Have you been dreaming or thinking about a small laidback elopement day completely outdoors? A day where you can hike and explore enjoying the landscape, taking in all the sights and smells of nature, and no strict complicated timeline to stick to? Or maybe you’re thinking of something short and sweet with a pretty overlook, but nothing too over-the-top. The great thing about an elopement day spent hiking is you can have it either way with less stress than a traditional large wedding day.
What Goes Into a Hiking Elopement
The simplest things include:
- The trails or overlooks you’re wanting to experience
- A timeline that is flexible around lighting, weather, and stopping to eat
- Some gear and wedding attire that’s easy to pack
- And some adventurous spirits!
There really isn’t too much to it and you can make your day as relaxed or as adventurous as you want it. The main purpose of this type of elopement is get away from all the noise that a large ceremony day would exhibit. And you and your partner are the guiding factors of how you want things to go. And with how flexible this day can become, you can always add pitstops or activities along the way!
Make the Journey Part of the Adventure
A big reason why couples choose to hike during their elopement is for the views that they end with. But the other biggest – and in my opinion – best reason is the journey itself.
A lot can happen on a hike. You can spot some adorable critters off to the side in their natural habitat or stumble upon a huge meadow of wildflowers. You can stop in an open area for lunch and reflect on the last few years you’ve experienced together. The weather could take a wild and crazy turn and you have to navigate through it (while already being prepared ahead of time of course ;)). The fog could roll in and lighting all of a sudden takes on it’s own life between the trees. There could also be a path or trail you never noticed before or you took the wrong turn and ended up exploring anyway.
Your hiking elopement does not have to be about going directly from the trailhead to the perfect viewpoint at the end as quickly as possible. The trail itself gets to be a part of your day and when you look back on your photos years from now, you should be remembering more than just the view. The day should be about spending that day somewhere beautiful doing something you actually wanted to do together.
Exchanging Vows Somewhere Meaningful
One of the coolest things that comes out of an adventurous hiking elopement is choosing where you get to say your vows to one another.
You could hike to a vantage point overlooking epic scenery, stop in the middle of the woods on a specific trail, or exchange your vows under the evening stars of the night sky. There are truly so many options and that’s the best part. You also don’t have to decide beforehand. Let the overall journey itself lead you to the “perfect” spot (I say that lightly, of course. Don’t get too hung up on perfection).
Though one thing to look out for if you’re wanting to elope in a national park is obtaining a permit. Many parks require specific spots where you can hold the ceremony and they do need to be notified ahead of time. While it may sound intimidating, it’s actually a really easy process if the park is organized.
What You’ll Actually Spend
This is where things get a little more exciting and ease some stress.
With an opportunity to do an outdoor wedding, the main and most expensive things you’ll be focused on financially are the photographer, elopement attire, permit and if you want to include florals and/or a bouquet. This can give you more freedom if you wanted to add more to the overall elopement experience by booking any travel, lodging, or activities in addition to the day/weekend. You end up with more bang for your buck and you can put more focus into making the experience more engaging.
The Day Comes First. The Photos Follow.
The point of a hiking elopement isn’t just to focus on posing for photos throughout the day. It’s not an endless photoshoot which can end up feeling like a job more than anything else. It’s about the experience first which is your story. And as you and your partner ease into the day, full of endless possibilities, the photos follow in the background. There is no shot list or endless directing. You take in every moment of your day exactly as it happens along the way.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re sold on the idea of an adventure hiking elopement and are ready to start figuring out the logistics, I’ve put together my Ultimate Adventure Elopement Checklist to help you work through everything from choosing a location to planning your timeline.
And if you’re thinking, “okay, this is exactly how we want to spend our wedding day“, I’d love to help you make it happen. Let’s start planning an elopement that’s actually an experience.
