The Trail is the Thing!

There’s something uniquely grounding about lacing up your boots, walking into the wild with your partner, and exchanging vows with the mountains as your witness. Hiking elopements aren’t about rushing to the summit or checking off a bucket list—they’re about finding stillness, solitude, and a sense of wonder in nature. And here in Washington, we’re spoiled with options. From mossy forests to alpine lakes, misty overlooks to wildflower meadows, the possibilities are endless.

Still, planning a hiking elopement takes a little more intention than simply choosing a pretty trail. Here’s what to keep in mind as you start dreaming up your day.

Choosing the Right Trail

Not every trail is well-suited for an elopement. We look for hikes that are not only beautiful but also safe, accessible, and aligned with the kind of day you want to have.

Trails between 3 to 6 miles round trip tend to hit the sweet spot—long enough to feel adventurous, but not so grueling that you’re exhausted at the top. Elevation gain plays a big role too; under 1,500 feet is often ideal, especially if you’re carrying gear or planning to change at the summit.

We look for wide vistas, open ridgelines, alpine lakes, and quiet fire lookouts—places that offer a stunning backdrop without requiring technical climbs. And because we know Washington’s seasons inside and out, we’ll help you choose a location that’s not just beautiful, but safe and appropriate for the time of year you’re eloping.

Escape the Crowds + Pick a Weekday

For a quieter trail, better light, and more flexibility, elope on a weekday—especially Monday through Thursday. Popular trails in Washington can get crowded on weekends, even at sunrise. Choosing a weekday gives us a much better shot at privacy and peace, which makes all the difference when you’re saying your vows in a sacred place.

It also increases the chances of getting your top-choice vendors, lodging, and permits. If you’re able to travel midweek, your elopement day will thank you!

(By the way: We don’t accept bookings on weekends—for these reasons.)

Permits and Public Land Rules

Many of Washington’s most stunning trails fall under public land management, meaning you may need a special use permit to legally hold a ceremony there. We’ll guide you through what’s needed for each location, including any group size limits, setup restrictions, and paperwork requirements.

Generally speaking, national parks like Mount Rainier or Olympic will require a permit (often $50–250), while national forests may not—especially for small groups with no set-up or structures. State parks fall somewhere in the middle. We’ll help you navigate the fine print and make sure you’re fully covered.

Leave No Trace (LNT) and Outdoor Ethics

We believe your ceremony should leave the wild just as you found it—untouched, pristine, and full of life. That’s why we follow and educate all of our couples on Leave No Trace principles. That means staying on durable surfaces, avoiding picking or disturbing plants, packing out everything we bring in, and choosing ceremony activities that are symbolic and meaningful without leaving a mark.

It’s entirely possible to have a magical, creative, heartfelt ceremony without altering the environment around you—and we’ll help you plan it that way from the start.

Seasonality & Washington’s Wild Weather

Washington’s landscapes change drastically with the seasons. In spring, waterfalls are roaring and wildflowers begin to bloom. Summer brings alpine access and long, golden evenings. Fall arrives with fiery foliage, crisp air, and fewer crowds. Winter offers snow-dusted forests, cozy cabins, and peaceful lowland trails.

We’ll help you choose a location and trail that fits the vibe and logistics of your chosen season. Our travel schedule is built around the best times to be in each region—from the North Cascades to Mount Baker, the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier, and beyond.

A few important things to note:

It might rain, it might be foggy, it might snow—no matter the season, expect and plan for weather and possible shifts in weather
It might be mid-July or later before high elevation trails are free of snow
Most high alpine wildflower blooms are around late July through mid/end August
Reflecting pools might dry up later in summer
Be mindful of fire season: active fires, air quality, fire bans (particularly August-October)
Late September or early October can bring early snow to high elevations (I’ve seen snowfall in August before at 6,000 feet!)
Always have a backup plan at a different location—roads may close, trails may close, fires may start, weather may be fickle
Hire us, we’ll help with all these logistics so you don’t have to ;)

Sunrise or Sunset?

One of the first decisions to make is what time of day you’d like to hold your ceremony. Sunrise and sunset both offer beautiful light—but they bring very different vibes.

