or private residences for rent that offer unique, romantic atmospheres for an elopement. From renovated Airstreams to fancy abodes on a remote lake, these lodging options are great for photo shoots, vow exchanges, and extended stays for your honeymoon.
Stay In A Fancy Hotel
Eloping is a great excuse to rent a room in the fanciest hotel in town, especially if you’re couple who appreciates the finer things in life or if you’re just looking for an extra special experience for your elopement. In Portland, you might consider The Nines for a more modern hotel or for a stay with more history look into The Benson Hotel.
Eventful Elopement Activity Ideas
Hire A Musician
Hiring a musician for your elopement adds a personal and enchanting touch to your celebration. Whether it’s a violinist serenading you in the forest or a guitarist playing your favorite songs on the beach, live music creates a beautifully intimate atmosphere.
Go To A Concert
Attending a concert is an exciting elopement activity for music-loving couples who want to celebrate with their favorite band or artist. Whether it’s a big show at the Moda Center or an intimate venue like McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, live music creates unforgettable memories.
See A Comedy Show
Laughing together at a comedy show is a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate your elopement. Catch a performance at a local venue like Helium Comedy Club in Portland for an evening filled with humor and joy.
Watch A Play
Watching a play adds a touch of elegance and culture to your elopement day. Oregon offers fantastic options, from the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland to local theater productions in Portland and Eugene.
Private Fireworks
Private fireworks are a dazzling way to end your elopement celebration with a bang. Set against the backdrop of Oregon’s starry skies, a personalized fireworks display creates a magical and unforgettable moment.
Get Matching Tattoos
Getting matching tattoos is a bold and meaningful way to commemorate your elopement. Many talented tattoo artists in Oregon, especially in cities like Portland, can help you design something special to symbolize your commitment.
Have A Portrait Painted Of You Together
Having a portrait painted of you together is a timeless and artistic way to remember your elopement. Commission a local Oregon artist to create a piece that captures your unique connection, turning your love into a lasting work of art.
Sensory Deprivation Tank
Floating in a sensory deprivation tank is a unique and calming elopement activity for couples seeking relaxation. Experience deep tranquility together at one of Oregon’s wellness centers, such as Float On in Portland, as you de-stress and reflect on your special day.
Sightseeing Elopement Activity Ideas
Visit A National Park
Eloping at your favorite national park or one that you’ve yet to visit will offer a beautiful backdrop for your photos. Oregon technically only has one national Park, Crater Lake National Park, but Sequoia National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are excellent west coast options.
Visit A Museum
Exploring a museum is a great elopement activity for couples who love art, history, or science. Oregon’s museums, like the Portland Art Museum or the High Desert Museum in Bend, offer inspiring and thought-provoking spaces to enjoy together.
Scenic Train Ride
Get your elopement started with a scenic train ride through Oregon. For the Oregon Coast, you could opt for a shorter train ride from either Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. Or you could enjoy a 2-3 hour journey on the Mt Hood Railroad.
Visit An Aquarium
Visiting an aquarium is a fun and fascinating activity for your elopement day. At the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, you can marvel at marine life while enjoying a serene and educational experience.
Go To An Arcade
Heading to an arcade is a playful and nostalgic elopement activity that’s perfect for fun-loving couples. Places like Ground Kontrol in Portland combine retro games, pinball, and good vibes for a memorable celebration. You also have Retro Game Bar to visit the classics.
Visit A Ghost Town
Visiting a ghost town is a unique and adventurous way to spend your elopement day. Explore the historic charm of places like Shaniko or Sumpter, and take in the quiet beauty of Oregon’s preserved past.
Tour Some Homes For Sale
You’re eloping and saving a bunch of money that you might be able to put toward a house. It might be a fun bonding experience taking a couple hours out of your elopement day to dream about the next big step you could take together by visiting a couple ideal houses on your Redfin list. Completely without expectations. Heck, dream big and tour some places out of your budget for shits and giggles. Imagine how silly and fun it might be touring a house in your wedding dress.
Visit A Theme Park
Oregon isn’t necessarily known for its theme parks, but both Oaks Amusement Park and the Enchanted Forest have their charm, and could be a silly good time for the right couple on their elopement day. If you’re planning to travel out of state, you also always have Six Flags Magic Mountain and Disneyland are great west coast options.
Visit A Tulip Or Lavender Farm
Wandering through a tulip or lavender farm is a romantic and picturesque elopement activity. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival or Oregon Lavender Farm offers stunning backdrops for photos and tranquil moments together.
Traditional Elopement Activity Ideas
Do A First Look
If you plan to get ready separately on your elopement day then a first look might be a fun way to easy your nerves and capture your expressions before heading out to your ceremony location.
