The Adventure Bride’s Guide to Staying Warm During your Winter Elopement
Hey Adventure Brides!
I’m officially in South Dakota! I have elected to spend January - April in this beautiful but very underrated state (in my opinion) in order to explore it up and down and get to know it backwards and forwards and upside down and every other way possible in order to add it to my list of states I offer to my amazing couples!
Yes, I realize I’m crazy for spending the winter here, BUT this means that I will have a very unique perspective of the state…which leads into this week’s topic of how to stay warm and cozy during your winter adventure elopement! Some of my very favorite elopement photos are the intimate ceremonies that happen in a snowy location. Winter is just such a magical time in nature, and it just feels so right to incorporate that into a love story.
So here are a few of my top tips for overcoming the cold during your snowy elopement!
Layer Up!
When it comes to winter hikes, photos, or weddings, layers are going to be your best friend. Wearing thermal underclothes, fleece lined leggings and sweaters, etc. are a great way to stay cozy on the inside while insulated jackets on the outside can help keep the cold at bay while you hike to your photo location.
My favorite brands for my winter hiking clothes are Patagonia and Eddie Bauer. Both companies are dedicated to safe practices in the outdoors, and really have some great color and style options.
2. Smart & Warm Accessories
Accessorize wisely! Scarves, hats, shawls, boot cuffs are all good examples of warm and stylish accessories that can be worn during your wedding. Finding colors that coordinate with your flowers or theme can be a really helpful way to show your unique winter style while still keeping yourself free from the chilly air.
I just this started a business especially for elopement photographers, couples, and just outdoor lovers in general. When you shop at Aurora Trail Outfitters, where everything is handmade with sustainable materials with preserving the outdoors in mind, and donations to national parks and wildlife reserves are made with each purchase from my eloping clients. Custom options are available and larger items like sweaters and shawls are available by special order.
Purchasing hand warmers and heated insoles are also a wise decision and can be a good way to give some extra warmth that won’t affect photos.
3. Footwear
Keeping your feet warm and dry is one of the most important aspects of staying warm on winter hikes.
As your elopement photographer and guide (especially if you’re getting married in a place you’re not familiar with) I do my best to know exactly what lies ahead on the trail. From literal rivers and larger bodies of water to small mountain streams, I make it a point to make a guide for each couple based off of their chosen location and what they will face on their hike as well as product recommendations for success.
Wool socks and thermal inserts are definitely a smart choice as well.
4. Trail Breaks
When hiking in the winter, bringing thermos bottles of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa is a must. If you’re close enough to a parking area, leaving a car running where you can pop in for heat breaks is a good idea, but this is not always possible for most couples on the trail.
As your photographer, planner, and guide, I provide these hot beverages as well as snacks (because what’s a hike without snacks!) that are high in protein for energy as your body works overtime to keep you warm!
We will stop as often as each couple needs in order to take a breather and get warmed up again.
5. Snuggles for Photos!
While taking photos, feel free to take advantage of your partner’s warmth! The snugglier the better as we do our best to get great photos in spite of the cold.
I’d encourage couples to really embrace the chill and get creative. Have a snowball fight, make snow angels, throw snow up in the air in celebration, and take a minute to appreciate being able to see your breath. These are always some of the best photos in the gallery, and these activities can also help keep you moving and warm when we get to where we are going!
When you book me for your winter elopement, I do my utmost to plan ahead for any type of weather that may occur (even last minute) in order to make a better experience for my clients.
If you’d like to schedule a Discovery Call with me to discuss your winter elopement, feel free to email me at carlie.maggart.kim@dyetheknotweddings.com or reach out on social media to touch base with me!
I hope these tips helped as you plan for your wedding!
Till next week!
