A hiking elopement means earning your ceremony. It means walking through forest, climbing above the treeline, and arriving at a viewpoint that feels like the top of the world — and then getting married there, still breathing hard, still grinning, with sweat and joy in equal measure.
Squamish is one of the best places in North America for this. Within 30 minutes of downtown, you have trails ranging from gentle forest walks to full-day alpine expeditions. Here are the best options for an elopement day.
Easy Trails (Under 30 Minutes)
These trails give you a natural setting without requiring hiking fitness. You can wear whatever you want and focus entirely on the ceremony.
Shannon Falls Trail
- Distance: 500m each way
- Elevation gain: Minimal (20m)
- Time: 5-10 minutes
- What you get: A 335-metre waterfall viewed from a platform at its base. Ancient forest overhead.
- Difficulty: Paved, flat path. Heels are fine.
- Permit: BC Parks commercial activity permit required.
Nexen Beach / Estuary Walk
- Distance: 500m-1km
- Elevation gain: None (flat)
- Time: 10-15 minutes
- What you get: Open sky, mountain reflections in tidal water, unobstructed sunset views.
- Difficulty: Flat gravel paths. Easy in any footwear.
- Permit: Check with District of Squamish.
Porteau Cove Beach Walk
- Distance: 200m
- Elevation gain: None
- Time: 5 minutes from parking
- What you get: Ocean shoreline with mountain views in every direction. Beautiful sunset location.
- Difficulty: Flat, easy in any footwear.
- Permit: BC Parks commercial activity permit.
Moderate Trails (1-3 Hours Round Trip)
These trails add a sense of adventure without requiring a full day. Comfortable hiking footwear recommended.
Smoke Bluffs Trails
- Distance: 2-4km depending on route
- Elevation gain: 100-200m
- Time: 1-2 hours round trip
- What you get: A network of forest trails through Squamish’s most accessible climbing area. Granite slabs, forest clearings, and viewpoints over the town.
- Difficulty: Moderate. Some rocky sections. Hiking shoes recommended.
- Best for: Couples who want a forest walk with the option of a climbing elopement.
- Permit: Municipal trails — check with District of Squamish.
Brandywine Falls Trail
- Distance: 1km each way
- Elevation gain: Minimal
- Time: 30-45 minutes round trip
- What you get: A 70-metre waterfall dropping into a volcanic canyon. Viewing platform with basalt column geology.
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Forest trail, some uneven footing.
- Permit: BC Parks commercial activity permit.
Sea to Sky Trail (Lower Sections)
- Distance: Variable (2-10km)
- Elevation gain: Variable (50-300m)
- Time: 1-3 hours round trip
- What you get: A long-distance trail running through the Sea to Sky corridor. The sections near Squamish offer forest walks with occasional viewpoints.
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Well-maintained trail.
- Best for: Couples who want a longer walk through the forest.
Hard Trails (4-8 Hours Round Trip)
These are full-day commitments that reward you with views that nobody else gets for their ceremony. Hiking fitness required.
Stawamus Chief Trail (First Peak)
- Distance: 6km round trip
- Elevation gain: 540m
- Time: 3-5 hours round trip
- What you get: Summit of one of the largest granite monoliths on Earth. 360-degree views of Howe Sound, Tantalus Range, and the Sea to Sky corridor.
- Difficulty: Hard. Steep switchbacks, chain-assisted sections, some scrambling. Not for beginners.
- Permit: BC Parks commercial activity permit.
- Note: We recommend having Aaron guide this hike for safety and route knowledge.
Stawamus Chief Trail (Second or Third Peak)
- Distance: 8-11km round trip
- Elevation gain: 600-700m
- Time: 5-7 hours round trip
- What you get: Higher and less crowded than First Peak. The Second Peak has the most dramatic cliff edge. The Third Peak is the highest and quietest.
- Difficulty: Hard to very hard. Requires chain sections, ladders, and scrambling.
- Best for: Experienced hikers who want the ultimate Squamish summit ceremony.
Garibaldi Lake Trail
- Distance: 18km round trip
- Elevation gain: 820m
- Time: 6-8 hours round trip (or overnight camping)
- What you get: A turquoise glacial lake at 1,450m surrounded by volcanic peaks. One of the most stunning locations in all of British Columbia.
- Difficulty: Hard due to distance and elevation, but the trail itself is well-maintained.
- Permit: BC Parks commercial activity permit. Camping reservations needed if staying overnight.
- Season: Late June through early October (snow closes access).
- Note: This is a full-day commitment. We recommend making it a multi-day experience by camping at the lake.
What to Wear for a Hiking Elopement
The key question: do you hike in your ceremony clothes, or change at the top?
Option 1: Hike in Ceremony Clothes
Some couples love the idea of hiking in their wedding outfit. It’s part of the story — the dusty boots, the hemline catching on roots, the sweat and effort that went into earning the view.
This works best with:
- A simple, lightweight dress that moves well
- A suit you don’t mind getting dirty
- Hiking boots or trail runners under the outfit
Option 2: Hike and Change at the Top
More practical for harder trails. Carry your ceremony clothes in a pack, change at the summit or a sheltered spot, and then change back for the descent.
This works best with:
- A wrinkle-resistant outfit that packs small
- A changing spot with some privacy (we know where these are)
- Quick-change outfits (avoid anything with 40 buttons or lacing)
What Lana Recommends
“Hike in something comfortable and bring your ceremony outfit in a pack. Change at the top. The hike is part of the adventure, but you should feel amazing when you say your vows.”
Practical Tips
Pack List for a Hiking Elopement
Essential:
- Water (1L minimum, more for longer hikes)
- Snacks (you’ll be hungry after the ceremony)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Rain layer (weather changes quickly in the mountains)
- Ceremony clothes if changing at the top
- Marriage license and rings
Helpful:
- Trekking poles (especially for the descent)
- Blister kit
- Tissues (you’ll cry)
- Small mirror for touch-ups at the top
- Champagne (in a protective case — we’ve carried many bottles up many mountains)
Timing Your Hike
For the best photography, Lana will time your hike so you arrive at the ceremony location during golden hour or shortly before. This means:
- Sunrise ceremonies: Start hiking in the dark (headlamps provided). Watch the sun come up as you approach the summit.
- Sunset ceremonies: Start mid-afternoon, ceremony at golden hour, hike down with headlamps.
- Midday: Less ideal for photography but fine for shorter trails where you want to avoid early/late starts.
Safety
For moderate and hard trails, we strongly recommend having Aaron guide your hike. He knows every trail in the Sea to Sky intimately — the shortcuts, the hazards, the weather patterns, and the exact spots where the light is best.
For easy trails, Lana is your guide. She’ll have scouted the route in advance and knows exactly where to go.
Dreaming of a hiking elopement? Tell us about your fitness level and vision and we’ll recommend the perfect trail.