Lucas and Estefania’s Sunrise Elopement in the Catoctin Mountains, MD
Elopements

Lucas and Estefania’s Sunrise Elopement in the Catoctin Mountains, MD

Lucas and Estefania decided to elope in the Catoctin Mountains in Maryland before their big wedding day in Spain with their friends and family. Deciding to do something just for them, they dressed up and exchanged vows during sunrise. Get all the details below.

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About This Sunrise Elopement in Maryland

Photography by Evergreen Photo

“Estefania and Lucas eloped on an early summer morning in the Catoctin Mountains near Frederick, Maryland. Each part of their day was filled to the brim with meaning and intentionality.

While they were having a big wedding in Spain for their family and friends a month later, they really wanted to have something that was just for them and felt like them too.

One of the things that was important was to include a sunrise hike for their day. Sunrise held a lot of meaning for them because while they were long distance they would often have FaceTime calls and because of the time difference, one would often be waking up right when the other was going to sleep so they would watch the sunrise together each day. Lucas is a rock climber and they both love being in nature — they even got engaged at sunrise on a mountain! So it just felt right for their elopement too.

And since the number 8 has held personal significance, they got married on 8/8 and set their ceremony time on their license (that I got to sign for them!) for 8:08am. I mean, how cute?!

We met up in the early morning hours, hiked in the dark with headlamps, and watched the sun come over the trees together. They shared a sweet first look and then personal vows in the most epic spot. Then they had a first dance, and a fun second and third one too, and a rainbow even popped in for a quick hello.

After the ceremony, we filled up on a delish picnic of sandwiches and champagne (they even packed extra for me!) and we chatted with some of the fellow hikers that came through.

After we ate and took some portraits, we hiked back down and played in a nearby stream before signing their license and hugging goodbye. All in all, it was a magical morning.” [Bekah, the photographer]

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Top Tips For Couples Who Want to Elope Near Chimney Rock

“This is a moderately difficult trail, about a 3.8 mile loop. Some areas are steep and at the top of the overlook you must use caution when climbing on and moving around rocks and cliffs as there are some larger gaps. Dogs are also not allowed on this trail, so please be mindful to follow all the park rules. The overlook faces South, so both sunrise and sunset are gorgeous times to visit.” [Bekah, the photographer]

Details We’re Loving

“I loved that they did everything for a reason and chose to get married in a way that was true to who they were. Even though they were planning a big traditional wedding with their families internationally a few weeks later, they wanted to have something just for them and that was really special. I even got to sign their marriage license as their officiant so they could keep everything really personal and private with just the three of us there.” [Bekah, the photographer]

Memorable Moments From This Elopement

From the photographer:

“One of my favorite moments from the day was after their ceremony, they wanted to share a first dance together. It was this beautiful epic backdrop with them standing on Chimney Rock and the mountains behind them. After a sweet slow dance together that decided to keep it going and shared a couple impromptu dances that were more fun and upbeat and they just had a blast dancing together and it seemed like they were the only two people in the world.”

Final Words of Advice From The Photographer

“If you are recently engaged, one piece of advice I’d share is to really think about what kind of day would feel the most true to you. Too often, couples are immediately inundated with expectations and trends from family, friends, or even Pinterest, that they feel obligated to follow even when it doesn’t feel right with them. I truly believe that eloping is one of the best ways to get married if you want to have a relaxed, unrushed, and completely tailored experience. 

Estefania and Lucas didn’t have to have dozens of vendors, hundreds of guests, or spend their life savings to experience the wedding of their dreams. At the end of the day it’s about what is most important to you and how you want to document and celebrate your love in the most meaningful way.” [Bekah, the photographer]

Learn how to elope here.

Photos From This Elopement

 

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