How to Plan a Hiking Elopement
Hey, adventure lovers! If you dream of saying “I-do” on a mountaintop with the sun peeking over the horizon, this blog post is for you! Let’s dive right into how to plan a hiking elopement!
Hiking Elopement Planning Tips
– Plan Your Hiking Elopement Timeline
Pick Your Perfect Location for Your Hiking Elopement
One of the first steps is to figure out the mountain and the hiking trail you want to visit! From the jaw-dropping Canadian Rockies to other adventure gems around the globe, there are countless places that could suit you both as a couple! And if you need help deciding where to elope, I’m happy to help you discover that magical place for you!
Pick Your Season and Time
The mountains are gorgeous every season, and each season brings something different to your backdrops! Think golden autumn hues, winter wonderlands, spring blossoms, or summer’s lush green! Which season do you both love and what activities do you enjoy doing together the most? Let’s match that vibe with the season at your dream location!
For a hiking elopement, I definitely recommend eloping during sunrise because that will usually give you the privacy you want before hikers and tourists start crowding the mountains, and also – the amazing light your photographer is always swooning over.
You also avoid the heat of the day in Summer by hiking in the cooler hours of pre-dawn, which is ideal so you are not a sweaty mess at the top for your ceremony!
Choose Your Photographer
The memories might fade, but your photos won’t! Hence, picking the RIGHT photographer is KEY! It’s all about the style, the vibes, and the expertise. Make sure you gel with them because, trust me, you’ll be spending A LOT of time together. And don’t stress if they haven’t shot at your location before; we LOVE the challenge and thrive on creating MAGIC in new spots!
Check out my portfolio if you’re still looking for your dream adventure elopement photographer!
Get Your Paperwork Ready
Ensure you get your marriage license and any necessary permits sorted! This is something I also help my clients figure out!
Gear up and Dress up
Packing for a hiking elopement isn’t just about your attire. Remember essentials like good hiking boots, headlamps, bear spray (YUP!), snacks, loads of water, and more. If you’re my couple, you’ll get a tailor-made list for your hiking elopement!
When it comes to your hiking wedding outfit, you want to think about the weight of your wedding dress and how freely you can move in it, depending on the elopement activities you’d like to include. And, of course, I recommend dressing casually for your hike and then changing at the mountaintop!
Get Your Witnesses
You’ll typically need two witnesses to make things legal and official. You can bring some guests along to your hiking elopement. However, I’m also game to be a witness for you, and we could find another witness roaming the trails!
Plan Your Travel
Whether it’s hopping on a plane or going on a road trip to get to your chosen elopement location, sort your travel plans as much in advance as possible to avoid any added stress. I also recommend looking at weekday travel and accommodations, as they are often cheaper to book and may also be less busy.
Plan Your Hiking Elopement Timeline
Firstly, you need to decide when you’d like to reach the summit (or the view you want). Usually, my couples have chosen sunrise, but it’s totally up to you – we will make it work!
Start the hike to your chosen location a couple of hours before the time you’d like to start your elopement ceremony, just in case something unexpected happens on the way, and so you have the time to get changed into your outfits!
Your elopement day can be whatever you want it to be, though! Think about any activities you’d like to include that would make your big day even more special for you and plan around them, and the light and vibe you’d like for your elopement photos. You’d tell me your plans, and I’d help make it happen with all my expertise!
Also, I’ve written a guide that will help you plan your elopement timeline with some samples included! Check it out here!
Kelly Szott Photography | Adventure Elopement Photographer
I hope this blog helps you plan the hiking elopement of your dreams!
Ready to make it absolutely EPIC, filled with all your dream adventures, and truly YOU? I’d love to help you make it happen! Send me a message here, and let’s chat! I can’t wait to hear from you!!
