If you’re planning an intimate elopement and are looking for celebration alternatives to a traditional reception, consider a romantic elopement picnic. They are the perfect way to celebrate and toast to the promises you made to each other without too much fuss or planning needed.
A soft blanket, a few candles, your favorite assortment of foods, and a bottle of champagne are really all you need–although, you can always go more elaborate if that’s your style. These elopement picnic ideas take us from the mountaintops to the riverbanks, showing us all that a picnic is a dreamy way to celebrate saying “I do!”
Elopement and Picnic Wedding Tips
What to Pack
A picnic can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. If you can’t get the idea of an elaborate, over-the-top picnic out of your head, you may want to consider hiring a wedding coordinator. This way you can focus on tying the knot while they set up your picture-worthy meal.
In terms of food, think about your favorite meals. If you and your new lifelong partner have a serious sweet tooth, opt for just a dessert table. If you want something lighter to snack on, enjoy a charcuterie board with meats and cheeses. Along with the food, you’ll want to pack things like:
- Drinks–including plenty of water
- Blankets
- Poofs/pillows
- Cooler with an ice pack
- Picnic basket (for photos)
- Plates, cups, cutlery, napkins, serve ware
- Corkscrew/bottle opener
- Wet wipes
- Trash bags
Tips and Tricks
We love getting insight from our Junebug members who are always in the thick of wedding planning. We asked them for tips and tricks to planning the perfect picnic and these were some of our favorites:
- “Depending on your location, have a plan B in mind. Scouting out a beautiful park with a pavilion to keep in your back pocket can be a great idea in case the weather turns south.” –Emily Skye Photography
- “Embrace eclecticism. Mix and match rugs, blankets, cushions, and furniture but choose pieces that still contribute to the overall vibe of the day. Creating a mood board can be a great way to help you stay inspired and on track!” –J. Olson Weddings
- “Having vendors that provide food, cake, drinks, and florals can really help bring an overall theme together. However, there are lots of DIY projects that are cost-effective and fun to put together.” –Shelby Liz Co.
- “Play with food textures and natural textures. Unfinished woods, fabrics with textures, and unique flowers add for a natural complimenting style.” –Haute Wedding
Junebug Tip:
Check out options from In Good Taste wine to have a few different varietals available for your picnic! Each bottle holds two pours—or one very full glass—so you can create your own wine pairings without having to split an entire bottle between yourselves.
Picnic Wedding Inspiration
Bohemian Desert Picnic
Mexican Cenote Picnic
Naturally Boho Lakeside Picnic
Fairy Light Santorini Sunset Picnic
Bold Red Outdoorsy Picnic
Tropical Jungle Picnic
Whimsical Blue-Hued Beach Picnic
Cozy Camper Picnic
Now that you’re finishing up your elopement planning, be sure to check our ultimate elopement planning checklist to make sure that you’ve got everything you need for your dream day!
Really there is simplicity, but with great ideas that make the atmosphere fun and artistic, it is wonderful
Really great idea. Thank you.
Gorgeous, love this wedding.
Love this and everything about it.