I’m the type of photographer who loves a good summit, a breath-taking mountain top view. I love when clients choose high summits for their hiking elopements. But I also understand that not everyone wants that, and sometime couples are limited to what their guests can handle as well, if they have others coming along. That was the case for Al and Rebecca. The officiant (the groom’s sister) and the maid of honour were both no super experienced hikers. Because of this, Al and Rebecca chose to do an easier hike, with a nice view, nonetheless. I was really hoping for an epic sunrise, and did we ever get one. I don’t know if I’ve hardly seen a sky with the colours we had this morning. So even though it wasn’t a crazy mountain summit, these sunrise hiking elopement photos on Prairie View trail in Kananaskis are some of my favorite ever.

We started around 4am, and it’s a relatively moderate hike up to the view point. We stopped at the first view point, where the bride and groom got ready in the trees. They planned to do a little first look, which was the sweetest ever. I loved how emotional this couple was, and their love for each other was so easy to photograph. After they had their first look and a little moment, the sky and clouds were starting to turn the most vibrant pink colour. The mountains in the background, painted with light from the rising sun, were the perfect backdrop for this sunrise hiking elopement ceremony.

Al and Rebecca exchanged vows and I do’s in this beautiful private location. I was trying not to gasp as the sky lit up behind them. It was so amazing!! Their personal vows were so beautiful they nearly made me cry! I love personal vows so much and highly recommend doing them!

After the ceremony, we hiked up to the next lookout. It’s a neat rocky cliff, with some very cool views of the mountains, lake and the prairies to the east. We took some more photos here and then finished off the day with some photos on the hike down through the forest. It was a fantastic morning, and helped me realize that even the not-so-challenging hikes can provide incredible views and photos!

If you want to do a sunrise hiking elopement like this, reach out to me here!

Bouquet – Elkae Creative