Juan and Elene on the morning of their elopement wearing headlamps

Juan and Elene hiking on Lost Mine Trail on the morning of their elopement

Juan and Elene cheering together on the way to their ceremony location in Big Bend

Juan sees Elene in her dress for their first look in the morning of their elopement in Big Bend

Elene reading her vows to Juan at the Lost Mine Trail overlook

Elene smiling while reading her vows to Juan during their elopement ceremony in Big Bend

Juan and Elene at the Lost Mine trail overlook in the morning

Juan guiding Elene down steps on Lost Mine trail

Elene laughing while the wind blows her dress around as she sits next to Juan on the trail

Elene reading her vows to Juan in the Chihuahuan Desert for their Evening Ceremony

Juan and Elene running around the Chihuahuan Desert while laughing together

Elene smiling at Juan as they sit after their Evening Ceremony

Juan and Elene dancing in front of Starlight Theater in Terlingua on the evening of their elopement

Juan and Elene running around Big Bend the morning after their elopement

Juan carrying and spinning Elene in Big Bend

Juan & Elene planned a weekend in West Texas full of adventure, breathtaking views, and fun.

We first met these two in 2019 when we documented Juan’s proposal to Elene under the Century Tree at A&M University. We later got the honor to document their wedding filled with adventure and friendship.

When the pandemic hit, it postponed the plans they initially had of a large traditional wedding at our town’s Country Club. As the risks of the pandemic lowered they opted to plan an adventure elopement experience instead.

How They Chose Their Location

After having to postpone their initial wedding plans, they wanted to go somewhere with amazing views. They had already been on some adventures together, so they were seeking to go somewhere new with an open vista that they had never been to. We thought Big Bend National Park would be a perfect park for us to choose, as there’s a multitude of amazing trails and hikes they could do together on their elopement day.

We had first planned to visit Emory Peak for their ceremony when a fire broke out in the Chisos Basin, causing closures so we had to pivot to another amazing overlook at Lost Mine Trail weeks before their elopement. Throughout all of the planning process, Juan & Elene remained flexible with a sentiment in mind knowing that they would enjoy the adventure so long as they were both there together to experience it. They had the best mindset with all of the changes in their plans throughout their planning process, and their flexibility and willingness to allow the day to unfold naturally is all we could’ve asked for.

Their Intimate & Adventurous Elopement Weekend in West Texas

Juan and Elene’s RV rental the morning of their elopement with the dark night sky filled with stars and the moon shining bright

The stars above Juan and Elene’s RV rental on the night before their elopement

Getting Ready in their RV

They started their day at 3 AM getting ready at the RV they rented for their stay. Starting this early allowed these two to take their time getting ready together. Elene applied her makeup while Juan wrote down his vows. We prepped and packed their attire for them to get dressed later in the morning once we arrived at the overlook.

On your elopement day, you can hike in whatever is most comfortable for you and makes you feel excited. Whether that means wearing your wedding attire all day or even if that means changing once you get to the top to have a first look at your ceremony location, consider what experience is best for you. For Juan & Elene this meant hiking in more comfortable casual attire and then changing just as we were arriving to their ceremony location.

Juan grining from ear to ear while getting ready in their bathroom

Elene applying her makeup in their RV early in the morning

Juan copying his vows down on paper in their RV as they get ready together

Headlamp Hike to the Summit

We drove into the National Park early in the morning to start our hike via headlamps. Juan & Elene had never hiked in the dark morning so this was an exciting new experience for them to start their day. At the Lost Mine trailhead, we helped Juan & Elene secure their attire to their pack to help them carry it up. We geared up with headlamps and a small lantern and began our hike to the summit, taking our time to take in the desert sunrise over the Chisos Basin. About halfway up, we stopped to take a small break at a spot overlooking Juniper Canyon for some snacks together before continuing on the steeper switchbacks following the trail.

Juan and Elene using their headlamps and lantern to light the way up Lost Mine Trail

Elene carrying her bouquet on her back as she follows Juan down the dark trail

Juan leading Elene along the dark trail using his lantern to light the path

Juan and Elene looking at each other with mountain silhouettes as the sun rises

Juan and Elene looking at each other while holding hands and laughing

Cacti blooming along the lost mine trail on the morning of Juan and Elene’s elopement

Juniper Canyon from Lost mine trail on the morning of Juan and Elene's Elopement

Juan nuzzling into Elene while wrapped in a blanket

Juan and Elene leaning on each other and cuddling as they take a break on trail

Juan and Elene kissing while snuggling under a blanket with a view of Juniper Canyon being lit by the morning sun behind them

Juniper Canyon from lost mine trail partially lit by the warm morning sun

Juan and Elene continuing on lost mine trail

Getting Ready & First Look on the Trail

Once we were arriving to the summit of our hike, Juan & Elene got dressed in their wedding attire. Elene helped Juan put his bow tie on, then she got dressed herself as we positioned Juan for their first look. Elene excitedly tapped Juan’s shoulder and they got to see themselves in their wedding attire for the first time on their elopement day. They got to appreciate the view of the hike we had done so far together. We gave these two a moment to soak in the excitement together before moving on to their ceremony location which would overlook the vast Chisos Mountains and Juniper Canyon.

