So, you’ve decided to combine your love for each other with your love for hiking, to make one grand adventure. Great choice! With the stunning backdrop of nature, the journey to your ceremony and the ceremony itself will surely be a happily ever after. But what should you pack for this special event – you want to look beautiful and put together, but you also need to prepared for hiking in the great outdoors. Well, here’s a list to help you plan what you need to pack for your hiking elopement.

The Wedding Essentials

• 1. Marriage License and Permits
• 2. Rings
• 3. Vows
• 4. Black pen (or blue in some countries)

These things might seem obvious, but in the midst of all the excitement and chaos of packing, it is easy to forget the most essential things. Make sure your marriage license and any necessary permits for the ceremony location are kept safe in a waterproof bag or folder. For similar reasons, if you write your vows on paper, consider laminating them to protect them from the elements. It’s also important to keep these items in your personal item if you fly so you can keep them close to you at all times and minimize the risk of losing them.

Clothing

• 1.     Wedding attire – wedding dress, suit, etc.
• 2.     Comfortable shoes
• 3.     Layers
• 4.     Hats and gloves
• 5.     Wool socks

First, when considering your hiking wedding dress, make sure to choose a dress that is breathable and allows for movement. You also don’t want it to be too long to avoid tripping. If you want to wear fancier shoes for the ceremony or photos, that’s totally fine. But make sure you also pack a pair of hiking boots for the journey. It is super important that you break them in before the trip. This will save both your shoes and your feet.

If it’s cold, it might be a good idea to wear thermal layers under your dress or suit, or bring gloves, hats, a warm coat or a fur wrap that matches your gown if you prefer. Wool socks are the best option no matter the season for their moisture repelling properties. You can purchase thick ones for the winter and thin ones for the summer.

Safety Gear and Personal Care

• Backpack with rain cover
• Water and snacks
• Navigation tools
• Emergency contact info
• Portable charger
• First aid kit
• Sun protection
• Toiletries
• Bug spray

One of the most important things to have with you on your hiking elopement is a sturdy, lightweight, and comfortable backpack. Inside the backpack, you should pack plenty of water to keep you hydrated on the journey, as well as non-perishable snacks like trail mix, protein bars, whole fruit like bananas, oranges, apples, dried fruit, beef jerky, etc.

Even if you’re familiar with the trail, make sure to bring navigation tools like a map, compass, or GPS device. You can also bring emergency contact information, as well as a portable charger to charge your phone – especially if that is your main navigation device. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Some other necessary safety accessories are sun protection and a first aid kit. Depending on the location, sunscreen might suffice, or you may need some extra layers of protection like sun glasses and a hat. As for the first aid kit, make sure to include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, anti-histamines, pain relievers, etc. You should also bring some bug spray to keep the pests away. A full list of items will be included below.

The toiletries you want to bring depend on you. Of course, you should back the basics, like tissues, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products. You might also want to bring some makeup to touch up, as you might be sweaty or wet. Lipstick, powder, blotting pads, and setting spray are the most important – but bring any other makeup products you feel you need.

Extras

• 1.     Decorative and Celebratory Touches
• 2.     Trash bags

Something totally optional, but recommended to pack on your hiking elopement is something to celebrate with after you say your vows. Maybe this is champagne, or maybe you would prefer a thermos of hot chocolate – whatever you fancy. Additionally, depending on who you select as your hiking elopement photographer, you may or may not need to bring decorative objects like a small bouquet, a lantern, a flower crown, etc. Discuss this with your photographer to see if they will bring props, or if you should bring some yourself. Whatever you decide to bring, remember, you will have to carry it on the hike, so make it lightweight and easy to carry. Also, remember to check with the regulations of the area will be. Many national parks and other nature parks do not allow dried flowers or specific plants to protect wildlife.

This leads to the next item – trash bags. One of the biggest ways to protect nature and wildlife is to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. Bring trash bags to pick up any waste so you leave nothing behind and leave the land looking exactly as it was when you arrived.

Full Checklist

Here is the full list of things to pack for your hiking elopement so you don’t have to scroll. Remember, some of these things are more optional than others, and totally depend on you and the location of your elopement. Others, like safety gear, are less optional and should be carried regardless of where you are going.

First Aid Checklist

Here is the list of items you may want to include in your first aid kit. It is not exhaustive, and as above, certain things may be more or less necessary depending on the location and duration of the hike. But, use it as a guide to help plan for the unexpected.

I hope this guide helps you decide what to pack for your hiking elopement adventure. Packing wisely will ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected and will allow you to enjoy each moment. Try to keep the load as light as possible, prioritize essentials, and most importantly enjoy yourself. Your special day should be memorable and enjoyable. Reach out if you would like help planning the perfect hiking elopement adventure.