Adventure Elopement Photography Inspiration: Mountain Edition
There’s something exhilarating about hiking the deadly summit of Angel’s Landing in Zion and something subtly meditative about kayaking near Alaska’s glaciers. Exploring the beauty of the outdoors gives me purpose. To sit on a top of the mountain in California’s Yosemite National Park, feeling the majestic power of nature and my own vulnerability is humbling and absolutely addicting at the same time. Thankfully, I am not alone!
The mountains are calling and I must go.
John Muir
In this blog post, you will find:
- Adventure Elopement Photography Inspiration: Mountain Edition
- Destination Elopement in the Mountains
- What to bring to an elopement in the mountains
- Elopement items
- Mountain elopement items for hikers
- Mountain Proposal in the Clouds of Austrian Alps
- Top of the mountain
- On the day of your mountain elopement
- Intimate Mountain Wedding at Glacier Lakes
- Best Locations in the Mountains to Elope
Destination Elopement in the Mountains
Kristina and Sasha posed under waterfalls, on soft beds of moss, banks of a freezing river and on top of Austria’s highest glacier ski area. They put on their beautiful elopement outfits, hiking boots, backpacks and off we went, into the mountains. Hugs, tea and extra layers kept them warm in between shots and I must say, that those moments turned out to be the cutest candid bits of their day. They didn’t complain about being cold once!
These eloping sweethearts live in Germany, they love the outdoors and they’ve been together for several years. They wanted to capture their love, deep connection and strong chemistry, which radiates through all of the images. They chose to read their vows embraced by the mountain range and the valleys of Tirol.
What to bring to an elopement in the mountains
Adventure elopements are quickly becoming a unique alternative to traditional weddings all over the world. They are ideal for couples that prefer doing things differently, adventurers in love with nature and free spirits that want to have an intimate event instead of a full on wedding.
Elopement items
- Rings
- Vows
- Sparkling wine/Champagne
- Speaker
- Charcuterie board for snacks
- Sentimental items
Mountain elopement items for hikers
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hiking socks
- Warm leggings
- Lightweight hiking backpack
- Quick drying hiking pants
- Matches/lighter
- Headlamp
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Blanket
Mountain Proposal in the Clouds of Austrian Alps
EJ and Con are one of the most beautiful human beings I’ve had the pleasure meeting while working as a wedding photographer. Their love, kindness and joy seeps through every interaction and it touched me on a deeply personal level. Originally from the Netherlands, they have been traveling the world together along with their black Labrador Joep, recently settling in Austria. They enjoy life to the fullest, but never forget to give back to their communities.
Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, leading the world with the most progressive LGBTQ rights, which gave EJ and Con the opportunity to get married a few years ago. They had an intimate wedding, but started talking about throwing a big celebration to honor their love for each other in the near future. Unexpectedly, EJ prepared a surprise “big wedding proposal” for Con in the clouds over Innsbruck.
Top of the mountain
We took a cable car to the top of the mountain in the morning, but the weather didn’t exactly cooperate. Fog covered the peaks of the mountains and the view of the city, but that’s the beauty of outdoors photo sessions. We adapt and work with what we have, which can create beautifully moody atmosphere and unexpected imagery. When EJ pulled out the card covered in hearts, Con was visibly touched by emotions (and I secretly teared up behind my camera). The peaks of Austrian Alps were divinely unveiled towards the end of our shoot and exposed the dramatic silhouettes of the ancient mountains.
On the day of your mountain elopement
Have fun
Be present
Don’t forget to eat and drink plenty of water
Focus on the connection with your partner
Enjoy every minute of this epic adventure!
Intimate Mountain Wedding at Glacier Lakes
Cat and Menno met on the slopes as badass ski/snowboard instructors while working in the Austrian Alps about a decade ago. They are both expats that decided to settle in the heart of Europe, near Innsbruck. They have pet bunnies together, a ton of thrilling hobbies and adventurous travels under their belt.
It doesn’t happen too often that I feel at home when I meet someone, but I instantly sensed a strong connection with these two. Especially after Cat tied her bouquet to her hiking backpack and started hiking to the glacier lakes in her bohemian wedding dress. Their calm personalities and so much love for each other stood in the center of their photo shoot in this stunning mountainous landscape. Cat was wearing a lacy Reclamation dress that was caught in the wind on several occasions in a very photogenic manner. Menno’s outfit perfectly complimented the slate and ochre colors of Alps in the fall. We explored meadows, turquoise mountain lakes and mossy landscapes that looked like fairytale hobbit lands, but the specific location of our photo adventure will be kept secret.
Best Locations in the Mountains to Elope
– photographed as part of the Adventure Wedding Academy Austrian Alps Retreat
Hi, lovely, I am Yana, a Michigan wedding and elopement photographer! When you book me as your mountain elopement photographer, you’re also booking my knowledge of stunning locations in the US, Europe and beyond. But that’s not all. I spend hours scouting new locations, researching activities and vetting vendors to be able to provide my expertise for a unique experience. I will also become your sounding board to consult ideas about your dream elopement adventure. Through all of this, we will most likely become friends and I will silently shed a tear hiding behind my camera when I witness you exchange your vows with your one and only. To book your complimentary consultation and chat about your mountain elopement planning with me, fill out the form below.
