There are endless possibilities when it comes to planning elopements—it’s one of the reasons I love them so much. With fewer rules and a lot more freedom, you can tailor the experience to whatever feels right to you as a couple. This flexibility also extends to your post-elopement plans! Whether it’s a full-blown honeymoon or some fun, low-key activities after the ceremony, consider this your little guide to continuing the celebration after you say “I do.”

What Do You Do After Your Elopement Ceremony?

One question I get a lot is: “what do you do after eloping?” Because eloping tends to forego a lot of traditions and rules, it’s totally understandable if you’re not sure what’s supposed to happen after you get the marriage part down. The short answer? You’re free to do whatever feels right for you—there are no rules!

Some couples choose to keep the celebration going with a small party or dinner with close friends and family. It’s intimate and personal and can be a perfect way to extend the happy emotions of the day with loved ones. 

On the other hand, you might want to take a quieter route with an intimate moment alone after the ceremony. This could be anything from enjoying the sunset together, exploring a nearby town, or taking a nature stroll. 

And if you’re eloping in a beautiful or unique location, this is also the perfect time to turn the experience into a full-on honeymoon or trip. Whether that means hiking in the mountains, exploring a new city, or lounging on the beach, your post-elopement plans can also double as a well-deserved getaway.

Read More: How to Elope: The Ultimate Guide

General Activity Ideas for Your Elopement Honeymoon

Here are some general ideas to get your planning process started for your honeymoon and post-elopement activities. Remember, the key thing to keep in mind is that you can do whatever you want—there are no rules to follow.

1. Go on a Hike

If you’re eloping in a location known for its natural beauty, why not start your honeymoon with a hike? Whether you’re deep in the mountains, by the coast, or in a forest, this activity can be ideal if you want that close-to-nature feeling with your partner.

The best part is that there’s often a hike for every level of experience. If you’re both big on hiking, you can plan a full-day trek to a remote spot to take in the view. But if you’re more into casual strolls, a shorter hike to a scenic overlook works just as well. I recommend using AllTrails which has so many local recommendations for finding hikes—you can even filter by distance or hardness level. No matter what you choose, the quiet, peaceful environment is a wonderful way to start your marriage, if you ask me!

2. Find Local Restaurants

Celebrating with a good meal is often a hard one to beat. No matter where you are—a more remote location, a small town, or a bustling city—there is almost always a handful of local gems that serve incredible food. With an activity like this, you can invite some close friends and family or just enjoy the meal by yourselves.

Read More: Do You Have to Invite Guests to Your Elopement?

3. Visit a Local Brewery (or Winery)

If you and your partner love trying out new craft beers or sampling different wines, you can make it a part of your elopement honeymoon. Many elopement-friendly locations are surrounded by charming breweries or wineries that offer tastings and tours. It’s a fun, relaxing way to spend time together, and you can make it as short or as long as you want. Plus, bringing home a bottle of wine or a six-pack from your honeymoon destination makes for a pretty great memento.

4. Explore the Local Town or City

Depending on your elopement destination, you might find yourself near a small town or big city. The best thing about this is that after your elopement, you can set aside some time to explore, whether you’re wandering quiet streets or checking out historical landmarks. A little sightseeing might even introduce you to hidden gems—a cozy café, an outdoor market, a street festival, a cool art gallery, or a park you hadn’t expected to find.

It can also be fun to hop on TikTok and search the areas you’re staying in. You may find creators and travelers with mini trip vlogs to help inspire your itineraries and get more ideas on things to do that you might not otherwise have known about.

5. Book a Couple’s Spa Day

A spa experience is such a great way to unwind after all the emotions from your big day. Many elopement destinations have spas in the nearest town or city—and some even offer packages designed for newlyweds. This option could be especially appealing if your pre-elopement planning process was a bit stressful, and you just want to recharge together.

6. Go on an Outdoor Adventure

If you and your partner are the adventurous types, your honeymoon can be a great excuse to try something new and exciting. Depending on where you’re eloping, this could mean activities like kayaking, zip-lining, rock climbing, or even scuba diving. 

This doesn’t have to be an extreme sport either—maybe it’s something like paddleboarding at a nearby lake or horseback riding through a scenic trail. The point is to experience something fun and energizing that suits your style and abilities as a couple.

Read More: Adventure Elopement Activity Ideas

7. Plan a Road Trip

If your elopement takes place in or near a region with lots of cool sights, you can also turn your honeymoon into a mini-road trip. Depending on the location, you might drive by the coast or through the mountains or simply explore the character of nearby towns. You can plan this route in advance with all your must-see spots or keep it a bit more open-ended and spontaneous. This is also a great opportunity to create a road trip playlist to jam out to in the car together!

