The Ultimate Elopement Packing List
Eloping can be one of the most simple, pure ways to celebrate the start of your marriage. While it may be far less complicated than planning a big wedding with lots of guests, there are still details that need to be remembered! Many of my couples travel to their elopement destinations, so it helps to have an elopement packing list so you can make sure you have everything ready to go for your day. Luckily, I’ve built a list over the years and I’m sharing it with you so you don’t forget a single thing.
The Paperwork
Permit
I’m putting this at the top of my elopement packing list since this is the one thing you don’t want to forget! A majority of outdoor locations, including national park elopements, require permits to be secured in advance and you want to have yours on. Otherwise, a ranger could stop your wedding day before it even starts.
Marriage license
Like with any wedding, you need to have your marriage license on hand so the two of you and any required officiant or witnesses (depending on the state) can sign it as soon as you make it official.
Vow books
If you’re saying personal vows to each other, write them out in aesthetic vow books beforehand, or have them professionally printed from an Etsy shop ahead of time. Reading your vows from cell phone just doesn’t look as romantic in photos.
A pen
A small detail that often gets overlooked in an elopement packing list! You need something to sign the marriage license with.
The Details
Florals
If you have a florist, they’ll obviously take care of this but if your elopement location doesn’t allow live flowers, you may have bought silk or wood flowers online. If so, make sure you pack them for the adventure.
Wedding bands and rings
Obviously! Don’t leave the engagement ring or your wedding bands behind. If you want your rings in a box for detail photos, pack ring boxes too.
Hanger for your dress
A classic shot at any wedding is your dress hanging up in a beautiful spot. I recommend finding a pretty hanger for your dress for these photos - even a simple white wooden hanger would do!
Jewelry
Will you be wearing earrings, a necklace, or any additional rings to your ceremony? Make sure you pack them.
Veil
I love a dramatic veil shot in the wind!
Belt, tie + cuff links
The groom needs his details too. If he’ll be wearing any of these things, make sure to mark them off your elopement packing checklist and have them on hand for detail shots.
Socks
Of course the groom will need these if he’s wearing dress shoes, but if either of you are wearing hiking boots at any point in the day, you’ll both need socks!
Invitation Suite
If you invited any guests, make sure you bring a copy of the invitation suite to include in your detail photos. If you didn’t, you can order an elopement announcement suite, which is similar but can be mailed to friends and family after the fact. Or you can just use it in these photos and share the photo!
Backpack signs or a “We Eloped” banner
Because nothing says adventure elopement like signs hanging off of your daypacks while you hike to your ceremony or photos!
Other detail photo props
This is where you can get creative. Order a vintage map for the park you’re eloping in off of eBay or Etsy or choose a signature fragrance together so the scent will always remind you of your wedding day. Pick something that feels authentic to you!
The Practical Stuff
Wedding attire
You know this one, but I had to list it on the elopement packing list. This covers the bride’s gown and shoes as well as the groom’s shirt, suit and shoes. Don’t forget any necessary undergarments for your attire either.
Steamer
If you’re having a destination elopement, your dress probably traveled in a suitcase to get to your wedding location! You’ll want a portable steamer to spruce up the dress once you’re there.
Lint roller
You’ll want this for the grooms suit too!
Backpack or bag to carry with you
Before we get any further, you’re going to want something to carry the rest of these essentials in while you’re out for your ceremony! My couples who hike to their ceremony location usually bring day packs.
Tide to Go pen
You can never be too prepared. Grab one of these in case of emergency!
Bobby pins + safety pins
If you’re wearing your hair up (or think you may want to pull it out of your face any point in the day), you’ll want bobby pins on hand. And safety pins are just in case of a wardrobe emergency!
Hand and foot warmers
If you’re doing your ceremony at sunrise (which happens to be one of my favorite times of day for photos!), it can sometimes get chilly. These are just helpful to have on hand.
Layers for all weather
Yes, all weather – no matter what season you’re getting married in! Weather can change rapidly in the outdoors and you want to be prepared. Bring jackets and rain gear that can easily be taken on and off.
Snacks + water
No one wants to be dehydrated or hangry on their wedding day! It’s also a good excuse for photos of a picnic on the trail.
Sunscreen
A lot of brides don’t think about this one! But you’d wear sunscreen on a normal hike, and you don’t want to spend your honeymoon sunburnt.
Bug Spray
Bugs have no respect for weddings. Bring bug spray.
Dog essentials
If you’re bringing your dog to your elopement (which I’m 1000% in support of!), make sure you bring the essentials your canine friend will need: water bowl, treats, and especially dog waste bags because we want to leave no trace! Petco has a really great collaboration with Backcountry for all the dog hiking essentials you need.
The Sentimental Stuff
A gift for your partner or your family
This isn’t required, but it isn’t unusual to get your partner or even the couple’s parents a gift on the wedding weekend. If you chose to do this, don’t leave it at home.
A letter to your partner
If you want a sentimental moment between the two of you on your wedding day, this is such a sweet way to do it. You may want to write your letter ahead of time, or you may want to wait until you’re at your destination feeling all the wedding butterflies. Either pack the letter or pack pen and paper to write it.
Something old, new, borrowed + blue
You may be choosing a non-traditional wedding, but it doesn’t mean you have to do away with all traditions! If you’re into this one, don’t forget to pack your old, new, borrowed, and blue items.
Heirloom items
If you have loved ones who have passed away or any sentimental items that have been passed down through generations, you may want to incorporate them into your wedding day somehow. Add these items to your elopement packing list.
The Fun Stuff
Make a playlist
Not every outdoors location allows music for ceremonies, but if yours does, it’s always a great idea to have a playlist ready! Pack it full of all the songs that remind you of each other or make you want to celebrate. You can play them during your ceremony or just as we’re taking photos to set the tone for the day.
Change of shoes
Wearing hiking boots with your dress? I love it! Some of my brides also choose to swap shoes once they get to the ceremony location, like bringing a pair of sparkly white statement sneakers as well.
Second outfits for adventure photos
If you’ve chosen a multi-day elopement, you may want an excuse to dress back up in your wedding attire again. But you may also want to pack a different look to get completely different photos than on your wedding day! This can be something more relaxed and fitting for adventures if you want.
Now your elopement packing list is complete!
You should now have everything you need for the perfect wedding day, outside of your vendors. But don’t stress if you forgot something on your list. I always bring an elopement day emergency kit for all of my couples! I’ve got you!!