Sunrise hiking elopement near Banff National Park

While a 3:00 AM wake up call does not sound pleasant (and certainly doesn’t feel like it through those blurry eyes, I can attest, and I think the photos will as well, that it is certainly worth it.

When the hike that was picked out for the sunrise bridal shoot showed to have snow falling down on the weather app, we opted for a different, yet just as rewarding hike, that called for sun. We started out hiking in the dark, headlamps illuminating the trail, meandering up the mountain. Slowly, the light started to softly brighten the surroundings, the warm glow casting shadows over the tips of the mountains, and we sped up to reach the false summit before the sun came up over the horizon.

Adventure elopement at sunrise in Kananaskis

As soon as we reached the false summit, our jaws practically dropped. Wispy little clouds filled the valley, golden light spilling onto the rocky mountains. As with every sunrise, we knew that these sunrise couple’s photos needed to start quickly, so we didn’t miss out on the beauty.

Hiking elopement dress at sunrise in Jasper

Alexia and Tristan changed into their wedding dress and suit in record time, and we started snapping their beautiful elopement photos. The sun kept coming up, and the clouds in the valley kept sweeping in. It couldn’t have been a more stunning background.

As the sun rose, we heard thunder rumble in the distance, and knew that time was limited before it rained on this hiking elopement on top of this beautiful mountain. The clouds rolled right over top of us, so thick you could barely see 50 feet ahead, but it didn’t dampen our mood. The light was gorgeous.

Just as we wrapped up, the skies opened up for rain the entirety of the hike down. But this sunrise hiking elopement in Kananaskis was absolutely amazing as is.