Since adventure elopements are generally celebrated outdoors exploring wilderness, you’ll be packing a little differently than you would for a traditional wedding. If you’re a seasoned hiker, chances are you’ll have most of this gear, but we know for many couples their adventure elopement is the first time they are doing a big hike!
Figuring out what to pack for your adventure elopement can be a bit intimidating when you’re not sure what is necessary and you definitely don’t want to stress about it or procrastinate to the last minute! So we created this handy checklist and guide for what you’ll generally need to bring along on your adventure elopement!
Being Prepared
Being prepared is the best thing you can do when planning an adventure elopement. It makes a huge difference from having a not so great day to having a super epic day! As elopement photographers, we want our couples to be aware of anything. Basically whatever can happen will happen, and having the right gear will help tremendously!
We also try to be prepared as much as possible to help fill in the gaps of things our couples might forget to bring such as a speaker, snacks, headlamps, hand warmers, etc.! So even if you forget something, chances are we’ll be ready to bring backups!
Elopement Checklist:
- Vow Book
- Rings
- Wedding attire/ Accessories
- Marriage Licence
- Permits (if applicable)
- Any Important travel documents (passport, plane tickets)
- Florals (bouquet..)
Adventure Gear Checklist:
- Backpack
- Hiking Boots
- Extra Socks
- Warm layers
- Head Lamps
- Water
- Snacks
- Blanket
- Sunscreen
Adventure Gear for Your Elopement
Backpacks
- If you’re doing any hiking or exploring, you’ll most likely need a backpack to carry all your items. Things such as snacks, sweaters, water, etc. If you’re planning on packing your elopement dress you’ll want to make sure you choose a bigger backpack than can hold your dress and consider keeping your dress in a garment bag safe in your backpack.
- Choosing a backpack with a good strap and one that is easily accessible to water is also essential.
Recommendations:
Osprey Tempest 20 Pack and Ospreys Stratos 24 Pack are highly recommended for hiking because of their overall comfort and functionality and best for day hikes
REI Co-op Trail – REI makes a similar backpack to the Osprey one but is more budget friendly!
Hiking Boots
- We definitely don’t recommend wearing heels/dress shoes or flats, or sandals on your elopement day. You are more than welcome to change into different shoes once we get to your destination but most of the time our couples will wear their hiking boots the whole time! Trust us you’ll look epic wearing your wedding attire and hiking boots!
- For most adventure elopements you’ll definitely need to wear hiking boots or at least shoes with good traction even on easier hikes. Traction is key since we don’t want you to slip or fall. Of course you’ll want to make sure shoes are also super comfy since you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet!
- Also make sure if you’re buying hiking boots for the first time, you take the time to break them in and get used to them before wearing them on your big day.
Recommendations:
Danner Boots– High quality leather boots, classic hiking boots
Merrell– Great options for winter hiking
Chaco– Great hiking/walking sandal for those summer elopements
Socks
- I’m sure everyone knows that feeling of stepping in something wet with socks on(cringe!) imagine on your elopement day, stepping in a puddle and having to hike the rest of the way in wet socks! Bringing extra socks will be a great addition on your elopement gear packing list.
- Of course you’ll want to make sure you have good socks if you’re having an elopement during winter. Keeping your extremities warm is essential for hiking in colder temperatures.
- Having a good pair of socks are also essential from preventing blisters!
Recommendation:
Darn Tough– Best for overall quality and comfort also come with a lifetime guarantee!
Headlamps
- Super important for sunrise and sunset elopements! If we’re hiking up or back from a location in the dark, you’ll want to make sure your hands are free and having headlamps is way more convenient than having to hold a flashlight the whole time.
- This also makes for some super cool photos of the two of you!
Recommendation:
Layers
- We all know weather can be unpredictable. So being prepared by bringing the necessary layers will be a lifesaver! You want to make sure you know how to properly layer up. Here’s a great article on how to layer up by REI
- Let’s start with a base layer; we suggest leggings you can wear under your dress and having it match your skin color will be great for photos!
- Mid layers are things like sweaters or shawls. Having a nice sweater can be a great accessory for your elopement attire and will keep you warm!
- Outer layers such as jackets, we suggest wearing something you’ll be okay being photographed in! Even puffy jackets can look awesome, so if it keeps you warm and comfy bring it!
- Try and remember to choose a layer that is good for packability.
Water!
- Water! We can’t stress enough how important it is to be hydrated! That’s the last thing we want is for you to not be hydrated enough and start to feel sick or develop a headache. Bringing a big enough water bottle or even a water pack is a main necessity to bring with you for your adventure elopement.
Recommendations:
Hydro Flask– seriously love our Hydro Flask! It’s great for long hikes and stays cold for 12+ hours
Osprey Skimmer 16 Hydration Pack and Osprey Skarab 18 – Great option for medium hikes because of how comfortable it is and how much water it can hold
Food/Snacks
- During your adventure elopement you want to make sure your energy level is up. Bring some snacks to ensure you have the energy to do any hikes. Plus we know there are a few of you out there who get hangry after a while of not eating so packing some snacks or even a nice lunch will help!
- If you want to step it up a bit and bring more food options, bringing a camping stove is also a great idea if you want to prepare food while you’re hiking.
- Having a good cooler to store all your food is essential too, you’ll want to make sure it’s not too big that it will be hard to carry around.
Recommendation:
Blanket
- On your hike you might want to take a break and soak in the scenery! We totally recommend bringing a blanket to relax on. It gives you a bit of a break and of course makes for some great photos of the two of you together!
- It’s also great if you decide to bring a small picnic, or eat a few snacks this way you’ll have something to sit on and enjoy your meal.
Recommendations:
Rumpl– They have really cool packable and lightweight blankets, it’s also great for keeping you warm
Sunscreen
- Sunscreen is always important, but if you plan on being outside for a long period of time wearing sunscreen and applying it as recommended will help prevent sunburns and who wants to start married life with a sunburn!
- REI actually did a whole post on how to choose the right sunscreen!
Recommendation:
Neutrogena- I personally love the neutrogena brand sunscreen works great with makeup and they have great options for different skin types
So that’s our essential gear list when it comes to packing for your adventure elopement! Of course this might not always apply to your specific elopement. Depending on location and season you plan on having your adventure elopement you might not need this or you might need more! Your adventure elopement photographer will help to make sure you’re prepared and will help guide you on what to pack!
Ready For Your Elopement!
We hope this helps getting you started on your elopement packing list! If you’re ready to start your adventure elopement journey get in touch so we can start planning your epic elopement day!
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For those who want to start their lives together with an adventure