I love making lists. Seriously, it’s how I know I’m definitely an Enneagram 1 – lists keep me organized and ensure I’ll get everything done that I need to on schedule (while also forgetting fewer things in the process). As an avid traveler, I find that these packing lists are invaluable, so nothing vital gets left behind.

While this blog doesn’t provide a fully comprehensive elopement checklist (although my clients receive one upon booking!), I wanted to share a rundown of the basics for those who are unsure of what they’ll need to pack for their elopement! Based on your activities and plans, your photographer should be able to help supplement with a checklist tailored to your day.

Planning an elopement is a big undertaking because you have so many more options and opportunities open to you that aren’t offered by a traditional wedding. And along with this comes stuff you might not have considered – like weather and terrain.

The first thing you should do is think about the season and activities during your elopement. Are you going to be somewhere wet and cool? If so, you’ll want to be prepared with different layers and footwear than if you’re heading to a warm and dry desert. Are you doing to be doing a lot of long-distance hiking or will any walking be short and flat? Do you tend to run cold or hot? Are there any special details you want to incorporate in your day like letters written by friends and family? Details like these will determine the necessities you should have with you on your elopement day.

One way to build your elopement packing list is to go step-by-step through your timeline for the day, taking into consideration what you’ll be doing at each stage. Then create a master list broken down by person, time of day, and activity. This will ensure you’ve thought through each moment versus trying to pack based on a general overview of the day.

With so much going on before your elopement, I find that having a prepared checklist is helpful to tame any additional pre-trip anxiety. Read on to learn my must-haves and other suggestions!

As you might imagine, exploring remote landscapes and having a unique adventure are a big part of the reason to elope. Getting to share your vows against a beautiful backdrop makes for a really special moment. But that likely means your elopement location might take a bit of effort to get to and prepare for!

Keep where you’re eloping in mind – the terrain, season, and temperatures are huge factors you can’t overlook. Many places, like Colorado, can experience a myriad of weather changes throughout the course of a day and you want to be prepared!

Plan to wear comfortable, broken-in shoes as you hike to your location, and if you want to keep your ceremony clothes nice, plan to change into your wardrobe once you arrive. If you do plan on getting wet or dirty as part of the ceremony (how many people can say they’ve started their marriage at the shoreline of a beautiful lake or ocean setting!?), you’ll want another outfit to change into so you can stay warm and dry.

Some basics I always suggest to my couples are:

• Layers! You never know how the weather may change throughout the day (or even on a hike from a shaded, treelined trail to a fully exposed and sunny vista). A thin, packable puffer coat is great because it’s super lightweight and compacts easily so you can shove it in a backpack between uses. If you’d rather go for a more fashionable layer to wear over a wedding dress, I have some great suggestions on this elopement dress blog!
• Leggings: If you are wearing a gown and it’s going to be chilly, a pair of skin toned leggings can save you from chilly drafts, especially if you have to pick up the bottom of the dress as you hike to avoid any puddles or muddy sections. They’ll also keep your legs safe from any unexpected encounters with poison ivy or oak!

• Footwear: As mentioned above, a pair of comfortable shoes is super important! You want to make sure they have proper traction so you aren’t at risk of any unnecessary slips and falls. If you don’t want to wear hiking boots in photos, you can always carry along a nicer pair to change into when you’re not moving through uneven terrain. Also, a pair of extra shoes and socks is always a bonus if you get wet or your feet are tired from hiking around at the end of the day.

Tip: Feel free to send wardrobe ideas to your photographer! They’ll be able to provide helpful feedback on what’s ideal for your day!

And of course, you can’t forget your canine best man or feline maid of honor! If you plan to include your pet in your elopement, don’t neglect their own big day ensemble, water and treats – as well as making plans for a designated pet handler. If you’re going to be out in super cold or hot environments, booties are also something you might want to keep in mind to protect their delicate paws!

