Planning Your Hiking Elopement: How to Get Married on the Trail

Imagine this: the crunch of gravel or sand beneath your boots, sunlight on your face and fresh air in your lungs. You’ve got your pack slung over your shoulders, vows and rings tucked safely inside, and your favorite person in the world walking beside you. After a hike full of laughter and joy, you reach your destination. And this spot, more than any other summit before is special. Why? Because THIS summit, is where you are getting married.

And that, my friends, is the beauty of a hiking elopement. You get a wedding day built around adventure, simplicity, and the awe jaw-dropping beauty of the outdoors. It’s a way to let go of expectations, skip the big production of a traditional wedding, and instead create a day that feels authentic to you, your relationship, and all the adventures you’ve been on before.

This guide will walk you (::🥁::) through how to plan your hiking elopement, from choosing a trail and packing your gear to navigating permits and finding the right vendors for your day. So let’s get to it friend, and adventure on.

What is a Hiking Elopement?

This is the question right? A hiking elopement is exactly what it sounds like: a wedding that takes place on a trail. Instead of exchanging vows inside a golf club or ballroom, you’re letting the outdoors be your backdrop. Can this mean clocking a bunch of miles or backpacking? Of course. But it can also mean hiking 2 miles to a stunning overlook or secluded beach. Hiking elopements aren’t just for the super adventurous- if you want a hiking elopement but don’t want a ton of type 2 fun, that’s totally okay. This experience can still be for you!

Choosing the Right Trail

Your trail choice sets the stage for your day and is the crux of your hiking elopement decision making. And with literal millions of miles of trail to chose from, here’s how to narrow it down:

Distance & Difficulty

Think about your comfort level. And truly friend- be honest about not only your personal capabilities but also what you want to do on your elopement day. Is it possible for you to hike 10+ miles in a day? Yes? Cool! Do you *want* to do that on your wedding day? Thats the bigger question. My biggest advice? Stay true to what sounds fun to you:

• Easy (0–3 miles): Perfect if you want to bring family, hike in your attire, prioritize simplicity, or want to limit time on the trail (or limit time sweating, haha).
• Moderate (3–6 miles): A good balance of seclusion and effort- you get a solid hike in just the two of you, and feel like you’re getting a bit into back country.
• Challenging (6+ miles): For couples craving a full-day adventure and total privacy.

Wondering how much time all this takes? I have some simple math for you- for every mile, plan for one hour of photography coverage. This gives us ample opportunity to go at a relaxed pace and get some rad photos along the way.

Elopement Photographer Pro Tip!: Consider how hiking in wedding attire or carrying gear might impact your comfort level.

Accessibility for Guests

If you’re inviting loved ones, consider whether the trail will be feasible for them. For example, a grandparent may not be able to hike five miles uphill, and groups of more than 6 (including the two of you!) are often not a great fit for the trail. When guests are involved, a good middle ground is picking an accessible ceremony spot for your friends and fam, and then do a private hike afterward to get your adventure on.

What Time of Year is Best for a Hiking Elopement

Season plays a huge role in accessibility and experience, and also hugely depends on your environment :

• Spring: Snowmelt-fed waterfalls, wildflowers, but lingering snow in higher elevations and mud in the lower areas. The desert shines this time of year.
• Summer: Alpine trails open up, long days, but also peak crowds. Mountain views are ideal in the summer.
• Fall: Crisp air, changing leaves, fewer tourists—ideal for vibrant photos (and another prime time for the desert)
• Winter: Quiet, snowy landscapes with cozy vibes (but requires proper gear and preparation). Think snowshoeing in alpine environments. And if hiking in the desert is your vibe, the cooler temps of winter are ::chefs kiss::
  
• PRO TIP: Note, if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, this is all flipped. For example, in New Zealand, November-March are the best months for a hiking elopement!

Best Hiking Elopement Destinations

The beauty of a hiking elopement is that you can choose anywhere that speaks to you. Here are a few of my personal favorite options for hiking elopements:

Yosemite National Park, CA

Olympic National Park, WA

Zion National Park, UT

Glacier National Park, MT

Cascade/Mt Baker area in WA

Moab, UT

And don’t forget hidden gems: National Forests, State Parks, and BLM lands often offer equally stunning views with fewer restrictions and less foot traffic.

Navigating Permits & Legalities

Permits aren’t the most glamorous part of planning a hiking elopement, but they’re essential.

