50+ Minnesota Elopement Activities (that aren’t just taking photos)
July 31, 2026
Arynn jacy photography
One of the best things about elopements these days is that it can be so much more than just find a spot, say your vows, take a few pictures and leave. You can literally plan a full day around adventures that you two enjoy to do together. How fricken cool is that. Honestly, if I could go back, that’s what I would have done when I got married! As a Minnesota Elopement Photographer who was born & raised here, I love this area and will help you plan a timeline to fit in your favorite things to do. Here are the 50+ Minnesota Elopement Activities (that aren’t just taking photos) organized by the vibes only so you can plan your dream adventure- Hallmark feeling-romantic elopement day.
We love to slow down, relax + chill out
OOOoo I love this vibe. So good to slow down and spend time soaking it all in. 10/10 recommend.
- Visit a coffee shop
- Read a book together
- Write your vows
- Rent a unique airbnb that you’ve had your eye on
- Play your favorite board game
- Picnics
- Pizza celebration
- Painting
- Sightseeing
- Visit local shops
- Roast some marshies over the fire
- Eat local handmade ice cream
- Sauna (very Minnesotan if you ask me)
- Boating and floating
- Watch sunrise/sunset
- First dance on a beach
- Hang out in a hammock
- Go rock hunting
- Pottery class
- Check out a museum / aquarium / zoo like the Ely Wolf center
- Visit a local brewery
- Have dinner at your favorite place
- Cake celebration on the beach
We’re edgy, little bit spunky + a whole lot of adventurous
Okay get it, I see you. Let’s go!!
- Get matching tattoos (can I also match?)
- Rent ATVs
- Cliff jumping like in Voyageur National Park
- Swim in a waterfall
- Hiking
- Rent snowmobiles
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Zipline
- Electric Bike
- Ice fishing or spearing
- Rock climbing
- Sailboat
- Kayak
- Canoe
- Champagne pop celebration
- Waterskiing
- Go to a local fair
- Go to Spirit Mountain
- Axe throwing
- Escape room
- Horseback Riding
We want to include some family + friends
Aww so sweet! Including them can be fun, even if they can’t come!
- Read love notes and best wishes
- Facetime your favorites
- Have family and friends record videos for you to listen to
- Stay in a larger airbnb with the ones you love
- Open gifts
- Invite them just to the ceremony part
- Have family/friends pick out your playlist for the day
- Let your loved ones pick out some details
My point is, your wedding day can be anything you want it to be. Literally. Break all the “rules.” Don’t worry about anyone else and only celebrate the love between each other.
With all that, think of me as your photographer, planning partner, location scout, timeline nerd, and professional “I’ve got you” person. I’ll help you create an elopement day (literally, I will plan it) that’s uniquely yours, so when the day arrives, you can focus less on logistics and more on making memories you’ll be telling around the campfire years from now.
Check out my planning + pricing experience!
