Adventure Elopement Packing List & Guide

Does your adventure elopement dream have anything to do with hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, snowshoeing or off-roading? Chances are, you’ll need to prepare to be as comfortable as possible. This is a brief guide on how to approach packing for your elopement.

Decide if you want to hike in your wedding attire or if you want to change at the ceremony site.

This will likely depend on a few things: the type of dress you have chosen, time of year, sunrise vs sunset and how far you are traveling to get to your ceremony/vow site.

Change Before the Ceremony

I personally love when couples choose to wear their garb to the site, mainly because the Sedona red dirt leaves its mark. Wearing your garb creates an adventurous feel right from the get-go. Plus, it allows your photographer to capture candid action shots of you actively trekking through nature in formal attire. As far as dress protection there are a few ways you can go about this. If the trail is easy, you can scoop and carry it! If you are wearing a day pack you can scoop it and secure it in the waist belt of the pack. I also bring a few carabiners in case the easiest option is to attach it to your pack. Lastly, I have a mesh skirt you can put on under your dress, fold it up and secure it around your neck and shoulders so you can be hands free.

Change at the Ceremony

This is one way to keep the first look narrative alive in the backcountry. To change on location you can be free in nature where there are normally rocks or shrubs, or use a changing tent like the one I have. If you are packing your wedding dress or suit in your backpack my recommendation is to roll it rather than folding it. Alternatively, you can secure the garment bag to the outside of your pack. Changing once you arrive also protects your attire from the many prickly pear cactus, agave and yucca that often lines the single track trails.

How to prep for an adventure elopement:

1. Day pack for stashing your bouquet, a bottle of champagne, vow books, some decorated sugar cookies or whatever else you have in store to celebrate.
2. Hiking boots or a more stylish hiking boot such as this! It is also recommended to have worn in said boots! Otherwise, add bandaids to your pack 🙂 If you want a nicer pair of shoes, you’ll have to add it to the pack.
3. WATER! At least 1 liter per person at minimum, no exceptions. Especially in Sedona where it can still be hot midday through October. Flagstaff normally has a more mild summer, but can feel hot even in the 70s due to the elevation. It’s also really important to drink water at high elevation even the entire week leading up to your arrival so you don’t get altitude sickness. I am completely hooked on Nuun electrolytes and strawberry lemonade will always be my favorite flavor. I have to literally tell myself to not have more than the recommended 3 tabs per day. Side note: alcohol hits different at 7,000 feet, so plan on drinking a full 16 oz of water with every toast!
4. Sunscreen. Don’t get fried on your wedding day! Even though we tend to be outside near sunrise or sunset, there is usually a good chunk of the day under the sun. Don’t skip this step! I really love anything and everything made by Supergoop. I use their Unseen Sunscreen on the regular.
5. Prepare for weather! The temperature swings in the high desert can be 30-40 degrees in Sedona and Flagstaff alike. It is not uncommon to have a sunny and 75F day with a 35 degree drop as soon as the sun sets. Cold? Bring a puffy/fleece/windbreaker and hand warmers such as my favorite rechargeable ones! Raining? Bring a poncho or rain gear. Embrace it and I’ll bring clear umbrellas! Snowing? Even better – let’s ski or snowshoe! Layers can be your friend, so consider nude colored leggings.
6. All details: marriage license, rings, ring boxes, vows, bouquet, boutonniere, veils, family heirloooms, letters, extras…
7. Touch-up supplies for hair and make-up (pocket mirror, travel comb, bobby pins, hair ties, blotting papers, translucent powder, lip balm).
8. Non-breakable cups such as plastic or metal if you are toasting in nature.
9. Blanket which can be good for changing or sitting to watch the sunset before we head back to the trailhead.
10. Snacks: No-mess, high protein snacks that won’t get stuck in your teeth.
11. Headlamps with fresh batteries if hiking in the dark.
12. Emergency Kit for peace of mind that includes a blister kit.
13. Passes such as a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass for most trailheads.

Ready to Plan Your Elopement?

Packing for an adventure elopement might feel like a lot of logistics, but remember: you don’t have to figure it outall by yourself. Part of my job as your adventure elopement photographer is helping you navigate the trail details, permit/pass requirements, timeline and gear checks so you can show up confidently. Get creative and share ideas with your photographer. Chances are they will go to the ends of the earth to bring your vision to life within the Leave No Trace principles 🙂

Have questions about gear, trail logistics or building your custom daypack checklist? Contact me! I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Clarice