Things every couple should consider before eloping in the Mountains

So many things can go into planning an elopement in the Mountains but the major things to think about and ask yourself are what do you want to include in your day; Do you have any activities you want to do? This could be as wild as a helicopter ride or as low key as enjoying a picnic as the sunset or hitting up some near by breweries. Are you having guest involved in your day? How much of your day do you want to spend with them? Does an intimate reception to end your day sound like the perfect way to celebrate or is morning brunch and yard games more your kind of vibe? What does your ceremony look like and how long do you want it to last?

THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR MOUNTAIN ELOPEMENT:

1. What are the local marriage requirements
2.  What permits do you need to have a ceremony and photography?
3.  If you’re having guest to your mountain elopement or intimate wedding, how many are allowed per the locations limits?
4.  Do you want a well-known trail, where there may be other people around, but the most epic views? or would you prefer a location that’s more ‘off the beaten-path’?
5. What vendors do you need and how easy are they to find?
6. What kind of celebrating or activities do you want to do?

ACCESSIBILITY:

You don’t have to hike very far or even at all in some areas for even the most amazing mountain views – or do you want a nice 8+ km hike, where you change into your wedding attire at the top? Something to consider when thinking about accessibility is, are you eloping in the mountains with just the two of you or having an intimate wedding in the mountains with short list of family or friends? What are their limits to get to your ceremony location?

SUNRISE OR SUNSET?:
When getting married in the mountains, some locations photograph dreamier depending on if its sunrise or susnet – and that mainly has to do with how the light is hitting the scenery. Want to hit that perfect golden hour & blue hour lighting?

MOUNTAINS IN THE EAST ARE GREAT FOR SUNRISE:

If you’re getting married in a mountainous region on a clear day, if the main dramatic view faces east, sunrise is ideal because it means that the sunlight will hit that view first—causing the mountains to glow with gorgeous pinks, oranges, and yellow colours. Sunrise is also typically more secluded, if you are concerned about how much privacy you are going to have while you are saying your vows to your partner, then a sunrise intimate wedding might be a good idea – especially if you choose a heavily-trafficked or well-known area. One of my favourite things about having your mountain wedding in the morning – it’s just a great way to start your day. Starting early and having your intimate wedding ceremony right at sunrise also gives you plenty of time to relax for the rest of your day and enjoy any other things that you and your partner want to do.

MOUNTAIN VIEWS IN THE WEST ARE BEST FOR SUNSET:

Wanting to say your vows with a beautiful west-facing view behind you? Then getting married at sunset means that the sun’s final rays will be hitting the features behind you–and if the view behind you includes mountains to the west, then they will be illuminated with alpenglow towards sunset on a clear day. While typically the afternoon can have potential for less seclusion in popular areas – in the evening, most people, whether they are tourists or locals, tend to return home or wherever they are staying to have dinner, which means that many locations become less busy at sunset. So similar to sunrise, you can get privacy if you say your vows toward sunset. However, this doesn’t hold true for every location, as some spots are particularly known for their sunsets. Does sleeping in or having a slow start to your morning sound more your vibe? Sunset is probably the way to go.

WANT THE BEST OF BOTH?:

It’s also always an option to do a full-day elopement that spans both sunrise to sunset or a multi-day experience where you get both as well, especially if you really care about that epic lighting but also want to spend the most tine with your guest.