Elopement Packing Checklist: What to Bring to an Adventure Elopement
After planning adventurous wedding days for countless couples, we’ve got the ultimate elopement packing checklist - to make sure you have everything you need for your unique day! This guide will break down everything you need to bring for an adventure elopement, whether you’re staying close to home or traveling to an epic destination.
Remember - every elopement is one of a kind! Some of these things may not apply to you, and you might need a few extra things we didn’t mention. So, use this elopement packing checklist as a guide to make your own, or book us to plan your day and we’ll give you all the personalized tips! We offer full service elopement planning, which means we provide a ton of what you need to tie the knot in Alaska - so this list will also cover the things we’ll bring for you.
Elopement Packing Checklist: Wedding Attire
First things first, you’ll need the stuff you’re getting married in! Here’s an elopement packing checklist for your attire, and some tips for bringing it along.
Elopement Dress
If one of you is wearing a dress, this will, of course, be an essential on the list! If you’re flying, we recommend putting your dress in your carry-on, because if your luggage gets lost (knock on wood), the dress is something you’ll definitely want to have.
No matter how you’re traveling, get a waterproof garment bag to keep it safe! For hiking elopements, this bag will come in handy if you’re packing the dress in your backpack too.
Elopement Suit
The suit is just as important, so if one of you has one, we recommend putting this in a carry on as well! A garment bag is always a good idea, and will keep your suit safe during your travels.
Shoes
Honestly, the shoes you choose are often just as important as your outfit! They’ll make a big difference in how comfortable you are on your day, so check out this guide for some tips on choosing the right footwear. Hiking boots are best for many adventure elopements, so if you’re traveling by plane, it can be a good idea to wear them since they’re pretty heavy and take up a lot of space.
Elopement Packing Checklist: Other Ceremony Essentials
Here are a few other things you might need for your ceremony!
Vows
You definitely don’t want to forget these! We recommend getting vow books, as these will make it easier to keep your vows afterwards, and will look great in photos.
Rings
This is another important thing to put on the elopement packing list! You can get a personalized box to keep them safe.
Elopement Packing Checklist: Staying Warm & Preparing for the Weather
We’re based in Alaska, so we’ve planned tons of cold-weather elopements! The weather here can be pretty wild, but no matter where you’re tying the knot, it’s important to prepare for the weather, and to bring layers to help you stay warm. Especially for adventure elopements in the mountains, weather can be unpredictable, and can change quickly as you gain elevation! Here are some things to put on your elopement packing checklist to help you ensure you’re warm, comfortable, and prepared for anything.
Extra Socks
Socks make a huge difference, and the best option is wool socks - these keep you warm even when they’re wet, which is amazing on snowy hikes, glaciers, or in case you cross a stream. Darn Tough makes the best hiking socks, and bringing an extra pair or two for your adventure ensures you stay comfortable!
Jackets
Layers are the best way to ensure you’re prepared for any weather, so bring a jacket, shawl, knit, fur, or a coat! I love bridal sweaters as an option to keep warm and for an accessory!
Base Layers
If you’re eloping somewhere cold, base layers are one of the best ways to stay warm. You can wear leggings under a dress or suit and they won’t be visible, or layer a long sleeve shirt.
Elopement Packing Checklist: Documents & Paperwork
This stuff may not be as fun, but it’s important to put these on your elopement packing checklist too - it’s often easy to forget a piece of paper!
Marriage License
If you already got your marriage license, be sure to bring it with you so that you can get legally married. If you’re picking it up when you get to your location, bring any documents you’ll need - you’ll need at least a photo ID, but some states can also require birth certificates or other paperwork, so check ahead of time and make sure you have everything. Alaska Wild Hearts will walk you through the process of getting legally married in Alaska, and let you know what you need to bring.
Elopement Ceremony Permit
We’ll help you figure out if your location requires a permit, and how to apply for one. Once you have your permit, we’ll print out a few copies to carry with us, but make sure you have it saved on your phone too, just in case!
Passport & Wallet
If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you have your passport! And no matter where you go, you’ll need your wallet, so make sure you have your ID or driver’s license in there and ready to go.
Elopement Packing Checklist: Adventure Gear
Depending on what you have planned, your elopement planning checklist might also include some adventure gear. Of course, this depends on what you’re doing! You might also decide to rent gear instead of bringing your own.
Here are a few ideas for things that you might need for your adventure:
Hiking backpack
Inflatable paddle board
Wetsuit
Tent, sleeping bags, and camping gear
Elopement Packing Checklist: Things We’ve Got You Covered On!
There are so many reasons that hiring an elopement planner makes your experience so much easier – and one of those reasons is that when it’s time for your adventure, we’ll be prepared with a lot of the things you might need on the big day! We offer all inclusive elopement packages, which means we take care of everything - here’s a list of some of the things that we’ll bring for your elopement.
Bouquet
We provide a bouquet for your elopement day, along with a boutonniere! We’ll also give you some tips for keeping your florals fresh throughout the day, packing them in your hiking bag, and bringing them along for your adventures. You can preserve it after the elopement day too!
Champagne
If you want to pop champagne after you say your “I dos,” we’ll bring a bottle for you to celebrate with. Keep in mind that some parks or outdoor places may not allow alcohol, and it can be harmful to the environment – but if you still want to do a pop to celebrate, we’ll be prepared with sparkling water bottles that pop just like champagne.
Hand Warmers and Blankets
When you elope in Alaska, staying warm is definitely a big consideration! Hand warmers are always great to have, and they’ll do wonders in cold weather, so we’ll bring plenty for the two of you, along with some blankets.
Rain Gear
Along with cold weather, it’s also important to be ready for rain! You may want to bring some waterproof shoes or clothing, but if it rains on your elopement day, we’ll have some clear umbrellas for you.
Toiletries
You’ll be adventuring and exploring on your elopement day, so packing some toiletries can help you make sure that you look and feel your best throughout the day! We’ve got an elopement emergency kit that has everything you need, including:
Deodorant
Baby wipes
Hair spray and gel
Dry shampoo
Sunscreen
Sewing kit
Bobby pins
Handheld mirror
Adventure Gear
While you may need some specialized adventure gear, like maybe a kayak or some hiking boots, there are some things that we’ll carry to make sure you have everything you need for whatever adventure you have planned! Here are a few of the things we’ll pack for you.
Headlamps
First aid kit
Gourmet picnic (food and setup)
Offline maps for navigation
Snacks and water
Need Help Packing for Your Elopement?
Our job is to make planning your elopement easy - and that includes bringing an emergency wedding kit, setting up on your elopement day, and helping you know exactly what you’ll need to bring for a perfect adventure! If you’re ready to elope, contact us to start planning!
Photographer: Rachel Struve
Videographer: Wild and Beloved
MUA: Vibe.Artistry
Hair Stylist: Cassie Thompson
Planner + Officiant: Alaska Wild Hearts Events
Florist: Honeybloom Floral Design
Cake: Midnight Sun Cakery