Your Penultimate Guide to Planning a Perfect Hiking Elopement
What Is a Hiking Elopement?
As a seasoned adventure elopement photographer, I’ve had the great joy of photographing innumerable hiking elopements all over the world– from sunrise ceremonies in Torres del Paine, Chile to wildflower-dappled weddings in Crested Butte in my home state of Colorado. These intimate backcountry elopements are near and dear to my heart– my very favorite type of wedding to bear witness to and commemorate.
You may be wondering, What exactly is a hiking elopement? Essentially, it combines the intimacy of an elopement with the adventure of hiking and involves a ceremony of sorts or the exchanging of vows amidst the beauty and wonder of Mother Nature. There are typically three types of hiking elopements: 1) a short hike to a destination; 2) a longer day hike; and 3) an overnight backpacking adventure of one or more nights. And as with other types of elopements, you have the freedom and flexibility to choose whom you want to include in your big day. Just the two of you and your photographer? Or a small group of those friends closest to you? Your parents and siblings? Your sweet dogs and a celebrant? It is all up to you! That, of course, is one of the many upsides of eloping– the possibilities are endless.
Why Hike for Your Elopement?
As you begin to envision what your perfect elopement looks like, and you consider each of your many alternatives, you will want to ask yourself (and your partner) some pointed questions about how you want the whole experience to take shape. Your big day needs to be a reflection of who YOU are– what you each love, how you like to spend your time, what things (people, places, activities) bring you the most joy and fulfillment.
If you are an adventure-loving pair who cherish being in the outdoors and relish the vigor and beauty of a trek in the wilderness, or you want to embrace the thrill of doing something totally new and off-the-beaten-path, then a hiking elopement might be just the thing for you! There’s something so reverently sublime about journeying through the woods and trails and rocks and streams to arrive at a spot to utter your I-dos before all of God’s green Earth to see and hear. I personally couldn’t imagine a better way to officially begin the adventure of a new life with someone.
How to Plan a Hiking Elopement
We all know that all weddings, no matter the type, take lots of diligent planning. Hiking elopements are no exception. Unfortunately, you generally can’t just traipse off into the woods without much forethought and expect to pull off the perfect big day. There are a number of considerations to contend with– location, permits, laws and regulations for weddings in that area, weather, altitude, gear, wildlife… It’s a lot! But rest assured– I’ve got you covered. I have personally backpacked all over the US, South America, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. And as a photographer, I have helped to plan and execute countless hiking elopements. I will tell you everything you need to know so that you can carry out the hiking elopement you have been dreaming of. Let’s dig in!
The first thing you will want to do is find an esteemed elopement photographer in the area of the country (or wider world) where you are hoping to get married. You will want to ensure that the photographer is an experienced hiker and outdoorswoman (or man)– someone who has photographed many hiking elopements and someone who knows the area very well and understands the distinctive challenges or quirks of eloping there.
Next, you will want to collaborate with your photographer to choose a park or trail or destination (and discuss the broad strokes of your itinerary) for your big day. This is the fun part– or one of them, at least! Spend some time talking to your photographer (who has in theory travelled extensively and can provide you with excellent insight) and perusing through pictures and Inspo. Do you want a short sunrise hike to a popular overlook in Utah? Are you thinking a longer day hike to a remote alpine lake in Montana is really more your thing? Maybe you’re considering a three-night backpacking excursion through Yellowstone?
Third, you will want to plan your timeline. Think about the time of day that you want to hold your ceremony. In many western states, such as Colorado, it is advisable to hit the trails very early, pre-dawn, and arrive at your destination around sunrise, as you will want to be back beneath the treeline (especially in the summer) before afternoon storms roll in. If a sunset hike is really calling to you, you and your photographer can discuss the best way to execute that plan. If you are wedding in the West, your best bet for a dry sunset hike is likely to be around September and October. But again, it’s hard to predict what Mother Nature will do! It can snow in Colorado in July, believe it or not!
One important thing to note for these types of elopements: Plan for 1 hour for each mile of the hike. I know that seems like an awfully long time to trek just one mile but you need to account for stopping for photographs, wardrobe adjustments, wildlife on the trail, weather disruptions, and for allowing for the day to unfold organically. You and your sweetheart will want to just luxuriate in the day, in each other’s company, and in each of the delights that the universe has in store for you! I have witnessed many a timeline rapturously slowed down by the appearance of a wily red fox, or the sudden onslaught of a seemingly mystical snowstorm. Allow yourselves every sweet second to soak up these moments of magic!
