A Rugged + Romantic Backpacking Elopement in the Rocky Mountains

Adventurous and outdoorsy bride and groom Liv + Phin were swimming under the stars in the Snake River when they decided together that they wanted to get married, and less than a month later they were doing just that!

“Both of our lives revolve around nature—from weekends spent adventuring, to careers protecting natural resources,” says the couple. “The outdoors have always been very important to us, and we wanted to spend our first night together under the stars, just us. We wanted granite outcroppings, alpine lakes, and magnificent views while we promised ourselves to one another.” 

With that in mind they started planning, and what resulted—20 days later—was a breathtaking backpacking elopement on the Continental Divide Trail in the Rocky Mountains full of epic vistas and DIY details. Photographer Rose of Matlai Photography joined the couple on their adventure and captured all of the remote and romantic energy of their day.

“Individually, we both wanted a backcountry elopement from the time we were young,” say Liv + Phin. “It was always a dream & we just had to find one another to make it come true!”

Liv says she’d always pictured having a big wedding dress shopping outing with all of her girls but that the quick 20-day turnaround between engagement and elopement meant that wasn’t really a possibility. She started scrolling through dresses online right away. “I picked 5 options out from Lulus , hoping at least one would fit, and had them rush delivered.” Liv says. “A week later, I was trying on wedding dresses in our tiny bathroom & was shocked when the dress (that I ultimately picked out) fit like a glove.” Seems like she and the Promised Love White Beaded Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress were destined for each other!

We love dried floral bridal bouquets and dried hair florals for SO many reasons. Not only are they budget- and environment-friendly, they are also the perfect forever keepsake from your big day!! Explore our guide to where to buy dried flowers and what you need to know about them.

Liv’s gorgeous dried florals came courtesy of Hidden Botanics.

Really digging Phin’s rugged and retro groom look! How great are those leather buckle detail suspenders??

“The real incredible element of this day is that it came together in less than a month,” says Rose of Matlai Photography. “Dress ordered, florals shipped and assembled at home, and an intentional morning of vow writing culminated in this exceptional sunset where they said their vows, smoked a cigar and committed to each other.”

Nothing says outdoorsy elopement like a well-loved pair of wedding day boots!

Hiking to “I Do”

Liv’s Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Women’s Backpacking Backpack was the perfect bridal accessory for these intrepid “I do’s.”

We love to see pups playing a part in their people’s big day!! Check out our list of creative ways to include your dog in your wedding.

“Along with our backpacking gear, we packed out a “wedding day emergency kit” filled with safety pins, tissues, hairspray & a Tide stick,” say Liv + Phin. “Just like always packing a raincoat- if you pack it, you won’t actually need it. 10/10 recommend, to relieve those pre-wedding day nightmares!”

Vows With a View

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding
When we were standing on the lush mossy overlook, with a cool breeze on our cheeks, quoting Hemingway, Thoreau, and Edward Abbey beneath the Rocky Mountains... I felt like our life was an actual fairy tale. Saying our vows, with nobody around was unbelievably special. 

If you like the idea of penning your own vows like Liv + Phin did but need a little guidance, explore our vow writing template and guide.

Our list of the 25 best places to elope for jaw-dropping photos is worth looking through if these mind-blowing shots have you dreaming up an adventurous elopement of your own.

Liv + Phin sealed the deal with a romantic pinky promise after exchanging rings from Sam Dial Jewelers.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
Choose a location for YOU two. We honestly chose our location based on the backpacking trip that followed- and it worked out perfectly. We really wanted to hike part of the Continental Divide Trail, since Liv had just gotten back from hiking 615 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, and it looked like a magnificent section to do together (...it was!). We weren't sure how the lighting would be, if it would storm, or where we would stand- we just sent it and Mother Nature did her magic! 

Congratulations on your dreamy DIY elopement in the Rockies, Liv + Phin!! Wishing you a lifetime of adventure together!