30 Epic Adventure Elopement Ideas in Texas (that aren’t hiking)

With a traditional wedding, there’s a pretty clear-cut plan on what the timeline is supposed to look like. The ability to make the day your own is what makes an elopement so special. There are no rules, no forced traditions, and no limitations, which can make it hard to know where to start when you have so many options at your fingertips. 

“I don’t like hiking. What if I invite people? How do we fill the time?”

I hear that last question so frequently and I’m here to tell you that it’s not about “filling” endless hours of photography coverage with busyness and obligations. I mean, isn’t that why you chose to elope in the first place? Honestly… who enjoys rushing around on their wedding day on a strict timeline; your coordinator anxiously tapping her watch- “it’s 1:57, you were supposed to be outside for the first look 12 minutes ago!” Hurry hurry hurry, rush rush rush… anxiety, stress, exhaustion. Oh look, time to cut that cake you won’t have time to enjoy! No. That sounds awful. Let’s NOT turn your elopement into the same thing. 

When trying to decide on activities for your elopement, think outside the box and ask yourself:

• What are your favorite things to do together?
• What do you do for fun regularly?
• In what ways can you include what you love doing on your wedding day?
• Is there something on your bucket list that you’ve been wanting to try together?

*Don’t forget to make time for relaxing and downtime (even naps! Seriously…)*

You don’t need to fill every second with something to do. Maybe pick one of your favorite activities to do together and one new thing you’ve been wanting to try.

Here are 30 Texas elopement activity ideas (that aren’t hiking) to make your elopement the best day ever!

If it’s just you

1. Rent a 4×4 truck or ATV or book a Jeep tour with Far Flung Outdoor Center
2. Book a Big Bend Air Tour, or hot air balloon ride over North Texas for a unique birds-eye view
3. Have a picnic complete with comfy blankets, fluffy pillows, and a basket of food and drinks!
4. Stomp grapes to make wine!
5. Play video games at a classic arcade with craft hard cider at Cidercade
6. Go fishing together
7. Take a guided river tour
8. Say your vows in a museum, like the Cockrell Butterfly Museum in Houston
9. Go skydiving!
10. Ride mountain bikes
11. Take a dance class or go dancing
12. Visit a jazz club or other live music venue
13. Get tattoos together!
14. Cook a fancy meal together or take a cooking class
15. Go sing karaoke at a bar
16. Swim in a private underground grotto at Trois Estate in Hill Country
17. Have a couple’s spa day at Hiatus Spa and Retreat
18. Go horseback riding with Bandera Historial Rides in Hill Country
19. Attend a painting with a twist event
20. Go to a comedy or improv show!

If you’re inviting guests

1. Host a field day (literally- potato sack races, food eating contest, etc)
2. Have an adult pinata filled with adorable mini alcohol bottles
3. Rent a karaoke machine
4. Light a bonfire and roast hot dogs and s’mores for dinner
5. Set up a simple photo booth area with a digital or polaroid camera on a tripod
6. Book the arcade for a private group event!
7. Have a movie night with bean bags, popcorn, and candy
8. Rent a pontoon boat and grill on the water
9. Go to an amusement park!
10. Have a game night with board games, trivia, or cards

Hopefully, this list has inspired you to find ways to make your Texas elopement feel personal and intimate. The day should feel fun and carefree, not a huge production with a strict timeline or an endless list of to-dos. It’s not an extra-long photoshoot with your photographer in your face the whole day and it’s not about “okay- stand, smile, and say cheese”. I approach photography from the standpoint of creating genuine experiences and documenting the moment as it unfolds, not the other way around.

When you look back on your photos from the day, do you want to simply see another snapshot of you and your partner? Or do you want to relive the way her eyes light up when she looks at you, the silly smirk on his face when you’ve just done something dorky? You should be transported back to that exact moment in time; feel the goosebumps crawl across your skin as you remember the crisp breeze enveloping your bodies, feel the phantom touch of your bride’s hand across your face just before she kissed you as your wife for the first time, and smell the warm scent of the campfire embracing you once more. I’m a sucker for messy, in-between moments. This is what true, photojournalistic elopement photography should do. At the end of the day, the photos are about your wedding day; your wedding day shouldn’t revolve around a shot list.

If you’re still struggling to plan your Texas elopement or simply don’t even know where to begin, I’m your girl. Not only do I know this state like the back of my hand, but I’ve been doing this for 10 years and can absolutely help you have the elopement day of your dreams. Click here for more information!