Packing the right gear is essential to making sure your elopement day runs smoothly, which is why I’ve put together this guide to walk you through everything you need for your adventure elopement. As an elopement photographer, avid hiker, and a former bridal seamstress, I have some great tips and tricks to share with you that will help you prepare for every aspect of your adventure elopement!
I’m so excited to share this with you. So let’s dive in!
Elopement Attire
Dress
If you’ll be hiking to your ceremony location, you can carry your dress in your pack, put it into a garment bag and hang it from your pack, or you can hike in it if it’s a short hike.
Worried about wrinkles?
If you’re worried about your garments getting wrinkled during your hike, here are some tips! First off, I used to work in a bridal shop and so I have first hand experience working with wedding dresses. Most dresses don’t wrinkle as easy as you might think!
The day before your elopement, steam your dress and get all the wrinkles out. Wait until the day of your elopement to pack it. When you do, roll it or fold it gently inside of a garment bag. When you are ready to change into it, it should be in good shape! If you’re really concerned, get some Wrinkle Ease and spray it on just before changing into it.
You can follow these same tips for your tux as well!
Tux
If you’ll be wearing a tuxedo or suit, make sure you bring all the pieces! This includes the shirt, jacket, pants, and vest. See the above tips on keeping it all wrinkle free!
Shoes
I would highly recommend bringing a second set of shoes to change between hiking and your wedding attire (unless you want to wear your hiking boots all day). If you do opt for dress shoes, I recommend keeping to a small, chunky heel since you’ll be out on rocky, uneven ground.
Elopement Accessories
Veil & Hair Accessories
Don’t forget your beautiful accessories like your veil, flowers for your hair, headband or anything else you decide on.
Tie
Whether you decide on a bowtie or a dress tie, make sure you put it in your pack so you don’t forget it! I also recommend packing an extra for just in case.
Jewelry
Keep your jewelry safe by storing it in a designated bag that zips closed to keep it safe and sound. This might include rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, or watches.
Boutonniere
If you hired a florist to create your boutonniere, you can keep it in the box it was delivered in or carry it yourself.
Makeup & Hair Supplies
Unless you hire a hair & makeup artist for your elopement day, bring some of your essentials with you to touch up after your hike. Some essentials to have would be foundation, setting powder, brushes, hairspray, and bobby pins.
Ceremony Items
Vow Books
Remember to bring a physical copy of your vows, whether that’s hand written in a fancy vow booklet or printed from your computed. Reading them from paper vs. your phone is so much more personal and feels more connected to the moment, but it’s always a good idea to have a copy on your phone for just in case.
Rings+Box
You don’t want to forget your wedding rings! Bring them in a ring box so you can keep them safe and easily locate them in your bag.
Marriage Certificate
Make sure your officiant brings a copy of the marriage certificate for you to sign right after your ceremony.
Pen to Sign Marriage Certificate
Lastly, don’t forget a pen to sign your marriage certificate! Make sure it’s blue or black ink.
Hiking Gear
Comfy Hiking Clothes
Wear something comfy and easy to hike in. The time of year and location of your elopement will determine exactly what kind of gear you’ll need, so keep that in mind when choosing what to wear.
Outer Layers
It’s always a good idea to bring layers with you when hiking, even if it’s in the middle of Summer. Depending on the location and season of your elopement, you may want to bring a rain jacket, a fleece, or even a puffy jacket.
Hiking Boots
Wear whatever your proffered hiking shoes are. Hiking boots or trail runners will be ideal, as they are made to provide support and traction needed. If you’re not an avid hiker already, I highly recommend going to your local REI or outdoors store to find your perfect shoes. You’ll want to break them in before your elopement if possible by going on a few hikes or just wearing them when running errands.
Socks
You’ll want a nice pair of socks to keep your feet warm and comfy during your hike. Just about anything will do, but wool socks are usually the recommended. If you’re not looking to invest in socks, Columbia has some nice cotton/wool blends that are great and are my personal favorites!
