Planning Your Hiking Adventure Elopement
Who hasn’t heard about hiking meet-cutes? Couples who go hiking for their first date, who meet on a trail or a hiking group chat, couples who travel to trail destinations, and the ones who swipe right when they find a fellow hiking enthusiast. And, of course, the epic wilderness engagement stories. West Coast Weddings knows that hiking weddings and elopements are the ultimate adventures for our no-limit couples. (Or, if you have an actual mile limit, that’s quite understandable, too!).
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A HIKING ELOPEMENT IS FOR YOU?
Real romantic hikers are the ones who can track their relationship by the mountain peaks they climb. It’s true! The first kiss, the first ‘I love you,’ and the proposal will all have happened outdoors. So, of course, you will want the adventure elopement of a lifetime. Is there a secluded lake you always wanted to exchange vows at or a mountain view you found together? Do you dream of a destination hiking wedding – somewhere the two of you have always planned to reach? The sky is the limit! (No free-hiking, though…save that for another time!)
So, you know you want to exchange your vows in a natural setting. What are some things you need to chat out?
- How long of a hike and day do you want your elopement to be?
- Do you want to have guests with you? If so, how far can they hike in?
- Do you have a preference for season and location?
- Is sunrise or sunset all important to you?
- Do you want to include transportation such as boats or helicopters?
The answers will guide you in choosing your location, time of day, and how far you will hike before your ceremony. Don’t jump to conclusions about your guests. There are amazing scenic spots that even those who are health-challenged can enjoy. Just make sure your guests are on board with the idea and up to the walk!
British Columbia offers custom hiking elopement packages that allow you to choose your destination and customize your experience. All-inclusive elopement packages simplify adventure elopement planning and create a stress-free experience! Check out Whistler Elopement Adventure Weddings. Sea to Sky Elopements, Young, Hip and Married, Leanne Sim Photography, or Vancouver Island’s Amore Adventures.
WHAT ABOUT HIKING ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY?
A hiking elopement is simple but leaves some things to consider, such as photography. What do you want as a couple? Are you just looking to document the ceremony, or do you want the out-of-this-world photos that will be insta-worthy? Hiking elopements give you some fun photo moments. Are you getting ready under a tree? A bouquet hanging out of the backpack? Are the two of you helping each other over a creek? These are dream photo moments!
Most importantly, your photographer must be known for wilderness photography AND an experienced hiker. There is no point having your fav photographer if they can’t walk a half mile before keeling over! Have no fear, though. West Coast Weddings searches for amazing photographers whose specialty is knowing the best local wilderness spots and views. Take a look at Film + Forest Photo or Erica Miller Photography. We love Erin Wallis Photography on Vancouver Island, and Gabe McClintock will take things to a whole different level. It’s your moment for once-in-a-lifetime photos, and you want to grab it with both hands!
REHEARSE YOUR ELOPEMENT
Let’s be real. You can be an Olympian-level athlete, but this is still not the time for an endurance hike. You will take in a few more things than usual, stop for photos, change and primp outdoors, exchange vows, and, hopefully, celebrate with some champagne. Your return hike should be kisses and happiness – not grim exhaustion from reaching an all-time best distance!!
So, the best idea is to practice the hike ahead of time. Not only will this be a chill way to spend time together, but it is a great way to get rid of nerves. You will know how long it will take you to get to your ceremony and where you can get pretty. You can check out the best time of day for the light and where you would like to stand while exchanging your vows. And, as you are experienced hikers, you will figure out the logistics of water and energy bars (or champagne)!
WHAT NOT TO WEAR – HIKING ELOPEMENT STYLE
This one trips up a lot of eloping couples (pun intended)! Even experienced hikers find a shocking change when wearing a long wedding gown or a suit and tie. So, this needs to be hashed out ahead of time. How far are you going, and how difficult is the trail? It’s just not a great idea to go through a babbling brook or climbing up rocks in your gown. Plus – you will not be looking your best self when you arrive!
Here is the skinny. Packing up your wedding finery and changing once you reach your chosen spot is prime. What you wear while getting to your ceremony can be just as important. You don’t want to end up miserable because you didn’t dress for the weather. (We can’t stress this enough – wear warm footwear if you are having a winter elopement!!) So check before you leave. Once you arrive, you can change into your gorgeous gown and stylish suit, primp your hair, and touch up the lipstick.
PRO TIPS: Take a hand mirror with you! If you are wearing a veil, have your hairstylist practice with you how to place it firmly in your hair. There is no point losing it to the wind! Makeup artists will provide you with a ‘freshening up’ kit upon request. Be sure to let your florist know that your bouquet needs to be ‘light’ – this is not the time to be a floral heavyweight champion!
If you are avid hikers, then an adventure wedding is the only way to go. Enjoy creating your authentic West Coast elopement story filled with intimacy, excitement, and epic views. Your love story will be a spectacular life experience and a wedding all rolled up into one hike!
