+ PACKING LIST IDEAS—WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT
+ TOP ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT
+ HOW TO PACK FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT

Packing and prepping for an elopement, especially an adventure elopement, looks a lot different than getting ready for a traditional wedding. A lot of times, for hiking and backpacking elopements, you’ve got to carry everything you need on your back—so what do you prioritize?

Don’t get caught unprepared on your elopement day, and check out my list of important essential items to pack!

Note: this list is not extensive—there may be more necessary gear depending on your location/activities. Also, not everything in this list is required for every elopement. Some items are listed as inspiration.

Full disclosure: I include a few links to items I love and use all the time for my elopements. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Wedding essentials

Marriage license — A pretty important item on the list! It can feel pretty hectic when you’re packing, so I recommend starting with the most important items first, including your marriage license. If you need a marriage license for your Washington state elopement, you can apply online here on the King County Marriage Licensing website. There’s a 3-day waiting period before you can hold your ceremony, and your license is valid for 60 days after applying.

Any applicable permits/passes — Depending on your location, you might need to get a special use permit, and/or a pass for the location you’re entering. Contact your park office if you have any questions about permits or passes. Your photographer should also be able to help you navigate the world of permits and figure out what you need.

Passports and other travel documents — If you’re traveling, make sure to bring any relevant travel documents and papers.

Maps — I highly recommend having road maps, park maps, topographic and trail maps of your elopement location. (In addition to being necessary and utilitarian, maps also make great ‘props’ for detail shots of your jewelry and/or stationery!)

Pro tip: In ADDITION to bringing physical maps, I recommend downloading an offline map of the area/region on Google Maps. (Here’s how to do that.) I also always make sure to pin and save all meeting points like trailheads or rental addresses so I can still navigate to them even if I don’t have cell service.
Pro tip: If you’re doing any hiking, I HIGHLY recommend using the AllTrails app and downloading an offline map of your hike, or better yet, use a GPS device like a Garmin InReach or comparable, if you have one.

Rings & ring box — Don’t wanna forget those!

Jewelry & accessories — If you have any other jewelry or accessories like cufflinks, tie clips, watches, necklaces, bracelets, pack them in a secure box or roll them up in a jewelry roll, especially if you’re taking them along on your hike. (You could also wear them for the duration of your hike if you’re worried about them getting tangled up in your pack or getting lost.)

Hand-written vows — Optional, but if you’re writing your own vows don’t forget to pack them! You can write them into a journal, or on loose paper in an envelope. You may also want to copy your vows onto your phone just in case something happens to your physical copy.

Flowers — Optional, but flowers can add a nice touch to even the simplest of outdoor elopements! I recommend small bouquets if you plan on bringing one along for your hike.

An important note: Some locations don’t allow any live or dried florals or bouquets at all, because they can drop non-native species into the environment. Check the rules and regulations of the park you’re eloping in before bringing any live or dried florals. You could consider alternative options like faux bouquets made from silk or cloth or paper.
Pro tip #1: If you want a live bouquet and it’s allowed where you’re eloping, I highly recommend hiring a florist LOCAL to the area you’re eloping in, and ask them to use only plants and wildflowers that are NATIVE to the park or forest, so in case any bits fall while you’re adventuring, you aren’t introducing any new species to the environment.
Pro tip #2: Dried bouquets are my favorite (again, where they are allowed)—they’re easier to deal with, and last forever! They make great centerpieces when you get back home, that can remind you of your elopement day for years to come.
Pro tip #3: For packing your bouquet, wrap in a Ziploc bag and pack it with a small wet towel if it’s a live bouquet, then carefully rubber band it shut and attach to the outer pocket of your backpack.

Attire and gear

Wedding attire — Looking for attire for your elopement requires a bit of a different approach than finding attire for your traditional wedding, especially if you’re going to be hiking or climbing or adventuring around. When it comes to dresses specifically, I recommend looking for lightweight, comfortable fabrics that are easy to move around in, and won’t wrinkle much, like lace or tulle. As for the gents and suit-wearing folks, I recommend a breathable dress shirt and stretchy dress slacks or chinos, and a rugged leather boot/hiking boot.

I have a whole other blog post full of recommendations and things to consider when looking for elopement attire specifically, including some of my favorite places to shop for elopement dresses.

Pro tips for packing a wedding dress: lay it out on the floor, roll it up, and put it in a dry bag, or use a garment bag for dresses that might wrinkle. If you need to pack your dress into your pack, go ahead and roll up your garment bag from bottom to top. You might be able to fold the dress in half long-ways first if it’s got a long train.
Pro tips for packing a suit: similarly, get everything into your garment bag, and if you need to, roll it up from bottom to top.

