adventure elopement packing list

What to bring to your adventure elopement

What to bring to your adventure elopement

So you picked the date and the location and have some ideas in mind but …what now?! Your head is probably spinning with the list of things you need to get and pack for your big day.

I’ve spent the last 8 years planning and photographing hundreds of adventure elopements for happy couples in Colorado, Iceland, Washington, Alaska, Utah, and beyond. Needless to say, I’ve learned a few things about what keeps couples happy and comfortable on their day … as well as what looks awesome in photos!

couple wearing backpacks and we eloped sign at colorado elopement

Who this adventure elopement gear list is for

There are SO many ways to elope! From getting married in Vegas by Elvis to flying to Positano for your dream European elopement. So who is this list for? I curated this list for folks like my couples who are planning to elope somewhere wild – whether that’s the black sand beaches in Iceland, the Utah deserts, or right here in my home state of Colorado.

Obviously there will be some variations in what you need based on where and when you’re eloping but I think this list is a really great place to start!

I provided links below to help make your shopping easier. Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase using this link. Thank you for supporting my small business and allowing me to continue providing helpful elopement content!

Ready? Let’s go!

What to Wear to Your Elopement

Elopement Clothes

Add an overline

Dresses for Elopements

When it comes to choosing a dress for your elopement, the first piece of advice I give everyone is to pick something that you can move in. Think, being able to easily breathe, lift your leg to step over a rock, etc. I have found that flowy dresses work really great for this AND look awesome in photos (especially when they blow around in the wind!).

I’ve found that a lot of couples who elope are the type who don’t necessarily want a traditional white wedding dress. If you’re looking for unique patterns, boho styles, different colors, etc. Here are a list of places I recommend checking out!

I

Add an overline

Elopement suits

Grooms and other folks who prefer to wear suits for their elopement have a lot of options! One of the biggest considerations is color. I always recommend choosing a color that will complement or contrast with the environment in which you are eloping (for example, Wyatt, on the left, eloped in Olympic National Park and I recommended NOT wearing a green suit so that he didn’t blend in with the greenery!).

Generally speaking, darker colors tend to hold up better against the dirt and mud we often come into contact with when out in nature, so if staying clean is something that is important to you, choose a darker suit!

Here are some great places to get suits:

I

Add an overline

Elopement dress alternatives

If neither a suit, nor a dress, is your style, I highly recommend jumpsuits! Jumpsuits are fun, comfortable, look awesome, and fit a large number of styles! Here are some places to look for jumpsuits!

I

Add an overline

elopement footwear

check out the elopement shoe guide

It

I

Add an overline

elopement flowers

I

It

I

elopement details

Little Ways to Make Your Elopement Photos Cuter and your day more special!

vow books

As an elopement photographer, one of the things that I think makes the biggest difference in your photos, in particular your ceremony photos, is having actual vow books. This could be as simple as a blank notebook or it could be (as most of my couples do) something custom to you. Trust me when I say that having a nice book will look WAY better in your photos than you reading off your phone!

Personalized Leather Vow Book

Vow books specific to your location

custom linen vow books

Ring boxes

Sure, you could use the boxes that came with your rings but if doing something custom is way more fun (and also makes for great photos!)! Most of my couples choose to order custom ring boxes for their day.

Custom wood ring box

Personalized wedding ring box

mossy ring box

elopement signs

Custom elopement signs are a really cute way to celebrate your elopement, look awesome in photos, and can even be used as home decor after the big day is over! Signs come in many forms, from ones designed to be held or hung on your wall to ones mean to be hung from a backpack

National park sign

handmade wood sign

Custom backpack signs

food and drink related details

No elopement is complete without a pop of champagne, some sips from a flask, or a picnic! Including food and drink in your day, in some way, is a great way to spice up your elopement (and make sure that no one gets hangry!).

Note: If you are eloping somewhere wild, you will want to avoid taking glass!

plastic champagne flutes

custom flask w/ your names and date

personalized mugs

Wicker picnic basket set

picnic basket backpack

Custom water bottles

Order on Etsy

adventure-specific elopement gear

Outdoor gear for your adventure elopement

Warm jackets

Wool socks

backpacks

Miscellaneous

  • !

\backpacks

more elopement planning resources

Best Places to Elope in the US

Add a Title

Add a brief description to your card.

Add a Title

Add a brief description to your card.

Add a Title

Add a brief description to your card.

Add a Title

Add a brief description to your card.

Add a Title

Add a brief description to your card.