Remember, there are three different types of hiking elopements: 1) a short hike to a destination; 2) a longer day hike; and 3) an overnight backpacking adventure of one or more nights. I, personally, love a two- to three-day timeline. It provides you the opportunity to explore many different backdrops and lighting possibilities (i.e. a sunset hike to a great picnicking spot followed by dancing– and photographs– under the stars, and capped off with a dazzling sunrise hike and vows the following day).
Next, once you have narrowed it down to the perfect location of your dreams, you can work with your photographer to come up with some back-up plans to Plan A. You ALWAYS need a Plan B, and sometimes a Plan C, because Mother Nature (and life) can oftentimes erect unexpected roadblocks.
Fifth, look into permits and regulations. It’s important to note that many national parks require a special use permit for the purposes of elopements and other engagements. It is best to secure these permits well in advance of your big day. Some parks, such as Yosemite, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Yellowstone, suggest obtaining all the necessary paperwork 3-6 months out from your elopement date. If you plan to overnight in an area, you will likely need to procure campground reservations well in advance of your date as well. Furthermore, you will want to learn about any laws or regulations around actually getting married in the location of your choosing. Some places allow self-solemnization whereas others ask that an officiant or celebrant be present. All of these finer details are things that your experienced and knowledgeable photographer can help you navigate!
Sixth, get prepared. It’s time to learn about the gear that you will need, what to wear for your hiking elopement, and how to physically and mentally ready yourselves for what will indeed be one of, if not the best, days of your life. The first thing I tell my couples who are planning a hiking elopement is to adopt a mindset of openness and adaptability. Set yourself up for success by making a great plan for the day, but don’t get too attached to it. So many factors can affect the day– the weather may suddenly turn stormy; there may be a road closure; a trail or overlook may be more crowded than you anticipated; you might get blisters and need to stop for some R&R…. Whatever arises, you and your team (photographer, friends, etc.) can shift and make adjustments and still bring the elopement of your dreams to fruition. You just have to be flexible. With that can-do, it’ll-all-work-out-for-our-good mindset, you are as prepared as you can be. But I know you also want the details on what gear to have at the ready and what to wear. Here you go:
What to Wear for a Hiking Elopement
Of course, you want to be comfortable– and radiant– on your wedding day. The dress (or suit) you choose for a hiking elopement may be the same as one you might choose for, say, a church wedding. It depends. You will need to take into consideration a few things as you select what to wear for your hiking elopement. First, how long is the hike going to be? If it’s a short hike from a trailhead to an overlook, you may choose a more complex dress with layers and even a train. However, if you plan to do a longer day hike or an overnighter, you will probably want to lean towards simpler lines and lighter weight (fewer layers, tulle, etc.). You will want a dress that allows you to move somewhat effortlessly– to navigate any trails, rocks, creeks, etc. I suggest making sure that you can sit down and get back up again in the dress and that you can easily lift the skirt up and hold it in one hand. Furthermore, look for fabrics that resist wrinkling (as you will very likely be traveling from plane to car to trail with it, tidily packed up in a garment bag, of course). See my tips and guidelines for how to pack and carry your wedding attire here.
Regardless of which dress you choose, make sure that you can easily add layers, such as long underwear if it is cold, and a rain jacket or heavier winter coat, provided there is inclement weather. (And, be sure to choose outer layers that you love enough to not mind if they end up showing up in some of your photos.) Lastly, make sure you bring sturdy and comfortable hiking boots (that you have worn already) with at least two pairs of high-quality wool socks.
Finally, let’s address a question I get asked all the time: Do we hike in our wedding gear, or hike in regular clothes and then change? That is totally up to you. For a shorter hike from a trailhead to a nearby spot, lots of my couples choose to hike in their wedding attire (after changing into it either before the drive or in a parking spot once we arrive). For longer treks, many of my couples decide to hike in comfortable hiking gear and then change into their wedding attire (which they have carefully packed and carried), and do a little touch-up, once we arrive at our first destination. (I can provide a little pop-up tent for discretion and privacy and a mirror for last-minute hair and makeup tweaks.) If you choose to do this, make sure to practice hiking with your pack and your attire to ensure it can be handily done. Also, be sure to choose hiking gear that you aren’t opposed to being photographed in, as I will be documenting the whole day.
Not-to-Miss Gear for Your Hiking Elopement
The length of your hiking elopement will somewhat determine what you do and do not need to bring, and I can help you finalize and customize that packing list, but here is a list of must-haves for almost any hiking elopement:
Backpack– You will want a lightweight pack with easy-to-reach outer pockets for your water bottles and straps to tie on things like your flowers. You may even want to choose a backpack that coordinates with your color palette, as it will be featured in some of your photographs.
Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots– Wear them in before your big day!
Wool socks– Bring at least 2 pairs.
Rain gear– You never know!
Outer and under layers– You will be miserable if you are cold and/or wet, so pack leggings or long underwear and a puffy jacket or warm coat
Water bottles– Bring plenty of water and start drinking it at least 3 days before your hiking elopement. Do not underestimate the effect that elevation (and even stress and flying) can have on your overall well-being. Mitigate its effects by drinking loads of water well before and during your big day.
Snacks– Keep your nerves and your blood sugar steady. Pack an assortment of yummy, filling bites. I love trail mix, Clif bars, dried mangoes, and jerky!
Toiletry bag– Make sure to pack cosmetics, deodorant, hair brush, floss, mirror, baby wipes or other wipes, hair ties and bobby pins, and bathroom necessities.
Bug spray– Keep those pesky mosquitoes and black flies at bay.
Sunscreen– Even in the winter, the sun can be intensely bright. Compared to lower-elevation states, the sun in the Southwest has a 30-40% higher UV index.
A durable blanket or large towels– You will want to periodically sit down, and not on the bare ground. I love the ones made by Nomad, Rumpl, and Gravel.
Ziplocs or other bag for trash
First Aid Kit– Be prepared, right?!
Rings, vows, marriage license and pens, and any necessary permits
You may want to bring the following optional add-ons as well:
Trekking poles– These are so helpful in preventing falls and/or sprains!
Headlamps– If you are planning an evening hike or overnight elopement.
Portable speaker– For all the music you want to listen to and dance to!
Celebratory drinks– Bring along some champagne (if you so choose) to toast to your happy future, or to sip as you get ready.
For colder-season hiking elopements, you will want to have:
Warm, waterproof gloves and cozy hats and scarves– Comfort is a must!
Snow pants and/or gaiters– To keep your legs and feet dry and warm.
Hand and foot warmers– So easy to tuck in your bag, and they provide a nice toasty boost.
Microspikes– These attach to your boots and provide traction in snow and ice.
Trekking poles– These are a must in snow and ice.
A thermos with a hot beverage.
Best Time of Day for a Hiking Elopement
As with other big decisions, like the length of your hiking elopement or the number of (if any) guests you want to include, this is up to you. I can give you guidance based on my years of experience, but ultimately it will come down to what you two desire. Essentially, you have four choices: 1) sunrise; 2) midday; 3) sunset; and 4) twilight.
If you plan to elope in the American Southwest, a sunrise elopement has some distinct advantages. Namely, the weather is consistently pretty optimal in the morning hours. It is rare for rain or snow or thunder and lightning to occur before the early afternoon, thus making the sunrise elopement an excellent choice for places like Colorado. (Inclement/unpredictable weather events are slightly less of a concern the lower elevation you are, so take that into account when you are planning.)
Midday and sunset hikes are absolutely great choices, too. They allow for a more relaxed morning, during which the two of you can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some extra time to get ready. If you choose this time of day, you may want to plan your elopement for the fall (like September or October) when storms are less likely to impact your big day.
Lastly, there is always the dreamy, outside-the-box option of getting married under the myriad stars of the night sky. Twilight is a time full of romance and awe and wonder– the perfect setting for your ceremony. You can spend the day hiking or adventuring in one way or another, and then set off under the cover of impending darkness (with lanterns or headlamps in tow) and recite your vows under the witness of innumerable constellations.
P.S. Remember to “Leave No Trace!”
Sustainability can’t just be a niche market for photographers. It must be the new normal! As a nature lover, I am dedicated to helping our Earth flourish. This is why I practice “Leave No Trace” principles at each and every one of my sessions.
What exactly is Leave No Trace?
It is:
🌿 A set of ethics & best practices we should follow to both enjoy and protect
the outdoors at the same time.
🌿 An access tool to help enjoy public lands responsibly and leave less impact.
It isn’t:
🌿 Something to shame other people about or make them feel bad for not knowing.
🌿 Something to use to gatekeep and keep others from enjoying the outdoors.
Once you’ve booked me as your elopement photographer, you’ll receive my full Leave No Trace Guide for couples! It’s an easy-breezy workbook designed to help you plan your dream elopement, while being mindful of the beautiful lands upon which you’ve chosen to exchange your vows.
If you are ready to discuss a hiking elopement with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out! My life’s work is helping to plan and then to photograph the most epically unforgettable of weddings, in the most epically unforgettable of places. I look forward to hearing from you!
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
Find out how I can help make that happen!
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer, that’s great!
You can do that by filling out the form below, by emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling/texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!