The perfect extra touch to this Texas Elopement was the beautiful paisley details on the bodice of Elene’s dress from Swan Bridal.

Juan tucking his shirt as he gets ready on Lost Mine trail with Elene next to him

Elene helping Juan put on his bow tie form behind as they get ready together on Lost Mine Trail

Juan putting on his suit for his wedding ceremony in Big Bend National Park

Elene with her unzipped dress getting ready on Lost Mine trail

Elene zipping up her dress on the morning of her elopement in big bend

Elene walking up to Juan for their first look with Casa Grande in the background

Juan smiling while seeing Elene for their first look in front of Casa Grande

Juan and Elene holding hands after and having a moment on their first look in front of Casa Grande

Juan and Elene holding hands and embracing after their first look in big bend

Juan holding Elene with the late morning sun hitting them

Juan and Elene looking at each other after their first look on the morning of their wedding in West Texas

Juan and Elene laughing and holding a pose for a casual portrait after their first look in Big Bend

Elene picking up her wedding dress as Juan holds her with the morning sun rising above them in Big Bend

Elene holding the skirt of her dress as she walks on trail with the sun soflty hitting her

Juan and Elene kissing as they hike up to their ceremony location on Lost Mine trail

Juan and Elene's rings resting on a map of Big Bend National Park hovering over the Lost Mine Trail section

Morning Ceremony Overlooking the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend

Arriving at the overlook was breathtaking and exciting. We all took a moment to take in the view, and then Elene pulled out her veil and placed it on the crown of her head as they got ready to begin their elopement ceremony. They both pulled out their handwritten vows and read the promises they would hold throughout their marriage, all the while the wind blew them around.

They then continued exploring the summit together taking in the views and the excitement of this day. Then we all decided to head down for some well-deserved lunch before the West Texas summer heat fully rolled in.

Elene’s bouquet resting on the stone surrounding their ceremony

Elene smiling while reading her vows to Juan in Big Bend

Elene covered in her long vail and reading her vows to Juan

Juan smiling and reading his vows to Elene in Big Bend

Elene putting on Juan's ring during their ceremony at the Lost Mine trail overlook

Juan and Elene holding each other after their ceremony with a view of Elephant Tusk peak

Juan and Elene embracing after their ceremony in West Texas

Juan and Elene embracing each other at the Lost Mine trail overlook

Juan dipping Elene as he kisses her at Lost Mine Trail overlook after their ceremony

Juan and Elene dancing at Lost Mine after their ceremony

Juan and Elene walking back up the Lost mine trail overlook

Casa Grande standing tall mid afternoon on Juan and Elene’s wedding

Elene laughing while the wind blows her dress around sitting next to Juan on our first stop

Juan and Elene in front of Casa Grande on the afternoon of their elopement in Big Bend National Park

The Benefits of Splitting Coverage to Avoid Extreme Heat

Juan & Elene eloped in West Texas during the summer so starting well before sunrise not only allowed them seclusion and a grounded pacing for their day but also helped us to avoid the hottest parts of the day for our adventure. After leaving we all went back to our accommodations for a short break, nap, and lunch before we met up for the evening once it’s cooled down some more.

To us your experience matters over anything, if you’re hot and uncomfortable that’s going to reflect in your photos not to mention in your memories of this day. We’ll always offer a break in coverage if we believe it will benefit your experience of your day, as was the case for Juan & Elene.

Evening Ceremony & Second Dress Reveal

Though Juan had seen Elene in her first dress of the day at their small wedding with family during COVID-19 closures, he hadn’t seen this second dress and it was a complete surprise to him. Through the strong winds of the day, we encountered an issue in the audio recording of Juan & Elene’s morning ceremony and had to re-record their vows in the evening. Although we come prepared for many environmental situations, we decided to check our recordings of their morning ceremony to be sure the strong winds weren’t an issue when we realized it would benefit them to re-record their vows. Luckily, Juan & Elene were flexible and happy to record a second ceremony’s vows for the sake of preserving their vows.

Elene walking up to Juan for their second first look with a new dress

Juan turning around to see Elene’s second dress at their evening first look

Juan smiling while turning around to see Elene’s second dress at their evening first look

Elene reading her vows at their evening ceremony in West Texas

Elene smiling while reading her vows to Juan for their evening ceremony

Elene smiling at Juan after reading her vows in the evening of their elopement

Juan kissing Elene after she finished reading her vows next to the Rio Grande

Juan reading his vows to Elene in their evening ceremony in stormy West Texas

Elene leaning on Juan as she puts her hand on his chest and smiling after their ceremony in West Texas

Juan and Elene slow dancing in the Chihuahuan Desert

Elene laying on Juan’s back in West Texas

Juan carrying and spinning Elene around after their ceremony in West Texas

Juan and Elene holding hands while running in the warm glow of West Texas

Running Around in the Chihuahuan Desert Sunset

Juan & Elene decided to have a little fun and do a first dance after their evening ceremony. They laughed and ran around this little area we found overlooking a small portion of the Rio Grande in Lajitas, TX. Afterward, they took out a blanket to take a minute to sit down and reflect on their day’s adventures together before we made our way to get dinner.

