This one is for the couples whose perfect wedding day includes a hike, rather than walking down the aisle. Who aren’t afraid of a little dust on their wedding dress or suit. Who simply cannot imagine getting married the traditional way—but are oh-so eager to say “I do” amongst the natural landscape.

For couples who adore the outdoors almost as much as they love each other, the idea of a hiking elopement is too perfect.

There are so many reasons to choose a hiking elopement:

Nature is your temple, where you feel most at ease or fulfilled
You want to be outside when you say your vows
You’re more comfortable in hiking boots
You want to be away from crowds
Your relationship started while hiking or backpacking
You want your wedding to be an experience over a traditional day
You want an amazing view for your ceremony

If any of this resonates, you are in the right place!

How to Plan a Hiking Wedding

Choose a location that speaks to you

There are so many beautiful places to choose from, so you’ll need to think about your options.

Is there a location that speaks to you? A place that has meaning for you both? Or maybe you want something entirely new—a location you both have not been to before. Or maybe you want to choose based on the view: Mountains, deserts, beaches, or even a combination.

You’ll also want to consider accessibility, elevation, and the season when picking your spot.

Can you access it in the winter? Will it be too hot in the summer? Have you hiked at elevation before? Are you bringing guests who aren’t as good at hiking? Hiking elopements can be as short as 1 mile or as long as 20, so your ability might be a deciding factor.

Some of my favorite places for a hiking wedding by season include:

**The Eastern Sierra:** Places like Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite NP, Lassen NP, and Bishop have so much amazing hiking. The summertime is best, when the snowpack is lighter, and everything is green. Waterfalls are running, lakes are full, and mosquitoes are in full effect. Many of these areas are closed in the winter.

**The Deserts of the Southwest:** You might not think of these as hiking destinations, but places like Death Valley NP, Joshua Tree NP, and Anza Borrego SP have great hiking if you know when to go. Avoid these places in the summer! You’ll want to focus on late fall, winter, and early spring. Think weddings between October and March.

**Rocky Mountain Areas:** Glacier NP, Rocky Mountain NP, and Grand Teton NP are all amazing places for epic hiking elopements.
**The PNW, from California to Washington:** The PNW is rich and diverse. You have places like Redwoods NP and Olympic NP, which contain so much variety. Beaches, forests, mountain views, and more can all be found here. Or maybe you want something more striking, like Crater Lake or the Alvord Desert.

**Red rocks in Arizona and Utah:** An absolutely stunning backdrop for your day! Places like Arches NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Cedar Breaks, and Canyonlands NP in Utah are great spots for hiking. Or check out Sedona and some parts of Payson and Strawberry in Arizona.

**The Bay Area:** Is this surprising? It shouldn’t be. I lived in the Bay for years, and I was constantly impressed by the variety of hiking trails. Head to Santa Cruz for redwoods and amazing beaches, San Francisco and Marin for epic coastal views, Oakland for rolling green hills in the spring, and so much more.

Decide whether to bring guests and pets

A hiking elopement can be just the two of you—or it can include a small number of guests. It all depends on how capable and willing everyone is.

There are plenty of options, so consider these:

Totally solo—just you two and your photographer and officiant
With a small group of friends or family who are able to hike
A larger group for a much shorter hike, where you can even hike farther for some alone time later
Have a wedding at an easier-to-access location, but have time alone to hike either before or after, or on a different day. You can do this as an adventure add-on or a way to read your vows privately.

If your wedding must include your pets, choose a location that allows for them. National and state parks are often very limiting on pets, while BLM and national forest land offer more opportunities for four-legged friends.

How to Bring Your Pets to Photoshoots

Check local permit requirements and restrictions

Did you know most public lands (national or state parks, BLM and NF areas, etc.) require a special use permit for ceremonies?

There are some spots that don’t require it, but it’s more likely you’ll need one. These are typically between $100-300. Not too bad when you consider the cost of a wedding venue!

You can find more information by hopping on your favorite search engine and typing in “location” special use permits or “location” wedding permits. Your adventure wedding photographer can help you navigate this system too, of course.

