Elopement Day Planning Guide

So you’ve decided to center your wedding day on the two of you and the experiences you value, now what do you do with all that time? Your elopement is more than just the ceremony, it’s a whole day to fill with the things that you enjoy as a couple and want to remember for years to come. It’s a time to reflect the things that brought you together and that you value as you continue on your journey as partners.

Getting Ready

You guys can choose to get ready apart or share this time together. If you want to get ready apart form each other and have a special first look moment, be sure to have the space to do those things separately. If you are renting an Airbnb, make sure it has more than one bedroom for you both to get ready in or block off one section with a closed door or a sheet to block the view form one room to the next. You can also use this time to write your vows or a special letter to each other.

If you would rather spend this time together, take your time. Have a cup of your favorite coffee and make breakfast together, soak in those last moments before becoming lifelong partners. This is the best time to help each other with those little things like cufflinks or buttons. You chose this kind of an experience to make time for each other.

Hiking

Hiking is the best way to experience a new place or travel to your special ceremony location. You get to experience the peace of the outdoors, the variety of plant life, the quiet golden glow of an early morning or late sunset, and maybe even spot some local wildlife. If hiking is something you enjoy doing in your off time, why not include that on a day crafted for your enjoyment?

Be sure to pack adequate supplies such as water, snacks, proper footwear, and more tailored to your hike. It’s so fun to get excited congrats from fellow hikers along the way! Who knows maybe you will inspire someone to choose an epic elopement as well!

ATVS + Fun Vehicles

If you have fond memories of riding ATVs on trails up north or just around your backyard, who says you can’t do that on your wedding day? Embrace the trail dust and enjoy riding separately or holding on to each other if you ride together. If you don’t want to get your wedding clothes super dirty, you also choose another fun mode of transport such as a Jeep or other vehicle to rent to drive around for the day. Vehicle headlights can make for unique photo lighting at the end of the day too!

Ceremony

Choosing to have an intimate celebration allows you to share much more personal things and traditions in your ceremony. Only your partner will hear those words, inside jokes won’t need explanation, those memories will only be felt together by the most important people. This is also the space to include special traditions such as handfasting, tying symbolic cords, or any other traditions special to your heritage or religion.

Dinner with a View

Choose your favorite meal, snacks, or celebratory beverage and enjoy an amazing view! Choosing a day simply for the two of you doesn’t mean you have to always be doing things. Take time to enjoy a quiet moment, the view, and a delicious meal!

If you are choosing to spend the dinner portion of your day at your rental, hire a personal chef to make your meal. Often they will bring all the ingredients, so you get to just relax until dinner is served or dance to your favorite song.

First Dance

Dance on mountaintops, under a starry night, around a firepit, or even in your own backyard. Your first dance can be at any point in your wedding day to any song you love. You can play the music from your phone, put on your favorite record, hire a musician, or even serenade your partner yourself.

Your elopement/wedding day is a day to celebrate the start of your marriage and the continuation of doing life with your best friend. It’s more than just a ceremony or just a photoshoot in your wedding clothes, it’s a day to have fun with your partner and enjoy every moment.

Looking for some recommendations on where to elope in Wisconsin? Check out this post!