• Special Use Permits: Required by most National and State Parks for ceremonies. They regulate group sizes and locations.
• Leave No Trace Rules: Most parks ban items like confetti, arches, or amplified sound.
• Marriage Licenses: Each state has different requirements (waiting periods, expiration dates, witness rules) so this will largely depend on where you’re getting married. But don’t worry- I’ll walk you through the process!
• Officiants: Some states allow self-solemnization (like Colorado); others require an ordained officiant. And in those cases, GOOD NEWS! I’m ordained, so I can legally sign off as your officiant for your elopement!

Pro tip: Apply for permits early. Some parks only allow a limited number of ceremonies per day, and slots can book out months in advance.

Packing List for a Hiking Elopement

If you’re wanting to spend your elopement day on the trails, your packing list is going to have some unique items. And being prepared and comfortable on the trail will hugely impact your experience. So here are some essential items for your hiking elopement day!

Hiking Essentials

• Sturdy boots or trail shoes- good tread will make or break your elopement day!
• Backpack (large enough for attire + essentials)
• Water bottles or hydration pack to avoid dehydration
• Snacks and/or picnic supplies your stoked on having (this is a great opportunity to include some favorites!)
• Headlamps if hiking early/late
• Trekking poles if steep
• Traction if you’re in shoulder season and there may be snow or ice on the trail

Wedding Day Must-Haves

• Attire (rolled, packed carefully, or worn)
• Vow books & rings
• Bouquet or boutonniere – it can be so fun to pack your bag so you wedding bouquet sticks out the top! And don’t forget a dry sack to keep your flower stems hydrated
• Champagne or celebratory drink, and fun vessels if desired

Comfort & Safety

• Layers (temperature can swing quickly outdoors)
• Sunscreen and bug spray (bug spray is many elopements MVP)
• First aid kit for those just in case situations

Pro tip: If you’re hiking longer distances, change into attire at the destination to keep it fresh and the hike easy.

Attire Tips for Hiking Elopements

Can we hike in our wedding attire/Do we *have* to hike in our wedding attire?

I get this question a lot. You can always hike in your wedding attire- my question is always do you WANT to hike in your wedding attire. Trail photos look AWESOME with wedding attire, but I’m going to prioritize your experience over any rad photo, 100% of the time.

Wedding attire hiking tips:

Your attire should feel like you while also being practical:

• Dresses: Light, flowy fabrics like chiffon or silk move beautifully on the trail. Avoid overly structured gowns or those with dozens of layers. Can you sit comfortably, take a high step (like onto a boulder or downed tree)
• Suits: Choose breathable fabrics, and consider hiking in layers (shirt + vest) with the jacket in your pack.
• Shoes: Hiking boots are non-negotiable. Comfort and traction matter most. You can always switch into dress shoes for portraits!
• Accessories: Jackets, shawls, or capes add personality and warmth. Hats or flower crowns can make a look feel adventurous- if you have a veil, it’s best to hold off on that until you reach your destination! Make sure you feel stoked to have photos of any layers you’ll be wearing!

Fitness & Preparation

Even if you’re experienced hikers, preparing specifically for your elopement day makes a difference. And if you’re NOT seasoned hikers, that’s okay! There’s a whole range of options out there that will be fun and won’t feel like a suffer fest. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Conditioning: If your chosen trail is challenging, start training with similar distances, pack weights, and (this one is super important)- *elevation*. Elevation is no joke- I myself live at 7k feet and when I travel for work to places like Washington, I always feel it when I get back. If you aren’t used to elevation, I SUPER recommend getting to your elopement location early to allow yourself to acclimatize- Altitude sickness can strike anyone at any time (even if you’ve been to high elevations before) and no one wants to deal with that misery on their wedding day. Getting to your elevation early, hydrating plenty, getting good sleep, and abstaining from alcohol will ease that transition.
• Gear Testing: Pro tip: Do NOT wear fresh out of the box boots on your elopement day. Break in boots your boots ahead of time, test out any gear you are planning on using (headlamps, climbing gear, stovetops, etc)well in advance so you don’t find yourself confused on how to use your gear on the trail.
• Mindset: This is key- hiking is… hiking! It’s fun and rad and sometimes challenging and it’s so so fun. Be ready to get a little dirty, a little windblown, and have the time of your life.

Hiring Vendors for a Hiking Elopement

You can include as many and as few vendors on your elopement as you want. Something to keep in mind is the more vendors you include in your day, the more logistics you have and the less wiggle room you will have. Put it this way- if the only vendor you have is me (your photographer) and it winds up dumping rain on your elopement day, I always have wiggle room. If the next day looks way better, it’s a total breeze to shift things to a different day. If you have other vendors, that is more difficult to do. (Please don’t read this as a bid from me to NOT hire other vendors. It’s just important information in decision making I want you to have!)

