Austrian Alps Hiking Elopement with Two Brides and a Lakeside Picnic

Kelsey (she/her) and Ali (she/her) didn’t want the kind of wedding where you spend months planning for five hours of chaos. Instead, they grabbed their backpacks, wedding outfits and their sisters, and headed into the Austrian Alps for a hiking elopement that felt exactly like them. With vows by a glacial lake, a post-ceremony picnic and a very soggy but joy-filled first dance in the rain, it was the kind of day you just feel. Here’s how it all came together.

What inspired your decision to elope rather than have a traditional wedding?

We knew pretty early that we didn’t want a big traditional wedding. Neither of us loves being the centre of attention, and we really wanted something that felt personal and low-pressure.

Eighteen months after Ali proposed in Amsterdam, we decided to elope in a scenic part of the Austrian Alps. It gave us space to breathe and focus on what actually mattered. Plus, it combined a few of our favourite things, travel, hiking, our sisters and snacks.

What more could we need?

How did you land on Austria for the location?

We were looking for something beautiful and nature-filled, but also peaceful and a little off the radar. When we found Cat Ekkelboom-White of Wild Connections Photography, a local hiking guide and elopement photographer based in Innsbruck, everything clicked. She helped us plan the entire experience and guided us to a completely private alpine lake that felt like it was made just for us. The views were out of this world.

What was it like telling your families about the elopement?

Honestly, we were a little nervous.

There was some initial disappointment and confusion about why we didn’t want a traditional wedding, but once we explained the meaning behind it, everyone got on board. Our sisters joined us in Austria, and our parents and other sister wrote us letters that we read before sharing our vows. Those letters were absolutely tearjerkers.

Talk us through the day itself – what were the standout moments?

We started the morning doing our own hair and makeup while sipping mimosas. It was relaxed and full of laughs. We had our first look in a private meadow surrounded by wildflowers, then hiked up to the lake in our wedding outfits.

Kelsey’s favourite moment was reading the letters from her parents and sisters. Ali’s was dancing barefoot in the rain by the lake after the ceremony. It was one of those moments that felt cinematic without even trying.

Afterward, we all sat down for a lakeside picnic and then made the muddy, soaked hike back down the mountain together.

Tell us a bit about your outfits, how did you choose what to wear?

We wanted to feel like ourselves and still be able to hike comfortably. Kelsey wore a modern floral lace jumpsuit and Ali wore a satin slip-style dress with a long veil. We didn’t stress too much about the outfits being “perfect” – we just wanted to feel good. And yes, we hiked in them. And yes, they got very muddy.

Did you personalise the ceremony in any way?

Absolutely. Aside from the letters and writing our own vows, we did each other’s hair and makeup that morning, which felt really intimate and grounding.

After the ceremony, we took a cold plunge in the glacial lake. That was… invigorating. Definitely a core memory.

What was the vendor experience like for such an intimate event?

Cat from Wild Connections Photography was amazing. She not only photographed the whole day but also acted as our guide, helping us find everything from florists and bakeries to a local spot to carb-load on pasta after the hike. She felt like part of the crew from the start.

Where did you find your rings?

Our engagement rings were from With Clarity, and we couldn’t have been happier with them. The process felt simple and affirming, which is exactly what we needed while planning from across the world.

Looking back, do you think eloping was the right decision?

A thousand times yes. We were present the entire time. No distractions, no pressure, just joy. It was the happiest, most honest way for us to get married.