Hiking boots/shoes — If you’re planning on doing any hiking or adventuring around, PLEASE don’t forgo bringing proper footwear! I don’t care how ‘good a tread’ your dress boots are, they aren’t hiking boots. If you have a certain pair of shoes that you want to wear for your ceremony or photos, that’s totally fine! But please make sure to pack hiking boots/shoes for the trek. If you don’t have any, and you’re planning on doing any hiking for your elopement, go buy some today—and don’t forget to break them in before the big day. Go on a few hikes in them, or at least wear them around the house for a few days if you don’t have the chance to squeeze in some full-on hikes.

Hiking socks — Don’t forget the socks, too! You might have the best pair of hiking shoes ever, but with the wrong socks, you’re still gonna end up with a lot of regret. And blisters. Regret and blisters. Nobody wants that. Darn Tough socks are my favorite. Look for merino wool!

Hiking attire — Unless you’re planning on hiking in your elopement attire, I recommend comfortable hiking pants, shirts, and jackets. If it’s gonna be cold, I recommend wearing base layers. Brides, consider wearing a pair of fleece-lined leggings under your dress to stay warm!

Rain jackets — A little rain on your wedding day doesn’t have to be a showstopper if you’re prepared! Ponchos are good in a pinch, too, though nothing beats a good rain jacket.

Sunglasses — As much as I travel, it seems I always forget to bring sunglasses and end up buying some during my trip — now I’ve just got a whole junk drawer full of cheapo pairs 😂 so don’t be like me, remember your shades!

Extra clothing and layers — No matter what time of year you’re planning to elope, or what the forecast says, I recommend packing extra gear. You might end up leaving some of it in the car, but you never know what conditions will be like until you’re there. I’ve hiked in unexpected snowstorms in Washington state as late as August! As they say, there’s no such as thing as bad weather, just the wrong gear. Here are some extras I recommend having on hand:

Windbreaker and/or warm jacket
Gloves or mittens
Hats
Scarves
A spare shawl or wrap
Base layers
Fleece-lined leggings
A blanket
Extra socks
Extra undergarments
A spare outfit to change into
Swimsuit, perhaps?

Backpacking pack with rain cover — There’s usually quite a bit of gear involved in any hiking elopement, so a good solid backpack is a must. For hikes over 3-4 miles, I recommend a backpacking pack with hip straps so you don’t kill your shoulders. Also, make sure it has a rain cover!

Pro tip: Best you can, and if you’re able, try to practice-pack your elopement packs with everything you’re going to bring (including your attire and your water), to make sure it all fits and that it isn’t too heavy to be comfortable! Your photographer may be able to help carry some of your gear if you’ve got a bunch. Remember, it isn’t a race or a competition, it’s your wedding day. It’s supposed to be fun, and it won’t be fun if you’re miserable and sore and dreading every step, or worse, you end up injured.

Water bottles — A good rule of thumb is to pack 1 liter per person per hour, or you could consider bringing a water filtration system for longer hikes when you know there’s gonna be water sources along your route.

Headlamps — Most often during my hiking elopements, we’re either hiking before sunrise or after sunset. Headlamps are a must! Don’t forget to put in fresh batteries before your elopement adventure. My recommendation: this dimmable Black Diamond headlamp with a red setting.

Trekking poles (optional) — Folks seem to have a lot of opinions on whether or not trekking poles are cool or necessary. Personally, I think they’re great, especially when you’re carrying all your elopement gear. I’m here for a good time, not a hard time.

Pocket knife / multi-tool — Yep!

Compass/GPS — Another on the top 10 list of must-brings. If you’re headed out deep into the backcountry and/or are going on an overnight backpacking trip, I highly recommend making sure that either you or your photographer bring along a satellite communication device like a Garmin InReach or comparable.

Bear spray / bear bell / bear horn — If you’re gonna be hiking in bear country, definitely bring some protection. Not the best way to end your wedding day, getting mauled by a bear. (Also, please, please don’t take selfies with bears. Do we really need to go over this?! 😂)

Whistle — Safety is key.

Lighter and stormproof matches — Another important emergency item. (Note: please respect any fire bans that might be in effect.)

Bug spray or wipes — SERIOUSLY THOUGH. Probably one of the most important things on this list. You’ll want to watch out for ticks and mosquitos out here.

Sunscreen — Another must.

Tissues — Trust me, you’re gonna want them.

Rechargeable power pack (optional) — Not a bad idea to pack some extra power if you’re going out for a long hike. My recommendation: this high-capacity power bank.

Hand and toe warmers — I’m a huge fan of rechargeable electric hand warmers. This one’s great, plus it doubles as a power bank so you can keep your phones charged!

Traction cleats/MICROspikes — If you’re eloping anywhere with snow or ice, make your life easier with some traction cleats! Bring some trekking poles as well if you’re hiking through the snow.

