Where are my adventure-loving, playing-in-the-dirt thrill seekers? As a destination wedding photographer, I love to travel and can often be found hiking around national parks or on my way to California for some fun! While wedding planning can become all-consuming and overwhelming, I assure you it doesn’t have to be. One of the best parts about planning your wedding? ITS YOUR WEDDING! You can do anything you want on your big day. I’ve had couples take photos with horses in their wedding gear, go canoeing, plan a wedding day hike, and even tailgate with some cool beers after the vows are read. Your day can be anything you dream of it.
If you plan to get married in a national park or somewhere with epic views, explore! As national park weddings have increased in popularity, it’s been a freaking blast being able to tag along for the ride. Considering something adventurous for your big day? Let’s discuss a wedding day hike, and I’ll share my best tips to ensure it goes off without a hitch.
Start Your Wedding Day Hike Early
The most important tip I can share is to start your hike early, especially if you’ve never hiked it before. No matter how much research you’ve done on the internet about this hike, you’ll never truly know what it’s like until you get out there and get after it. By starting early, you can take the morning easy and not feel rushed to return to the ceremony. Another perk to starting early? Less crowds! There’s nothing more special than being in nature with your person to just be together. More couples invest in experiences and memories for their wedding day, and planning something like this is a great way to start your next chapter together.
Bring a Good Pair of Shoes
This is not the time to break in a new pair of hiking shoes. Instead, bring your most comfortable outdoor shoes to ensure you enjoy yourself without getting blisters! If you want to bring a change of clothes for pictures when you arrive at your destination, do it! I promise you’ll regret buying the cute new boots when you head out the morning of your wedding day hike.
Leave the Guests Behind During Your Wedding Day Hike
Anyone who knows me knows I love to have a good time and celebrate with my people. However, there’s something to be said for private moments for the bride and groom on their wedding day. As a destination wedding photographer, one of my biggest goals for your wedding day is to create moments of intentional privacy for the two of you to be in the moment together truly. Wedding days go by so dang quickly, and planning these moments of stillness is crucial. Even when you’ve planned a destination wedding and are going for an early morning hike. Leave the guests behind and allow yourselves to be together, creating once-in-a-lifetime memories together. You’ve chosen this spot for your wedding for a reason; allow yourselves to enjoy it!
Second Wedding Outfit
I know what you’re thinking; we seriously need to bring a second wedding outfit. Um, ABSOLUTELY! Especially after the early morning wedding day hike. Once you’ve reached your destination, it’s time to change into your second wedding outfit and take some of those Pinterest-worthy, epic photos. These photos are guaranteed to be some of your favorites when you look back years from now, especially because they’ll bring back all the memories of the hike! Consider getting more wedding-casual outfits, not big and bulky, as you’ll have to carry them, and you’ll want to be able to move and be comfortable during photos.
Bring Vow Books
If you listen to anything from this blog, bring your vow books. Once you’ve spent the morning hiking together, getting excited for your upcoming wedding, and have made it to your destination, read your vows to one another. There’s something so powerful about being at the top of the world, proclaiming your love to your person with no one else around. All the planning and sleepless nights will be worth it at that moment. They’re more than just words; they’re promises you’re making to the most important person in your life. Allow them to be the first to hear it and truly take in the magnitude of those promises. Private vow readings are emotional, powerful, and so genuine.
Pack Light for Your Wedding Day Hike
Lastly, pack light! Your wedding day hike will only be a few hours at most; you don’t need to pack much. Focus on the important things when packing: a first aid kit, snacks, water, vow books, phone, and wedding attire. Allow yourselves to be in the moment and be together, creating memories. You can take photos together at the top, but be in the moment. You’ll thank me for a light pack on the hike back!!
If you’re planning an adventure wedding and looking for more inspiration, head to my Pinterest or Instagram!
Already dreaming of an incredible destination wedding photography experience with me? Let’s chat!!