Two Day, Summer Mountain Biking Elopement in Austria

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A couple walks two red mountain bikes down a gravel path in Austria on their elopement day.

A mountain biking elopement in Austria is great for people who either love the sport of biking, or are looking to cut down on time between point A and B. Austria simply has miles and miles of single track and gravel biking trails. It’s a fantastic alternative to a hiking elopement if there are appropriate gravel trails around. This couple (R&J) chose mountain bikes over hiking for their two day hut elopement to save time. Since there was a moderate climb in elevation involved, they opted for e-bikes, which are widely available for rent all over Austria. In fact, their chalet was able to rent to them directly, making it all very easy! This a common service for hotels and chalets in the region.

So whether you’re an avid biker, or just considering it to go further, faster, a mountain biking elopement may be a great option for you.

Getting Ready at a Cozy Chalet, First Look, Brunch, & Decorating their Own Wedding Cake

Primarily, R&J knew they wanted a really relaxed pace for their mountain biking elopement with lots of room for spontaneity. It’s one of the main reasons they upgraded from one to two days of coverage.

On day one, the morning to started at 09:30. This allowed them to sleep in a bit, and lots of time to make breakfast. Once hair and makeup was done, they had a first look on the chalet balcony before sitting down to brunch together.

Mountain Biking up the Valley

A couple on mountain bikes is seen very far off riding down a gravel path in the Austrian mountains, framed by yellow flowers, on their elopement day

After they ate, we mounted our bikes and head north up the valley. I often get asked how couples manage their attire with a physical activity such as this. In this case, they changed into athletic clothes and carried their wedding attire in backpacks on the way up.

This allowed them to enjoy the beautiful ride without worrying about getting things dirty, or dusty between locations.

Sunset Vows with Sweeping Mountain Views

The ride from the trailhead was less than 30 minutes, and we arrived at the hut to drop our bags. Knowing the hike up to their vow location was about an hour, we set off asap to time it with sunset.

A couple stands holding up two red mountain bikes with a traditional Austrian mountain hut behind them on their elopement day

Overnight Stay in a Traditional Austrian Mountain Hut

One of the best parts of choosing a two day elopement is using the chance to stay overnight in an alpine hut. These huts are part of an ages old network of mountain refuges, long used for travelers, mountaineers and adventurers of all levels. This option allowed us to stay deep in the mountains, far away from light pollution, noise and other people. It’s a beautiful and immersive experience. Additionally, it allowed us to be first on the mountain the next day. Bonus!!

Hiking to an Alpine Lake for a Cold Swim

Finally, we woke up at sunrise the next morning and headed out for a short hike to a nearby lake. These two were so excited to include a lake swim somewhere during their elopement, and the warm, sunny weather made the plunge into the icy water manageable.

DREAMING OF A MOUNTAIN BIKING ELOPEMENT IN AUSTRIA LIKE THIS? LET’S DO IT!

I’m Mariah, an adventure elopement photographer based in Innsbruck, Austria. I moved from the United States to Germany/Austria in 2018 to chase my love of mountains, photography and a German guy who stole my heart.

I quickly learned I wasn’t the only one dreaming of a better way to get married…so I combined all those things! I’m now a full time adventure elopement photographer. I help other travel and outdoor obsessed couples embrace a “just us” wedding day surrounded by nature.

Join me?

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