Cake Cutting
Cutting a wedding cake together is a classic elopement tradition that adds sweetness to your celebration. Choose a locally baked cake from an Oregon favorite like Papa Haydn or Saint Cupcake for a delicious treat.
Do A First Dance
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean that you can’t still do many of the traditions you might see at a large wedding. If traditions like the first dance feel appropriate it could be nice to find a secluded location to dance quietly in nature or with your favorite song playing on a small speaker.
Educational Elopement Activity Ideas
Take Surfing Lessons
Surfing lessons are an exhilarating elopement activity for adventurous couples. The Oregon Coast, with spots like Cannon Beach or Pacific City, offers great waves and experienced instructors for a memorable day on the water.
Birdwatching Tour
A birdwatching tour is a peaceful and nature-filled activity for couples who love the outdoors. Explore Oregon’s rich habitats, such as Sauvie Island or the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, with binoculars in hand.
Glass Blowing Or Stained Glass Lessons
Taking a glass blowing or stained glass class is a creative and hands-on way to commemorate your elopement. Studios like Live Laugh Love Art in Portland let you craft a unique keepsake to treasure forever.
Take A Pottery Lesson
If you’ve ever thought reenacting THAT famous scene from Ghost with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, consider taking a pottery lesson the day of your elopement. Pottery might be a fun new hobby for you and your partner to enjoy as you move into marraige. The Mud Room Ceramics Studio has a bunch of classes that are worth checking out.
Take A Private Dance Class
A private dance class is a romantic and intimate elopement activity that helps you create a special moment together. Learn a favorite style, from ballroom to salsa, at studios like Dance With Joy Studios in Portland.
Philanthropic Elopement Activity Ideas
Volunteer At A Shelter
Volunteering at a shelter is a meaningful way to spend your elopement day by giving back together. Whether it’s helping at an animal shelter or a food bank, it’s a heartfelt activity that aligns with shared values.
Donate To a Charity
Donating to a charity is a beautiful way to celebrate your elopement by spreading kindness. Choose a cause you both care about, and make a contribution to organizations that create lasting change in Oregon or beyond.
Plant A Tree
Planting a tree together is a symbolic and eco-friendly way to celebrate your elopement. Partner with a local conservation group or find a meaningful location to grow something that will stand the test of time.
Adopt A Pet
Adopting a pet on your elopement day adds a furry new member to your family and marks the beginning of a new chapter. Oregon shelters like the Oregon Humane Society offer loving companions waiting for a forever home.
Photo Shoot Elopement Activity Ideas
Fast Food Restaurant Photo shoot
Is fast food a guilty pleasure for you and your partner? Well doing a fast food restaurant photo shoot could be a humorous idea for a portion of your elopement portraits that would express your personalities. McDonalds’ colorful golden arches in the background could really pop!
Light Smoke Bombs
Colorful smoke bombs are an excellent way to add visual interest to your elopement photographs, especially when paired with a wardrobe that compliments or contrasts the color of the smoke. Best used in low wind, smoke bombs should be treated with care for a safe experience. Enola Gaye Smoke Grenades are the gold standard.
Take Polaroids
You should have a professional photographer document your elopement, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take photos too if that’s something you enjoy. Taking some shots with some instant film can be a fun activity throughout the day. And your hired pro can document the two of you playfully posing for each other as part of the photo shoot. Check out Instax or Mint.
IKEA Photo Shoot
An IKEA photo shoot is a quirky and playful elopement activity that’s perfect for couples with a sense of humor. Explore the stylish showrooms as fun backdrops for unique and unexpected elopement photos that capture your creative spirit.
Carry Lanterns At Dusk
Lantern light can be especially dramatic in a dark setting, and it can provide an ethereal mood to your elopement photos. If this aesthetic sounds appealing you could pick up a couple vintage oil lanterns relatively cheap and go wander the beach at dusk.
Cosplay
Are you and your partner big comic book or video game fans? Well, your elopement might be a great opportunity to dress up as your favorite characters and express your shared interest. Cosplaying would also be a great elopement photo shoot idea, as well.
Greenhouse Photo Shoot
A greenhouse photo shoot is a romantic and lush elopement activity, surrounded by vibrant plants and natural light. Oregon’s beautiful greenhouses, like those at local nurseries or botanical gardens, create a serene and enchanting backdrop for your special photos.
Airstream Trailer Photo Shoot
An Airstream trailer photo shoot adds a vintage and adventurous vibe to your elopement memories. Iconic trailers, whether rented or found at locations like The Vintages Trailer Resort in Dayton, provide a unique and stylish setting for capturing your love story.