Hiking Elopement: Choosing to say your vows, and potentially sign your marriage license out in nature after hiking to an amazing spot with incredible views (Mountain lovers this is for you)
Whether you’re already decided on hiking for your elopement, or if you want to see what other real people are doing first, I have the resources for you!
I’m Jamie, a 15+ year Washington elopement photographer who specializes in exactly this. My thing is helping couples plan the whole experience so they know where to go, when to go, and all the coffee shops in-between.
Washington Hiking Elopement Guides:
👉🏻 How to Elope in Washington Full Guide
How to pick what kind of elopement is right for you
There are so many kinds of photographers and ways to celebrate your marriage. You may want a simple hike, or no hike at all. These are all doable with the right vendor team.
My clients tend to lean towards under 5 miles for their hiking elopements. We either pick a spot that is easy out and back, or able to get there and spend all day there if we have no where else to be.
👉🏻 What kind of Elopement photographer is right for you
If you want something specific don’t be afraid to ask! We (collective we as all photographers) love helping you find the right vision. If someone were to ask me where is the best place to elope in Seattle if they’re wanting a very urban adventure we can get right down into the nitty gritty of what ferry to take to have a full day.
Basically, be honest with your ability and vision
If you’ve never done a really long hike, probably best the first one isn’t on your elopement day. I send questionnaires out to all my couples before location scouting so I know their hiking abilities.
The last thing I want is for you to fall in love with a location that would be really hard (or impossible) for you to get to.
Why my clients don’t stress about planning their hiking elopement
My clients don’t stress about planning because I am walking them through it every step of the way. With locations in mind, since we’re talking hiking elopements, I make sure to ask them what are your biggest priorities.
Questions to answer truthfully:
- Have you done this type of hike in this type of climate before?
- Do you value more time in nature or just the ceremony in nature?
- Is there anything medically I need to know? Asthma etc
- Emergency contacts incase we need help
- Are you already legally married? (We might need to find witnesses on the trail)
Once I can go through your answers that’s when I start heavy research on locations for you. Each client I do a google doc that has a timeline idea for when to start in your location, to screen-grabs of photos so you can actually visualize yourself in the space.
I want you to feel fully prepared from parking to gear to bring. Your safety truly matters to me during your elopement.
Location Ideas for mountain views during your Hiking Elopement
The mountain lovers are my favorite people, because I’m one of you. I would spend all day in places like Mt Baker or the Cascades because it’s where I feel the most myself, and grounded. These are some of my favorite locations to plan elopements whether you want a snowy mountain view or a red rock mountain view.
(Big fan of rocks basically!)
PNW
Mt Baker – How to Elope in Mt Baker Guide
One of my favorite places in Washington. It’s about 3ish hours from Seattle and it feels unreal with the views and variety of hikes you can do.
North Cascades – How to Elope in North Cascades Guide
The blue hues of the water makes it almost feel photoshopped (or ew Ai) but it’s a park you have to see.
Olympic National Park – How to Elope in Olympic National Park Guide
This one is also diverse in Washington because you can go from the water to the moss covered forest.
Mt Rainier National Park – How to Elope in Mt Rainer National Park Guide
Postcard vibes in Rainier. If you can count it right for the wildflower season, you’re in luck.
Oregon Coast – How to Elope in Oregon Guide
Forever in love with getting above the sea level but still being able to look down on it. That’s when the sunsets perfectly and the blue hour (or mist hour) can create really moody dreamy images.
Alaska – How to Elope in Alaska
While Alaska might not totally be considered the PNW, this area is truly gorgeous. Plus we can plan a helicopter elopement to a Glacier!
Colorado
RMNP – How to Elope in RMNP
This park is just iconic Colorado. Certain areas are closed off during certain months though! We will need to plan for Winter here.
Telluride – Elopement Ideas for Couples
You have some great options here to make your elopement unique!
Colorado Springs – How to Elope in Garden of the Gods
If you want the flexibility of Colorado but the red rock look, we have to go southern in the state.
Utah
Zion National Park – How to Elope in Utah
My favorite thing about this park is the shuttle system. We truly can just hop on and off all day and explore without having to park a million times!
Let’s start planning your hiking elopement!
I get so giddy every time my inquiry notification goes off, so let’s plan your elopement! Whether you want to elope in Washington or beyond my thing is destination work. So ask me all your questions, can’t wait to hear from you.
