Couples are opting for an Adventurous Elopement more and more these days! There are so many reasons why couples are choosing to Elope over having a traditional wedding. A few reasons are; they want an adventure filled elopement day, they don’t want the stress that comes with a wedding or they want to save money! Want to read more about the reasons why couples are choosing to have an adventure elopement over a wedding? Check out my other blog post for 7 reasons to Elope.

Now that you’ve decided on an adventurous elopement it is time to start packing! There are some things that I would 100% recommend packing for your adventure. Wether you’re planning on hiking, doing a helicopter elopement, going horseback riding or anything else adventurous you’ll want to be prepared.

Attire

Attire is one of the most important parts to your day! You want to ensure that you look as good as you want while being comfortable and warm. There are some items that couples may not think about when packaging for their adventurous elopement so I am here to help!

For the Bride

Dress - If you’re planning to get a dress in time for your elopement it is important to get that done right away. Some dresses can take months to arrive plus you may need alterations! When deciding on your ideal elopement dress think about the things you’ll be doing throughout your elopement and ensure you’ll still be comfortable! If you’re looking for STUNNING affordable elopement wedding dresses check out my blog post HERE.

Shoes - Proper footwear for your adventurous elopement is one of the most important items you will purchase. The Merrell brand is one of the best out there as they’re comfortable, warm and waterproof! I have this exact pair and they have been lasted me years.

I highly recommend wearing them prior to your elopement to break them in.

Jewelry - Once you have decided on your gown or suit it is time to pick out extra accessories! Do you want to wear earrings, necklace(s), bracelet(s) or have a clutch? Here are some amazing elopement accessories - See them HERE

Veil - Was it always your dream to wear a veil for your Elopement day? Veils look absolutely incredible in photographs. I always recommend couples bring a veil even if they don’t plan to wear it for their entire elopement adventure!

There are different styles of veils you can purchase, such as; long veils, short veils, lace veils and more.

Mirror - I always recommend bringing a small mirror with you to do any touch up to your hair and makeup that you may want to do. A small mirror that you don’t care if it gets wrecked is perfect!

for the groom

Suit - When your fiance is deciding on a dress it is time for you to pick out a suit! There are so many styles and colour options to pick from. Think about what you will feel your best in while being as comfortable as possible! If you don’t want to purchase a suit for your Elopement you can also rent a suit!

Undershirt - It’s a great idea to bring an undershirt for under your suit shirt incase it is chilly outside! Or for when you change out of your suit and need another shirt to change into.

Pants - Aside from your suit pants it is a great idea to bring another pair of pants! In the case it is cold outside on your elopement day, you’ll have a pair of pants to wear underneath. If you don’t want to be in your suit all day then you will have a spare pair of pants to change into.

Shoes - Merrell hiking boots are a must for an adventurous elopement, especially if you plan to do any hiking. These boots are waterproof, warm and comfortable!

I highly recommend wearing them prior to your Elopement to ensure they are broken in and don’t cause blisters the day of.

Accessories - Depending on what look you’re going for on your Elopement it’s a great idea to have accessories! Such as a watch, tie, cuff links and any other details that are important to you.

Hiking Clothes

If you’re planning to do any sort of hiking on your Elopement day you’ll want to come fully prepared. There are a few must haves that you will want to bring.

Hiking Shoes / Boots - The proper hiking footwear is the most important for your adventure! There is nothing worse than having sore, cold and wet feet when it could have been avoided. We also do not want anyone rolling ankles or getting hurt.

The Merrell hiking boots and shoes are the best for your hiking adventure as they are comfortable, warm and waterproof. They also last a very long time!

Ponchos - Bringing a rain poncho is a wonderful idea as you never know what type of weather there will be on your hike! It will keep all of your items clean and dry from the rain. I always recommend getting a re-usable poncho so you can use it again and avoid any waste.

Wind Breaker / Warm Jacket - Having a wind breaker or a warm jacket to wear over your elopement attire is defiantly needed for your adventure. Weather is unpredictable and you want to be as prepared as possible.

Pants - A spare of pants that you can wear under your wedding attire or for hiking to your desired location is a great item to bring. You never know when you will want an extra layer or to wear something a bit more comfortable.