Sunrise elopements are quiet and peaceful. Most trails are empty, wildlife is active, and the light is soft and golden. The air tends to be cooler, and you’ll often get clearer skies in the morning—especially during wildfire season. The tradeoff? You’ll likely need to start hiking in the dark with headlamps, which means a very early wakeup call. But for couples who want solitude and a slow, magical start to the day, it’s worth it.

Sunset hikes are more leisurely. You have the whole day to prepare, the trail is usually lit for the ascent, and you’ll enjoy warm golden-hour light as the sun dips behind the peaks. These elopements are more common for couples who want a relaxed morning or a chance to celebrate with a dinner or picnic after their vows. Just keep in mind you may share the trail with more people and might hike down in the dark unless you plan to camp.

We’ll help you weigh your options based on the trail, time of year, and your preferences.

How Long to Plan for the Trail?

It’s not just about how far the trail goes—it's about the rhythm of your day. Hiking during an elopement isn’t like hiking on your own. You’ll be stopping for photos, snacks, changing into attire, and taking time to simply breathe in the view. Plus, we’ll go at a slower pace to avoid sweating too much! It’s your wedding day, after all! Let’s stop and smell the flowers! (Or munch on all those huckleberries.)

As a general rule, we recommend giving yourself ~1 hour per mile, give or take. Or: give yourself at least 30–50% more time than a trail typically takes. If AllTrails says a hike takes two hours roundtrip, budget at least three to four. This allows you to move at a comfortable pace, account for photo breaks, and soak in the experience rather than feeling rushed. This time it really isn’t about the destination: it’s about your journey.

Should You Hike in Wedding Attire?

This depends on your outfit, the weather, and your comfort level. Some couples love the feeling of arriving in their full attire—floating up the trail in a flowy dress or hiking boots paired with a tailored suit. Others prefer to hike in comfy clothes, then change at the top for a dramatic reveal.

There’s no right answer, and it might come down to the trail you’ve chosen. If your trail is mellow and your outfit is easy to move in, hiking in attire can be magical. If the hike is longer or the trail muddy, or covered in brush and brambles, it may be worth packing your dress or suit in a garment bag and changing at the top. We’ll always scout a private spot for you to change and help you carry what you need.

What to Wear (and How to Pack It)

When it comes to attire, look for pieces that move easily and breathe well. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, lace, or linen tend to travel best. Flowy skirts catch the light beautifully, and layered outfits let you adjust to the shifting mountain weather. For suits, stretchy, breathable fabrics that allow movement are key—and don’t underestimate the power of a good base layer in cooler seasons.

We recommend packing your attire carefully in a garment bag or dry sack. Bring a small mirror, baby wipes or a cloth to freshen up, and any accessories you’ll need at the top.

Here’s a short list of essentials to bring:

Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes
Headlamps (if you have your own—if not we can provide)
Water & snacks
Vows, rings, marriage license
Layers for warmth—gloves, scarf, shawl
Packed attire & a way to carry it safely
Blanket or picnic items for post-ceremony celebration (we have lots to offer too!)

We can bring:

Headlamps (if you don’t have your own)
Spare backpacks (plus those cute “Just Married” signs)
Trekking poles
Lanterns, picnic gear, champagne flute, and a few special extras from our Trading Post
Spare skin-colored leggings to wear under your dress
Electric handwarmers
JetBoil for a hot bev
Snow gear: snowshoes, crampons, microspikes
Emergency supplies, first aid kit, weather-readiness gear

Weather & When to Pivot

Weather is part of the adventure—and some of our favorite elopement photos were taken in unexpected fog or snow. But there’s a difference between wild + moody versus unsafe.

Contingency planning is part of our planning. We’ll always keep an eye on the forecast, and if high winds, storms, wildfires, or trail closures pop up, we’ll work with you to pivot gracefully. We will build backup locations into your plan, so you’ll always have an option that’s safe and beautiful. Whether we shift the time of day, change locations, or reroute entirely, your experience still gets to feel intentional and magical—just maybe with a little more spontaneity.

Let’s go hiking!

A hiking elopement isn’t about the destination—it’s about the pace you choose, the time you take, and the way the world opens up when you’re present together in the wild. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise summit or a golden-hour stroll to a hidden alpine lake, we’re here to guide you through it all.

We’ve hiked these trails, scouted the views, and carried the gear—and we’re so ready to help you do the same.

Interested a Washington hiking elopement? Check our available dates or get in touch to start planning your adventure!