Hiking Elopements with Simply Eloped

At Simply Eloped, we hear all about the hiking meet-cutes. Couples who go hiking for their first date, couples who meet on a trail, couples who meet on trail group chats, couples who travel to trail destinations, couples who swiped right when they found a fellow hiking enthusiast. And, of course, the epic wilderness engagement stories. So we know that hiking weddings and elopements are the ultimate adventures for our no-limit couples. (Or, you know, if you have an actual mile limit, that’s quite understandable, too!!).

How Do You Know If a Hiking Elopement Is For You?

Real romantic hikers are the ones who can track their relationship by the mountain peaks they climbed. It’s true! The first kiss, first ‘I love you,’ and the proposal will all have happened outdoors. If this describes the two of you, you will want the adventure elopement of a lifetime. Is there a secluded lake you always wanted to exchange vows at or a mountain view you found together? Do you dream of a destination hiking wedding – somewhere the two of you have always planned to reach? The sky is the limit! (No free-hiking, though…save that for another time!)

Planning Your Epic Hiking Elopement

So, you know you want to exchange your vows in a natural setting. What are some things you need to share your ideas about and decide?

1. How long of a hike and day do you want your elopement to be?
2. Do you want to have guests with you? If so, how far can they hike in?
3. Do you have a preference for season and location?
4. Is sunrise or sunset all-important to you?

The answers to these questions will guide you in choosing your location, time of day, and how far you will hike before your ceremony. Don’t jump to conclusions about your guests. There are amazing scenic spots that even those who are health-challenged can enjoy. Just make sure your guests are on board with the idea and up to the walk!

Simply Eloped offers custom hiking elopement packages that allow you to choose your destination and then customize your experience. (Check out our Wildflower Elopement Packages that are created with hikers in mind!) All-inclusive elopement packages simplify the whole adventure elopement planning and take all the stress out of the experience!

What About Hiking Wedding Photography?

A hiking elopement is simple but leave some things to think about, such as photography. What do you want as a couple? Are you just looking to document the ceremony, or do you want the out-of-this-world couple’s photos that will be insta-worthy? Hiking elopements give you some fun photo moments. Are you getting ready under a tree? A bouquet hanging out of the backpack? The two of you helping each other over a creek? These are a photographer’s dream moments!

The most important thing is that your photographer is known for wilderness photography AND an experienced hiker. There is no point having your fav photographer if they can’t walk a half mile before keeling over! Have no fear, though. Simply Eloped searches for amazing photographers whose specialty is knowing the best local wilderness spots and views. It’s your moment for once-in-a-lifetime photos, and you want to grab it with both hands!

Rehearse Your Wilderness Elopement

So let’s be real. You can be an Olympian-level athlete, but this is still not the time for an endurance hike. You are going to take in a few more things than usual, stop for photos, change and primp outdoors, exchange vows, and, hopefully, celebrate with some champagne. Your return hike should be kisses and happiness – not grim exhaustion from reaching an all-time best distance!!

So the best idea is to practice the hike ahead of time. Not only will this be a chill way to spend time together, but it is a great way to get rid of nerves. You will know how long it will take you to get to your ceremony and where you can get pretty. You can check out the best time of day for the light and where you would like to stand while exchanging your vows. And, as you are experienced hikers, you will be able to plan how much water and how many energy bars you should bring along!

What Not To Wear – Hiking Elopement Style

This one trips up a lot of eloping couples (pun intended)! Even experienced hikers find it quite different when wearing a long wedding gown or a suit and tie. So this needs to be hashed out ahead of time. How far are you going in, and how difficult is the trail? It’s just not a great idea to be going through a babbling brook or climbing up rocks in your gown. Plus – you will not be looking your best by the time you arrive!

Here is the skinny. It’s best to pack up your wedding finery and change once you get to your chosen spot. What you wear while getting to your ceremony can be just as important. You don’t want to end up miserable because you didn’t dress for the weather. (We can’t stress this enough – if you are having a winter elopement, wear warm footwear!!) So check before you leave. Once you arrive, you can change into your gorgeous gown and stylish suit. Check your hair and touch up the lipstick. Pro Tips: Take up a hand mirror with you! And, if you are wearing a veil, have your hairstylist practice with you how to place it into your hair firmly. No point losing it to the wind!

Tying the Knot the Natural Way

If you are avid hikers, then an adventure wedding is really the only way to go. So enjoy creating your authentic elopement story filled with love and epic views. Your love story will be a spectacular life experience, and a wedding all rolled up into one hike!

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Martha Stewart, Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.