Hiking Elopement: An Adventurer’s Guide
Why Have a Hiking Elopement
A hiking elopement is the perfect way to blend your love of adventure & Nature into your wedding day. An intimate, experience-driven wedding allows you to immerse yourselves in the landscape and journey to a place that truly feels meaningful. Once you shed the predictability & clutter of manmade areas, you can better realize your higher Selves when committing your lives to one another.
If you choose the right trail, you might even just feel like you’re the only two people in the world. The physical experience of hiking also brings you into the present moment — creating a deeper connection to each other and to the wild places surrounding you. So let’s look at how we can make a dreamy hiking elopement your reality!
Steps to Planning a Hiking Elopement
Having a hiking wedding is really simple – just follow these steps:
- Choose a trail or region (Colorado, Pacific Northwest, Thailand, etc.)
- Hire an experienced hiking elopement photographer (that’s us 😉)
- Select a date
- Find your hiking elopement dress or attire
- Create a timeline & plan
- Pack your gear
- Have the adventure of a lifetime marrying your best friend
We will help guide you through every step and offer suggestions along the way!
Hiking Elopement Photographer
Planning a hiking elopement is so much more than choosing a trail — it’s about crafting an experience that feels intentional, safe, and unforgettable.
As experienced hiking elopement photographers, we guide you through:
- Choosing a trail that fits your vision & ability level
- Building a timeline around light, weather, and hiking pace
- Packing strategically for comfort & portraits
- Navigating permits, logistics, and Leave No Trace practices
- Capturing your day in a way that feels natural and true to you
We don’t just document your day — we help you create it.
✨ If you want a hiking elopement that feels like an adventure and not a stressor, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Hiking Elopement Packages
Our hiking elopement packages are designed for couples who want more than just photos — they want a guided, thorough, and intentional experience in the outdoors.
That’s where we come in ✨
From short scenic hikes to full-day or multi-day adventures, we help you create a wedding day that feels grounded, present, and wildly you.
This isn’t just photography — it’s a fully guided experience designed around connection, intention, and adventure.
Best Best Hiking Elopement Locations
Top Hiking Locations Around The World
If you’re dreaming of a hiking elopement, the world is full of breathtaking places to explore! Imagine high alpine lakes, desert arches, glacial landscapes, and beyond – these destinations offer unforgettable ecosystems for your adventure:
Colorado
A hiking elopement paradise with alpine lakes, wildflowers, aspen groves, and rugged peaks. Perfect for couples who want variety, accessibility, and iconic mountain scenery.
Pacific Northwest
Lush forests, misty coastlines, and dramatic mountains create a moody, magical atmosphere. Ideal for couples who love greenery, fog, and a more ethereal vibe.
Moab
Red rock deserts, natural arches, and vast canyon landscapes offer a completely different kind of adventure. Best for couples drawn to bold colors, warm light, and unique terrain.
Grand Teton National Park
Sharp, jagged peaks rising above serene valleys and lakes make this one of the most striking mountain ranges in the country. Ideal for couples wanting dramatic & iconic views.
Iceland
A land of fire & ice with waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Perfect for couples craving a once-in-a-lifetime, otherworldly experience.
Alberta & British Columbia, Canada
Turquoise lakes, towering peaks, millions of trees, and endless wilderness define this region. Banff and beyond offer some of the most breathtaking hiking elopement locations in North America.
Colorado Hiking Elopement locations
Colorado is one of the best places in the world for a hiking elopement, offering everything from high alpine lakes to wildflower-filled valleys and rugged mountain passes. Whether you’re dreaming of a short scenic hike or a full-day adventure, these are some of the most incredible locations to explore.
Wild, remote, and bursting with color, the San Juan Mountains offer some of the most dramatic landscapes in Colorado. Imagine vibrant alpine lakes, towering peaks, and endless trails on the path less traveled – perfect for couples craving a truly adventurous and private hiking elopement.
Known as the wildflower capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is a dream for summer and fall hiking elopements. Rolling alpine meadows, colorful blooms, bright autumn colors, and charming mountain-town vibes make this area feel both vibrant and romantic.
