How To Plan A Hiking Elopement
Updated August 9th, 2024
What is a Hiking Elopement?
You have so many options when planning your elopement day. Unlike a traditional wedding day, there are no rules for the things you have to do. Most of our couples have a deep appreciation for the outdoors and that is a driving force in their decision to elope in the first place. Many of our couples spend a lot of their time hiking together on a regular basis, so it just feels right to hike on their elopement day. Other couples might not hike regularly and want to challenge themselves on their elopement day.
Hiking is a great way to immerse yourselves in nature, experience some amazing views, and even get yourselves away from crowds. It’s a common misconception that you have to be willing to hike 8 miles to have an adventurous hiking elopement, and that couldn’t be further from the truth! On average, we hike about 2-3 miles roundtrip with our couples, but there are countless amazing that are shorter than that or even longer than that!
We’ve written this guide to help you plan decide if a hiking elopement is right for you and to give you advice for making it happen!
What’s in this hiking elopement guide?
• How to Choose an Elopement Hike
○ Consider the Views
○ Think About the Hike Difficulty
○ Group Size Matters
○ Think About Your Elopement Date
○ Leave No Trace
○ Hiking With Your Dog
○ How to Find Hikes
• The Logistics of a Hiking Elopement
○ Should You Hike in Your Wedding Attire?
○ Hiking Elopement Permits
○ How to Choose the Time of Day for Your Hike
How to Choose the Right Hike for Your Elopement
Consider the Views
This is the fun part. Have a conversation with your partner about the kinds of views that inspire you the most. What drew you to eloping in your location?
If you’re getting married in the mountains, do you want to enjoy mountaintop views, stand at the edge of an alpine lake, or hear the sound of a river while you are surrounded by an open meadow?
If you’re eloping in the desert, do you want to stand high above a rocky canyon, walk along the edge of a sand dune, or look up at an incredible rock formation?
If you’re eloping along the coast, do you want to be nestled within a rocky cove, look out from a tall oceanside cliff, or look out at the ocean while surrounded by tall trees?
Having a clear vision for the environment that you want will make it easier to narrow down the perfect hike for you!
Think About the Difficulty
The next thing you’ll want to consider is the difficulty that you’re up for. Would you prefer a more relaxed hike or are you looking for a challenge? Some hiking websites will give a rating for each hike’s difficulty. We typically suggest sticking to easy or moderate hikes and reading reviews from other hikers and getting advice from your elopement photography team.
There are a few different factors that will work together to determine the difficulty of a hike:
Elevation Gain - The more elevation gain, the more difficult the hike will be. We also find that hikes with multiple ups and downs can be more tiring than a hike that is a steady incline.
Altitude - A hike done at sea level will be easier than a hike at 10,000 feet. If you are eloping at a high elevation, we recommend choosing a hike that is slightly easier than you think you can handle. The altitude will make every hike more difficult!
Length - Pay attention to how the length and elevation gain work together on a hike. A hike may only be 2 miles roundtrip, but if the elevation gain is 1,500 feet it will be a more strenuous hike. Sometimes longer hikes can be easier because the elevation is spread out over more distance.
Group Size Matters
Some hikes, often locations within wilderness areas, have strict group size limits. The limits will vary from region to region, but we suggest keeping your group size to less than 10 people if you would like to have a hiking elopement. This 10-person limit includes you, your guests (including children), and any elopement professionals you hire (photographer, videographer, officiant, etc.).
If you want the most options for hikes to choose from, we suggest eloping with just you, your partner, and your elopement professionals. Once you begin adding guests to the group, your options will decrease very quickly.
Most commonly, for couples who want to have an incredible hiking experience but also have guests, we often suggest planning to hike without your guests. This gives you more options for your hike and is also a great way for you and your partner to enjoy some time alone in the outdoors.
Think About Your Elopement Date
Particularly in mountainous regions, the time of year you decide to elope will have a great impact on the trails you can choose from. Some hikes may be inaccessible in the winter, while others may be open but require snowshoes or microspikes.
If you are eloping in late spring or early summer, you may need to be prepared for trails that are muddy or still covered in snow. During this time of year, we bring microspikes with us as a precaution.