Extra Set of Clothes (and socks!)
It’s always a good idea to bring some extra clothes with you. At the very least, I recommend bringing an extra set of socks. If your feet end up wet, nothing will feel better than a fresh, dry pair of socks.
A Good Pack
Again, if you’re not already a hiker, I highly recommend going to your local outdoors store and getting fitted for a pack. A poorly fitted pack can make even an easy hike miserable, and that’s the last thing you want on your elopement day. Some good brands are Osprey, Gregory, and REI and I’d recommend a size between 28-40L to have room for all of your clothes and supplies for your day.
Cold Weather Items
If you’re eloping during the winter or at a location that is cold, there are some additional items to consider bringing.
- Hat
- Scarf
- Shawl
- Puffy Jacket
- Fleece leggings (preferably in a nude color)
- Ear muffs
The 10 Essentials for Hiking
There is a list of gear that you should always have with you when hiking known as The 10 Essentials. They’re basic gear and equipment that will keep you prepared for a variety of possible circumstances you could encounter while out exploring.
- Navigation: This can be a paper map, a digital map, GPS device, or satellite messenger.
- Headlamp: Whether you plan on being out in the dark or not, it’s best to carry a light source other than your phone for just in case (and don’t forget the extra batteries!)
- Sun Protection: This can include sunglasses, sun-protective clothes, sunscreen, and a hat.
- First Aid: Including foot care and insect repellent (if needed).
- Knife: A lightweight knife plus a gear repair kit
- Fire: You need some way to create heat. This can include waterproof matches, a lighter, and tinder. I personally love to carry cotton balls and a ferro rod.
- Shelter: Can be an emergency bivy or at the very least, an emergency blanket.
- Extra Food: It’s always best to bring more food than you plan on needing, for just in case.
- Extra Water: Always bring more water than you think you’ll need. Even better, bring a water filter if you’ll be in an area with access to water (I like the Sawyer Squeeze with a Smart Water bottle)
- Extra Clothes: Again, bring extra layers beyond what you think you’ll need.
If you’ll be in bear country, you should also carry bear spray if it’s legal where you’re going. You also want to make sure you know how to use it.
Miscellaneous
Personal Items
Remember to pack items such as your ID, cash or cards, lip balm, tissues, and any other personal essentials you might need throughout the day.
Toiletries
Bring some toilet paper, baby wipes, tampons, and any other toiletries you may need during your elopement.
Necessary Documents
Remember to bring a printed copy of your necessary permits, parking passes, or special use permits.
Snacks
Snacks are always good to have on hand when hiking! Bring more than you think you’ll need.
Water
Don’t forget to hydrate! Again, bring more than you think you’ll need.
Other Items to Consider Brining:
- Clear Umbrella’s
- Doggy Bags (can be used as a mini trash bag!)
- Lanterns
- Picnic Blanket
DIY Elopement Emergency Kit
Sewing Supplies
Some thread, a needle, and scissors are always a good thing to have on hand. Make sure you have a color that matches whatever you’re wearing.
Fashion Tape
This stuff is pure magic! It’s basically double sided tape for fabric. Dress slipping? Tape it. Tie blowing awkwardly in the wind? Tape it. I used this stuff all the time in my costuming days and it comes in handy for so many things! You can get it at Joann’s or online on Amazon!
Some other items to have on hand include:
- Extra Hair Ties
- Bobby Pins
- Tweezers
- Moleskin
- Tissues
- Lint Roller
- Nail File
- Nail Clippers
- Compact Mirror
- Floss
- Tide-to-Go Pen
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Eye Drops
- Aspirin
I hope that this packing list is helpful for planning your adventure elopement! Packing the right gear will help your day run smoothly, but remember that no matter what happens, the day is all about your and your spouse committing to love each other forever.
Happy Eloping!