An easy-to-moderate hike with a big payoff, Lake Isabelle offers an absolute stunning alpine lake surrounded by rocky peaks. It’s a terrific option for couples who want a scenic hiking elopement without committing to a long or strenuous trek.
Iconic and expansive, RMNP features a wide range of hiking elopement options including short alpine lake trails and longer backcountry adventures. With breathtaking views and well-maintained trails, it’s perfect for couples wanting both accessibility and epic scenery.
What to Pack for Your Hiking Elopement
Backpack
Choose a bag that feels comfortable and that looks nice being photographed. A perfect bag will offer support, distribute weight evenly, and provide enough space for all of your supplies. Pro tip: both you & your partner can bring a backpack to make the load lighter.
Water & Sustenance
Bring lots of water especially for high elevation hikes. A camelback is an efficient way to carry lots of water with easy access to drink. Maybe you want to create custom water bottles as a cute detail for your special day. Electrolytes help your body absorb hydration, and healthy snacks are great calories to provide energy.
Layers
High elevation weather conditions can change in a hurry so be sure to bring multiple layers (warm, light, & dry) plus an extra pair of socks just in case!
Hiking Poles
These are great for steep climbs, sharp descents, and offer support by taking weight off your knees and ankles.
Emergency Kit
We always carry one just in case.
Extra Shoes
An extra pair of comfy shoes is a good idea if you want a break from your boots when you’re not hiking. Waterproof boots are ideal, but if you get your boots wet and they’re not waterproof, a second pair of shoes become essential.
Flowers
You can secure these to the outside of your pack for travel. Pro Tip: wrapping them in a wet Swedish dishcloth inside of an eco bag will keep them fresh throughout!
How to Hike in your Wedding Dress & Attire
If you plan on hiking for your elopement, you may be wondering how on earth does one hike in their elopement attire? Well, there are two main directions you can take: hiking in your attire or changing at the top. Your decision will depend on how comfortable your dress or outfit is to move in, how difficult the trail is, and if you’d like photos in your attire on the way up. Another factor is how comfortable you feel getting your attire dirty. You may also want to choose your attire based on the fact that you’re hiking.
Hiking in Your Wedding Attire
There’s nothing more interesting than seeing a wedding dress along the trail! We love when couples feel comfortable & confident hiking in their wedding attire. Here are some factors to consider when choosing if you can hike in your attire:
Because it’s so out of the ordinary, many people may over think this step, but it’s really as simple as one foot in front of the other! Just take your time and be mindful. Being in a hurry is how you might be more prone to snagging your dress. A leisurely pace will ensure comfort and not becoming too hot. Two piece dresses where the skirt is separate from the top are also great for hiking if you want to add the skirt later in the hike!
Change at the Top
If your trail is more difficult or you prefer to move faster and not worry about your attire, changing at the top is a great solution. Consider coordinating cute outfits for hiking that are comfortable and also would be cute in photographs. White rompers or tennis shirts can give you a bit of a bridal look.
If you change at the top, be sure to plan enough time to do so when you reach your destination – especially if you’re trying to be there for a certain time such as sunrise. Changing at the top usually takes 20-30 minutes when it’s all said and done, including a water break. We always provide our couples with a changing tent for privacy, which allows you to change comfortably even if there aren’t any trees or shelters.
A few benefits of changing at the top: being able to hike faster, not getting your attire dirty or sweaty, and being able to do your first look in a gorgeous space at or near your ceremony location.
Hiking Elopement Dress
If you’re hiking in a dress, consider how you might scoop up and carry any cumbersome layers. The best solutions are ones where you can be hands free. Our favorite tool for this is the Bridal Buddy, which is designed for wedding dresses. It’s essentially a slip that sits as the bottom layer under your dress and cinches your skirt up like a marshmallow around your waist keeping your dress off the ground. It’s easy to drop and scoop back up, which makes it perfect for photos along the trail. Just be sure to pair some cute shorts or leggings underneath 😉
When trying on your hiking elopement dress, above all else, be sure you can move in it. Flowy dresses with lightweight layers are the best. A sleek dress can also work as long as you have the leg room & flexibility to step up. We recommend avoiding things that make your dress restricting such as corsets, ribbing, or mermaid skirts. Also avoid any sort of raised design under the arms such as sequins or rhinestones, as these might rub against your arms as you hike. When dress shopping, don’t be afraid to experiment with how you’d hike in it. Try stepping up onto a bench, walking up & down stairs, sitting on the ground & getting up, moving your arms, and twirling around.
