For their first wedding anniversary, Gabby and Mike decided to celebrate in a way that truly reflected their love story—a Franconia Ridge wedding session! After having a big wedding, they still longed for photos of themselves in their wedding attire, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the White Mountains. Franconia Ridge was the perfect choice, as it was one of the first hikes they ever did together as a couple. It only made sense to return to this special place, wedding outfits and all, to mark one year of marriage with an epic mountain adventure.

Hiking the Franconia Ridge Loop

Let’s be real—Franconia Ridge is no walk in the park. This trail is HARD. The full loop covers about nine miles and features some seriously steep sections, rocky terrain, and over 3,800 feet of elevation gain. It took us a full eight hours to complete the hike, but every step was worth it for those jaw-dropping views.

We started our journey up Falling Waters Trail, making our way past cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. The climb was tough, but reaching Little Haystack and stepping onto the ridge made it all worth it. There’s truly nothing like hiking above the tree line, with panoramic views stretching in every direction. After capturing some incredible shots along the ridge, we continued the trek to Mt. Lafayette, where we found ourselves partially enveloped in a cloud—an ethereal and humbling experience. We then descended via Old Bridle Path, making a well-earned pit stop at Greenleaf Hut for their famous hut lemonade.

Franconia Ridge AllTrails Guide

If you’re considering hiking the Franconia Ridge Loop, do yourself a favor and check out the AllTrails guide first. This trail is as rewarding as it is challenging, and being prepared is key. Here’s the AllTrails link so you can see exactly what you’re getting yourself into before lacing up your hiking boots.

The Unpredictable Weather of Franconia Notch State Park

When we first stepped onto the ridge, we were greeted with cloudy skies with moments of sun and hazy but good visibility. The 360-degree views from the ridge are unreal, making it one of the most breathtaking hikes in the White Mountains. But as any seasoned hiker knows, weather in the Whites can change in an instant. By the time we reached Mt. Lafayette, clouds had rolled in, and we watched as the ridge we had just hiked disappeared into the mist behind us. It was a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and why hikers should always come prepared. If you’re planning a Franconia Ridge wedding session, or any adventure in the White Mountains, I highly recommend getting a Hike Safe card—because you never know what the mountains have in store!

Beyond the Wedding Day: Capturing Your Next Adventure

Just because your big wedding day has passed doesn’t mean you can’t create new memories in your wedding attire! If you and your partner dream of adventure-filled photos that truly reflect your story—whether that’s hiking, rock climbing, biking, or even just sharing an ice cream—I’d love to capture those moments for you. There’s no rule saying you can’t slip back into your wedding attire and head out on the adventure session of your dreams. Let’s make it happen!