How to Plan a Multi-Day Elopement Experience
Make Your Wedding an Unforgettable Adventure
Gone are the days when elopements were a quick “I do” and done. Modern couples are turning their wedding celebrations into multi-day experiences—because why limit the best day of your life to just a few hours?
A multi-day elopement gives you more time to soak in the magic, enjoy meaningful experiences, and truly celebrate your love in a way that feels intentional and unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of an adventure-packed getaway or a slow, luxurious retreat, here’s how to plan the ultimate multi-day elopement.
Step 1: Choose Your Dream Location
Your location sets the vibe for your entire elopement. Do you envision saying your vows on a mountaintop at sunrise? A secluded beachside retreat? A charming European village?
When choosing a location, consider:
✔️ The activities available nearby (hiking, hot springs, boat tours, etc.)
✔️ The best time of year for weather and scenery
✔️ Accessibility for you and any guests (if you’re inviting a small group)
There are so many ways to go about picking a location to elope. Obviously budget needs to come into mind, if you want to keep you elopement under $10k, you are likely not going to pick a place that will cost you $3-5k just to fly you both there.
BUT I highly recommend to my couples that you sit together and discuss your dreams for your elopement with NO budget in mind. There is no harm in dreaming, and sometimes just chatting and finding out what each of you would want in your wildest dreams can lead to finding a place that is cheaper but hits all of your boxes!!
Step 2: Plan Your Elopement Day (Or Days!)
The beauty of a multi-day elopement? You don’t have to rush. Here’s a sample timeline:
🌿 Day 1: Settle in, explore the area, have a romantic pre-wedding dinner, and write your vows together or journal together about your experience and excitement over wine.
💍 Day 2: The big moment! Get ready in your hotel or Airbnb, have your ceremony (in whatever epic location you picked that fits you perfectly), and take golden hour portraits in a breathtaking setting. Follow it up with a private chef dinner under the stars or a bonfire celebration. (location dependant of course)
🏔️ Day 3: Celebrate your first day as a married couple with a fun experience—think helicopter ride, horseback riding, spa day, or even a boat cruise. This is all about making memories beyond just the ceremony! This day is the start of your “honeymoon” and if you didn’t do an exciting activity on your elopement day, now is the time to spend some quality time together, really explore the location you picked and let your love run wild.
Step 3: Make It Special with Meaningful Touches
✨ Adventure Elopement? Plan a sunrise hike, kayak to a secluded beach, or take a jeep tour to an epic overlook.
✨ Luxury Experience? Book a five-star resort, hire a private chef, and indulge in a couple’s spa day. Maybe hire a luxury boat to take you out for the day exploring.
✨ Cultural Experience? Immerse yourselves in local traditions—think a private wine tasting in Tuscany or a tea ceremony in Japan.
The day or week or however long you choose your trip to last is ALL ABOUT your experience together as a couple. This is all for the two of you and your relationship commitment moving forward.
I wish more couples could see how much farther their pockets can reach in an elopement scenario over a traditional wedding! You are mostly paying for things outside of the “wedding industry” umbrella that seems to hike up prices for everything. You are able to see and do so much more than you think and I am here to show you how to make the most out of any location that you pick!
Step 4: Capture Every Moment
A multi-day elopement deserves a photographer who gets it—someone who will document not just your ceremony but the entire experience. Candid moments over coffee, laughter on an epic adventure, catching you both experiencing something new together, and those quiet, emotional in-between moments are just as special as the vows themselves.
(Pro tip: If you need an elopement photographer who’s also a planner and guide, hi, it’s me! 😉)
Step 5: Share the Love (If You Want To!)
Worried about family missing out? A multi-day elopement gives you plenty of ways to include them from afar:
📸 Share a highlight film or photo gallery with them afterward.
📞 Host a virtual toast after your ceremony.
🎉 Plan a casual reception later to celebrate with friends & family.
There are so many ways to make your family feel included on your elopement day, or day after. You can get creative with it, or keep it simple and video call them. Keep any calls to a few short and sweet minutes, and make sure that you are still prioritizing your emotions and time.
On the other hand, why not invite your closest family or friends, and host a small party (barbecue at the airbnb, dinner at a nice restaurant, or a day enjoying the previously mentioned activities together!) the day after. You can still choose to spend your elopement day alone, say your vows, and spend the day as you wish. And the next day, your family and friends can join in on the fun!
Why a Multi-Day Elopement Is Worth It
Your wedding, your love, your connection and commitment to each other, isn’t just a day—it’s a story. A multi-day elopement lets you:
✔️ Slow down and enjoy the experience
✔️ Remove stress and rushed timelines
✔️ Make deeper, more meaningful memories
✔️ Celebrate in a way that feels true to you
So, if the idea of a one-day whirlwind wedding doesn’t feel like enough—why not turn your elopement into the ultimate getaway?
Need help planning? Let’s dream up the perfect multi-day elopement that’s as adventurous (or relaxed) as you want it to be. 💫
