How to plan a backpacking elopement | Backpacking Elopement Photographer

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Dec 16

Okay, so you’ve seen epic photos of people getting married on a backpacking trip, but what does it actually take to plan one?

Below are FIVE steps to planning a backpacking elopement

My own elopement was a backpacking elopement and the images below are from that trip!

FIND YOUR DREAM BACKPACKING elopement TRAIL

First off, if you don’t already have a backpacking trail in mind, do some research on trails that allow backcountry camping. Once you’ve found your dream trail, find two more. Backup options are essential because you can never 100% count on mountain weather. If you’re backpacking in Oregon and Washington, this shouldn’t be super hard. With so many different mountain ranges throughout both of these states, you’re bound to find other trails that may have a different weather system.

It’s important to find your backpacking trail early on in the planning process so that you can confirm whether or not you need a backcountry permit. Sometimes permits are hard to come by, so the earlier you get one, the better.

Things to consider when picking a trail:

Length and difficulty of trail. This one might be the single most important part of the planning process. If the trail is too long for your expectations, it can make the trip miserable. If there is a specific trail you’re dying to elope on and it seems too long you could possibly make it shorter by not completing the whole trail. My husband and I did this for our backpacking elopement. The full trail was a 6 mile loop, but the ceremony location and camping spots were only a couple miles in, so instead of completing the whole trail, we just went out and back for a total of 4 miles.
Ceremony location. Where is the ceremony location along the trail? Is it 2 miles into the trail or 5 miles in? This can affect whether or not you want to hike in your wedding clothes or wait to change closer to the location. Similar with hair and makeup—if you’re getting your HMU done by a professional the morning of then you’ll probably want to chose a ceremony location that isn’t too far from the trailhead.
Camping location. A lot backpacking trails have designated spots for camping. Find out if the tent sites are near the ceremony location. If the sites are close to the ceremony location, then you might consider setting up camp first. Setting up camp before the ceremony allows you to leave unnecessary items at camp and it also ensures you have a campsite after sunset.

2. Decide what is truly essential for your backpacking elopement

This one is really important. If you’re considering a backpacking elopement then you likely already have the mindset that less is more, but getting married is a BIG DEAL, so it may be worth having an extra heavy pack in order to make the day special.

Take some time to think about what you want to include in your day to make it special. Maybe letters from your family and friends? A reading from your favorite poet or author? Maybe you want to bring your ukulele? Maybe you really want to bring you and your partner’s favorite bottle of wine or desert. There are a ton of ways to make the day special without bringing too many items. For us, we wanted to have a close friend play our first dance song on her ukulele. We also brought champagne and brownies to share with everyone.

When backpacking on the PCT, it was always fun to see what comfort items people would bring on their hike. Most people had a single item that was their unnecessary splurge item. One couple I met brought a battleship game, someone else brought a kindle, and I brought a blow up pillow because a good nights sleep is better than anything else when you’re backpacking for months on end.

3. Practice packing everything for your backpacking elopement

Now that you’ve come up with everything you want to bring for your elopement it’s time to make sure you can actually fit it into a backpack! For most backpacking trips, you will need a bag with at least 50-70 liters of space for your items. You may have to get creative with packing, and you might have to go back to step two and refine your essentials list. Beyond your elopement related items you also have to pack your camping gear. Trust me, it’s worth having a packing practice run, because there is nothing more stressful than realizing you don’t have enough room the day off.

Tips for packing:

You can keep your wedding dress or suit in the garment bag to protect it and carry it on the outside of your pack or in your hands if the trail is a shorter one. If you’re worried about your wedding dress getting wrinkled you can roll the dress up in a towel and then strap it to your bag.
If there is a water source on trail, it might be worth bringing a water filter so you don’t have to pack as much water.
If you have a bouquet, stuff the stem into your backpack so you don’t have to hold it! Usually you can do that without damaging the flowers at all. Speaking of bouquets! If you’re worried about the flowers wilting, consider getting a faux bouquet. There are a lot of great faux flowers these days that look very real! I chose to do this for my own elopement (seen in the image to the right) and it took the stress out of worrying about the petals falling on the trail (Leave No Trace) and because the trail was a long drive away and I didn’t want to worry about my flowers wilting on the way there.

4. Practice doing your hair and makeup for your backpacking elopement

This might not apply to everyone, but if you’re backpacking it is likely that you will choose to do your own hair and makeup on trail. In order to feel more confident about doing this yourself (or if you’re bringing a friend or family member that can help), it is smart to practice beforehand!

You want to feel confident about yourself on your wedding day whether you are eloping or having a huge wedding. If don’t know how to do your makeup, consider going to a beauty counter or makeup artist and have them show you how to do it yourself. For hair (and makeup) there are a ton of Youtube videos for beautiful DIY hairstyles that you can practice.

For my elopement, I downloaded a hair tutorial on my phone so I could reference it the day of. Consider bringing a small mirror too. I had a tiny makeup mirror and I was super thankful to have that, because otherwise I wouldn’t have seen myself on my wedding day!

5. Find a backpacking elopement photographer who is down!

Okay this one is obvious! But it might be harder than you think. The photographer has to have all the necessary backpacking gear and they also have to figure out a way to carry all their camera equipment as well. You are also going to spend a lot of time with the photographer since you’re not only spending the day with them, but you’re likely camping with them too. Find someone who you connect with and who is stoked about backpacking. It will make the whole experience so much better.

Are you considering a backpacking wedding?

I’d love to discuss what you’re envisioning with you! I’ve backpacked over 1,500 miles throughout Oregon, Washington, and California, so I have a ton of knowledge and helpful resources to plan an amazing backpacking elopement.

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Need some backpacking elopement inspiration? Check out this Oregon Backpacking Elopement!