How to hike in your wedding dress

Jul 1

You’ve either decided on an adventurous hiking elopement or seriously considering one. And one of your biggest questions is logistics like, how do I hike in my wedding dress? Trust me, it’s possible and you’re going to love it! I’ve created this list to help you decide what is the best way for you to wear and hike in your wedding dress.

Wear the dress

On shorter hikes that don’t require much climbing, I suggest wearing your dress the whole time! Utilize the wrist loop to keep the skirt from tripping you or simply hold up your hemline whenever taking a large step.

Plus, you’ll look totally awesome hiking in a gorgeous dress!

Change at the top

For longer more challenging hikes, consider changing at the top. You can roll up the dress and store it in your pack or even hang the garment bag off of your pack.

Longer challenging hikes are usually quiet near the top - especially during golden hour - so it’s easy to find a private corner where you’ll feel comfortable to change.

Tie at the waist

There are many different ways to tie your dress at the waist. Some brides use a belt, tie a knot with the skirt, or tuck the hem into their hiking pants. There are so many ways to get creative here. This option is great for the bride who doesn’t want to carry the dress on the hike. It also makes it easier to take photos in your dress along the hike. You can simply let the skirt down, take photos, tie the dress back up, and away we continue on the hike!

Shorter length

Wearing a short dress takes away all concerns of tripping on the hemline or train. It also gives your legs more freedom to take those long strides sometimes needed on a hike.

Tips

Nude or white leggings

Even during the summer, mountainous areas can get chilly at dawn and dusk. To help keep you comfortable but not distract from your wedding attire, consider wearing nude or white leggings.

Function over fashion for footwear

When hiking it’s important to be comfortable and safe. Ditch the heels and wear shoes with good tread and support. There are many cute options out there for the bride who doesn’t want footwear that distracts from her overall bridal look.

Choosing a dress

When shopping for your dress take your hiking pack with you. This way you can make sure sleeves aren’t in the way of the straps and you can easily move around.

Your dress WILL get dirty and it’s OK

Regardless if you’re getting married on top of a mountain, along a river, or in a church, your hemline will get dirty. And that’s OK! Your dress is meant to be worn. The dirtier the hemline, the more adventurous your day was!

Your elopement day is all about celebrating your love in a way that feels true to you, whether that's hiking in your dress, changing at the summit, or tying it up for the climb. Embrace the adventure, cherish every moment, and remember that a little dirt on your dress is just a beautiful reminder of your extraordinary journey together.