In addition to the colder months, there are still some things to consider if you’re getting married in the summer. If you are eloping in a hot region in the middle of summer, think about tree cover on the trail to help keep you from overheating.
Leave No Trace
When hiking and recreating in nature, it is important to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Humans have a huge impact on our natural world and by making a few minor adjustments, we can help preserve and protect the places we love the most.
Plan Ahead + Prepare - Choose a hike that fits into your skill level, be aware of the weather and terrain, bring enough food and water, know the permitting rules and other regulations.
Stay on Trails + Hard Surfaces - It is important not to trample vegetation or the fragile alpine tundra. If you are having your ceremony or a picnic on a trail, choose a location with a solid surface. If you are in a location with cryptobiotic soil, such as Moab, be sure to stay on trail and “don’t bust the crust.”
Pack it Out - Be sure that everything you bring with you gets taken out with you. This includes food wrappers, floral arrangements, and other waste.
Be Respectful of Wildlife + Other Visitors - We share the space with animals and other visitors. If you see an animal, give it plenty of space, this is for your safety and theirs. Keep your dog on a leash and avoid blocking the trail for other hikers.
Hiking With Your Dog
As dog-lovers, we get so excited when our couples bring their dogs to their elopement! Bringing your dog on your hiking elopement requires a bit of extra planning, here are some things to think about:
Dog-Friendly Hikes - It is so important to first make sure that the trail you’ve chosen allows dogs.
Leash Laws - This will vary from location to location, but many trails will require that you keep your dog on a leash. This is for your dog’s safety, as well as the safety of wild animals and other visitors. If the trail does not require leashes, make sure that your dog is properly trained and know that your attention may not be able to be on your dog at all times.
Dog Gear - Make sure to bring extra food and water for your dog. Think about temperatures and be sure to consider keeping your dog cool in hot temperature or warm in cold temperatures. Click here to see our gear suggestions for hiking with your dog. Treats can also be great to help your dog cooperate in photos.
How to Find Hikes
The couples who book with us will receive a location list filled with hike options that fit their vision and their unique elopement preferences. This takes the initial stress out of choosing the perfect location and allows our couples to focus only on incredible hikes that we know and love.
In addition, we recommend searching for hikes on AllTrails. This website is a great resource for choosing and planning hikes. You can search based on length, difficulty, whether or not they are dog-friendly, and even by points of interest (such as waterfalls, forests, beaches, lakes, etc.). Each hike listing includes a difficulty rating (easy to difficult), reviews and photos from other hikers, and trail details that show the route as well as a visual of the elevation gain. In addition, if you pay for their membership, we love that their app allows offline map download, which is great to have when you’re out of cell service.
We are not affiliated with AllTrails, but we love their service!
The Logistics of a Hiking Elopement
Should You Hike in Your Wedding Attire?
This is totally up to you and will vary depending on the length and difficulty of the hike as well as the order of events on your elopement day.
Pre-Ceremony Hikes - Most often, if you’re going to be hiking before sunrise, before your first look, or ceremony, we suggest hiking in normal clothes and then changing into your wedding attire once you reach your destination.
Technical Hikes - Some hikes are safer if hiked in normal clothes. This could include trails that are particularly steep, require scrambling, or hiking on scree. In addition, f you plan to snowshoe, we recommend changing out of your wedding attire.
Post-Ceremony Hikes - If the hike will happen later in your elopement day, once you’ve had your first look or ceremony, we suggest hiking in your wedding attire! This is not only a fun experience, but it also makes for incredible photos!
It is important to remember that if you change into your wedding attire while on the hike, you will need to be comfortable undressing out in nature without a changing room.
Hiking Elopement Permits
Often, you will need to apply and pay for a permit for your hiking elopement. The permits needed will depend on the location you’ve chosen, the number of people who will be with you, whether or not you have hired any elopement professionals (photographer, videographer, officiant, etc.), and what your plans are (will you be having a ceremony, privately exchanging vows, or just exploring for photos).
