As a hiking elopement photographer who has hiked and trekked through all different kinds of terrain with couples and has been hit with surprise rain and snow, it is so important to be properly prepared for anything. When the couples I work that decide to do a hiking elopement it is SO important to me to properly prepare and inform them about what to expect while trekking through mountains in a higher altitude! So, here is How to Pack for Your Hiking Elopement so you won’t regret not having something in particular with you on the most important day of your life!
Things to consider when having a hiking or backpacking elopement
Be sure that no matter where you’re hiking or backing that you have maps downloaded onto your phone or park trail maps in your bag! If you’re a big guru you could always get a satellite phone as well so that you have a way to contact someone if you need to! When you’re out in the backcountry or simply on a hike without cell service being prepared for all the scenarios is the smart way to go.
Be sure you go into your hiking elopement with an open mindset! When you’re out in the mountains you could be randomly rainfall or even snowfall depending on the season. It’s impossible to predict what weather you’ll be dealt with! So, when you go in with an open mindset anything “mishap” you may come across will only add to your adventure and not take away from it!
Just because you’re going hiking doesn’t mean that you can’t add more personal touches to your elopement! Simple things like a Bluetooth speaker for a first dance or a bouquet with your favorite flowers will add the touches that’ll complete your day and vision!
Hiking Elopement Planning
Elopements are such an epic and meaningful way to get married. Adding hiking or backpacking to the mixture makes it even way more fun! I totally understand if you’re sitting there thinking, “How do I choose a location? How does the ceremony work? Is it legal? How does this whole thing work anyway?!” I definitely don’t expect you have everything together. That’s what I’m here for!
I want to make planning your hiking elopement a super easy and even fun process for you! We’re gonna toss any stress and confusion right out the window.
I’ll work closely with you to help you complete your vision and bring it to life! All you gotta do is let me know what general area you’re thinking of eloping, what type of scenery you want, the length of hike you’re going for and I’ll take it from there.
I’ll pick out hikes that fit what you’re looking for, create a list for you to review and then you can choose which hike you want to do for your elopement! Super easy, right?!
Then, we’ll start to chat about any activities you want to include like a picnic, first dance, kayaking, etc. Once you have your hike picked out and activities picked out I’ll draft up a timeline and send it your way to review. Then, we’ll make any necessary adjustments, and then like magic your vision has come to life!!
Before you know it your vision will be complete without you having to hardly do a thing! I’m gonna save you time, make sure it’s a super easy process for you and give you a clear path on how to plan your hiking elopement!
Then the fun part comes you get to live out your epic hiking elopement experience that’s completely focused on you! I’ll document and tell the story of your elopement so that you’ll these memories will last you a lifetime!
Want to get location ideas? Check out these blogs I’ve written!
Complete Guide to Eloping in Washington State
Best Places to Elope in Idaho (Yes, really! Idaho is GORGEOUS!)
Glacier National Park Elopement Guide
10 Best Places to Elope in the PNW
How to Pack for Your Hiking Elopement
Bride
Some people may be wondering how in the world someone can go on a hike and still look fantastic afterward. Well, if you have a makeup artist do your make up before they will know how to apply the makeup properly to preserve it as best as possible and ask for a touch-up kit for minor fixes when you get to the top!
When it comes to your hair try to go for something that will be sturdy but will have a natural look. A low-bun updo usually works fantastic because if pieces come loose then it will look natural and intentional! You could also just go for a messy beach wave look and then it doesn’t really matter what happens to your hair on the way up. The wind will just help to finish off your messy hair look! 🙂
As far as the dress goes there are a few different ways to go about this. However, the most important is that you should be intentional about the type of material you choose for your dress. Materials like polyester, spandex, knit fabrics, and tencel are all great fabrics for traveling and won’t wrinkle!
If you buy a dress made from fabrics like this then you can fold it and carefully place it in your backpack. If you don’t have a dress with fabrics like this or even if you want to be extra careful you can put it in a garment bag and clip it to your backpack.
