How To Plan A Hiking Elopement
If you’re a couple who loves nature and has a drive to find adventure wherever you go, you should definitely consider a hiking elopement. What is a hiking elopement? It involves hiking to a specific destination where your elopement ceremony will take place, surrounded by a stunning natural landscape! These hikes can be long and intense or short and casual — it’s entirely up to you.
When it comes to how to plan a hiking elopement, no two are the same! It’s important to know the essentials so that you can plan the unique hiking elopement that’s perfect for you and matches exactly who you are as a couple.
I’ve put together a list of essential tips for planning a hiking elopement that perfectly matches your vision. This hiking elopement guide covers all the basics to ensure your elopement is stress-free, joyful, and unforgettable!
What To Pack For A Hiking Elopement
Bringing appropriate gear and attire can be one of the most important hiking elopement logistics. You’re going to be traveling over some rugged terrain, so it’s important to wear durable clothes that will enable you to make the journey.
At the same time, you’re going to want to look gorgeous for your wedding day. The trick is finding the medium between the two, and fortunately, there are lots of ways to prepare for a hiking elopement while still looking totally chic.
Hiking Boots
Appropriate footwear is one of the most absolutely essential pieces of equipment for a hiking elopement!
If you’re planning to traverse rocky terrain over long distances, you’re going to want to make sure to wear some high-quality, durable hiking boots.
If you’re traveling a short distance over mild terrain in the summer, you can also wear Tevas or Chacos instead of hiking boots. Either way, you’ll want to break in your shoes before the big day and get comfortable walking in them.
Hiking Wedding Dress
When you’re choosing a wedding dress for your hiking elopement, you’re going to want to make sure it’s something that’s appropriate for the remote, outdoor setting.
Aim for a garment with plenty of movability — something that you’re able to sit in, walk in, dance in, and traverse some rocky terrain while wearing! Choose a comfortable dress made of thicker fabric just in case it gets cold. You’re also going to want to make sure you wear a wedding dress that you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
Places like Etsy, BHLDN, Daci Gowns, and ASOS are excellent outlets to find some really beautiful outdoor wedding dresses perfect for a hiking elopement.
Backpack
Be sure to bring a good quality hiking backpack for your hiking elopement. This is essential for carrying important items like accessories, extra clothing, and any food you’d like to bring.
A high-quality, well-fitting backpack is very important since it will help distribute the weight evenly and help make sure your back and shoulders aren’t sore by the end of the day.
You can even get personally fitted for a backpack at outdoor retailers like REI.
Additional Items
In addition to the important items listed above, you’ll also want to bring essential items like water, snacks, sunscreen, and more. To get a full extensive packing list, visit my Ultimate Elopement Packing List.
What Are Some Of The Best Places For A Hiking Elopement?
The location you choose will ultimately depend on what kind of experience and environment you’re looking for! Here are just a few of my favorites:
North Cascades
A vast wilderness in the heart of Washington State that features one of the least visited national parks (totally under-hyped in my opinion!). Feel like you are in something out of the Swiss Alps with towering mountains and vibrant alpine lakes. This wilderness area is truly one of my favorite areas of the country.
Favorite Trails:
Maple Pass Trail: 6.5 Miles, Rated Hard
Winchester Mountain Fire Lookout: 3.5 Miles, Rated Hard
Mt. Rainier National Park
A stunning national park in Washington State filled with tranquil lakes and deep forests.
Favorite Trails:
Tolmie Peak: 5.6 Miles, Rated Hard
Dege Peak: 2.8 Miles, Rated Moderate
Olympic National Park
A sprawling national park in Washington State that’s filled with tons of environmental diversity, from old-growth forests to glacier-covered mountains.
Favorite Trails:
Mount Storm King: 4.1 Miles, Rated Hard
Hole-in-the-Wall at Rialto Beach: 3.3 Miles, Rated Moderate
Oregon
This jewel of the Pacific Northwest is filled with tons of national parks perfect for a hiking elopement, from the breathtaking Crater Lake to the snowy peaks of Mt Hood.
Favorite Trails:
Elk Flats: 0.5 Miles, Rated Easy
Owl Point: 4.6 Miles, Rated Moderate
Northern California
A wildly diverse region filled with a variety of national parks, from the world-famous Death Valley National Park to the awe-inspiring Redwood National Park. Get anything from old growth forests to rugged coast-lines to giant mountains to even desert.
Favorite Trails:
Sobranes Point: 1.6 Miles, Rated Easy
Taft Point: 2.3 Miles, Rated Easy
Alaska
One of the most stunning natural landscapes, Alaska is home to amazing national parks like Denali and Glacier Bay. Explore seemingly untouched nature that this remote land has to offer.
