Adventure into Your Elopement: Activities Beyond the Ceremony

Make your wedding day an actual experience — not just a photoshoot.

When most people think of an elopement, they picture a quick ceremony on a mountaintop and then heading back down. But elopements and intimate weddings— especially in Colorado — can be so much more than that. Think of your elopement not just as a ceremony, but as a full-on experience. A day (or even two!) built around the things you love doing together.

Whether you’re adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, or just looking for something meaningful and untraditional, there are countless ways to turn your elopement into an unforgettable adventure.

As a Colorado elopement + intimate wedding photographer who’s planned and documented 100+ wild, beautiful days — I’m here to guide you through it.

Why Add Adventure to Your Elopement?

Simple: because your wedding day should reflect you.

Eloping gives you the freedom to skip the traditions that don’t matter and make space for the ones that do. Adding adventurous activities to your elopement timeline makes the day more fun, more connected, and more memorable. It also gives you a chance to soak in the surroundings and truly be present — not just pose for the camera.

Ideas for Elopement Activities in Colorado

Here are some of my favorite ways couples have added adventure into their day:

1. Hiking to Your Ceremony Spot

Start the day with a sunrise hike to an alpine lake or summit. Colorado is filled with accessible (and photogenic) trails for all ability levels. So if youre up for the adventure and want to incorporate some movement – and maybe some elevated heart rates! – then a Colorado hiking elopement is for you!

2. Canoeing or Paddleboarding

In summer or early fall, you can rent a canoe or bring paddleboards for a lake session at sunrise or sunset. Picture glassy water, golden light, and just the two of you out there. Plus paddleboarding in a wedding dress takes a special kind of skill and if that’s you – I say go for it!

3. Jeep or 4×4 Adventure

Want the epic views without the intense hike? Rent a Jeep and head up one of Colorado’s rugged forest roads to find a secluded ceremony spot. Especially if you are looking to elope in the San Juan mountains of Colorado, this is a spectacular way to reach new heights without breaking a sweat. There are so many 4×4 companies to work with for your 4×4 off roading elopement in Colorado!

4. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Yes, it’s a thing — and yes, it’s magical. Perfect for sunrise elopements followed by a picnic and slow morning together. If you want more info on what it’s like to ride a hot air balloon for your elopement in Colorado, check out this blog by Irmina + Brian!

5. Skiing or Snowboarding Elopement

For winter adventure lovers: imagine exchanging vows at the top of the mountain, then skiing down in your wedding attire. (Yes, you’ll get some serious cheers from the lift line.) Plus nothing says absolute bad ass like skiing down a moutain in a tuxedo and wedding gown for your elopement day!

Check out this highlight blog that details some of those exact Colorado elopement adventures!

6. Soaking in Natural Hot Springs

Celebrate post-ceremony with a soak in one of Colorado’s many hot springs. Some are hike-in hidden gems; others are full-on luxury spa vibes. If you want to include some indulgence in your wedding day then this is a definite route for your Colorado elopement!

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Slower-Paced Activities That Still Feel Intentional

Adventure doesn’t always mean high adrenaline. Here are some cozy, meaningful ideas:

Go for a scenic drive or picnic along Trail Ridge Road or the Last Dollar highway

Share a meal or champagne toast by the fire

Write your vows together on the porch of your cabin

Have a private chef dinner at your Airbnb

Stargaze with headlamps and hot cocoa

Tips for Planning an Adventure Elopement in Colorado

• Build in buffer time. Whether you’re hiking or off-roading, always allow for extra time (and unexpected moments). I help you with crafting this timeline as part of my planning services that are included in your elopement package!
• Dress for the elements. I’ll help you style something that photographs beautifully and lets you move comfortably. But always a good idea to bring layers!
• Think about light. Sunrise and sunset are ideal for most adventure sessions — golden light + fewer crowds = magic.
• Don’t try to do it all. This isn’t a content marathon. Pick 1–3 activities that feel most aligned with your relationship.

Your Elopement, Your Way

At the end of the day, your elopement should feel like you two. Whether that means hiking through alpine wildflowers, soaking in a hot spring under the stars, or saying your vows on a snowy overlook — it’s all possible here in Colorado.

And I’d love to help you plan it.

As a Colorado adventure elopement photographer, I specialize in creating personalized timelines, scouting epic locations, and capturing every part of the journey — not just the “I do.”