Socks - Having a warm pair of wool socks or two is a must. Having comfortable and warm socks for your adventure is something you will absolutely want. In the case one pair gets dirty or wet then you will have a fresh pair waiting!

Hiking Poles - If you’re planning a longer adventure elopement with lots of rocks I recommend using hiking poles for extra support. You can get hiking poles that fold up smaller so they are easier to pack away if needed.

Hiking Gear

Backpack - Having a comfortable hiking back pack is important. You’ll need something to hold all of the gear needed for your adventure while being comfortable.

Flashlights / Head lamps - Having a flashlight or head lamp is super important to bring in the case you plan to hike during the early morning or the late evenings. You don’t want to accidentally trip or miss a turn off because you can’t see much.

Compass - Bringing a compass in the case you get lost or your phone dies is also important! This will help you navigate where to go.

Food & Drinks - If you plan on doing a fairly long hike I would absolutely bring snacks. Water and drinks are a must for every single adventure! There’s nothing worse than being thirsty.

Champagne - If you want to add a bit more fun to your photographs and to celebrate when you get to the destination I absolutely recommend bringing champagne.

Pocket knife - You never know what you may need a pocket knife for but you will be grateful you brought it in the case you need one! A small pocket knife should do the trick for your adventure.

Bug Spray - Do I need to say more? If you’re planning an adventure during the Spring, Summer or Fall months I highly recommend bringing bug spray. There’s nothing more annoying and uncomfortable than being eaten alive by the bugs!

Sunscreen - Bringing sunscreen with you is super important. The sun can burn your skin a lot more than we think it can! Even putting a thin layer on will help. Besides, you don’t want to wake up the next day in pain from a sun burn!

Battery pack for phones - Bringing a fully charged battery pack is important in case your phone dies quickly or easily. Having a dead phone isn’t helpful if you’re needing it to get to your desired location and back. Below is a solar rechargeable battery pack so you don’t always need an outlet to recharge it.

Bear Spray - Bear spray is HIGHLY recommended for most adventures. If you’re in the woods or in an area that is known for having bears I would bring bear spray. Keep in mind, if you’re flying to a certain location you can not bring bear spray on the plane. You will have to purchase it locally.

First Aid Kit - A first aid kit is something we don’t want to use but if we need to use one we want to have one with us! You are able to get small first aid kits that will fit in your pack to bring. Before you head out on the adventure make sure to have everything you think you’ll need in it!

Lightweight Tent - If you’re planning an over night adventure then you will want to bring a lightweight tent to carry in your pack! Having a windproof and waterproof one will be important in case of a weather change.

Decor

Vow Book - Having vow books are a great way to keep your vows safe and written down for you to remember. Lot’s of couples spend the morning writing their vows in the books and then at the ceremony share them. These are a great way to add some decor and details into your elopement.

Blankets - Bringing a blanket or two is perfect for some extra decor! This will allow you to snuggle up and keep warm incase it is cold. You’ll be able to sit and have a picnic or even just do some seated photos if you don’t want to get your attire dirty. I always recommend bringing neutral colours but the decision is totally up to you!

Florals - When in nature it is best to follow the No Trace Principles and to leave the wild flowers alone. I suggest bringing in your own greenery fake or real to add in some decor to your day! I would personally bring in fake as it is easier to clean up and it will still look “fresh” in the photos.

Elopement Announcement Details - Make sure to bring any announcement details you may want. Need ideas on ways to announce you eloped? Check our my other blog post for ways to announce your elopement HERE

ceremony

Marriage License - This one is by far the most important, the marriage license! If you’re planning to sign the day of the elopement then you do not want to forget this piece.

Rings & Boxes - Having your rings in a box or a holder is best to avoid losing them on the way there! There are so many amazing options for rings holders.

planning your elopement?

Want more elopement tip and tricks? See my other blog posts for more!

No matter what planning stage you’re in for your Elopement, if you’re looking to hire an adventurous elopement photographer, look no further! I help guide couples on planning their elopement while capturing their precious memories. Fill out the form below to get in touch about how I can help keep your elopement memories alive!