Hiking Elopement Photographer Pro Tip: When you pick out your dress try to opt for a dress that has a flowy skirt because there’s usually some fun wind to play with and a flowy dress will look so epic at the top of the mountain! I also can’t stress enough how important it is to be comfortable during your hiking elopement. A flowy dress will allow you to move freely and you’ll easily be able to wear base layers underneath to stay nice and cozy!
- Gown/outfit
- Veil
- Shawl, jacket or coat to stay warm
- Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet)
- Hair accessories
- Hiking boots (Don’t forget socks and extra socks if you’re wearing boots!)
- Undergarments/lingerie
- Purse/clutch
- Ring
Groom
When it comes to the groom’s outfit follow the same rules with fabric as I mentioned above or use a garment bag as well! Of course, the downside to the garment back is that you have to lug it around on your hike.
When it comes to the men’s hair either use a strong gel/paste to keep it styled or just wait till you get to your ceremony location! Again, opt for an outfit that will keep you comfortable!
Also, I think it is always important to bring extra socks just in case something happens! You can really never have too many socks.
- Suit/outfit
- Tie
- Belt/Suspenders
- Cufflinks
- Shoes
- Socks (Extra socks!)
- Coat
- RING
Check out How to Make Your Elopement Special!
Toiletries
Trust me, you never know what is going to happen so you’ll want to bring all these along! I also want to emphasize sunscreen, especially if there is snow where you are hiking and having your elopement because sunburns happen a lot faster than you would expect them to and I’m pretty sure you don’t want your cheeks looking like a tomato! One amazing product is this sunscreen powder which won’t look cakey or greasy!
- Makeup (foundation, concealer, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, blush, or your makeup kit from your artist!)
- Brush, comb
- Hair pins, hairspray, gel
- Dry Shampoo
- Shaving cream, razor/shaver
- Deodorant
- Baby Powder: Great for hot summer days to help absorb sweat and will help to slide on that beautiful fitted gown. It will also help with any chaffing on thighs or underarms!
- Tweezers
- Stain Remover
- White Chalk: If something happens to the wedding dress and the stain is so stubborn a remover won’t work, white chalk will usually do the trick to cover it up!
- Nail clippers
- Contacts, contact lens solutions, glasses
- First aid kit: medications, band-aids, tissues, etc.
- Handheld mirror
- Sunscreen
- Mini sewing kit: Be sure it includes scissors, needles, thread, hem tape, buttons, and safety pins!
- Bug spray
- Advil/Ibuprofen/Tylenol
Miscellaneous Items for Your Backpacking Elopement
During a hiking elopement, it’s very important to stay hydrated and to take a few snacks along so that you can keep up your energy. I don’t need any of my couples fainting on their dream elopement day!
- Marriage documents
- Location permits
- Wedding vows
- Florals (bouquet, boutonniere)
- Wedding gift or letters for your soon-to-be spouse
- Umbrella(s)
- Water bottles
- Snacks
Hiking Elopement Photographer – Backpacking Elopement
No matter where you decide to have your backpacking elopement never forget that this is still YOUR wedding day!! Your elopement matters and that you deserve to have an entire day dedicated to you. Eloping is an extremely meaningful and intentional way of getting married!
I believe that you deserve to have your entire experience documented from beginning to end. Your elopement day is a story and it’s a story that deserves to be told! I’m here to help you through every single step and to find the perfect spot for you to say your vows. If you’re looking for a Hiking Elopement Photographer that’s going to be there for you through everything and to tell the story of your day, then I would be SO stoked to chat with you!
You can contact me >HERE< and I can’t wait to chat with you back your hiking elopement or backpacking elopement!!
Check out these related blog posts!
How to Elope in Washington State
Glacier National Park Elopement Guide
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Tips
Lago Di Braies Elopement Guide
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