How to Hike in Wedding Clothes

So, you’re thinking about hiking in your wedding clothes. Maybe you’ve seen couples on top of a mountain, dressed in their wedding outfits, and wondered how they got there without ruining their clothes or their shoes. Or maybe you’re planning an outdoor elopement, and the idea of hiking to your ceremony spot sounds like the perfect adventure. Either way, it’s possible to hike in wedding clothes, and I’m going to break down exactly how you can do it without a hitch (pun intended).

Why Hike in Wedding Clothes?

First off, let’s talk about why you’d even want to hike in your wedding clothes. For couples who love nature, getting married outside is a no-brainer. But hiking to your spot adds a whole new level of adventure.

Whether you’re heading to a viewpoint with sweeping landscapes or a secluded spot deep in the woods, the journey can make your elopement feel even more meaningful. Plus, the photos you get along the way will capture every part of the adventure, not just the ceremony.

As someone who’s spent a lot of time photographing elopements in California’s state and national parks, I’ve seen a lot of couples pull off hiking in wedding clothes. So let’s dive into how you can do it too.

1. Choose the Right Dress or Suit

Not all wedding outfits are made for hiking. But don’t worry, you don’t need to ditch the dress or suit you love—just be smart about what you pick. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Fabric: Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or tulle are great for dresses because they’re breathable and easier to move in. Stay away from heavy fabrics like satin, which can get hot and are harder to manage on uneven terrain.
• Length: If your dress has a long train, consider getting a bustle (a way to pin up the train) so it doesn’t drag through dirt and mud. You can also pick a dress with a shorter hemline or a high-low style.
• Movement: You’ll want something that allows you to move freely. If wearing a suit, make sure it isn’t too tight, especially in the shoulders or legs, so you can scramble over rocks or up trails.

When I eloped in the mountains of Italy, I draped my train over my arms or through my backpack strap to avoid it getting caught up in twigs and critters (fire ants) along the way.

2. Pack Your Wedding Clothes for the Hike

Another option is to pack your wedding clothes and change at the top. This works well if the trail is tough or if you’re worried about dirt, water, or sweat. Here are some tips to make sure your clothes stay safe and wrinkle-free:

Choose the Right Backpack

The key to packing your wedding clothes is having a sturdy, spacious backpack. A backpack with adjustable straps and plenty of padding will be more comfortable on the trail, especially if you’re carrying something bulky like a wedding dress. Here’s what to look for:

• Capacity: You’ll need enough space for your clothes, shoes, and any accessories. Most wedding dresses will fit in a 30-40L backpack if packed carefully. A suit will require less space but make sure there’s room for all the pieces (jacket, shirt, pants, shoes).
• Compartments: Choose a backpack with multiple compartments to keep your wedding clothes separate from other items like food, water, or gear.
• Rain Cover: Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Many backpacks come with built-in rain covers. If yours doesn’t, pack a waterproof bag or cover to keep your clothes dry in case of rain.

Protect Your Clothes with a Garment Bag

Using a garment bag can be a game-changer for keeping your dress or suit clean and protected. Here’s how to pack your wedding clothes in a garment bag for a hike:

• For Dresses: Fold the dress carefully, keeping the bodice on top to avoid wrinkles. Start by folding it in half (lengthwise) and then roll it gently from the bottom up. You can also try rolling it up with a sturdy, cardboard poster tube. Place it in the garment bag, making sure there’s enough room for air circulation to prevent wrinkling.
• For Suits: Rolling your suit instead of folding it can minimize wrinkles. Lay the jacket and pants flat, fold the sleeves of the jacket across, and then roll the entire suit from the bottom up. Place it in the garment bag.

Pro tip: Some couples I’ve worked with have used lightweight garment bags specifically designed for travel. They’re less bulky and easier to carry.

Use a Compression Sack or Packing Cubes

If a garment bag feels too big or cumbersome for the hike, compression sacks or packing cubes are excellent alternatives. Here’s why they work:

• Compression Sacks: These are often used for sleeping bags, but they can also compress large wedding dresses into a more manageable size. They squeeze out excess air, making it easier to carry your dress in a smaller space. Just make sure you roll the dress carefully before putting it in to avoid wrinkles.
• Packing Cubes: These are great for suits and smaller dresses. They’re also handy for keeping accessories, shoes, or other smaller items organized.

Don’t Forget the Shoes

Packing your wedding shoes separately is a good idea, especially if you’ll be hiking in boots. You can tuck your dress shoes into your backpack or in a smaller shoe bag. Keep in mind that it’s easier to hike in boots and then change into your wedding shoes once you’re at your destination. Pro tip: Don’t forget to break in your hiking boots ahead of time!

Extra Packing Tips for Accessories

• Veils: If you’re bringing a veil, store it in a flat garment bag, or you can fold it neatly into a smaller bag. Just make sure it doesn’t get tangled with other items.
• Jewelry: Keep rings, necklaces, and other small accessories in a separate pouch. This will prevent them from getting lost or tangled during the hike.
• Hangers: If possible, bring a lightweight hanger so you can hang your clothes while you get ready at the top. This will help smooth out any wrinkles that might have formed during the hike.

Bring Wrinkle Release Spray and Safety Pins

Even if you pack your clothes perfectly, wrinkles can still happen. A small bottle of wrinkle release spray can help smooth out any creases. Just spray, gently tug the fabric, and let it air dry. Also, safety pins can save the day if something rips or a button falls off.

3. Be Ready for Weather Changes

California’s weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and/or vary greatly from the bottom of the mountain to the top. It might be sunny and warm at the trailhead but colder and windy at the top. You’ll want to be prepared for different weather conditions.

• Layers: Bring a jacket or shawl you can wear while hiking. You can take it off for photos once you reach your spot.
• Wind: If it’s windy, your dress can easily blow around. This is where a bustle or a shorter dress comes in handy. If you’re set on having a long dress, be ready to hold it down while hiking or between photos.

A couple I worked with at Glacier Point dealt with high winds. The groom had a light wool coat over his suit, which kept him warm without looking bulky in photos. The bride had a cute denim jacket she wore while hiking but took off for the ceremony.

Ready to Hike in Your Wedding Clothes?

One of the best parts of hiking to your ceremony location is that you can take photos along the way. These aren’t your traditional wedding photos—you’re capturing the entire experience, from lacing up your boots to reaching the peak. Don’t rush the process; take time to enjoy the hike and stop for photos when something catches your eye.

If you’re planning a California elopement and want to hike in your wedding clothes, it’s all about preparation and picking the right outfit. Trust me, hiking to your elopement spot is an unforgettable experience, and with the right planning, you can totally pull it off.

Need help planning your adventure elopement? I’ve spent years helping couples navigate the trails in California’s most beautiful parks, and I’d love to help you too. Click here to contact me and let’s start planning your elopement in the great outdoors!

Want to know more about how to choose the best elopement locations in California? Check out my guide to the best spots to elope in Yosemite. Or, for tips on what else you can do during your elopement adventure, I recommend my blog on 50 Unique Elopement Activity Ideas.

Happy hiking, and I hope to see you on the trails!