On a warm fall evening, Steph and Mike hiked up the Appalachian Trail with their close family and friends to one of their favorite spots for their Weverton Cliffs Elopement in Maryland.

Their day was truly so beautiful and encompassed many things I love about elopements- adventure, nature, simplicity, and intimacy. Stephanie, the bride, works in the wedding industry as a planner and while she’s helped many couples pull off incredible and intricate traditional weddings, when it came to her own she wanted something that felt way more relaxed and authentic to their relationship and personalities. So they decided to have a chill hiking adventure for their Maryland Elopement and it was one to remember!

Getting Ready and First Look at an Airbnb

One of the things that I loved about their day was that they chose a really pretty and spacious airbnb to use for the wedding where they could host their families and get ready in a more comfortable and relaxed way. It was also really important to them to include their three pets in their wedding. Since the dogs had some recent health issues and weren’t able to make the hike, it was a big priority for them to at the getting ready space together and included in a way that was comfortable and meaningful. The dogs lounged on their beds and even had shared celebratory cigar toys while Mack, their cat, explored the house. 

After Steph & Mike got dressed, they shared a private first look outside the airbnb. This meant that they also got to take some photos with the pets while they were in their wedding outfits which was really sweet. Then it was time to go to the cliffs! 

Maryland Hiking Elopement and Mountain Ceremony

We hiked up the short but steep path to the top of the mountain overlooking the Potomac River where Maryland and Harpers Ferry, WV meet.  After Mike’s dad performed the ceremony they did a traditional breaking of the glass moment to celebrate as well as sharing lots of hugs and a celebratory cigar.

Sunset Mountain Wedding Portraits

After the ceremony, we got to watch the sun set over the water behind the hills and take their wedding portraits in the glow of the October light. One of my favorite details of the day was Steph’s gorgeous and unique veil from Belle Botanical Creations! Not only was it really fun and unique but it just glowed in the light of the sunset.

Just as it was turning to dusk, they gathered up their hiking backpacks, now donned with “just married” signs to go back down the mountain and off to a brewery reception.

Vendors for the Weverton Cliffs Maryland Elopement:

Photographer: Evergreen Photo

Florist: Whitney Rhodes

Makeup Artist: Beauty by Jo

Hair Stylist: Wicked Beauty Co

Videographer: Steady and Sway

Planner (and bride!): Wild Love Collective

Bride’s Gown: Anthropologie Weddings

Bride’s Veil: Belle Botanical Creations