Hiking Elopement Shoes
The most important accessory to your hiking elopement attire is your shoes! Wearing the right hiking shoes is key to your mobility, comfort, and stability throughout the trail. We suggest hiking boots that offer ankle support, are waterproof or water resistant, and that have good grip on the bottom. It’s also a good idea to break them in before your elopement. Wearing brand new shoes for a multi mile hike might give you blisters. For socks, sweat wicking fabric is great for longer trails.
Pro tip: avoid the “fancy” just for show “hiking boots” with heels or faux leather as these will get uncomfortable and might not have sufficient support. If you’d like a cute pair of heels, fancy loafers, or different shoes for photos or for your ceremony, simply bring them and change into them as needed for photos. After ten years, there’s no better shoes to pair with your elopement attire than a great pair of hiking boots!
Hiking Elopement Tips
Best Time for a Hiking Elopement
Generally, summer is going to be the best time for a hiking elopement with the most options. However, each season brings a unique vibe so consider what you’re most attracted to:
- 🌼 Summer: Wildflowers, accessible trails, longer days
- 🍂 Fall: Cooler temps & golden foliage
- ❄️ Winter: Snowy, quiet adventures (snowshoes or microspikes needed)
- 🌿 Spring: Fewer crowds with varying conditions & lingering snow
✨ Pro tip: sunrise & sunset hikes offer cooler temperatures, better light, and more privacy.
Hiking Elopement Timeline
Every hiking elopement timeline is a little different depending on your trail, pace, and the kind of experience you want to create. The beauty of a hiking wedding is that it’s flexible—you can slow down, take in the views, and let meaningful moments unfold naturally. Below is a sample full-day timeline to give you a feel for how your adventure could flow from start to finish. 🌄✨
1:00P Meetup at your lodging
1:10 Getting ready & details
2:00 Depart for trailhead
2:30 Arrive at trailhead & begin hiking stopping for photos along the way at scenic overlooks 4:30 Arrive at top, water break, change into elopement attire, and ceremony setup
5:15 Vow ceremony & first dance 6:00 Sunset picnic & card games 6:30 Hike back down 8:30 Get back to cars & dive to your airbnb
9:00 Private chef dinner at airbnb 10:15 Starry night hot tub soak
11:00P Goodnight to the Best Day!
“Meg & Kevin helped us put it all together, find a place, and adventure that truly embodied our relationship and what we wanted our wedding to feel like.“
Unique Hiking Elopement Ideas
- Create your own “Just Married” or “We Eloped” signs for your backpacks
- Use your bouquet as the ‘centerpiece’ decoration for your backpacks and picnic
- Preserve your flowers during your hike by wrapping the stems in a wet Swedish dishcloth and then wrapping that with a nice piece of fabric
- Hiking wedding theme – have a reception with guests after your hike where each table placement is a different trail or outdoor space that’s significant to you
- You know the food you eat is really important so pack a picnic or even have a picnic set up for you at the top of the trail!
- Start hiking in the dark so that you can have the whole trail all to yourselves. Plus, if it’s a clear night, you’ll get to enjoy the stars!
- If you love the purity of a winter wonderland, consider a snowshoe elopement
- If you want to bring along a more elaborate setup, you can hire a hiking companion like a local alpaca or pack horse
Hiking Elopement FAQs
Ready for Your Hiking Elopement Adventure?
If you’re dreaming of a hiking elopement that feels intentional, adventurous, and deeply connected to nature — we’d love to help you bring it to life.
From trail selection to timeline planning to capturing every moment along the way, we’re here to guide you through it all.
✨ Let’s start planning your adventure.
