Admit it — you planned your wedding for the summer so you could always have an anniversary with good weather, didn’t you? Whether or not that’s true, it’s hard to deny the benefits of a summer anniversary. Celebrating in the summer gives you the widest range of activity choices, and it’s the perfect excuse for some fun in the sun. Read on to learn about 10 of the coolest ways to enjoy your wedding anniversary in the summer.
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Road Trip
Summer is the perfect season for a road trip, so load up the car and head somewhere fun together. This one’s also great because you can combine it with any other destination on this list — but getting there can be a big part of the fun in itself. Pack up some snacks, create a playlist of your favorite songs and consider planning a few detours like historic attractions or even roadside tourist traps. Whether you’re exploring new places or hitting cherished spots from your old days, your connection will deepen through shared laughter and memorable adventures.
Beach Day
A relaxing day at the beach can be the perfect thing to remind you why you fell in love in the first place. Pack a picnic and some comfy chairs and then soak up the sun and the blissful vibes. If you can stick around until dusk to take a walk and enjoy the sunset, you’ll find the romantic atmosphere will be off the charts. (Remember — wedding rings and the ocean don’t mix, so think about grabbing a silicone ring or another substitute!)
Stargazing Session
What could be more romantic than gazing into the cosmos together? A beautiful night of looking at the stars gets you thinking about the stuff that really matters, and it’s often free! You just need to find a good spot without many lights around, which often requires a drive out into the countryside. (Make sure you choose a spot that’s either open to the public or you have permission to park in.) Consider downloading a star chart app to help you look for constellations together, or simply enjoy the silence and the good company.
Couples’ Photoshoot
Plenty of couples have an engagement photoshoot, and nearly all have a wedding photographer — but why stop there? An anniversary photoshoot is a great way to document all of the ways you’ve grown and changed together, and to remind both of you that you’re in it for life. Couples’ photoshoots can incorporate all kinds of elements, from goofy props to deeply meaningful symbols, and there’s no one right way to do it. Plus, if you have any jewelry you’d like to show off, such as stacked wedding bands or his and hers matching ring sets, this is an ideal opportunity to incorporate your most meaningful pieces.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Marriage is all about rising together, about lifting each other up at every opportunity — which is why nothing beats a bird’s-eye view from a hot air balloon for celebrating an anniversary. Surrounded by the grandeur of panoramic vistas in all directions, you’ll have the perfect moment to share the closeness and celebration that make an anniversary wonderful. For a little extra adventure, try bringing up a bottle of champagne and two glasses (with the balloon operator’s permission).
Bike Tour
If you like your celebrations with a side of adventure (and a chance to work up a sweat), bike touring might be the ideal anniversary celebration activity. Casual cyclists can cruise along the beach or park, while those who love biking as an athletic activity might tackle something tougher, like a scenic mountain trail. It’s an active day out that fosters teamwork and companionship — two must-have attributes for any thriving marriage — as well as opening possibilities for all kinds of fun detours and stop-alongs.
Outdoor Concert/Show
Live outdoor entertainment can be one of the best parts of summer, so take advantage of the opportunity to make it part of your anniversary. Check out some local entertainment listings to find out about events like outdoor concerts or stage performances. There’s often something for everyone, like a rock or country band one night and then Shakespeare in the park later in the week. Add a cozy blanket, some comfortable chairs and a basket full of snacks and cold beverages (if allowed), and you’ve created a romantic picnic under the stars.
Water Park
For most people, the spontaneity and joy of a water park stays the same whether you’re five or 50. So an anniversary trip to a water park can be a top-tier way to spend time together, laughing and slip-sliding your way through the day. The combination of adrenaline-pumping rides and chilled-out attractions like the lazy river give you the perfect combo of excitement and relaxation — and don’t forget to grab a sweet treat from the concession stand to top off your day.
Outdoor Movie Night
It’s more affordable than ever to get a high-quality movie projector and screen, so think about setting up a backyard movie night for you and your boo to watch a favorite film or two. Popcorn is a must, as are comfy chairs or blankets to sit on. If there’s a favorite movie you two saw early in your relationship, that’s a great choice — or just pick something that you both love. Remember to grab a Bluetooth speaker to complete your outdoor theater setup.
Recreate Your First Date
If you’re in the mood for a true throwback, why not go back to where it all began? Wherever and whenever your first date was, try to replicate its experience as much as you can. Go to the same restaurant or bar, talk about the same topics (and see how things have changed). You can even dress in the same outfits if you’ve got them available! It can be a thrilling trip down memory lane, but it’s also an amazing way to celebrate all the growing you’ve done together and set the stage for even better things to come.
Summer is the season of romance for many people — and with a summer wedding anniversary, you’ve got a big head start. This year and every year, take advantage of your anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen your love, and watch it bloom like a summertime flower.
