What to Bring to Your Adventure Elopement

So you’ve planned your big day. You’ve got your vendors secured, your location picked out, your photographer booked (the most important part ;)) & your officiant is chosen. But now you’re realizing that you don’t even know what to pack with you! You’ve seen the photos on pinterest of couples carrying full packs up a mountain to their ceremony, but what do they have in there? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! It’s always best to over prepare than to under pack, but you also don’t want to carry an uncomfortably heavy pack up the side of a mountain.

couple kissing holding just eloped signs wearing backpacks on mountain

Adventure Elopement Packing List

The Essentials:

  1. Cell phone with offline downloaded map loaded onto phone
  2. Portable phone charger
  3. Paper map of trails in case phone dies
  4. Water bottles (I usually suggest a liter per mile hiked. If more than 3 miles, consider bringing a water filter so that you won’t have to carry as much water)
  5. Snacks!!
  6. Sunscreen
  7. Towel/wipes for sweat
  8. Bug spray
  9. Lint Roller
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Small first aid kit that includes bandaids, OTC medicines, & any prescription medications that will be needed
banner elk elopement couple on mountain

Clothing & Gear:

  1. Backpack to carry gear
  2. Hiking boots or trail runner shoes
  3. Wool socks
  4. Fingerless gloves (fall/winter/spring)
  5. Hand warmers (fall/winter/spring)
  6. Rain jacket or rain poncho
  7. Headlamp & extra batteries
  8. Blanket to sit on or snuggle into if it’s cold
  9. Extra layers (Even in summer! It can get cold in the mountains)
The White Crow wedding venue at sunset

Wedding Related Items:

  1. Vow books/letters/etc.
  2. Rings & ring boxes
  3. Bouquet/florals/boutonniere
  4. Waterproof bag (for vow books, etc.)
  5. Wedding announcement/invitation for detail shots
  6. Dress, Suit, etc.
  7. Accessories – jewelry, watches, belt, veil, hat, cufflinks, hair clips, etc.
  8. Garment bags & hangers
  9. Perfume or cologne
  10. Makeup & hair necessities in small travel case. (makeup wipes, bobby pins, lipstick, hair spray, comb, mascara, etc.)
  11. Champagne & flutes
  12. Tissues
  13. Cake/cupcakes & plates
  14. Garbage bag

Important Documents:

  1. Marriage license, pens, & hard surface (clipboard)
  2. Travel ID if needed
  3. Elopement timeline
  4. Special Use Permits (if needed)

It may seem like there’s a lot of items on this list, but it’s only because it’s best to be prepared. I highly recommend packing a few days in advance so that nothing is forgotten. To make your planning & packing easier, here are items that I always bring to adventure elopements so that you don’t even need to think about it.

Items I will always bring:

  1. Popup changing tent
  2. Two clear umbrellas for y’all to use in case of rain
  3. Larger first aid kit
  4. Toilet paper & hand sanitizer just in case

Similar Posts