Snacks and water (or a full meal depending on your elopement location and the timeline for the day) definitely need to make it onto your elopement checklist. Your health and safety are of prime importance – and that means remaining hydrated and never getting hangry! I usually recommend you bring a few water bottles and snacks, regardless of the length of time you’ll be out in the wild.

The necessities are obviously largely influenced by your location, but you don’t want to leave your plans to the mercy of the weather. I always recommend you bring at least the basics — sunscreen, bug spray, an umbrella if there’s even the slightest chance for rain, and a mini hair and make-up kit, whether that’s simply for some touch-up products or a different hairdo to avoid the frizz making an appearance and stealing the show.

If you’re prone to headaches, motion or altitude sickness, a little emergency kit of medicine isn’t a bad idea to bring along as well. Additionally, as a non-coffee drinker, I love these caffeinated granola bars for an energy boost and then I also bring along some electrolyte powder packets for at the end of the night to offset a long day of photography.

Tip: Ask how your photographer plans for your elopement and what they’ll bring along with them in their kit. As someone who likes to be over-prepared for everything, I have a bag of items that have proven invaluable due to unexpected circumstances! 

Time to set the scene! Since this is YOUR special day, think of how you can make it even more unique by adding some personalized special touches! For example, you could toast to this extremely special occasion with a nice bottle of champagne or enjoy some craft beers from your favorite local distiller. Bring and read notes from your friends and family who aren’t in attendance – and then make them a special video onsite! If you want to exchange gifts, this is a great way to add a special touch to getting ready! Is there a special heirloom you want to bring along to acknowledge family traditions? Lastly, you can further set the scene by preparing a playlist and bringing your Bluetooth player to enhance your elopement ceremony with the perfect soundtrack.

If you plan to set up an arch, include additional decor or a picnic, make sure that your permit covers any types of setups as that you want to include. Your photographer should be able to verify this for you, if you’re unsure! Also, if you’re plan to bring flowers (both live and dried), either to decorate the area or in the form of a bouquet or headdress, don’t neglect your duty to make sure that they’re safe or allowed within that specific environment. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask! I’ll know all the details of what your location will and won’t allow, thanks to following Leave No Trace.

Tip: Make sure your elopement photographer knows what special things or moments you want to be photographed in advance!

I learned my lesson on why I always need a good packing list after heading to Iceland a few years back for a documentary shoot (yup, I previously worked in the film industry!). The trip was super spontaneous and planned only three days in advance, which is not typical for any production, so I wasn’t on my game. My job as producer was to make sure all the details were covered for our crew, but in the midst of scrambling to organize flights, logistics and schedules, I forgot to check my usual packing list. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, I realized that my suitcase was jam packed with four different striped cardigans and one striped tank top (that was a total mismatch). With our hectic schedule, I didn’t have any time to buy new tops and had to wear the same thing for a week, looking very *special* as we interviewed the country’s president and hung out backstage with musicians, celebs, and fashion models during the Iceland Airwaves festival.

So, with that experience lingering forever in my subconscious, I made lists and lists and lists when we eloped – what to bring, what to plan for, all of my vendors’ contact info, scheduling details, etc. I’m happy to report, that because of my overly excessive preparation, we didn’t forget a single thing! But since I started photographing others’ elopements, I realized how helpful a resource some tips might be for others who aren’t quite as Type-A!

I do all I can to make sure my couples’ big days are perfect and seamless, including sending emails and reminders to help you prepare for your wedding day. Prior to my clients’ big day, I also provide the most comprehensive elopement checklist possible that covers everything you could imagine! This 100-page Elopement Planning Guide is absolutely jam packed with info going over everything you could ever imagine for your day! It’s an invaluable recourse if you’re someone who likes to be on top of everything…or if you’re typically forgetful!

If you’re interested in a photographer who has lists that say at the bottom, “see other list” to ensure nothing is overlooked or neglected, then I’m your gal!

Shoot me a message for more info!