Another thing to note is that every location has its own restrictions. For example, you can only have 18 guests at Saguaro National Park, you can’t have baby’s breath flowers in Joshua Tree National Park, and you can’t serve alcohol at your wedding in White Sands National Park.

Work with your elopement wedding photographer to understand these regulations.

Bouquets for Elopements

Choose your outfits and shoes wisely

A hiking wedding doesn’t mean you can’t wear a wedding dress or suit, but it should be something you consider while shopping for attire.

When you try your outfit on, move around a bit. You should be able to do things like take big steps and bend or crouch down. The material should be at least a little breathable and forgiving.

Will it be hot? Consider lighter fabrics, dresses without sleeves, or a vest instead of a jacket.

Will it be cold? Layer up, get wool tights or jackets and shawls.

The shoes you wear will depend on the length and difficulty of the hike. If you’re going far, you’ll want real hiking boots. Shorter distances? Check out shoes that are still sturdy and have decent grip, like combat boots or Chelsea boots. I always wear Blundstones or Chacos for my weddings. If it’s important for you to wear fancier and less walkable shoes, you can always bring those with and change into them later.

You’ll also want to consider hiking in your clothes. Do you want to hike out, then change? If so, you’ll need a way to carry those clothes and be okay with changing in public. Or, hike in them! It makes for great photos, but you always run the risk of getting dirty or damaging it. That’s part of the fun, though!

Hire vendors who get it

There’s a big difference between a traditional wedding and a hiking adventure elopement. And the wedding vendors you choose to work with should reflect that.

For example, you’ll want a wedding photographer who can hike alongside you, while capturing all the picture-perfect moments. It’s a combination of essential skills that ensures high-quality images, touching moments, safety, preparation, and momentum. You don’t want your photographer slowing you down, after all.

Or what about your hair-and-makeup artist? You’ll want someone who understands how to keep you looking good, even in the heat, humidity, and activities.

Working with vendors who specialize in outdoor ceremonies will ensure you’re more prepared. They’ll help you navigate logistics like timing, lighting, trails, weather, animals, and more.

Pack light, but bring the essentials

You won’t just need your wedding details—**you’ll also need what you regularly hike with.**
Bring plenty of water, electrolytes, layers, snacks, a first aid kit, headlamps, a backpack, microspikes or poles if you need them, any medication you might need, sunscreen, bug spray, hair and makeup touch-up, and more.
You might even want to pack an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. **Pro tip:** Get a clear umbrella for vibey photos.

Consider activities to make it extra special

It’s not just about the hike, but the time you spend outside. Sure, the ceremony is key, but there are other things you can do while out in the backcountry.

Consider adding a few of these activity ideas to make the day extra special:

Sharing a drink, like coffee or a cocktail/mocktail
Grab your favorite snacks and have a charcuterie board
Bring your favorite games to play together

Activities for Your Elopement

Leave No Trace, always!

Longer hikes or backpacking trails can run through delicate areas and ecosystems. Each area is different, and it’s up to you to know the regulations for certain areas. So make sure to read through the website of the area you’re getting married in.

Stay on trails, pack out everything, including trash and human waste, give distance to animals, don’t walk on delicate meadows or cryoptobiotic soil, and respect the land. It’s not just your wedding backdrop—it’s a place worth protecting.

Leave No Trace For Outdoor Weddings

Hiking Elopement & Wedding Examples

Book Your Hiking Wedding Elopement Photographer

Hiking is everything to me. Time spent outside is so valuable and such an integral part of my relationship that I decided to get married outside myself. The experience was impactful and irreplaceable. So you better believe I’m excited to make this happen for you as well.

Whether it’s a two-person elopement, a rugged adventure wedding, or a joyful ceremony with your closest people—I’m here to capture the love and magic of your day in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Need a wedding photographer to capture all of the magic? Book with Love & Latitudes Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography today!

How to Have a Hiking Wedding or Elopement: Tips for Adventurous Couples