Are you planning an elopement in Colorado? Congratulations! This is an exciting milestone, and you’re sure to have an amazing day. To make sure your Colorado elopement goes off without a hitch, it’s important to plan ahead and pack all the essentials. Packing for an elopement can be a little different than packing for a traditional wedding, so we’ve put together this comprehensive packing list to help you out. Keep reading to make sure you don’t forget anything on your big day!

Tips for Packing

When planning your adventure elopement, it's important to remember that you will be spending the day outdoors in nature! It's essential to come prepared with all the necessary items you'll need to make your special day comfortable and stress-free.

Before you can start packing, you'll need to make a few big decisions: what date and season you want to elope and a general area of where you want to elope. Those decisions will weigh heavily on what your packing list should include. Once you've made those decisions, you can start planning out your packing list! Here are some tips for packing for your Colorado elopement:

Start with a list: Make a comprehensive list of all the items you'll need and check it off as you go. Lean on your specialized adventure elopement photographer to help you pack for the unexpected.
Think layers: Colorado is known for its unpredictable weather. Be sure to bring enough clothing to layer up if needed. Pack warm items for colder days and lighter clothes for warmer days.
Bring the right shoes: Invest in a pair of good-quality hiking shoes or boots that will provide comfort and support throughout your elopement. Don't forget to pack extra socks as well!
Add accessories: Bring your favorite wedding accessories to complete your look and add a personal touch to your elopement photos!
Bring gear: These are essential items to keep you safe during your elopement.
Don't forget toiletries: Make sure to bring basic toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, lip balm, etc. to keep you refreshed throughout your elopement day!
Pack important documentation: If you are planning a legal ceremony, make sure to bring along any required paperwork and/or identification needed for your elopement in Colorado, as well as any necessary permits.

Following these tips for packing for your Colorado elopement will help ensure that you have everything you need for your special day! Now we'll dive a bit deeper into your elopement packing list.

Wedding Attire

When it comes to purchasing your wedding attire, an adventure elopement has different considerations than a regular wedding since you'll be outdoors and on the move all day. I recommend purchasing a dress and suit you can move/ easily walk in since you'll be wearing it all day.

Consider wedding attire that you don't mind getting dirty since you may be hiking, camping, canoeing, or doing other outdoor activities on your elopement day! For adventure elopements, I always recommend finding attire that isn't too expensive so you don't feel bad if it gets a little dirty! Attire includes:

Dress - keep in mind your dress doesn't have to be white if you don't want a white dress!
Jacket - the weather can change rapidly, so finding a matching jacket you don't mind having in photos is a good idea
Suit - a nice fitting suit you can move in is a great choice
Purchase your attire at least a few months in advance in case any alterations are needed!

Footwear

Packing the right shoes for your elopement is essential. Comfort is key, especially if you'll be hiking, so make sure you select shoes that will be comfortable while exploring on your elopement day. The type of shoe you should bring depends on the terrain of your chosen elopement location. For example, if you are eloping somewhere with rocky terrain and steep slopes, a good pair of sturdy hiking boots will provide the best support and traction. If you are eloping somewhere with smoother terrain, like a beach or a field, then a pair of lightweight sneakers may be the way to go. If you want to pack a dressier pair to wear at a ceremony spot, you can pack those in your bag. Whatever you choose, make sure that you purchase them ahead of time to break them in before your big day! And don't forget cozy socks!

Accessories

When it comes to accessories for your elopement, there are some key items that will really bring your photos to life and make them extra special. A veil and a ring box are two essential accessories that no elopement should be without. A veil will make your photos look even more romantic and can be fun to play around with in the wind. Your elopement photographer will love to capture the veil flying around you! For the ring box, consider choosing something unique to you as a couple - a personalized box is always a great way to add a personal touch.

Blankets, flowers, and just-married signs are also great accessories to bring along and help create stunning photos. Blankets make a great accessory for picnics and such. And floral bouquets and just-married signs are perfect for posing with or adding to your backpack while hiking. Other accessories for your day include:

Additional jewelry besides your rings
Personalized vow books
Hair accessories
Tie, bolo tie, suspenders
Hats
Sentimental items like gifts, letters from friends, family heirlooms

Outdoor Gear

When eloping outdoors, it’s important to be prepared for the elements, especially when visiting high-elevation locations in Colorado where the weather can change in an instant. Consider packing outdoor gear and safety items such as:

Hiking/ technical gear – depending on where you plan to elope, it’s always a good idea to have a few key items such as a compass, map, emergency matches or lighter, headlamps, hiking poles, satellite device, and a first-aid kit in case of emergency.
Clothing layers – pack clothing that is appropriate for both cold and warm weather. Be sure to layer up with warm jackets, rain gear, hats, gloves, and extra socks.
Miscellaneous items – bring along bug spray, sunscreen, and sunglasses to ensure a safe and comfortable outdoor experience.
Sustenance — be sure to bring enough water and snacks for your entire day, especially if it's cold outside
Dog-friendly items — if you're bringing along a pup (or two), pack everything your dog will need for the day including bowls for food and water, treats, a leash and long lead, harness/collars with proper identification and tags, toys, bones, and booties or a jacket if there will be colder weather.
Gear for activities — if you plan to do any outdoor activities, make sure you have rented or packed the gear. These items include canoe or paddle boards, skis or snowboards, bikes, picnic basket, hammocks, etc.

Toiletries

When planning your elopement, you’ll want to make sure to bring along the essentials for a day out in the wild. To make sure you have everything you need for a day away from civilization, here is a quick list of items to include in your toiletry bag so you can refresh throughout the day.

Deodorant: No one wants to be smelly on their wedding day! Don’t let body odor ruin your special day by bringing along deodorant to stay fresh all day long.
Sunscreen: It’s always important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, especially at high elevations when you're more exposed to UV rays.
Lip balm: Lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the body, and when exposed to the sun and wind, they can become dry and crack quickly. Bring along lip balm with SPF to protect your lips and keep them moisturized throughout the day.
Insect repellent: No one wants to be dealing with bug bites on their big day! Pack some insect repellent to keep away any unwanted visitors.
Hand sanitizer: Whether you’re in the middle of nature or not, hand sanitizer is always a good idea. You never know when you may need it and it could come in handy during your elopement adventure.

Documentation

Finally, remember to pack any important documents for your elopement day. This includes the wedding license for you and your partner to sign (and photograph the signing!), as well as any permits that may be required for the area you are eloping. Check with your park or forest service to make sure you have all the required documentation.

It is also wise to bring copies of your passports and/or IDs just in case, as well as any credit cards or cash that you may need.

Having all the necessary documents for your elopement will help ensure that everything goes smoothly and that your day is stress-free. Taking a few minutes to prepare your paperwork beforehand will make all the difference in having a successful, memorable adventure elopement.

Planning ahead for your adventure elopement will make sure you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy this incredibly special occasion. And don't forget to lean on your elopement photographer (me!) to help you plan out everything you'll need with packing lists and outdoor knowledge. Contact me today to plan your dream Colorado adventure elopement!

What to Pack for Your Colorado Adventure Elopement