The Ultimate Elopement Packing List for 2025

The Essentials You’ll Need During Your Elopement

Photo by Alyssa Michele Photo

1. Wedding Day Items

• Marriage License: If you’re not planning a commitment ceremony, then your marriage license is important if you want to make your ceremony official. Make sure it’s signed and ready to go! Don’t forget to consider any waiting periods that may apply to you in the state you’re getting married.
• Rings: Do not forget the rings! Having a ring box can help put them in a secure spot.
• Vows: Your wedding vows make for the perfect wedding accessory and keepsake, and it keeps your nerves at bay by writing them out, so you don’t have to worry about stumbling on your words.
• Outfits: Pack your elopement dress, suit, or chosen wedding attire in a garment bag to avoid wrinkles. We have seen couples carry their wedding attire in garment bags on their backs and tied to their hiking bags, and we have also seen couples roll up their wedding dress to pack them away in their luggage.
• Wedding veil: If you want some epic photos, don’t forget your veil, but also remember a good amount of boppy pins to pin it into your hair, so it won’t fly away.

2. Travel Documents

• ID/Passport: If you’re planning a destination elopement, double-check for all documents you’ll need.
• Booking Confirmations: Print or save details for accommodations, flights, and permits.

For Outdoor/Destination Elopements

Photo by Wild Vows

1. Ceremony Essentials

• Permit: Bring proof of any required special use permits for your location. This is especially important for a lot of National Parks.
• Blanket: Perfect for sitting, picnics, or keeping warm during photos during colder months.
• Small Decor Items: Lightweight touches like a bouquet, boutonniere, or small signage. We love the “we eloped” signs we have seen couples tie to their backpacks.

2. Clothing and Footwear

• Comfortable Shoes: For walking or hiking to the ceremony spot, hiking shoes are a must. You can check out our favorites here.
• Extra Socks: This one may sound silly, but sometimes yours will get wet or you may just want to “refresh” after your long adventure with a clean pair.
• Weather-Appropriate Layers: Jackets, shawls, or sweaters for cooler conditions. A lot of locations will be colder in higher elevations compared to lower or during the early mornings and later nights. Ask your photographer what they recommend!
• Backup Outfit: Some couples pack a separate outfit to actually hike in, swim in, or relax in. There are no rules!
• Pop-Up Tent: If you want a little more privacy if you’re changing into your wedding attire once you hike to your destination, or if your destination is more remote, then this one is a great item to consider.

3. Safety and Comfort

• Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized. Water is super essential on super hot days or full-day elopement hiking adventures.
• First Aid Kit: Especially for wilderness locations.
• Maps: Cell service is super spotty at a lot of these remote locations. Remember to print out any trails you may need during your day.
• Bug Spray & Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburns and bites.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: For early-morning or evening elopements.

4. Beauty and Grooming

• Hair and Makeup Supplies: Even if a stylist is helping, bring touch-up items.
• Compact Mirror: Essential for quick fixes.
• Tissues: For happy tears and makeup touch-ups.

5. Travel-Friendly Items

• Packing Cubes: Keep your items organized.
• Wrinkle Release Spray: For last-minute outfit smoothing.
• Weather Gear: Umbrella, rain poncho, or warm gloves depending on the climate.

Bonus Items to Make Your Elopement Extra Special

Photo by Katrina S. Joseph Photography

• Elopement Adventure Gear: If hiking, pack trekking poles and a small daypack.
• Keepsakes: Bring special items like family heirlooms or sentimental tokens.
• Letters from Family and Friends: Some couples even have their loved ones write letters to them and they’ll read them during a picnic together.
• Champagne and Cake: A great way to celebrate is to bring along some champagne (or drink of choice) and a mini cake or cupcakes (we have even seen couples bring cookies and donuts). Whatever you decide to bring, it’ll be a great photo op and a wonderful way to take a moment and enjoy the moment together.
• Music: A small portable speaker for a special song during your ceremony, so you can have a “traditional” first dance together.

Pro Tips When Elopement Packing

Photo by Wild Connections Photography

Packing for your elopement doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these tips to make sure everything you need is ready for your big day while keeping the process smooth and organized.

1. Start Packing Early

Don’t wait until the last minute! Create a packing checklist (like this one) weeks in advance to avoid forgetting any essentials. As you finalize your elopement plans, add items to your list and start gathering them in one place.

2. Keep Your Valuables Close

If you’re flying, always carry essential items like your rings, marriage license, and attire in your carry-on luggage. Checked bags can be delayed or lost, so don’t risk it with items you can’t replace.

3. Prioritize Lightweight and Multi-Use Items

Especially for outdoor or destination elopements, pack lightweight items that serve multiple purposes. For example:

• A shawl can keep you warm and also be used as a beautiful prop for photos.
• A compact blanket can serve as seating, decor, or protection from damp ground.

4. Protect Your Attire

Use a garment bag for dresses or suits to prevent wrinkles, and pack wrinkle-release spray or a portable steamer for last-minute fixes. If you’re hiking or traveling, consider packing your outfit separately and changing it on-site to keep it pristine.

5. Stay Organized with Packing Cubes

Packing cubes help separate your wedding-day essentials from everyday items, making it easy to find what you need quickly. Dedicate one cube to your ceremony items, such as rings, vows, and beauty products, so nothing gets misplaced.

6. Plan for the Unexpected

Be ready for weather changes or minor emergencies by packing extras like:

• A rain poncho or small umbrella for unexpected rain.
• A sewing kit or safety pins for wardrobe fixes.
• Backup copies of your vows or other important documents.
• Backup locations B and even C in place with your elopement vendors just in case weather or any natural disaster occurs.

7. Double-Check Your List Before You Leave

Go through your checklist (like this one) one last time the night before you leave. Confirm that all critical items—like your rings, marriage license, and outfits—are packed and ready to go.

By planning ahead, staying organized, and thinking practically, you’ll feel confident that everything you need is with you for your big day. Are you ready to elope?!