Image by The Duo Photography. Keep scrolling for picnic wedding tips + inspiration

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

Image by Eye Witness Stories

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

Image by Wolf & Rose Photography

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:

1. “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
2. “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
3. “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.
4. “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.

image provided by In Good Taste

Picnic Wedding Inspiration

Bohemian Desert Picnic

Images by Shutterfreek. See more of this real elopement here

Mexican Cenote Picnic

Images by Conie Suarez Bravo. See more of this elopement here.

Naturally Boho Lakeside Picnic

Images by Cécilia Hofer Photography. See more of this elopement here.

Fairy Light Santorini Sunset Picnic

Images by Lighthouse Photography. See more of this elopement here.

Bold Red Outdoorsy Picnic

Images by The Dogwood Collective. See more of this elopement here.

Tropical Jungle Picnic

Images by The Duo Photography. See more of this elopement here

Whimsical Blue-Hued Beach Picnic

Images by Maria Shiriaeva Photography. See more of this elopement here.

Cozy Camper Picnic

Images by Maggie Grace Photography. See more of this elopement here.

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!

Image by Made in the Mountains Photo. See more of this real elopement here