Couples hikes trail facing Mount Rainier on their elopement day, both carrying wedding attire in their backpacks

If you crave something more for your wedding day - more than a big venue and a party, more than a day that seems to be about everyone but you, more than a wedding you planned because it’s what you were “supposed to” do - consider a hiking elopement!

Couple unpacks wedding attire from their backpacks during hiking elopement in Mount Rainier National Park

Eloping gives you the power to choose how you get married, and to make sure your day is about doing what feels right to you. If you’re an adventurous couple, hiking to the top of a mountain to say your vows, feeling the crisp mountain air, and getting married with nature as your backdrop might be exactly what you need! This guide will tell you how to plan a hiking elopement, including how to hike in a wedding dress, how to pack your bouquet, and more.

Couple embraces after exchanging vows during hiking elopement near Mount Baker in Washington

Groom in blue wedding suit hugs his bride, as she drapes her wedding bouquet around his shoulders

Hike in Your Wedding Attire, or Pack it In?

Couples often ask how hiking elopements work when it comes to their wedding attire - the elopement dress and suit. You can either hike with it on, or pack it with you and change when you get to your destination.

Two brides with their wedding dresses hanging out of their backpacks hike up trail for their Asheville Mountain elopement

For shorter hikes, I recommend wearing your elopement attire - it can give you some photo opportunities on the way up, and if the hike is popular it can sometimes be hard to find somewhere to change later. For longer or more strenuous hikes, it may be easier to pack it in (don’t worry, I’ll tell you how).

Dresses and suits (dresses especially) will inevitably pick up some dirt along the way - but that’s all part of the adventure! Think of it as proof that your wedding was totally badass.

Bride and Groom walk along wet, muddy trail with dirty wedding dress dragging for Colorado elopement.

Choosing Your Elopement Attire

If you know you’ll be planning a hiking elopement, take this into consideration when you go shopping for your wedding attire!

Elopement Dresses for Hiking

If you plan to hike in your dress, make sure it’s comfortable! And even if you don’t plan to hike in your dress, you’ll be moving around and adventuring, so make sure it’s comfortable anyway! Opt for styles with loose or flowy skirts - mermaid dresses are gorgeous, but they’re notorious for being hard to move in, and princess or A line styles will work a lot better.

A bride twirls in her wedding dress, beside her husband, after a Mount Rainier elopement at sunset

It’s also important to consider the fabric of your dress. Whether you’re hiking with it or packing it in, weight is going to be a factor! You’ll likely be bringing a lot of things along - you’ll need the regular hiking stuff, as well as all your wedding stuff, and that can add up! Fabrics like tulle and chiffon are more breathable and lightweight, and will keep you from sweating up a storm.

If you plan to pack your dress, wrinkles will also be a consideration. Lace is the best when it comes to this, as it doesn’t wrinkle at all, but crepe and tulle are pretty sturdy as well. Fabrics like satin and velvet will wrinkle easily, and those wrinkles will show up a lot more!

A bride and groom hike up a trail in Mount Rainier National Park, while the groom holds her wedding dress from behind

Elopement Suits for Hiking

Of course, suits are a little easier than dresses - there aren’t quite as many options. The most important thing is to make sure your suit is comfortable, and that you can lift your arms and hug your partner without a wardrobe malfunction.

Linen and cotton are some of the most breathable suit fabrics. They’re much better for hiking than something heavy, like tweed or flannel, though the heavier fabrics can be good for winter elopements!

Bride and Groom throw up their hands in celebration as they just eloped at an alpine lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado

Close up image of groom wearing light grey suit, polka-dot shirt and maroon tie for his Colorado elopement in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Packing Your Elopement Attire

If you’ve decided to pack in your attire for your hiking elopement, here are my tips to keep things safe and wrinkle free.

Packing an Elopement Dress

I recommend getting a waterproof bag for the wedding dress - with a hiking elopement you never know when the weather will decide to act up, or when your water bottle will decide to leak all over your backpack.

If your dress doesn’t have any boning or structure, you can roll it up (starting at the skirt) and put it in the bag - rolling creates less wrinkles than folding. If the bodice isn’t roll-able, fold both sides towards the middle, and if the skirt is longer than your bag, roll it until the dress fits! Once the dress is securely in your garment bag, you can fold it until it fits in your backpack, or strap it to the outside with bungee cords.

Bride and Groom change into their wedding attire on either side of a large tree in a forest at their Mount Rainier National Park elopement.

Packing a Bouquet

Florals are an essential part of any elopement, and a hiking elopement is no different! Carrying your flowers the whole way can be tiring (those bouquets are heavier than you’d think!), but luckily there’s a way to pack it in your backpack without doing any damage.

First, I recommend wrapping the stems in a small wet towel - this will keep your flowers fresh. A lot of hiking backpacks have bungee cords on the outside to secure gear that won’t fit inside, so you can tuck your blooms in there - but make sure the stems are long enough that the bouquet can sit securely without toppling out. You can also add your own bungee cords!

You can also put the stems at the top of the main pocket of your hiking backpack, with the flowers sticking out. For this one, you can put a small drawstring bag over the wet paper towel to keep it in place, and to keep it from getting everything in your bag wet. Zip up the sides so the bouquet is secure, and you’re good to go!

Bride and Groom walk along road towards Colorado Mountains for their elopement, both with 'Just Eloped' signs hanging off their backpacks.

Packing for a Hiking Elopement

Along with your wedding attire, you’ll need to remember to bring some things with you for your hike!

Wedding Stuff

First is anything you’ll need for the ceremony - rings, vows, maybe some champagne to pop.

Food and Water

Always remember to bring more food and water than you think you’ll need! If anything happens (knock on wood), you’ll need this - plus, with all the excitement, couples often forget to eat on their elopement day. This can catch up to you fast when you’re hiking, so having extra food and staying hydrated doesn’t hurt.

Layers

Weather can change quickly when you’re hiking, especially if you’re going up into higher elevations. While you’ll likely be toasty while you’re moving, as soon as you stop for the ceremony, the cold can surprise you! Bring extra socks and some layers that can keep you warm.

First Aid Kit

You never want to need it, but it’s always better to expect the best and prepare for the worst! There are lots of small first aid kits made specifically for hiking, and safety is important to consider any time you’re out hiking.

Bride and Groom in rain gear walking along a trail in search of their ceremony location for a Mount Baker elopement

Ready to Plan a Hiking Elopement?

An elopement photographer will be a huge part of your day - not just because they’ll be taking the photos, but because they will have experience with elopements, and with the outdoors. They’ll be able to advise you on hiking safety and what to bring to your location, and how to pack all your gear!

If you’re ready to plan your hiking elopement, contact me!