To find out the permitting rules for your location, we recommend contacting the National Park, National Forest, State Park, or landowner. If you are told that no permits are necessary, we always suggest getting this in writing. That way if you are approached by a ranger, you will have proof of what you have been told.
Permitting can be a tricky process, and we guide our couples through getting the proper permits for their hiking elopements.
Choosing the Time of Day for Your Hike
Once you’ve made the big decision about which hike you’d like to do, the next biggest decision will be to choose the timing. Generally, we suggest hiking at sunrise or sunset. This will give you the best light for photos and often the quietest times of day. Here are a few other things to consider:
Hike Popularity - If you have chosen a popular hike for your elopement day and want to have as much privacy as possible, we recommend sunrise. This way you’ll have a headstart on most other hikers and have much more space for yourselves.
Weather - The temperatures and weather in your location should have a big impact on the timing of your hike. In warmer regions, you may want to avoid the heat of the day, in colder regions you may want to choose the time with the highest temperatures. Some mountainous regions get afternoon thunderstorms in the summer that should be avoided.
View Direction - Some views look better at different times of day, based on the direction of the sun. At sunrise, east-facing mountains can have beautiful alpenglow and sunsets on the West Coast are hard to beat!
Hiking Elopement Inspiration
Check Out Some Hiking Elopements!
We have put together a list of hiking elopements that we’ve captured. Scroll through and see how our couples have incorporated hiking into their elopement days!
Elopements Without Guests
If you are planning to elope without any guests, you will have the most flexibility when planning your hiking elopement. Often, our couples will choose a longer hike and spend their time exploring that single hike. Other times, our couples will choose a shorter hike and then visit multiple locations on their elopement day.
Elopements With Guests (Total Group Size Less Than 10)
When your entire group size is less than 10 people (including you, your guests, and any elopement professionals you hire), you may have the choice to bring your guests along with you on the hike. Be sure that the trail you’ve chosen allows for groups of your size, as some wilderness locations have smaller group size limits. If you plan to have your ceremony on the hike, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles by ensuring that there is a solid surface (often rock or dirt) that is large enough for everyone to stand on.
Couples with a small number of guests may still choose to go for their hike alone and then meet back up with their guests for a more formal ceremony or a casual elopement reception.
Elopements With Guests (Total Group Size More Than 10)
When your entire group size is more than 10 people (including you, your guests, and any elopement professionals you hire), we recommend not hiking with your guests. Typically, this means going on a hike with just the two of you, either for adventure photos or a private vow exchange. Then returning to your guests for a more formal ceremony or a casual elopement reception.
View All Hiking Elopements
Hiking Elopement Gear and Packing List
Packing for Your Hiking Elopement
When you choose to hike on your elopement day, there are some unique items that you want to make sure you bring! We’ve compiled this list based on a general hiking elopement, but you may want to curate these items based on the location and climate of your elopement. As always, be sure to read reviews and do your own research to find out if an item is right for you and your elopement!
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links in our elopement planning blog posts and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not cost you anything, but it helps support the creation of these free, informational blog posts. Thank you for your support!
Hiking Essentials
Hiking Backpack - A good backpack is essential for not only carrying your things (sometimes even your wedding attire), but also for keeping your back and shoulders from getting sore. If possible, we recommend trying on hiking backpacks in person because each brand will fit a little bit differently. Click here to read REI’s tips for choosing the right hiking backpack. A backpack can also act as a really great “prop” for your photos. We love photographing couples hiking with a bouquet sticking out and a “just eloped” sign hanging on their backpacks.
Our Favorite Women’s Hiking Backpacks
Osprey Skimmer 20 Pack (view on Amazon)
Osprey Skimmer 28 Pack (view on Amazon)
Deuter Trail 28 Pack (view on Amazon)
Osprey Sirrus 36 Pack (view on Amazon)
Our Favorite Men’s Hiking Backpacks
Osprey Talon 22 Pack (view on Amazon)
Deuter Trail 30 Pack (view on Amazon)
Osprey Stratos 36 Pack (view on Amazon)
Water Bottles + Reservoirs - You’ll want to be sure to pack enough water with you on your hike. The amount needed will depend on the length of the hike as well as the time of year. We prefer water bottles over water reservoirs, but you can opt for either! Either way, be sure your water bottle will fit nicely in your backpack!
