Sustainable & Meaningful Valentine’s Day Activities for Engaged Couples

Valentine’s Day is marketed as the ultimate celebration of love, but let’s be real—it’s also one of the most consumer-driven holidays of the year. Every year, billions of dollars are spent on greeting cards, disposable decorations, mass-produced stuffed animals, and plastic-wrapped chocolates, much of which ends up in landfills. I watched the documentary "Buy More" on Netflix and now, I can't get this type of stuff out of my head! While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to celebrate love, it’s worth asking: Is there a more meaningful and sustainable way to do it?

For engaged couples, this time in your relationship is already filled with planning for a future together. So why not make your celebrations intentional—not just for February 14th, but for any day you want to show appreciation for one another? Below are some intimate (and eco-friendly) ways to honor your love while keeping waste and unnecessary spending to a minimum.

1. Write Each Other a Love Letter (and Make It a Tradition)

In a world of texts and DMs, handwritten letters feel like a lost art. Take the time to write a meaningful letter to your partner, expressing what you love about them and your hopes for your future together. Want to make it a tradition? Keep them in a box to read on future anniversaries or Valentine’s Days.

2. Cook a Meaningful Meal Together

Instead of going out to an overpriced, crowded restaurant, plan a meal that holds sentimental value. Maybe it’s a recreation of your first date dinner, a dish inspired by your cultural backgrounds, or a meal that reminds you of a special trip. Cooking together is an intimate experience, and you get to enjoy high-quality food without all the single-use packaging from takeout.

3. Plan a Zero-Waste Date Night

Challenge yourselves to have a date night with as little waste as possible. Some ideas include:

• Packing a homemade picnic with reusable containers

• Visiting a local farmer’s market and picking out fresh ingredients to cook with

• Going on a scenic hike and bringing a thermos of tea or coffee

• Attending a community event or live performance instead of buying material gifts

4. Create a Future Memories Journal

Since you’re engaged and planning your lives together, start a journal where you can write down future experiences you want to have. Include everything from travel destinations to simple moments like "watching a sunrise together" or "learning a new hobby as a couple." This can serve as inspiration throughout your relationship.

5. Volunteer or Give Back Together

There are different stroke for different folks, but few things are as fulfilling as giving back. Spend the day volunteering at a local shelter, helping out at a community garden, or organizing a donation drive for a cause you both care about. It’s a beautiful way to bond while making a positive impact. - Okay, I'll be honest, this one is a lot, but maybe you two are the couple for the job!

6. Gift Experiences, Not Things

Look, Christmas just passed. I'm not counting your pockets or anything, but don't you have a wedding to pay for? Instead of buying flowers that will wilt in a week or a box of chocolates in plastic packaging, consider gifting an experience:

• A couples' workshop (cooking, pottery, dance, etc.)

• A camping or glamping trip

• A museum or art exhibit visit

• A surprise day where one of you plans an adventure for the other

7. Plant Something Together

Flowers are beautiful, but they don't have to be cut to be appreciated. Visit a local nursery and pick out a plant, herb, or tree to grow together. Whether it’s a windowsill herb garden or a tree in your backyard, watching it grow over time will be a special reminder of your love.

8. DIY Spa Night with Natural Ingredients

Skip the plastic-packaged bath bombs and overpriced spa treatments. Do you ever really know what's in that stuff anyway? Set up a DIY spa night with homemade face masks, scrubs, and massages. Use simple ingredients like oatmeal, honey, coconut oil, and essential oils. Light some candles, play relaxing music, and unwind together.

9. Stargazing or Sunrise Watching

Sometimes, the most romantic moments are the simplest. Grab a cozy blanket, make some hot drinks, and find a quiet spot to watch the stars or catch the sunrise. It’s a humbling reminder of how vast the universe is—and how special it is that you found each other.

10. Reflect on Your Love Story & Dream About the Future

Spend time reminiscing about your journey together—how you met, your favorite memories, the challenges you've overcome. Then, dream big about your future. Where do you see yourselves in five years? What adventures do you want to go on? Talking about your love story deepens your connection and reminds you of why you chose each other

Love is About Presence, Not Presents

Whether you celebrate on Valentine’s Day or any other day, love is best expressed through intentional actions and quality time—not mass-produced gifts. Yes, even if your love language is gifts. By choosing experiences that strengthen your bond and align with your values, you create deeper, more lasting memories—without harming the planet in the process.

So, this year, skip the clichés. Celebrate your love in a way that’s meaningful, memorable, and kind to the world around you. ❤️

If you read this as a person who's not engaged.... I guess I've still got work to do with my SEO. But if you're getting ready to tie the knot and you've got your eye on Las Vegas, I'll help you bring intentionality to your wedding day. At Profound Ceremonies, I specialize in crafting heartfelt, personalized ceremonies that honor your unique love story—without the waste, the clichés, or the cookie-cutter approach.

If you’re looking for a wedding officiant who will make your vows as profound as your love, let’s connect. Whether you’re eloping in Vegas, planning an intimate gathering, or dreaming of a bold, unconventional ceremony, I’ll help make it unforgettable.

📩 Let’s start planning your meaningful ceremony today!