Before sunrise on a fall season morning, I met Michon + Matt at their Airbnb in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. After packing up hiking and elopement essentials, we drove to the first trailhead in the southern Appalachian Mountains for a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike to their greatest adventure.

What to Pack for an Adventure Elopement

Hiking Checklist

Each elopement is unique, therefore, requiring a variety of specifics based on location, terrain, season, and such. Throughout the planning process, I assist couples with finding what is needed for their experience. I always pack essentials like bear spray, first aid kit, wipes, and a multi-tool. Here’s a list of common basic gear that couples provide with most day hike adventure elopements.

• Rain coat
• Marriage license + pen
• Water + snacks
• Light
• Trekking poles
• Flowers
• Vows + letters
• Rings
• First dance downloaded
• Portable speaker
• Hiking backpack

Mountaintop Elopement Ceremony

After hiking to the most beautiful views in all the southeast, M&M changed into their wedding attire and decided on a ceremony location. Nestled between the trees in a secluded spot that felt like theirs, they exchanged personal vows with each other.

kind words from the couple:

“Working with Julie was truly positive from the start. On my first conversation with her I knew immediately she was the one…LOL She was very knowledgeable about everything from start to finish. She gave us plenty of plan options for that day that fit exactly what we’re looking for. I’m so thankful I listened to her recommendations because she was right about our views being EPIC! (My new favorite word) Anytime I reached out with any questions or concerns she responded quickly and literally had all the answers or a piece of advice to give if that was what I needed. On our day it would be the first time we met, I instantly felt like we had known each other for years. She was on time and got right to work taking detail pictures of my dress and special items we had for our day. After that we got in our cars and started the day of hiking! Julie was very prepared with walkie talkies incase cell service was bad and she knew the route and where the last chance bathroom breaks were. On our hikes she encouraged us to go at our speed, I never felt rushed. She knew all the best places to take photos. I’m so thankful that she was the one to marry us, she did a great job and it was a perfect ceremony, we all (including Julie) laughed and cried with excitement. My husband hates getting his picture taken (like many men) I warned Julie of this fact and she made everything fun and seamless I don’t even think he realizes he got his pictures taken. LOL (and they all turned out beyond amazing, I’d say they are EPIC). Lastly Julie advised of the time frame of when we would be receiving our pictures and was again on time. The pictures are EPIC, Julie has a style that I was drawn to immediately (and why I initially booked with her), it is unique and my pictures tell a story, in the most beautifully artistic way. I will treasure them forever. When I share pictures with family and friends they are blown away and it feels so great to get that type of response from those I’m closest too. In short, we LOVE Julie, she is amazing in her craft and as a person, I’m so glad our paths crossed and we have thankfully booked her for our One Year Anniversary next year.”

Photographer + Officiant

professional third wheel

Ordained through the Spirit of Love Ministry, I offer the complimentary option with any elopement package to combine as the officiant for your ceremony. From behind the lens, I guide you through the ceremony as you exchange your own written vows giving you a truly personal experience. Being ordained in person in Asheville allows me the opportunity to be both your adventure elopement photographer and the gal that handles the legal part in any of the 50 states in the USA.

Elopement Celebration at Asheville Brewery

Sierra Nevada Brewery