Our Favorite Water Bottles
Miir Water Bottle 16 fl. oz. (view on Amazon)
Hydro Flask 24 fl. oz. (view on Amazon)
Hydro Flask 32 fl. oz. (view on Amazon)
Hiking Boots - We see our couples wear a wide range of boots on their elopement days. When choosing your boots, be sure to choose some with good tread and break them in before your elopement day.
Our Favorite Women’s Hiking Boots
Thursday Boot Co. Captain Boots (view on Amazon)
Danner Adrika Hiker Waterproof Boot (view on Amazon)
Danner Women's Inquire Waterproof Boot (view on Amazon)
Kodiak Low-Rider Original Ankle Boot (view on Amazon)
Kodiak Mahone Hiking Boot (view on Amazon)
Our Favorite Men’s Hiking Boots
Thursday Boot Co. Captain Boots (view on Amazon)
Thursday Boot Co. Rugged Captain Boots (view on Amazon)
Danner Men's Jag Waterproof Boot (view on Amazon)
Danner Men's Explorer 650 Hiking Boot (view on Amazon)
Kodiak Berkley Ankle Boot (view on Amazon)
Kodiak Clayburn Ankle Boot (view on Amazon)
Headlamps - If your elopement plans have you hiking before sunrise or after sunset, then you’ll need a headlamp to light the way.
Our Favorite Headlamps
Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp (view on Amazon)
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp (view on Amazon)
Trekking Poles - If the hike you are planning to do is particularly steep of if you have weak knees (like Lisa), then we highly suggest trying out a pair of hiking poles. We love having lightweight poles that fold up to make them easier to travel with.
Our Favorite Trekking Poles
Black Diamond FLZ Trekking Poles - Women's (view on Amazon)
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles (view on Amazon)
Safety Essentials
First Aid Kit - Having a lightweight first aid kit is extremely important. We always carry one on us just in case something happens.
Our Favorite First Aid Kits
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .5 (view on Amazon)
Adventure Medical Kits Hiker Medical Kit (view on Amazon)
Sunscreen - Regardless of where you’re eloping, we highly recommend protecting your skin! Wear good sunscreen on your face as well as your body, and bring extra so that you can reapply.
Our Favorite Sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (view on Amazon)
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 (view on Amazon)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60 (view on Amazon)
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46 (view on Amazon)
Bug Spray - A good bug spray can be a lifesaver in many climates. Keep pesky mosquitos and midges away, while also protecting yourself from ticks.
Bear Spray - In our many years of hiking in Colorado, we’ve only seen two black bears. When hiking in the early morning or late evening, we are always sure to carry bear spray with us. And there are other locations where bears are more prevalent. Be sure to familiarize yourself with using bear spray before taking it out with you, check out this article from the National Park Service for more details.
Our Favorite Bear Spray
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray 8.1 oz (view on Amazon)
Portable Oxygen - If you live at a low elevation and are eloping at a high elevation, it can be a great idea to bring a can of portable oxygen with you. These lightweight cans can help give you instant relief.
Our Favorite Compressed Oxygen
BOOST OXYGEN 10 Liters (view on Amazon)
BOOST OXYGEN 3 Liters (view on Amazon)
Winter Hiking Elopements
In addition to the hiking essentials above, if you’re planning a winter hiking elopement, you’ll want to be sure you have traction and warmth. Check out this article from REI for more cold weather hiking tips.
Snowshoes - Depending on how deep and packed down the snow is on the trail, you may need snowshoes. You can buy these, but we usually suggest renting them.
Microspikes - These are great for hiking on ice and packed-down snow. They attach to your shoes and give you some much-needed grip. These can also be purchased, but it might make more sense to rent them. Be sure to look at the sizing chart so they fit your feet!
Our Favorite Microspikes
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System (view on Amazon)
Hand Warmers - Trust us, these will make such a big difference! You can choose between disposable hand warmers and re-chargeable hand warmers.