Dry bag — Ya might not end up needing it, but it’s better to come over-prepared than going without and ending up wishing you had one. (If I’m your photographer, I’ll have my dry bag on hand if you don’t have one of your own.)

Turkish towel — Like this one. Way lighter and smaller to pack than a regular beach towel, cuter than most ‘camp towels’, and doubles as a blanket or picnic spread, too. (Plus, use it as a sheet to give yourself privacy when changing outdoors!)

Small waterproof toiletry bag — Even if you’re roughing it for your elopement, ya still gotta look good while doing it, right? Pack a small toiletry bag with some of these hygiene and grooming essentials:

Setting spray
Clean & Clear oil blotting sheets
Fashion tape
Extra concealer, lipstick, etc. to touch up
Makeup wipes
Travel-sized deodorant
Pocket mirror
Bobby pins / hair ties
Safety pins
Small sewing kit
Mini lint roller
Feminine hygiene products, if necessary
Any necessary medications

Bathroom supplies — If you’re heading out into the backcountry, and especially for overnight backpacking elopements, don’t forget to bring bathroom supplies. These Leave-No-Trace-friendly Biffy Bags do the job—and don’t forget TP, either. On that note, I recommend bringing TP to pretty much any park/forest/outing, since park restrooms rarely have enough. (If I’m your photographer, I’ll have supplies on hand for your elopement!)

Portable pop-up changing tent (optional) — If you don’t like the thought of changing or getting dressed in public, or you’re eloping in a place with very little cover, these pop-up tents are great. Fairly lightweight, and super easy to set up. Here’s one on Amazon that has worked great for me. (If I’m your photographer, I’ve got one of these on hand, so you don’t have to go out and buy your own!)

Handheld cordless steamer — If you’re worried about your attire wrinkling, and don’t mind carrying the extra weight. My recommendation: this little travel-sized one.

Food & drink

Picnic supplies — A picnic is a great way to slow down and spend some time enjoying your elopement day, kind of like your own personal wedding reception! Your picnic can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Here are a few ideas for what you might want to bring along for your elopement picnic:

An old blanket you don’t mind getting dirty (or a camp towel!)
Picnic basket
UTENSILS!
Knife
Plates, dishes, cups, mugs, wine glasses, champagne flutes, thermoses
Napkins, wipes, paper towels
Camp stove and fuel if you’re doing any cooking or heating (I love my JetBoil for this purpose)
Decor: maybe a customized sign, maybe some candles or lanterns, maybe some florals to spruce things up!

An important note: some locations may require permits for any elaborate setups if they aren’t in a designated picnic area or campsite, or may prohibit picnicking/set-ups of any kind in certain locations. Don’t set up your picnic along a trail, for example, or anywhere where it might block people who might be passing through. Picnic areas and campsites are made for them, though!

Picnic food — A few ideas for what picnic food to bring along: charcuterie boards, baguettes/crostini with cheese, berries, fruit platters, hummus and pita, cucumber sandwiches, pre-made wraps, or burritos. Yum.

Dessert — A few of my favorite elopement dessert ideas: cupcakes, macarons, donuts, pastries, a small cake, or s’more supplies if you’re gonna have a campfire! (if there’s no fire ban.)

Champagne or other libations — Seriously though, who doesn’t love the champagne shot?! Even if you think champagne’s kinda icky (and let’s be real, you’re not wrong), bubbly makes for a great photo op and it’s one of my favorite parts of the day to photograph! If you don’t like champagne, consider some sparking wine or sparkling grape juice. Or whip out some shot glasses for some celebratory shots. Or shotgun some beers together. Or light up a celebratory joint (ehem, in places that it’s legal to do so… like here in Washington!). Or whip up some spiked hot cocoa or hot toddies if it’s chilly. Do whatever you want, it’s your day!

Pro tip: if you wanna do the quintessential champagne spray shot, I recommend getting a cheap bottle that you’re willing to mostly waste, then if you actually want to enjoy your champagne, consider bringing a second bottle of something a little nicer ;)

You just GOTTA do the champagne shot, am I right?

Other non-boozy beverages — Maybe some hot chocolate mix, coffee, or tea. (Also, if you want the champagne shot but you don’t want to drink, consider a sparking grape juice or sparkling water for some fizzy action!)

Extra water — In addition to the water you’ll be drinking and bringing on your hike, don’t forget any water you might need for cooking or boiling or cleaning!

Hiking snacks — Gorp, granola bars, dried fruit, jerky, all the great hiking snacks for when you get munchy on the trails. (If I’m your photographer, I’ll most definitely be packing some snacks for us all, but you’re welcome to bring your own too!)

Energy shots or espresso shots — Especially great for those EARLY morning sunrise hikes! As much as I hate to love ‘em, 5-hour energy shots are always on my list of must-haves.

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