8. Take a Cooking Class

Many destinations, especially in culinary-rich areas, offer cooking classes where you can learn to make traditional dishes. Whether it’s handmade pasta, a sushi class, or the perfect way to prepare a farm-to-table meal, this activity gives you something tangible to take home—new skills and delicious recipes.

9. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset

Sometimes the simplest activities are the most meaningful. At the end of your big elopement day, take some time to watch the sunrise or sunset together from a scenic location. Bring a blanket, grab a drink or snack, and sit together, soaking up the beauty of the sky, the nature around you, and the fact that you just got freaking married!

Read More: Should You Elope at Sunrise or Sunset?

Elopement Honeymoon Activity Ideas in Minnesota

As a Minnesota and Midwest-based photographer, I also want to share some honeymoon activity ideas in the areas I hold close to my heart. If you want more recommendations, just ask me—I have lots to share!

1. Hike at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Minnesota is known for its beautiful outdoor landscapes, and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park on the North Shore is one of the most scenic spots in the state. After your elopement, you can lace up your hiking boots for a trek along Lake Superior and explore the waterfalls. Or, you can go for a peaceful stroll along the shore and find a quiet spot for a picnic. 

2. Explore Minneapolis’ Arts and Culture

If you’re more into city life, Minneapolis has a great arts and culture scene that’s perfect for a honeymoon. Spend the day exploring the Walker Art Center, catch a live performance at the Guthrie Theater, or go for a walk through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Minneapolis is also full of incredible restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, so you can make your day in the city as laid-back or as action-packed as you’d like.

3. Relax at a Lake Cabin

For the ultimate definition of relaxation vibes, you can rent a cozy cabin on one of Minnesota’s many lakes. Spend a few days canoeing or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature with just the two of you. 

Read More: How to Elope in Minnesota

Elopement Honeymoon Activity Ideas in Wisconsin

While I’m from Minnesota, I’m also a big fan of other Midwest regions for elopements. If you’ve chosen Wisconsin for your destination, you’re in for a range of experiences—from outdoor adventures to cozy vibes. 

1. Explore Door County’s Charming Towns

Often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is a great area to spend a day or two exploring the charming towns along the peninsula. You can visit local shops, enjoy local foods like fresh fish from Lake Michigan, or go for a drive along the shore. You can also catch the sunset at Peninsula State Park or even take a ferry to Washington Island for a bit of island adventure.

2. Hike at Devil’s Lake State Park

If you’re big into the outdoors, Devil’s Lake State Park has incredible hiking trails with views of the bluffs and lakes. The good thing is that the park has a variety of trails that cater to a range of skill levels, so whether you’re extreme hikers or just looking for a leisurely walk, you’ll be able to enjoy the park regardless.

3. Relax in a Cozy Cabin in the Northwoods

Wisconsin’s Northwoods is the northern region of the state, known for its dense forests, lakes, and wilderness. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for peaceful alone time with your partner after the big day. You can rent a cabin in the forest or by the lake and spend your time kayaking, stargazing by a fire, or just taking in the quiet stillness of nature. The Northwoods is also relatively close to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, giving you easy access to even more stunning landscapes.

Elopement Honeymoon Activity Ideas in Michigan

And last but not least—Michigan. Here are three honeymoon activity ideas to help you make a trip out of your Michigan elopement.

1. Take a Drive Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline

The Lake Michigan shoreline has some of the most breathtaking views in the Midwest. After your elopement, you can take a fun, leisurely drive along the coast and stop at beach towns like Holland, Grand Haven, and Ludington. You can explore lighthouses, walk along sandy shores, and even dip your toes in the lake. For more adventure, you can rent bikes and cycle part of the shoreline trails, like at the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

2. Hike and Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is known for its cliffs, waterfalls, and forest trails. There are so many activities to choose from: Hikes along the lakeshore, boat tours to get an up-close view of the colorful rock formations, or kayaking along the shoreline to take in all the beauty of the area.

3. Relax on Mackinac Island

For a truly unique honeymoon experience, spend a few days on Mackinac Island. Here, cars are banned (with specific exceptions) and life moves at a much slower pace. You can rent bikes to explore the island, take a horse-drawn carriage tour, or simply relax at one of the island’s charming inns. Enjoy fudge from local shops (they are famous for their fudge), wander through historic sites, and take in the island’s peaceful, old-school charm.

Read More: How to Elope in Michigan

Ready to Plan Your Elopement Adventure?

No matter where your elopement takes you or what activities you choose for your honeymoon, the most important part is that it reflects who you are as a couple. If you’re in the elopement planning stage and want a photographer who can help you through this journey, I’d love to capture every special moment, from your elopement ceremony to your post-elopement activities. Reach out to me—I can’t wait to hear your story.