How To Plan A Sunrise Elopement

Leadville, Colorado

Jenn + Kyle

While a sunrise elopement wedding near Leadville may not sound like everyone's cup of tea, it was exactly what Jenn and Kyle wanted to do. When we first talked I could tell instantly that this was going to a really fun day that meant so much to them. They had this spot picked out prior and had done the hike with family nearly a year before and just fell in love with the spot.

Now, for the day, Jenn and Kyle really only wanted it to be the two of them and opted for a small party once they returned home. I met them outside Leadville around 2:30am and we headed into the mountains futher driving as far as we could before starting on the trail.

No slouch myself, we begin the hike in the dark. There was such a nice calm feeling to the morning as it began to glow more and more as we made our way up. The plan was to get to the top and be able to have some time for a first look of sorts and to time their ceremony just as the sun was rising above the mountain peaks.

We hit it just right as Jenn was saying her vows she had written for Kyle. Normally for the ceremony, I am quiet and giving my couples the space to live in the moment with each other and not worry about me or what they look like. Just be in that place with your person. But I can tell you as it was happening my heart was on fire. The sun starts glowing and then splits the mountain peak and sends the more glorious flare into my lens and I can just feel the magic and love. I LOVE THIS JOB!!!

You want to plan a hiking elopement?

Here are some helpful tips.

Find a Destination

If you haven't done the hike before, pick a well known/planned out hike or trail. Researching trails on All Trails is a great start to give you a real world idea to a number of things. Time is takes to take the hike, difficulty, elevation gain. Marked trail or not. Etc. There is lots of very useful info.

Give Someone Else the Plan

Give someone else, who is not coming on the hike, the overall plan. Location of the trail, the time you are starting the hike and when they should expect to see you or call. Most locations don't have cell coverage - although some mountaintops do oddly enough.

Pack Correctly and Lite

Make sure to pack the crucial items you need and keep it to a minimum. Be prepared, but don't overdo it. Bring or wear layers depending on the weather. The weather at the base can, and most likely, will be wildly different that at the top.

Water

Bring lots of water. As much as you can carry and be comfortable. Camelbacks are amazing for this. Including electrolytes are awesome as well. Be careful on the sugar level though of those to avoid the sugar crash. My short rule is... if you're not having to pee, you are not drinking enough.

Shoes

Bring fancy shoes if you want to change into for some photos, but definitely wear good shoes for the hike. You don't need high end hiking boots, but you do need some that have good grip and stability. Nothing too heavy either. I don't tend to feature feet much anyway. Hahahaha. Having a fresh pair of socks to change into at the car can be a big relief!

Sunscreen

Put sunscreen on your face. It doesn't like long at all to burn at higher altitudes. It's a super weird sensation to be freezing on top of the mountain only to realize later you burned it really badly. You won't even feel it burning you. There is less air density and more UV exposure up top, so it doesn't take long. You don't need to overdo it, but you will thank me later.

Food

For a hike like this, bringing a couple of Clif bars are perfect. The granola and grains will give you that long burn energy needed to keep you moving. Bananas are great for potassium and help prevent muscle cramps. Eat one before and bring one. Apples are a great boost for energy as well. Also pretty easy to pack and light.

Water

Water is worth mentioning again, but have some extra water that you leave at the base in the car. It's good for emergencies/backup and it will be good to drink after the hike as well.

There are many more but these are generally the top ones I think about when doing a hike or planning one. Water, food, gear. Or whatever order of those three.

!!! GOOD NEWS !!!

When you hire me to photograph you elopement, I help with all these things.