As an elopement photographer who captures photos of couples in stunning outdoor spots wearing beautiful wedding attire, I’m often asked this question: “How do your couples get to these adventurous spots in their wedding attire?”

And you know what? The answer is simple. They hike in them! 

I know, I know. To some people, hiking in fancy wedding dresses, suits, and attire of any kind might seem a little strange–but I’m actually a huge fan of encouraging couples to tackle their hikes and adventures in their wedding clothes. 

So, why should you wear wedding clothes on your elopement day hike? I’ve got a lot of must-know reasons–and I’m sharing them all with you! 

You Should Hike in Your Wedding Clothes: Here’s Why 

The Must-Know Reasons for Hiking in Your Elopement Clothes

It’s Fun–Really 

When it comes to planning elopements and weddings, I think a lot of us forget about doing things just for fun. Sure, it’s great to think hard about how you want things to look, feel, and unwind throughout the day. 

But what about doing something on your wedding day that’s just purely and 100% about fun? 

Hiking in your wedding clothes–up to your ceremony spot, back down after, and everywhere in between–can be a great way to add a little dash of pure joy into an already joy-filled day. 

On such an incredible occasion, why not have a little extra fun, right? 

You Only Wear These Clothes Once–Let Them Live Their Best Lives 

For a lot of people, wedding attire is an opportunity to go all out and show off their very best style. 

That can result in expensive or extraordinary attire–and that means that attire might only be worn once or twice EVER. 

And, OK, I know there are some exceptions to this rule–especially if you buy wedding attire that you can wear around often! 

But odds are, if you’re leaning toward one of those traditional white dresses OR a big statement dress (which can be a great choice for some people), it’s likely you’re not going to the grocery store in it. (Unless you are. In which case, you are incredibly cool). 

That time period is shortened even more when you take into account you’re only wearing that attire for a fraction of your wedding day if you’re planning on hiking in other clothes! 

My take? Give your attire the chance to live its absolute best life in the most stunning place imaginable. 

Do it For the Memories 

I’m a big proponent of doing things your way–but I’m also a big proponent of making memories you’ll never forget. 

Hiking up a mountain, down a forested path, through a slot canyon, or whatever you choose in your hiking attire is one of those once-in-a-lifetime kind of experiences. 

Odds are, this is the only time you’ll have the chance to traipse through the wild, hand in hand with your soon-to-be-spouse, in your absolute best outfit ever, feeling all the emotions. 

To me, that memory just seems too special to pass up. 

Epic Photos Are a Fringe Benefit 

I like to make sure my couples really understand and resonate with the idea that your elopement day is about more than just the epic photos we’ll capture. But, c’mon, epic photos can feel are definitely part of the equation (and that’s OK).

There’s something so undeniably cool about seeing the rugged outdoor beauty paired up with a couple dressed up in their best. That contrast makes for truly gorgeous shots, in my honest opinion.

While we can absolutely capture those moments without hiking in your wedding clothes (doing a quick change post-hike and pre-ceremony), I find that a lot of my favorite images happen on the hike up. This is where you and your partner are candid, buzzing with anticipation, and eagerly taking the next steps toward becoming forever partners. 

Those photos are the ones that hit us with a dose of nostalgia and emotion. Capturing those moments while in your wedding attire? Totally priceless. 

The Most Common Questions About Wearing Your Wedding Clothes While Hiking

What if I Ruin My Wedding Clothes?

Unless you do something intense (Jumping into a lake! Traipsing through a mud hole! Glissading down a snowy hill!) it’s unlikely you’ll totally ruin your wedding attire. 

That said, if you’re planning to hike in your elopement attire, you definitely run the risk of picking up some dirt, dust, and maybe even a twig or two.  

My honest take on this? If you’re opting for an adventurous elopement and going on an epic hike, you probably embrace the outdoors in a big way. Adding a little dirt, mud, and outdoor goodness really just adds character. And unless you’re planning on wearing your attire for a few receptions where a spotless outfit is a must, it’s likely not a big deal. 

Plus, it adds to the adventure of it all!   

A pro tip: If you want clean wedding attire for the rest of your outfit’s life AND the option to hike in your clothes without worrying about dirt and stains, you can always get (most) of your attire dry-cleaned and spiffed up after the fact. 

Will I Be Hot and Sweaty By the Time We Get to Our Ceremony Spot? 

It’s totally possible that hiking around in fancy wedding attire will mean you’re hotter and sweatier when you arrive at your ceremony spot. But you know what? That doesn’t mean you’ll be hot and sweat for your ceremony! (It’s also not a bad thing to show a few signs of adventure on your wedding day). 

I’ve got lots of tips for tackling this aspect, things to bring along to prevent (and remedy) any sweatiness, and plenty of experience to ensure that by the time we start documenting your ceremony, you’ll look your absolute best. 

Can I Wear My Wedding Attire for Part of the Hike Instead of the Full Hike?

Absolutely! Listen, it’s your day–you don’t have to hike in your wedding clothes at all if that’s not going to be a truly exciting and fun experience. 

But if you’re on the fence about wanting to hike in your wedding attire and keep things a little cleaner, you can always split the hike up with a quick change at any point. 

Experience a Wedding Day You Love–I Can Help

Whatever your ideal wedding day or elopement day looks like (hiking in your fancy clothes, skiing down a mountain, exploring a canyon), I’m here to help you create it. 

If you’re ready to document a day that’s 100% you and leaves you with images that bring you back to the feeling of your wedding day every time you look at them, I’ve got your back. Let’s talk about planning the adventurous elopement day of your dreams!