Eloping in Snowdonia: An adventure elopement in Ogwen Valley
If you’re dreaming of a North Wales elopement surrounded by mountains, lakes and wild landscapes, Jasmine and Edward’s day in Ogwen Valley will show you exactly what’s possible.
In July 2024, I photographed their intimate Snowdonia elopement in the heart of Eryri National Park. They chose to have the best of both worlds. A private hiking elopement in the Welsh mountains, followed by an intimate ceremonial service a few months later at Danson House in London with their closest family and friends. Adventure and tradition. Just the two of them, and then everyone they love.
As a North Wales elopement photographer, these are the kinds of days I adore.
A Hiking Elopement at Pen yr Ogwen, Tryfan & Lake Ogwen | July 2024
Hiking Into Their Love Story
We began our hike up Pen yr Ogwen, overlooking the iconic peak of Tryfan and the still waters of Lake Ogwen below. The weather could not have been more perfect for a UK hiking elopement. Overcast skies, soft diffused light and cool mountain air. In my experience, this is ideal for both photography and comfort. Hiking in wedding attire is far more enjoyable without harsh sun or summer heat.
Jasmine wore a beautiful handmade dress from her home country of Hong Kong, which felt incredibly meaningful and personal. The fabric moved effortlessly in the Welsh breeze. Edward wore a tailored blue suit that complemented the tones of the landscape perfectly. And in true adventure elopement style, they both wore hiking shoes.
Practical. Intentional. Completely themselves.
That’s what I love most about planning and photographing adventure elopements in Wales. There are no expectations. You create your own rhythm.
Hiking up Pen yr Ogwen together in their wedding attire and hiking shoes
Champagne with a View of Tryfan
As we reached higher ground, the dramatic ridgelines of Tryfan unfolded around us. We paused near the top to pop a bottle of champagne and celebrate with panoramic views across Ogwen Valley.
There is something so special about champagne in the mountains. Wind in your hair, laughter echoing into the valley, and no one else around. Just stillness and scale.
And then, as if North Wales wanted to gift us something extra, we were greeted by wild Welsh ponies. They wandered over calmly and stood in the most perfect spots, as if they’d posed for an Eryri elopement photographer before. It was one of those beautifully unscripted moments that make adventure elopements feel magical.
Welsh wild ponies came to greet us during the North Wales elopement
Lake Ogwen & Drone Views
We continued across the top of Ogwen to take in the views of Llyn Ogwen and capture the vastness of the landscape from above. Flying the drone here allowed us to show the scale of the mountains, with Jasmine and Edward small within it all. That perspective is one of my favourite storytelling elements in a Snowdonia elopement.
The mountains do not just act as a backdrop. They become part of the story.
As we descended, the evening shifted into soft golden light. The clouds thinned just enough to give us a gentle sunset glow across the valley. It felt like the perfect closing chapter to a beautifully intentional day.
Drone photography overlooking Ogwen Valley in Snowdonia
Why Choose North Wales for Your Elopement?
If you’re considering a North Wales elopement or a Snowdonia hiking wedding, Ogwen Valley offers everything:
Dramatic peaks like Tryfan.
Peaceful lakes like Ogwen.
Accessible trails.
Wild ponies.
Changing light.
A sense of true escapism.
In my experience, eloping in Wales allows couples to slow down completely.
You can hike, explore, sit quietly by the water, or celebrate at the summit. You are not restricted by timelines or expectations. You simply move through the landscape together.
Jasmine and Edward’s day proved that you can have both adventure and intimacy. A private mountain vow exchange followed by a ceremonial celebration with family later. There are no rules when you design your own love story.
And if I’m honest, I would absolutely love to photograph and plan more North Wales elopements. The energy of Ogwen Valley, the drama of Tryfan, and the stillness of Lake Ogwen feel made for couples who want something wild yet deeply meaningful.
Sunset views over Ogwen Valley at the end of their adventure elopement
Planning an Elopement in North Wales?
If you’re dreaming of a Snowdonia elopement, hiking in your wedding shoes, and popping champagne on a mountain, I would love to help you plan and capture it. Simply enquire using the following button…
