20 First Wedding Anniversary Celebration Ideas

Though it may seem like yesterday when you said “I do,” a whole year has passed since you and your love officially tied the knot. That’s one year full of joy, one year full of laughter, and one year dedicated to creating new family experiences. So, it’s only right that you plan something memorable to commemorate your first wedding anniversary—ideas that go beyond the standard “paper” anniversary custom. After all, there’s nothing wrong with breaking with tradition to celebrate this major marriage milestone.

Unsure of what to do? From taking a second honeymoon to getting matching tattoos, here are 20 first-anniversary celebration ideas to consider.

Go Back in Time

Ever wish you could relive your wedding day (only every day, right)? You can—sort of—by going back in time and revisiting the place where you said your vows. For example, if you got married at a hotel, book a room there for the evening. Or, if you got married at a restaurant, go back for dinner and possibly even order items that were served at your wedding. Be sure to indulge in dessert, too, or head back home to have the top tier of your wedding cake if you’ve saved it.

Eat Your Wedding Cake in the Most Romantic Spot

It’s tradition to eat the top layer of your wedding cake on your first anniversary. Take that custom to the next level by finding the most romantic local spot you can think of to have your cake. Whether it’s a moonlit beach or the park where you met, make it extra special by finding a place that means something to you. Set up a picnic, bring some candles, and enjoy this special moment together. Maybe even bring your vows along for some added romance.

Take a Second Honeymoon

Time flies when you’re having fun—but if the rest, relaxation, and bliss of your honeymoon feel oh-so far away, book a trip and get out of town. It doesn’t have to be as grandiose as your honeymoon (but it totally can be); it just has to be about time spent together and away from home, making memories as you kick off your second year of marriage and the rest of your lives together.

Glam Up and Go Out on the Town

Chances are the last time you had your hair or makeup professionally done was your wedding day. (If not, we’re jealous.) So, treat yourself and glam it up for the night. Make reservations at a fancy restaurant or buy tickets to a show for the perfect excuse (not that you need one) to look your best for a night on the town.

Host the Ultimate Night In

We’re not talking the usual Friday night in with popcorn and wine. Think more along the lines of a luxurious and relaxing in-home massage treatment (services like Zeel will bring the spa to you), sexy lingerie, candles, music, and more. Ditch your usual takeout options and cook up your favorite meal together, or order take-out from your favorite upscale restaurant. You won’t need to leave the house (or the bedroom) for an anniversary to remember.

Treat Yourself

Once your wallets have recovered from all the costs associated with wedding planning, treat yourselves to something special to help commemorate your anniversary. It can be a right-hand ring for you and the latest tech gadget or something you can purchase together that will last forever, like a piece of art or an antique. This just might be the first time since you got married that you treat yourselves so relish the experience and know that you’re worth it.

Get a Set of Couples Tattoos

Have you been considering getting couples’ tattoos? Your first anniversary is the perfect occasion to get matching ink. Choose tattoos of anything that means something special to the two of you.

Hire a Private Chef to Make Dinner

If you want to create an intimate setting for you and your spouse, consider hiring a private chef to whip up the perfect meal that you and your love can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Dress up in black-tie attire for a romantic evening of great food, tasty drinks, and delicious dessert—and don’t forget to take photos to remember this intimate event.

Have a Picnic

If you and your partner love the outdoors, consider organizing a picnic and spending the day at a nearby park, while reminiscing on the year you both shared. You can even recreate a past date you both had, packing the same meal and beverages you once shared for a nostalgic touch.

Book a Staycation

You don’t have to break the bank to experience a getaway in honor of your first wedding anniversary. Staycations are a lovely idea for those who want to “go away” for this major wedding milestone without spending a large amount of money on travel.

Have a Photoshoot

Photoshoots are a fun way to commemorate—and memorialize—your first wedding anniversary. Have some fun by dressing up within a specific theme (like Western or Gatsby), or keep things romantic by recreating another version of your engagement photos (sticking to white formalwear pieces).

Throw a Party

Want to celebrate your first wedding anniversary with family and friends? Go ahead and host an intimate party that includes a small group of people who witnessed you and your partner say “I do.” Create an intimate setting in your backyard or rent out a restaurant for an evening of music, dinner, and drinks. No matter what you choose, you and your crew are bound to have an amazing time.

Go Stargazing

There’s nothing more romantic than gazing at the stars with the love of your life, so consider planning this activity for your first anniversary. If you don’t live in an area where you can see the stars, create this experience at home by hanging fairy lights from the ceiling for a DIY stargazing moment.

Go Dancing

Hit the town for a night of dancing on your one-year wedding anniversary. This is a great option for couples who love music and getting loose on the dance floor. Looking for something more intimate? Create a playlist for you and your partner to dance to at home (don’t forget to add your first dance song, as well).

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

This one is for the adventurous couple! If the thought of flying through the sky sounds appealing to you, consider booking a romantic hot air balloon ride. The sky’s the limit when it comes to celebrating your first anniversary with your love.

Create a Scrapbook Together

Since the one-year wedding anniversary is considered the “paper” anniversary, why not play into the theme and create a scrapbook with your spouse? You can put together images and memories from the last year of wedded bliss, and continue to add to your book as your marriage continues throughout the years.

Visit a Winery

What’s more fun than visiting a vineyard and trying out the latest wines? Nothing! So go ahead and book a tour of your nearest winery for a day full of wine, cheese, and romance.

Buy Tickets to a Live Show

Whether you buy tickets to see your favorite band live or secure seats to a Broadway show, you and your spouse are bound to have an incredible time celebrating your first wedding anniversary at a live event. (This is also a lovely idea for duos who love the same sports team.)

Book a Couples Massage

In need of some serious rest and relaxation? Book a couples massage for you and your spouse, especially if you both have stressful careers. After your appointment, head to your favorite restaurant to indulge in a meal post-spa treatment.

Watch the Sunset

If you and your partner don’t have much time to plan an actual activity for your one-year anniversary, consider scheduling an hour to watch the sunset together while eating a meal and having a glass of wine. After all, it’s best to spend a little time together together, even if it’s just a few hours at the end of the day.