Hiking on Your Elopement Day
Written by: Brandi Lynns
September 17, 2024
September 17, 2024
Eloping in the great outdoors, especially with a hike, adds so much adventure and natural beauty to your special day! As a Michigan elopement photographer, I am here to help couples plan an incredible elopement, and that can include hiking if you love nature. If you’re thinking of incorporating a hike into your elopement, here are some tips and tricks to ensure everything goes smoothly and you have the experience of a lifetime.
Tips + tricks for hiking on your elopement day
1. Pick the Right Location for Your Adventure
Choosing the perfect hiking spot is key to making your day go smoothly. Consider the type of scenery you want as your backdrop—this could be cliffs of the Pictured Rocks, the dense forests of Isle Royale, or a hidden waterfall in the Upper Peninsula. Make sure to pick a location that fits your fitness level and the overall vibe you want for your ceremony, or even hiking activity.
2. Wear the Right Shoes (Yes, Even with Your Dress!)
As we all know, hiking requires practical footwear. Wearing comfortable, sturdy hiking boots or shoes will help you navigate the trail safely and comfortably. But, rocking your hiking boots makes for such fun, adventurous shots!
Just make sure to break in your shoes before your elopement day to avoid blisters and discomfort.
3. Keep the Weather in Mind
Weather can be unpredictable, especially in Michigan! Be prepared for all conditions, whether it’s rain, wind, or chilly temperatures. Pack layers like a cozy sweater or jacket, and if there’s a chance of rain, I have a white umbrella I will bring with, or you can bring a rain jacket that complements your elopement look.
4. Pack Smart for Your Hike
When hiking on your elopement day, pack a small daypack with essentials: water, snacks, extra snacks haha and I will have a first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and anything else you’ll need on the trail. If we are headed to a remote location, we will make sure someone has a GPS or map handy to keep you on track. I always recommend leaving another pair of shoes and socks in the vehicle for after the hike, so you can take off your hiking boats, ahh, one of the best feelings.
5. Time Your Hike for Golden Hour
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most flattering natural light for photos. Depending on the timeline of your day, we can plan your hike so that your ceremony or photo session happens during this magical time. It will add a soft, golden glow to your images and enhance the already stunning surroundings.
6. Stay Hydrated and take lots of breaks
Hiking can be tiring, especially in your wedding attire! Make sure you stay hydrated and take lots of short breaks to refuel with snacks. We will hike slowly, have our breaks, and snacks. But don’t worry, all of this is added into our timeline.
7. Enjoy the Adventure
Above all, remember that this is YOUR day, and it’s meant to be fun and full of adventure! Things might not go perfectly—muddy trails, unexpected weather, or a longer-than-expected hike—but these are all part of the memories that will make your elopement unique. Enjoy every moment and take in the beauty of your surroundings as you exchange vows in the great outdoors.
Are you ready to plan your hiking elopement? I’m here to help with everything from location scouting to capturing the perfect moments. Let’s make your adventure unforgettable!
Meet your Elopement photographer!
Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to crafting a positive atmosphere for my families and couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com
My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding.
Eloping in the great outdoors, especially with a hike, adds so much adventure and natural beauty to your special day! As a Michigan elopement photographer, I am here to help couples plan an incredible elopement, and that can include hiking if you love nature. If you’re thinking of incorporating a hike into your elopement, here are some tips and tricks to ensure everything goes smoothly and you have the experience of a lifetime.
Tips + tricks for hiking on your elopement day
1. Pick the Right Location for Your Adventure
Choosing the perfect hiking spot is key to making your day go smoothly. Consider the type of scenery you want as your backdrop—this could be cliffs of the Pictured Rocks, the dense forests of Isle Royale, or a hidden waterfall in the Upper Peninsula. Make sure to pick a location that fits your fitness level and the overall vibe you want for your ceremony, or even hiking activity.
2. Wear the Right Shoes (Yes, Even with Your Dress!)
As we all know, hiking requires practical footwear. Wearing comfortable, sturdy hiking boots or shoes will help you navigate the trail safely and comfortably. But, rocking your hiking boots makes for such fun, adventurous shots!
Just make sure to break in your shoes before your elopement day to avoid blisters and discomfort.
3. Keep the Weather in Mind
Weather can be unpredictable, especially in Michigan! Be prepared for all conditions, whether it’s rain, wind, or chilly temperatures. Pack layers like a cozy sweater or jacket, and if there’s a chance of rain, I have a white umbrella I will bring with, or you can bring a rain jacket that complements your elopement look.
4. Pack Smart for Your Hike
When hiking on your elopement day, pack a small daypack with essentials: water, snacks, extra snacks haha and I will have a first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and anything else you’ll need on the trail. If we are headed to a remote location, we will make sure someone has a GPS or map handy to keep you on track. I always recommend leaving another pair of shoes and socks in the vehicle for after the hike, so you can take off your hiking boats, ahh, one of the best feelings.
5. Time Your Hike for Golden Hour
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most flattering natural light for photos. Depending on the timeline of your day, we can plan your hike so that your ceremony or photo session happens during this magical time. It will add a soft, golden glow to your images and enhance the already stunning surroundings.
6. Stay Hydrated and take lots of breaks
Hiking can be tiring, especially in your wedding attire! Make sure you stay hydrated and take lots of short breaks to refuel with snacks. We will hike slowly, have our breaks, and snacks. But don’t worry, all of this is added into our timeline.
7. Enjoy the Adventure
Above all, remember that this is YOUR day, and it’s meant to be fun and full of adventure! Things might not go perfectly—muddy trails, unexpected weather, or a longer-than-expected hike—but these are all part of the memories that will make your elopement unique. Enjoy every moment and take in the beauty of your surroundings as you exchange vows in the great outdoors.
Are you ready to plan your hiking elopement? I’m here to help with everything from location scouting to capturing the perfect moments. Let’s make your adventure unforgettable!
Meet your Elopement photographer!
Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to crafting a positive atmosphere for my families and couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com
My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding.
