Hiking Wedding in Washington - Your Guide
Photographs by Sea to Summit Photography
About Hiking Weddings
Hiking for your wedding in Washington or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest offers a unique and adventurous way to tie the knot surrounded by nature's beauty. Immersing yourselves in the great outdoors allows for an intimate and personal experience, away from the hustle and bustle of traditional wedding venues. Plus, you can bet that it will be a whole lot cheaper than renting a venue. Whether you choose a serene forest trail, a majestic mountain peak such as Mt Rainer, Hood, or Baker, or a go to a breathtaking coastal path along the Olympic coast, hiking on your wedding day provides you with a beautiful place for exchanging vows, and a place that you can return to with your future spouse in the future! The physical activity involved in the hike can symbolize the journey you are embarking on together as a couple, overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights side by side. With each step along the trail, you create lasting memories that reflect the strength and endurance of your relationship. Ultimately, hiking for your wedding is a wonderful way to connect with nature, each other, and the profound commitment you are making on this special day.
3 Places for a Washington Hiking Wedding
Photographs by Sea to Summit Photography
Washington is really a “choose your own adventure” kind of place. Depending on how far your want to hike, whether that is one mile or 11 miles from the trailhead, there’s beauty everywhere you look. That being said, here are three iconic locations where you can hike for your wedding day in Washington where you’ll find lots of hikes ranging from easy to challenging:
1.The North Cascades
Located about 2.5 hours north of Seattle, you’ll find one of the coolest National Parks in Washington! If you like more moderate and challenging hikes, this area is for you! Much of the park is actually only accessible on foot, so you won’t have to worry too much about tourists on those more challenging hikes. If you’d like to learn more about eloping one of North Cascades most popular spot in Artist Point, click the link here!
2. Mt Rainier
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Of course I could not leave out “The Mountain” as we call it here in Washington out! Mt Rainier has many accessible areas that provide stunning views of Mt Rainier. If you’re looking for some ADA spots for family members to join, you can bet areas around Sunrise and Paradise will have many beautiful spots for all friends and family members to attend. But if you want a more “just us” hiking wedding experience, there are many hikes around all 4 park entrances that will provide nothing short of stunning views. For more information about Mt Rainier hiking wedding spots, click the link here!
3. Olympic National Park
It’s no secret this is one of my favorite elopement spots! The olympic coast offers such a wide array of hiking wedding locations in Washington! Whether you’re looking to hike the Olympic Mountains, go to the coast, or the Hoh Rainforest, there is so much this National Park has to offer. For a more in depth look on where to elope at Olympic National Park, check out my guide here!
Photographs by Sea to Summit Photography
Hiking Wedding Ideas
Besides hiking (duh!) there’s so much you can do besides hitting the trail with the one you love by your side. Here are some ideas to do during your hiking wedding:
Hike to the end of your favorite hike (e.g. lake, valley, mountain) and enjoy some hot chocolate and a sweet treat.
If its a short hike, bring a kayak or paddle board and paddle board at a lake!
Have a picnic filled with your favorite treats.
Backpack or camp (be sure it’s a backpacking friendly destination and have permits if needed) and spend the night stargazing!
Pull out a hammock and settle in for a few hours of relaxation before hiking back.
Go fishing, rock skipping, or doing anything else you enjoy doing in nature
Choosing Your Hiking Wedding Dress
Photographs by Sea to Summit Photography
If either or both of you are planning on hiking in your wedding dress (10/10 recommend this), there are a few things to consider before finding your dream dress. When it comes to choosing your hiking wedding dress, practicality and style are key factors to consider. Opt for a dress that allows you to move freely and comfortably as you traverse through rocks, stumps, and uneven terrain. Lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal for keeping you cool and comfortable throughout your hike. Consider a dress with a shorter hemline or a detachable train to prevent tripping hazards. Lastly, consider how the texture and style of your dress will go with the landscape. Bonus points if it looks better with a little dirt and mud on it!
Planning a Hiking Wedding in Washington
If you’re thinking to yourselves, “wow, having a wedding where I get to go hiking sounds awesome, but I have no idea where to start”, you’re in luck. As your (hopefully) elopement photographer, I’ll be there helping you with planning your dream wedding from start to finish. From finding your dream hiking wedding location, to finding local vendors, I’ll be there helping you make your wedding day possible. Click the link below to learn more about my elopement packages below!
About Your Hiking Wedding Photographer
Hey! My name is Doug, your hiking wedding photographer!
If you’re ready to hit the trails and get married at some epic hikes around Washington, Oregon, or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest and have totally stress-free wedding day, let’s chat and make it happen! I believe that couples should get married in a way that is truly authentic to them in a place that speaks to their heart. Let me help you plan (and capture!) your elopement from start to finish so you have one less thing to worry about. Feel free to send me an email at info@seatosummitphotos.com or fill out the contact form below, I can’t wait to hear from you!
