If you’ve made your way here, that means you’re planning an adventure elopement—how exciting! As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I wanted to create this comprehensive elopement packing list so that you can rest assured knowing that you have everything you need to have the best experience possible.
Let’s dive into what you need to bring with you for your adventure elopement and how you can prepare.
Adventure Elopement Packing List
My first piece of advice is to consider printing this checklist out or bookmarking this page to come back to when you need it so that you can make sure you have everything on this list.
Here’s your ultimate adventure elopement packing list:
Ceremony items
- Marriage License and a blue or black pen to sign it
- Ceremony permit (if applicable)
- National Park Pass (if applicable)
- Wedding rings in ring boxes
- Vow books
- Florals (bouquet, boutonniere)
Clothing
- An extra change of clothes
- Comfortable shoes such as hiking boots. When it comes to hiking boots make sure that you wear them in before your elopement and that they fit well and are waterproof.
- Layers – this can be leggings, jackets, shawls, whatever is going to keep you warm
- An extra pair of socks and shoes
- Consider a Bridal Buddy – a Bridal Buddy protects your gown from any wetness or dirt
Miscellaneous
- Headlamps, lanterns, or flashlights for either before sunrise or after the sun has set. Don’t just rely on a phone flashlight if you are planning to be out in the dark.
- Water – be sure to bring more than you think you’ll need, especially if you are going to be hiking
- Backpacks
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer (trust me on this one!)
- Umbrellas – as necessary based on the forecast. If you do need to bring umbrellas it’s great to bring clear umbrellas along with you so they aren’t distracting in the photos.
- Snacks
- Stain remover
- A mini first aid kit with bandaids, tape, tweezers, medication, etc.
- A mini prep kit that can include items like a comb, hair gel, brush, makeup, deodorant, handheld mirror, etc.
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Picnic items (optional)
- Map, phone, and power bank
- Bear spray – if you are eloping in the mountains bringing bear spray along is never a bad idea. However, with that being said make sure that you research beforehand if in the location you are eloping bear spray is permitted and/or required
For your winter adventure elopement
- Sunscreen – yes you still need sunscreen even if you’re planning to have a winter elopement!
- Hand warmers
- Cold resistant gloves
- Lots of layers such as rain jackets, fleeces, or windbreakers. If you are planning to have your elopement on a cliff, mountain, etc, the weather can change quite a bit when you get to the summit so it’s good to be prepared
- Fleece tights for under a dress and additional items such as hats, scarfs, and gloves
- A blanket
For your summer adventure elopement
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Natural bug spray
- A towel (or something similar to wipe away any excess sweat)
- Extra bottles of water
- Baby powder – this will help you absorb sweat
How to Prepare for Your Adventure Elopement
Outside of checking everything off your adventure elopement packing list, there are a couple of other things you can do in advance to make the day of your elopement feel easy and go much more smoothly such as:
Picking your location
When deciding where to elope, consider your physical level of fitness and the time of year. If you are planning an elopement in the mountains, you’ll want to know beforehand if the hike to your designated spot involves rock scrambling, high altitudes, or a long trek.
If this is unfamiliar territory for you, you and your partner will want to plan and prepare beforehand. The day of your elopement shouldn’t be the day you choose to go outside of your comfort zone and try your most difficult hike.
Before your elopement (if necessary) start training and do your research on the area that you’ve chosen. Download maps, break in the shoes you’ll be wearing, practice packing your backpack, and if you can, do a practice hike to your ceremony spot before your elopement to get more familiar with the terrain.
Also, when it comes to the time of year, there can be many times throughout the year when weather in the mountains can fluctuate and be unpredictable. This is the same with the ocean. If you are planning to elope next to the sea, you’ll need to take into account the changing tides, wind, and weather forecast.
Make sure you have a backup plan
When it comes to an adventure elopement, it’s best to keep an open mind. As I mentioned earlier, the weather can be unpredictable, and any number of unexpected circumstances can arise, such as the trail to your ceremony spot being inaccessible on the day of your elopement, conditions being unsafe, etc.
Remember, if any of this happens, the best thing you can do is let go of control and stay flexible.
My pro tip is to always have a backup location (or multiple backup locations) that you can use in case things don’t go according to plan. This will allow you to feel much less stressed in case on the day of your elopement you discover that you have to change locations.
Hire an experienced elopement photographer
Photographing an elopement that involves hiking to a mountain, a secluded spot in the forest, a waterfall, a national park, etc. isn’t something that every photographer has experience with. An adventure elopement is more difficult, so you’ll want to work with someone who is familiar with the area where you are having your elopement.
Also, an experienced elopement photographer can provide you with helpful advice when planning your elopement including telling you things you might not have realized you needed to do.
Trust me when I say it is much better to work with someone for your adventure elopement who not only knows what they’re doing but is well-prepared to help you with any challenges or unforeseen circumstances that arise.
Now You Are Ready to Plan Your Adventure Elopement
I hope that you found this adventure elopement packing list helpful and that you feel more prepared for what you need to do to prepare for your epic adventure elopement.
And…if you’re still looking for the perfect elopement photographer, I’m here to capture every moment of your adventure elopement with a whole lot of heart. Your elopement is your day, and that means it can be anything you want it to be, so let’s chat about what that looks like. You can contact me here or learn more about my elopement services here.
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