Juan and Elene running around the Chihuahuan Desert after their evening ceremony

Juan and Elene holding each other as the wind blows them around in West Texas

Juan placing a blanket down after their evening ceremony for them to sit on

Juan holding Elene sitting on a blanket at a small overlook of the Rio Grande in West Texas

Juan and Elene smiling while looking at each other as they sit on a blanket

Juan and Elene kissing as they sit on a blanket together after their ceremony

Juan and Elene embrassing each other in a cloudy West Texas after their ceremony

Dancing at Starlight Theater in Terlingua, TX

After taking a moment to reflect on the day’s happenings, we all drove over to Starlight Theater for some celebratory dinner. Before heading in we decided to do a little more dancing before wrapping up the day.

Juan and Elene dancing in front of Starlight Theater in Terlingua, TX on the evening of their elopement

Juan and Elene’s hands as they hold each other while slow dancing in front of headlights

Juan and Elene resting their heads together after dancing in front of starlight theater in west texas

Juan holding Elene's face after dancing together on the evening of their elopement

Their Second Day Exploring Big Bend Together

Driving into Big Bend at Sunrise

There’s nothing like driving into Big Bend National Park, seeing all the rock formations and mountains tower over you — especially with a beautiful summer sunrise. We met Juan & Elene at their RV again for a second day exploring the other parts of the park they wanted to visit together. Making our way through the scenic drive together, taking time to pull over at the beautiful overlooks together so they could fully appreciate the landscape together.

Eventually making our way to Santa Elena Canyon where we would spend most of our adventure together. We spent some time appreciating the canyon from the riverbed before making our way onto the trail.

Santa Elena Canyon was a beautiful hike and though it is a fairly popular hike, we fortunately didn’t run into many people on the trail until around we left in the early afternoon.

Juan and Elene running around big bend the day after their elopement

Juan and Elene holding hands at sunrise in Big Bend with a warm sun flare

Elene leading Juan by holding his hand as they are both running around Big Bend

Cacti and rocks along Santa Elena canyon on the morning of Juan and Elene's adventure

Juan and Elene sitting together and looking into Santa Elena canyon with the warm sun lighting both of their faces

Cacti along the trail in Santa Elena Canyon in the morning of Juan and Elene’s adventure

Juan and Elene looking at the Rio Grande from Santa Elena canyon on the morning after their elopement

Juan and Elene’s boots as they sit along the trail

Juan and Elene holding hands while walking along the trail into Santa Elena Canyon

Juan and Elene dancing next to the Rio Grande in Santa Elena Canyon on their morning adventure

Juan carrying Elene as they dance next to the Rio Grande in Santa Elena Canyon on their morning adventure

“Oh my goodness!! We just finished looking through the video and all the photos and we absolutely LOVE them!! You guys did such an amazing job! Thank you so much! It makes me wanna go on another trip with you guys! We can’t thank you guys enough and can’t wait to do another project with you guys in the future!”

— Juan & Elene

Juan reading his vows to Elene on the morning of their elopement at the Lost Mine Trail overlook

Things to Consider if You Want to Elope in Big Bend National Park

Drive times between locations

It’s important to consider the travel time between places here. Most accommodations around Big Bend National Park are a distance from the park, besides that driving into the entrance sign most trailheads don’t begin for another 30 or so minutes. So when crafting your timeline and choosing where you’ll stay it’s important to consider how close you are to your destination and how much time you’ll need to set aside to get there so you can plan your day accordingly.

Avoid Heat Exhaustion

Avoid planning anything in the summer, it’s easier to overheat especially here in the desert where the air is a lot drier than in other parts of Texas. If you do, consider splitting your day up to avoid the hottest part of the day, and come prepared with plenty of water for your adventure — as Juan & Elene did. Alternatively visit in the cooler months like the fall, winter, or early spring. It’s important to also keep in mind other visitors are also visiting around those times so opting for a sunrise elopement may allow you more privacy around those times.

Aquire the required permits

Special Use Permits are required for any couples celebrating their marriage in Big Bend National Park, a $50 fee. Here is the form and more info from NPS on special use permits for Big Bend NP. You may also need to secure a commercial use permit for your photographer to document your wedding as well. These applications take time to process through and be approved so make sure to submit for your permits months before you plan to celebrate.

Keep an open mind

There are also so many beautiful spots around this area of West Texas that are not within the National Park that are just as breathtaking. We recommend you look around the neighboring areas and state parks for even more amazing trails and overlooks. Some give you a real adventure needing a multi-day hike, and some give you that breathtaking overlook just a short walk away from the car. The location you choose to elope at should reflect all the feelings and experiences you’re hoping for. Keep your mind open to new locations or possibilities during your search, you never know what kind of places you’ll find.

You don’t have to go it alone in your planning process

As your elopement photo & video duo we’d love to help walk you through this process. To help you create a safe space that lets you both be your true selves while crafting an intentionally documented, judgment-free adventure that celebrates the significance of your relationship.

Juan holding Elene on the morning of their elopement in Big bend