Elopement Checklist: 16 Things to Pack for Your Elopement
As an adventure elopement photographer, one of the most common questions I hear is, “What should we pack for our elopement?” So after shooting hundreds of elopements around the states and answering this question a WHOOOOOOLE bunch of times, I finally decided to put an official elopement checklist together. 😂
As you read through this elopement checklist, please know that you definitely do not need every single item! I know it can be tempting to buy allllll the things, but keep in mind that the ONLY things you absolutely NEED on your elopement day are each other, a sense of adventure, and usually somebody who is ordained and can take awesome photos of the whole thing (cough cough… that’s me🙋♀️😂)
16 items for your elopement checklist
Whether you’re traveling across the world to elope or you’re eloping in your hometown, here’s a list of things you should bring along.
Water and snacks
These might seem so basic, but they’re honestly often overlooked! I cannot emphasize this enough — you’ll probably get thirsty and hungry throughout the day. We’re usually out shooting and adventuring for several hours and even lower-key elopements are active busy days. The first items on your elopement checklist are plenty of water (more than you think you need!) and healthy energy-boosting snacks like jerky, mixed nuts, and fruit.
Headlamps
I like to shoot elopements at sunrise and sunset to capture the best and dreamiest lighting, which means we’ll often be hiking at least a short distance before dawn or after dusk. A good, reliable headlamp ensures your hands are free so you can focus on walking back to the trailhead safely😀
Cute Vow booklets
Picture this: you get your elopement day photos back after weeks of waiting, the anticipation practically killing you. They’re epic, except…what’s that in your hands? Are those…are you holding phones?! Ewwwwwww🙄 I mean, I get it — we do everything on our phones, so it makes sense to use your notes app to write out your life promises to each other.. BUT, holding a phone in your hand in epic nature looks awkward. Trust me😛. I totally recommend investing a few bucks into purchasing a simple vow booklet to read them from. They have a beautiful aesthetic, they’re keepsakes, and they’re affordable. I love these rustic ones and there are even personalized leather options!
Portable phone charger
I’ll be taking epic photos of you both all day, but you’ll probably want to take some fun selfies and behind-the-scenes shots yourself. Don’t forget to add a portable charger to your elopement checklist so you don’t end up with a dead battery!
Backpack
Even if you only have a few things to carry on your elopement day, a good backpack will come in handy. Backpacks are great to carry jackets, shoes, snacks, water, your vows, the rings and your pretty flowers🤗
Sunscreen and bug spray
This is another one of those elopement checklist items that’s way too easy to forget! We’ll be out for at least a few hours shooting on your elopement day and even if it’s cool out, you could easily end up with a sunburn. Similarly, depending on the location, bug spray may really come in handy. I’ve been surprised by places that are “buggy” even in cool weather, so it’s a good idea to toss a can of bug spray into your backpack. You don't want to be swatting mosquitos in your pics or end up with a sunburn on your wedding day!
Change of shoes
Whether you want to actually do some hiking as part of your adventure elopement or you just want fun pics, you should definitely include a good pair of hiking shoes on your elopement checklist. Even when your adventure doesn’t include a long trek, we often do things like scramble rocks or cross a river, and you’ll want to have sturdy footing.
Rain jacket and/or umbrella
I like taking you guys out into some wild landscapes, which can mean the weather is usually a little unpredictable weather. Rain will come without warning sometimes, especially if you forget your rain jacket😂. And Iif you do see rain in the forecast, don’t stress too much! Moisture usually makes for some pretty incredible skies and dreaming lighting😍. Consider adding a packable hooded rain jacket to your elopement checklist, or if you prefer, an umbrella. It’s better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it!
“Just Eloped” sign
Props can really add some fun shots to your adventure elopement photos. A “Just eloped” sign doubles as a keepsake, plus it’s a fun way to announce to the world that you’re officially a married couple. I love this one that can be personalized with your elopement date, but there are tons of great options on both Etsy and Amazon.
Personalized clothing or glassware
Much like a “Just eloped” sign, personalized clothing or drinkware adds a fun and memorable element to your elopement day photos. I’ve seen couples get coffee mugs, wine glasses, denim jackets, t-shirts, and even Converse shoes personalized with their new last name, “Just eloped,” or sayings like “Mrs.” and “Mr.” While certainly not a requirement, this is something really fun you could add to your elopement checklist!
Gifts to exchange with one another
This particular elopement checklist item is, of course, completely optional, but it’s a wonderful way to make your elopement day even more special! Exchanging small gifts on the morning of your elopement can ease nerves and set a relaxed tone for the day. There’s no guideline as to what you should give one another, but look for something meaningful to you two as a couple and something small that travels well. Some ideas that check those boxes include jewelry, watches, books, printed photos, or a favorite treat.
Champagne (or another celebratory beverage!)
Whether your perfect elopement day includes family and friends or just the two of you, you’ll want to properly celebrate saying “I do.” Add a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider to your elopement checklist so you can spray the word that you're OFFICIALLY MARRIED🤘🤘
Flowers
Just because you’re having a non-traditional wedding, some traditional wedding elements — like flowers are a good idea! I do recommend opting for quality faux flowers since you’ll probably be traveling and we’ll be shooting at sunrise, worrying about picking up and caring for real flowers in the midst of everything else can be stressful. Plus, many national parks actually prohibit bringing in real flowers! There are so many stunning and real-looking options out there now, ranging from peonies to mixed boho bouquets (and everything imaginable in between!). Bonus: they’re suuuuuper affordable! 🙌
Blanket
A good outdoor-ready blanket is perhaps one of the most important things to add to your elopement checklist. Aside from keeping you warm, a blanket serves as a picnic surface, you can lay on it to stargaze, and it’s an amazing photo prop! I’m a huuuge fan of Rumpl blankets because they’re packable, warm, and super durable— plus they are perfect for the photos!
Letters from friends & fam
Even if your elopement day includes just the two of you, you may want to involve your family and friends in some way. One awesome way to do that is to ask them to write letters, words of encouragement, or advice for the two of you as newlyweds. Collect those letters, then bring them along to your adventure elopement so you and your partner can read them together. Think of it like the elopement version of a wedding toast!
Nude leggings
This elopement checklist item is mostly for winter or mountain weddings, where it will be very cold. A pair of simple nude-colored leggings are a game-changer in helping to keep you nice and warm during the day!
Hopefully, this elopement checklist guide gives you some inspiration and makes you feel more prepared for your adventure elopement. Remember, you absolutely do not have to get everything on this list; the single most important thing is that your elopement day be a true reflection of you as a couple. This guide simply offers ideas for some items that will allow you to put your personal twist on your elopement. Traditional wedding or not, you deserve to have the best, most fun, stress-free elopement that’s all about YOU!
Ready to lock in your elopement date or still have a few questions? Contact me and let’s chat about it!