Photographer

Look for someone who specializes in adventure elopements, who is comfortable on trail, and knows the area and regional Leave No Trace principles well. I also recommend looking at full and complete galleries, and asking your photographer if they’ve been to the area before (and if not, their steps on familiarizing themselves with new places).

I always arrive to new places early, and often wind up planning scouting trips well in advance. It’s super important to me I know what to expect on the trail you’ll be hiking so I can properly support you on your adventure (all while documenting it beautifully!)

Florist

Talk with your florist about the type of adventure you’re having and choose hardy blooms that can withstand a hike. Consider dried bouquets (but none that can “go to seed”!), silk flowers, or simple greenery.

Hair & Makeup

Again, let your HMUA know that you’ll be hiking and active outdoors throughout the day. Having a hairstyle that can hold up in the wind and makeup that will stay in place is super important. You can always hire an adventure HMUA who hikes with you and offers on the go touch ups as you’re hiking (like Wild Bride Back Country, who I love working with). You can also hire an HMUA to teach you how to do your own hair and make on our own. After a few lessons, you’ll be a total pro yourself!

Leave No Trace Principles

No guide on hiking elopements is complete without talking about Leave No Trace principles. As someone who works in the outdoors and loves them so so much, it is so important to me that all my elopements adhere to leave no trace while we are on the trail. As a refresher, here are the 7 Leave No Trace Guidelines.

• Plan Ahead: Secure permits and research restrictions.
• Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out everything you bring- including garbage and human waste.
• Leave What You Find: Don’t pick wildflowers or disturb natural features.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance and never feed or approach animals.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Follow current fire regulations (or skip fires entirely).
• Be Considerate of Others: Share the trail and respect other hikers.

Think of it this way: when you hike out, the trail should look exactly as it did when you arrived. This means we will bring all our trash (errant flower petals, champagne corks) and respect trail etiquette and rules. If there’s a cool shot but getting it would mean trampling wildflowers, cryptobiotic soil, or bypassing trail barriers to get there, we will let that shot go. No shot is worth damaging the environment we are adventuring in, and I know that’s not the legacy you would want your elopement to leave behind.

How to Include Your Dog in Your Hiking Elopement

Check Trail Regulations

Before anything else, confirm that dogs are allowed on your chosen trail or park. Most National Parks prohibit dogs on non-paved trails, while National Forests and BLM lands are generally more dog-friendly. Always double-check leash rules and restrictions.

Pack Dog Essentials

Bring along a separate “doggy day pack” that includes:

• Leash and harness
• Collapsible water bowl & plenty of water
• Waste bags (pack it out!)
• Snacks or treats
• A blanket or mat if you’ll be resting for a while

Dress Them Up (Comfortably)

Think bow ties, floral collars, or a bandana that matches your color palette. Just be sure anything they wear is comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement.

Consider Their Comfort and Know Your Dog

Not every dog will love a long hike, big views, or being around crowds. Be honest about your dogs temperament and choose a location and trail length that keeps them happy. Sometimes the best option is including them for portraits at an accessible spot, then letting them relax while you continue your hike.

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Hiking Elopement: Hiking Elopement Packages

Before I share my elopement packages, I just want to let you know that I don’t charge extra travel fees for any stateside elopement or adventure wedding. That way you don’t have to worry about additional travel costs to get me from here to there. Now that we have that out of the way, I bet you’re wondering what’s included in your hiking elopement and how much does it cost?

• All packages include photographer travel expenses 
• 1-2 Flex Days in case of in climate weather
• I’m legally ordained- so I can sign off on your marriage license
• Unlimited assistance with all the planning components. This includes (but is not limited to!) location guides, vendor referrals, elopement timeline construction, packing list, and local gems to check out.
• Online gallery of high-res images and full printing rights.

Four hours: $5900-6400 | Eight Hours: $7900-8400 | One 8-hr day + 4 hr day: $11500

Meet your Hiking Elopement Photographer 

Hi, I’m Aimée, your hiking elopement photographer and I am so stoked you are considering a hiking elopement! I’m based in the southwest United States but crisscross all over the U.S. for my work and have clocked hounders of miles hiking all across the Western US.

Not only will we document stunning, epic, totally bananas moments during your hiking elopement, but we’ll also document your story. Throughout our planning process together, I will help guide you through every step of your elopement experience. Ready to get started?