Favorite Trails:
April Bowl Trail: 2.2 Miles, Rated Moderate
Portage Pass Trail: 4.4 Miles, Rated Moderate
Byron Glacier Trail: 2.3 Miles, Rated Moderate
Hawaii
Hawaii offers tons of great hiking elopement options for epic beauty in a tropical environment.
Favorite Trails:
Awa’awapuhi Trail: 5.8 Miles, Rated Hard
Waipo’o Falls: 3.0 Miles, Rated Moderate
Norway
From its incredible coastline to its stunning forests, Norway’s pristine natural landscapes make it one of Europe’s best countries for a hiking elopement.
Favorite Trails:
Innersand - Ryten: 4.5 Miles, Rated Hard
Volandstinden: 3.1 Miles, Rated Hard
The Dolomites
This Italian mountain range offers truly unique geological features that you won’t be able to see anywhere else in the world.
Favorite Trails:
Casini di Misurina: 2.1 Miles, Rated Moderate
Seceda: 5.7 Miles, Rated Moderate
Iceland
This gorgeous and mysterious island nation has so much to see and explore — from glaciers to waterfalls to mountains, Iceland is definitely worth considering for any adventure-loving couple.
Favorite Trails:
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: 1.9 Miles, Rated Easy
Svinafellsjokull Glacier: 1.4 Miles, Rated Easy
Patagonia
One of Chile’s premier national parks, Patagonia offers tons of amazing trails for beginners to seasoned veteran hikers. Enjoy the uniquely shaped jagged mountain range along with bright blue lakes and even glaciers!
Favorite Trails:
Cuernos Lookout: 4.0 Miles, Rated Moderate
Las Torres: 1.7 Miles, Rated Moderate
Hiking Elopement FAQs
Can I Bring My Dog?
Absolutely! There are tons of dog-friendly hiking trails that will allow your furry companion to accompany you. National parks can be pretty strict about bringing animals along, but national forests and state parks have many pet-friendly areas.
As long as you check the dog policy in advance, stick to Leave No Trace guidelines, and abide by the B.A.R.K. principles, you should have no problem bringing your dog along on your hiking elopement!
Do I Need A Permit?
This will depend on which location you choose. Many state and national parks require a ‘Special Use Permit’ for elopement ceremonies held on their grounds. Research your venue/location beforehand to make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork.
I also offer permit assistance for all of my couples to make sure that they have all the appropriate paperwork prior to their hiking elopement!
What Time Of Year Should I Plan My Hiking Elopement?
The short answer is that it depends on your location!
For example, if you’re planning for a Mt. Rainier hiking elopement you should probably plan for a summer or fall elopement. Winter and spring tend to bring snow to mountainous areas, so hiking elopements in the mountains should be avoided during this time of year.
On the other hand, if you’re planning for the winter or spring, coastal and tropical locations can be some of the best places for a hiking elopement. A Hawaii mountain elopement during the winter can be absolutely perfect, while a hiking elopement in the Dolomites is best limited to the months between June and October.
Just be sure to do a bit of research to learn what times of year are best for your chosen location. The best time of year for a hiking elopement in Yosemite is bound to differ a bit from the best time of year for a hiking elopement in Iceland.
How Many People Can I Invite To My Hiking Elopement?
Technically there’s no hard limit to the number of guests you can invite to your hiking elopement. However, certain venues do have a maximum capacity.
For example, if you’re planning a Mt. Rainier hiking elopement, bear in mind that many spots in that park only allow up to 8 people, while other spots allow more.
As a general rule of thumb, 15 people or less is an ideal number for a hiking elopement.
How Do I Keep My Hair & Makeup Looking Nice?
Be sure to hire a hair and makeup artist who’s experienced with hiking elopements! Any experienced pro will know all the tips and tricks to keep you looking gorgeous, even in the heart of the wilderness.
Also, it’s always a great idea to bring a mini beauty kit with makeup and hair products, just in case you want to do some touch-ups on the trail.
How Do I Pack My Dress?
You can either hang your dress on your backpack or, if the backpack is large enough, pack it directly inside your backpack. Either way, be prepared for a bit of wrinkling along the way, so be sure to pack some wrinkle release spray.
Also, if you’re flying with your dress, always be sure to bring it in your carry on! There’s nothing worse than having your luggage lost—let alone with your wedding dress in it! Simply roll the garment bag up into your carry on bag or check with the airline desk the day of and see if they have extra room to hang it in a closet up front.
Let’s Make This Happen!
If you’re planning a hiking elopement and are looking for a hiking elopement photographer with tons of experience and a passion for exceeding expectations, then we should definitely chat sometime!
Get in touch and we can start planning the hiking elopement of your dreams, any time and any place (I’m an adventure elopement photographer on the West Coast, but I’m game to travel anywhere you need me). Together we’ll make something amazing!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in the United States, but traveling worldwide!
Check Out My Free Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
