How to Plan an Elopement in the Mountains in 2022

What Time of Year is Best for an Elopement in the Mountains?

While eloping on top of a mountain during any time of the year would be amazing, unfortunately it’s not possible in most locations.

Because mountains are at a higher altitude, they have a short snow-free season. July – September is going to be the best time of year for a mountain elopement. While most people consider June, the trails in these areas are still going to have lots of snow. In some locations, you can stretch that time into the beginning of October. I personally recommend eloping during the end of September. This is the least busy time during the peak season, and the weather is usually still very nice!

If you can, avoid visiting most mountainous locations in the winter. The amount of snow and ice can make getting to these locations very difficult. Plus, being freezing cold on your elopement day is never fun!

Hire Your Vendors

I’m a bit bias, but before you hire any other vendor, be sure to hire a photographer who specializes in elopements. More specifically, hire an elopement photographer who has experience shooting in the mountains. Elopement photographers can be extremely helpful during the planning process. They can let you know what locations are the best, find hidden trails, give great weather insight, let you know about popularity of an area, etc.

After hiring your photographer, consider hiring other vendors to help bring your magical day to life, such as an officiant, planner, hair and makeup artist, florist, cake designer, personal chef, etc.

Get Your Marriage License and Permits

If you’re going to be getting legally married, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license (I can help with this), as well as your special use permit (I can also help with this)!

Depending on where you get married, you’ll need what’s called a “Special Use Permit.” This permit can be obtained, for example, through the national park or forest you’ll be getting married in. This permit essentially grants you permission to have a ceremony on the land. Failure to obtain a permit will result in a fine.

However, don’t be alarmed! Getting the permit is a very easy process. If you’re wanting to know how to get a special use permit, contact your elopement photographer and they will be able to point you in the right direction.

Interested in any of the locations I talked about above? I have a guide for almost every mountain location listed that tells you exactly how to obtain a permit! You can view all my elopement resources here.

Mountain Elopement Activity Ideas

One of the best things about the mountains is the amount of activities you can incorporate into your day! I always recommend doing at least one activity that you two love doing together. You can look back in 50 years on your photos and see just how much fun you two had doing something you both love to do.

• Enjoy a mountaintop breakfast picnic while watching the sunrise
• Hike to the top of the peak just before sunset to pop champagne and enjoy some cake
• Go skiing or snowboarding
• Book a nearby campsite to have s’mores and read letters from family
• Hike and camp in an iconic fire lookout
• Hire a personal chef at your Airbnb to cook an intimate dinner with friends and family
• Catch as many waterfalls as you can
• Paddle-board, kayak, or canoe on an alpine lake in the mountains
• Go off-roading
• Take a private helicopter tour and land on an isolated mountain
• Find a local hot springs
• Wait for the sun to go down to stargaze
• Bring your dogs and just enjoy the scenery

Mountain Elopement Timelines

Mountain Elopement Packages

I’m an elopement photographer located in Northern California who specializes in mountain elopements across the U.S. I offer a variety of different packages, all which include planning assistance, to help you have the best elopement experience possible.

Mountain Elopement Package Pricing

• 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in the mountains
• A hands-on elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
  • personalized elopement locations and questionnaires
  • vendor recommendations
  • permit assistance
  • customized elopement timeline
  • activity suggestions
• Online gallery with full resolution and printing rights
• 24-48 hour sneak peak images
• Travel fees to ANYWHERE on the West Coast are already included
• Starting at $5,000 for CA, OR, and WA. Starting at $7,000 for anywhere else in the U.S.
• I also offer all-inclusive elopement packages, which takes the planning out of your elopement completely. Check those packages out here.

Want more mountain elopement inspiration? Check out my North Cascades National Park elopement guide, this epic Hurricane Ridge elopement, and my Northern California elopement guide!