Our Favorite Hand Warmers
HotHands Hand Warmers (view on Amazon)
HotHands Body Warmers (view on Amazon)
HotHands Insole Foot Warmers (view on Amazon)
Zippo HeatBank Rechargeable Hand Warmer (view on Amazon)
Base Layers - Wearing layers underneath your wedding attire will help keep you warm throughout your entire elopement day.
Our Favorite Women’s Base Layers
Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms (view on Amazon)
Romastory Fleece Lined Thick Tights (view on Amazon)
Our Favorite Men’s Base Layers
Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms (view on Amazon)
Smartwool Merino 250 Crew Base Layer Top (view on Amazon)
Wool Socks - Keep your feet warm with a pair of wool socks. If you’ll be hiking through the snow or slush, you might consider bringing an extra pair in case your first pair gets wet!
Our Favorite Wool Socks
Smartwool Men's Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks (view on Amazon)
Smartwool Women's Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks (view on Amazon)
Thermos for Warm Drinks - When it’s cold out, there’s nothing better than a warm drink. Whether it’s tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or maybe even a hot toddy.
Our Favorite Insulated Bottles
Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Bottle (view on Amazon)
Hydro Flask Coffee Travel Mug (view on Amazon)
Dog Hiking Basics
Dog First Aid Kit - From paw injuries, to ticks, to thorns, it can be just as important to have a first aid kit made specifically for your dog!
Our Favorite Dog First Aid Kits
Adventure Medical Kits Dog First Aid Kit (view on Amazon)
Adventure Medical Kits Dog + Human First Aid Kit (view on Amazon)
Cooling Apparel - If you’ll be hiking with your dog in a hot climate, consider buying your dog a cooling vest. We have the Jet Stream Vest for our dog and it keeps her cool and comfortable, even on hot days.
Our Favorite Dog Cooling Vests
Ruffwear Jet Stream Vest (view on Amazon)
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest (view on Amazon)
Warming Apparel - If you’ll be hiking in cold temperatures, it’s important to keep your dog warm too!
Our Favorite Dog Jackets
Ruffwear Stumptown Insulated Jacket for Dogs (view on Amazon)
Ruffwear Fernie Fleece Jacket for Dogs (view on Amazon)
Packable Food and Water Bowls - When hiking with your dog, they’ll need water too! Having a bowl that packs down will make hiking with it much simpler.
Our Favorite Travel Bowls for Dogs
Ruffwear Trail Runner Bowl (view on Amazon)
Dog Backpack - If you think your dog might have trouble completing the hike on their own, consider carrying them in a dog backpack. We have the K9 Sport Sack Knavigate for our dog and we love it!
Our Favorite Dog Backpacks
K9 Sport Sack Knavigate (view on Amazon)
K9 Sport Sack Air (view on Amazon)
K9 Sport Sack Custom Velcro Patch (view on Amazon)
Fun Hiking Elopement Items
Portable Speaker - If you plan to have a picnic or your first dance on your hike, consider bringing a portable speaker with you.
Our Favorite Portable Speakers
JBL Charge 4 Portable Speaker (view on Amazon)
Hammock
Our Favorite Hammocks
ENO DoubleNest Hammock (view on Amazon)
ENO Atlas Hammock Suspension System (view on Amazon)
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock w/ Tree Straps (view on Amazon)
Picnic Items
Our Favorite Picnic Items
Pocket Blanket (view on Amazon) - We have this blanket and love it!
Matador Pocket Blanket (view on Amazon)
Rumpl The Original Puffy Blanket (view on Amazon)
Sunflora Insulated Picnic Backpack for 2 People (view on Amazon)
Start Your Hiking Elopement Adventure
We’re Lisa + Alex (those goofballs in the photo above). We are photographers and videographers who focus solely on elopements and are passionate about giving our couples the most incredible elopement day possible. We work closely with each of our couples to offer location options, vendor recommendations, and fun ideas to personalize their wedding day.
Each couple who books with us will receive their own, collaborative Elopement Planning Portal. We know that planning your elopement can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to make the planning process easy and fun. We would love to get to know you and help you make your dream elopement come to life!
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Breckenridge, Colorado Elopement Photo + Trailer Film