This blog could easily just be a love letter to Jolene and Joel solely because of how perfect their wedding day was. From beginning to end, these two kept the energy high — with not one but two hikes. Capturing every moment of Jolene and Joel’s Glacier National Park adventurous hiking elopement was truly such an honor. From the serene, magical shores of Avalanche Lake to the dramatic cliffsides on the Highline Trail, I will never forget this day.

Jolene and Joel traveled to Glacier National Park from Kansas City with a deep love for hiking in their souls. After having been together for over 7 years, they decided to make it official and elope in one of their favorite places. Drawn to the picturesque views, it made perfect sense. Initially, they planned for a half-day elopement to just allow for some photos. But after chatting about exactly what they envisioned for their day, they ended up planning for 2 hikes and a full-day elopement with 9 hours of photography coverage (which was a dream). Their situation was case-in-point of why it is so important to openly communicate with your photographer in order to create the day you’ve always imagined.

Adventurous Hiking Elopement | Glacier National Park Wedding

Our time together began with a first look beneath a canopy of lush green trees, surrounded by ferns. We snagged some bridal portraits at the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area before continuing on a hike through the Trail of Cedars to Avalanche Lake. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve sworn we were on the Pacific Coast at Olympic National Park. The haze and mystical greenery created such an incredible atmosphere. Tiny waterfalls plunged down green mountainsides in the distance as Jolene and Joel took in the beauty at Avalanche Lake.

After soaking in the incredible views, we made our way back to  the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area for the couple to exchange their vows. Because it was early August at this time, there were definitely crowds to compete with. But the picnic area offered more privacy, which allowed the couple to feel like the only ones in that moment. Low-hanging clouds drifted above the towering pines overhead, the creek rushing along the river rocks in a melodic tune helped create the most peaceful moment for Jolene and Joel.

Once vows were wrapped up, we split ways for a few hours before picking up where we left off on the shores of Lake McDonald. Jolene did a dress change, slipping into a gorgeous boho lace gown. By then, the sunshine was out to stay, accompanied by the plumpest white clouds. Jolene and Joel perched on a picnic blanket to cut their adorable wedding cake made by Mountain Mama’s Cupcakery. The couple’s two precious pups sat atop the floral wedding cake with a sign that said, “We do too”. It was such a special way to include their pups even from states away. 

Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer and Planner | Wild Summit Photo

We then headed to the iconic Highline Trail for a short hike. I loved how adventurous and fearless Jolene and Joel were, embracing the dramatic plunging cliffsides. The warm, golden sunshine lit up the valley below as we hiked along the trail in the shadows of the mountainside. After finishing up our hike at Highline Trail, we headed down to the valley to Logan Pass along Going-to-the-Sun Road for some final newlywed portraits. 

Documenting Jolene and Joel’s Glacier National Park adventurous hiking elopement was a perfect reminder of just how much I love my job. Getting to explore my favorite place in the world, alongside madly in-love couples will never get old. And it’s all thanks to people like you supporting my dream. I couldn’t thank you more for being here. 

If you’re in the market for some more breathtaking mountain love stories to swoon over, be sure to stay tuned to the blog. But if you can’t wait until the next post, be sure to follow along with my adventures as a Glacier National Park elopement photographer over on Insta (@wildsummitphoto). Adventure awaits!

Vendor Team – 

Photography + Planning: Wild Summit Photo
Cake: Mountain Mama’s Cupcakery
Florals: Mum’s Floral
Bride’s First Dress: True Society by Bella Vogue, Designed by Essence of Australia 
Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic
Cake Topper: Etsy