Cerro Mime Elopement Photos in the Mountains of Puerto Rico
As part of Gabby and Ryan’s full wedding weekend in Puerto Rico, we ended our time together with an adventure elopement style photo session deep in the mountains of the island. After photographing their full wedding celebration at La Concha Resort, a romantic next day session through Old San Juan, and an elopement inspired rainforest session in El Yunque National Forest, they wanted their final chapter to feel quiet, remote, and completely different from the rest of the weekend.
After extensive research and location scouting, we set out toward the interior of the island, driving into the mountains near Orocovis. The drive alone is an experience. From the coast, it takes a few hours to reach this part of Puerto Rico, and the roads gradually shift from highways to narrow, winding mountain passes. The terrain becomes steeper, the turns sharper, and the roads rougher as you climb higher into the central mountains. This is not an easy place to reach, and that is part of what makes it so special.
As we rounded a bend along the side of the mountain, we caught our first glimpse of Cerro Mime rising above the surrounding valleys. Cerro Mime has a unique shape that immediately stands out from the landscape. It is treeless and expansive, covered in soft grasses that move constantly with the wind, creating a wave like texture across the hillsides.
Cerro Mime sits on private land, but the owners allow hikers access and sometimes charge a small parking fee. When we arrived, the owner kindly showed us where to park and directed us toward the trailhead. The hike begins by crossing a fence where cows and horses graze, a reminder that this land is still actively lived on and cared for. As we stepped onto the land, it immediately felt like the kind of place chosen for its quiet and sweeping views rather than convenience.
The climb itself is steep but manageable. It does not take long, but it is physically demanding due to the incline and uneven terrain. Along the way, you reach what feels like the summit, only to realize it is a false peak. This happens more than once before you finally reach the top. The descent can be a bit tricky as well, especially after sunset, so good footing and patience are important.
To make the hike more comfortable, Gabby and Ryan brought a small changing tent so Gabby did not have to hike in her full wedding gown. Once we reached the summit, they set it up and she changed at the top, surrounded by open sky and sweeping views.
From the summit of Cerro Mime, the landscape opens in every direction. Rolling green mountains stretch across the horizon, valleys fall away below, and on a clear day, you can even see the ocean in the distance. This is the kind of location couples choose when they want elopement photos that feel secluded and completely removed from busy or tourist-heavy areas.
While we were there, we could hear music drifting up from the valley below. Locals playing somewhere out of sight, the sound carrying upward as if the surrounding hills formed a natural amphitheater. We joked with Gabby and Ryan that the music was for them, and that they should dance again like they did during their big reception a few days prior.
We planned to be there for sunset, and when we arrived, the sky was overcast and gray. The soft light suited the landscape beautifully, but just before sunset, a narrow band of clear sky opened between the mountains and the clouds. The sun dipped into that gap and suddenly the entire mountaintop was illuminated. Golden, pink light washed over the grasses, contrasting with the dark clouds above and the rich green valleys below. The moment was breathtaking.
Gabby played with her pearl covered veil as it caught the light, and together they stood quietly, taking in the view and the weight of the weekend they had just experienced. Married and fully immersed in the moment.
Of all the places we photographed during their wedding weekend, Cerro Mime stands out as one of the most unique and beautiful locations we have seen in Puerto Rico. Its remoteness, open mountaintop views, and quiet, private setting made it the perfect ending to their wedding weekend.
As the light faded and we carefully made our way back down the mountain in the dark, the long drive out gave us time to reflect on just how rare experiences like this are. On the drive back, Joshua and I talked about how grateful we feel that our work allows us into places like this, surrounded by nature, quiet, and so much beauty, while getting to document meaningful moments for people who trust us with their stories. It’s something we never take for granted.
Continue the Wedding Weekend Story
If you are following Gabby and Ryan’s full Puerto Rico wedding weekend, you can explore the rest of their story here:
Their full wedding celebration at La Concha Resort in San Juan
A romantic next day wedding photo session through Old San Juan
An elopement style adventure session in El Yunque National Forest
If you are dreaming of an intentional, immersion forward experience like this, you can learn more about our approach on our Puerto Rico wedding and elopement photography page, where we share what it looks like to plan meaningful celebrations across the island.