This is one of the most common questions we get asked as couples gear up for their big day, and for good reason — weather is a normal part of nature!
If you’re planning an adventure elopement, we can’t encourage you enough to let go of the things you can’t control. (You’re welcome to try, but nature doesn’t always listen!) That being said, here’s what you can do if it rains or snows on your elopement day.
Prepare for weather in advance.
Know what’s likely in the location you’ve chosen for your elopement. For instance, while the Colorado mountains are known for their winter snowstorms, they’re also known for brief thunderstorms (and even hail storms) on summer afternoons. Due to this regular weather pattern, Colorado couples eloping during the summer months can usually avoid the rain altogether by choosing a morning or evening elopement.
If you’re someone who prefers the snow, a winter elopement may be a better fit for you. But if you don’t want to deal with the cold and wet at all, consider eloping in the late summer or early fall. Or consider choosing a dryer location, like southern Utah.
As your big day approaches, watch the forecast, keeping in mind that — especially in certain locations — weather can change at the last minute. Pack all the attire and gear you would need to stay comfortable and make your wedding day a success. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how well we prepare for it!
Here’s a list of items we recommend having on hand for your elopement (depending on location and time of year):
- Warm sweater, wrap or jacket
- Tights or nude leggings to keep you warm under your dress
- Gloves or mittens
- Hand warmers & adhesive body warmers
- Hat (for the hike back down)
- Warm socks (preferably wool or wool blend)
- Hiking boots for hiking in mud, snow or difficult terrain
- Rain boots (or other waterproof boots) for walking short distances in the rain
- Umbrella (such as a small, collapsible one for hiking with)
- Water bottle or camelback
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
This gear will truly make all the difference if the weather becomes wet or snowy, and it will give you peace of mind and allow you to embrace whatever conditions your big day brings.
If you have guests attending your elopement and there’s rain in the forecast, we recommend having a supply of clear plastic umbrellas on hand. Clear umbrellas are ideal for outdoor elopements because they will blend right in with the beauty of your location, keeping everyone dry without being distracting.
Embrace it!
Weather is part of nature, and it can make the day even more memorable and exciting. Rain, clouds and fog provide a moody, romantic backdrop for tender moments, and falling snow is downright magical. Getting a little wet or cold will only make the warmth you feel when snuggling up with your partner even more special.
Adventure elopements are called “adventure” for a reason. The weather is just one aspect of it. No matter what happens, you will have your special day and all the memories and stories that come with it. Staying open to the shifting beauty of the world around you and the constant surprises it brings will keep you joyfully in the moment. After all, that’s what life is all about it, isn’t it?
Stay flexible, and we will too!
With any adventure, flexibility is key. If the forecast is looking grim, we can devise a Plan B. Oftentimes we can develop an alternate schedule for the day, such as changing a morning timeframe to an afternoon one, or vice versa.
Some other options include switching to a location that doesn’t require a long hike, or moving an outdoor ceremony indoors — sometimes a nearby visitor’s center, ski chalet or Airbnb is just the ticket to round out a day of harsh weather.
Because rain and snow are a common part of nature, our photography and videography equipment is designed to withstand some water. We are always ready to brave the elements unless the weather conditions are truly unsafe for driving and hiking, including flood warnings, lightning, hail, and whiteout blizzards.
If the weather is dangerous, we will try our best to find suitable alternative locations nearby. We also rarely book events back-to-back, so although we never guarantee it, we can sometimes reschedule to the day before or after.
