Does your elopement location include some hiking? When in the Grand Tetons some elopement locations are easy to access from the road or near by parking lot. While others require a bit more time to get to. As a Jackson Hole photographer I have been on countless Grand Teton Hikes and have a few tips to share. Here are 7 hiking essentials you may not think of on your wedding day!

Be Familiar With The Hike

A lot of my couples come from out of state, which is so fun! However, before we settle on a hike for your elopement we will need to cover a few things. For example, the trail difficulty, elevation gain, weather forecast, permit requirements, and leave no trace guidelines will determine if this Grand Teton hike is right for you. But no worries! This is something that we will go over before I book your elopement.

Buffer Time

There is a lot to see in the Grand Tetons, and while there for your elopement, you should take the time to see it all! With that said, plan extra time to enjoy the views, take photos, and fully experience your destination. Planning on buffer time is what makes an elopement enjoyable and low-stress.

Weather

Always prepare for unexpected weather! I have been photographing in the Tetons for over a decade, and let me tell you. Sometimes, the weather can take a turn in a matter of minutes! On out planning call I will let you know what to expect for your elopement depending on the time of year. But just in case, I recommend that you buy essentials like a disposable poncho.

Water & Snacks

Adventure elopements are not for the faint of heart! Even if we are doing an easy hike or decide on a location that is right off of a parking lot, bring snacks! We will likely be in the Tetons for a few hours, driving from one location to another. Having snacks and water will help you stay fueled for the adventure!

Wedding Items

There is a lot to consider as a bride in the Tetons. Not only do you have to think of what every other traditional bride does, like a piece of hair falling out of place. But you also have to think of how you are going to hold up with hiking and traveling all day. I recommend packing a bride bag with essentials like disposable towelettes, deodorant, touch-up-makeup, compact mirror, hair pins, and extract hiking socks.

Hiking Shoes

A good pair of hiking shoes will make a huge difference during your Grand Teton Hikes. If you hike often, then bring your favorite pair of hiking boots! If you don’t hike, but are planning an easy hike in the Tetons, then sneakers and tall socks will work fine! However, if you plan to have a more difficult hike during your elopement, I recommend investing in good shoes and breaking them in beforehand to ensure you stay safe and your feet happy!

Headlamp

Always be prepared, even if you don’t plan on hiking in the dark! It’s easy to run behind schedule and end up in the mountains a little later than initially planned. I always bring a light source just incase, and worst case you can use your phone’s flashlight. But, headlamps are really nice and make for fun pictures!

If you’re an adventurous couple looking for an equally adventurous Jackson Hole photographer, reach out!